Governing Body review
An external review of governance was carried out on Scholes (Elmet) Primary School on 13 March 2017, following a recommendation from the Ofsted inspection in January 2017. There was not exactly the same recommendation from the St James’ inspection in March – this is because the schools share the same Governing Body and the review was already taking place. However, the St James’ inspection recommended: ‘recommendations from the review of governance are used to improve the school’s overall effectiveness to be good’.
A follow-up review was arranged to consider progress since then. This took place on 27 September 2017. A summary of the findings is presented here (with key points added in bold – not part of the original text).
The reviewers found a good deal of evidence to demonstrate rapid development of the effectiveness of the governing body.
The governors who had completed the skills audit evidenced a good representation of essential and specialist skills and experience as described in the DfE’s Competency Framework for Governance and the Ofsted report, December 2016, “Improving Governance”.
There was one vacancy on the governing body for an LA governor due to a recent resignation. The governing body identified that they would benefit from someone with skills and experience in buildings and property management…
The governors’ knowledge of the school showed a marked improvement since the March 2017 audit in a number of areas…
Governors were aware of the importance of self-development and a governor has been assigned responsibility for training. The training governor will consider the completed skills audits alongside allocated responsibilities with a view to mapping out a training and development programme for the year.
This is a great conclusion for the Governing Body review: well done and thank you to our current team of governors. School leaders all report feeling supported but also challenged and held to account by current governors.
Parent/carer drop in sessions
The EPOSS Cluster supports parents, children and young people from the schools in Wetherby, Boston Spa and surrounding villages. This includes St James’ CE Primary School.
The support offered includes:
• Support managing unwanted or challenging behaviour at home.
• Emotional wellbeing.
• Support for anxious children.
• Support with areas of difficulty such as bedtimes or mealtimes.
• Advice for parents.
• Signposting to other support agencies.
The team are holding a drop-in session on WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER from 1.30pm to 3.15pm at school.
The team contains a range of professionals including outreach workers, an art therapist and a counsellor that work together to identify and provide the most appropriate advice and support for all families.
We look forward to welcoming you!
A visit from a real-life explorer!
This week, we had a visit from David Higgins, a well-known photographer and explorer. He talked to us about his wonderful, exciting adventures from around the world and he had many stories to tell. David showed us a selection of the extraordinary photographs he has taken of animals from across the globe and some of them can be seen on the National Geographic website.
Homework review
Thank you to all the parents who visited school today for our homework review. There has been some fantastic, creative homework produced by the children this week. Our ‘Watch us while work’ morning is taking place on Wednesday 08 November where you can see some more fantastic learning in our classrooms.
Some of the comments from our parents today:
What went well:
- “I think it is a great way to see how every child has individuality and personality. It’s lovely to see all the children proud of their achievements.”
- “I really liked the way all the children had their say and offered advice or ideas to improve.”
An ‘even better if’ comment:
- “All the children get a comment made on their work, even if it’s a teacher’s comment.”
Nell Bank leaf trail – 07 and 08 October
Nell Bank would like to invite you to their Leaf Trail on Saturday 07 and Sunday 08 October.
They have teamed up with the Ilkley Arts Trail to create a unique and exciting event based in the grounds at Nell Bank.
Over 30 of the artists who are exhibiting through the week of the Art Trail have produced some wonderful pieces of leaf themed artwork especially for this event. The beautiful pieces of art will be positioned around the centre to create an exciting trail that the whole family will be able to enjoy.
As well as the trail, children will be able to take part in some of their favourite Nell Bank activities including the Adventure Playground and Water Play, as well as enjoying the opportunity to explore with their families.
Entry will be £2 per person, with under 5s going free!
There will also be a ‘pop up café’ to provide hot food and hot drinks.
Our very own sporting superstar!
Practice that feels like play
Practice that feels like play – does this sound beneficial for your child? Have a look at IXL. It’s an online tool where you can access different activities to help your child practise basic skills.
It’s split into year groups, specifically looking at English and Maths, then each subject is broken down into sections. You can get a flavour of the activities by hovering over the title and can have a go at some of them – it looks great fun and very child friendly. The questions are all interactive and there are detailed explanations for new concepts.
There is a small monthly fee if you wish to sign up. Take a look – it might be something you want to explore.
Mindfulness Workshops
Today, Years 1 to 6 have taken part in a mindfulness workshop. Here are some quotes from the children:
“I really liked the breathing exercises. I think it will help me when I get angry and upset.” (Kieran)
“We filled a bottle with water and glitter. When the lady shook it up it represented our minds. We did some breathing and watched the glitter settle; this helped our minds and thoughts calm down.” (Abigail)
First PTA meeting of the year!
We’re holding our first PTA meeting for this school year on Monday 25 September at 3.30pm. Please join us to support and share ideas for some upcoming events. Look forward to seeing many of you there.
Parent reading workshops
Would you like to find out how to further support your child with reading at home?
We have an Early Years and KS1 reading workshop on Tuesday 26 September at 6pm and a KS2 reading workshop on Wednesday 27 September at 6pm. Reading resource packs will be given to everybody who attends. Refreshments will be available.