Re: Strategy Update

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you had an enjoyable half-term break and were able to make the most of the recent weather.

As we begin the final half-term of the academic year, I wanted to provide an update on the priorities we identified at the start of the summer term, the progress we have made, and our plans for the weeks ahead.

We said we would… Continue to focus on phonics standards at the Infant School

We did…

• Assessed pupil progress and provided additional support where required.
• Continued our work with the Whiteknights English Hub to complete agreed actions and further strengthen phonics provision.
• Conducted a phonics screening practice assessment for all eligible pupils.
• Kept parents informed of developments and progress.

We said we would… Develop the quality of teaching in our Year R/1 classes

We did…

• Continued to work closely with advisers from Buckinghamshire who have supported this development work from the outset.
• Undertook learning walks involving school leaders and advisers to observe teaching, speak with children and review learning outcomes.

We said we would… Plan for the continued progression of reading fluency

We did…

• Worked with the Whiteknights English Hub, which has supported us in our development of reading.
• Taken advice on how to develop reading fluency from advisors.
• Started to plan for the 2026-27 academic year.

We said we would… Make handwriting a priority across the federation

We did…

• Completed an audit of handwriting provision across both schools.
• Joined a network of schools to share expertise and develop best practice.
• Researched and evaluated approaches to handwriting instruction.

We said we would… Write a communications policy and plan

We did…

• Held coffee mornings at both schools to discuss our strategy and gather parent feedback.
• Drafted a Communications Policy, to be presented to governors for approval at the next meeting.
• Produced a Communications and Marketing Plan.
• Shared a ‘Communications at a Glance’ document with parents.
• Increased the amount of information available on the school website.
• Expanded our use of social media to celebrate achievements and share updates.

 

What else have we done?

• The leadership team met with all class teachers to review pupil progress following assessments completed before Easter.
• All teaching staff have completed first aid training explicitly focusing on anaphylaxis in preparation for the introduction of Benedict’s Law, coming into place in September 2026.
• Infant School staff have continued their professional development in Maths Mastery, strengthening their approach to teaching core mathematical concepts, with a view to implement at the Junior School at a later stage.
• Analysed attendance data and worked with families where additional support was needed.
• Continued to work with governors on health and safety, safeguarding and budget planning.
• Acorn Pre-School has taken part in a Local Authority led trial called ‘Little Link’, which is whole group development of early language skills.

What are our plans for this half-term?

• Continue working with the Whiteknights English Hub and Buckinghamshire advisers.
• Report end-of-year outcomes to parents.
• Ensure smooth transitions for all pupils moving to the next stage of their education.
• Celebrate what the children have achieved over the year.
• Complete our Self-Evaluation and School Development Plan for 2026–27.
• Finalise preparations for September with clear priorities and goals for the new academic year.
• Plan for a new ‘High-Level Needs Provision’ at the Junior School for September 2026.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a successful and positive end to the academic year.

Best Wishes,

David Masters