Consultation

The reason for us to consult is to gather useful information so governors and school leaders can make informed plans as to current provision and priorities for future improvement. Parents' and carers' views, alongside those of children, staff and governors, enable us to make robust decisions which can be supported by families.

We use single issue quick consults for particular things that come up over time, examples include residential visits and the April 2021 consultation regarding covid restrictions.

• Consultation on home learning and and another single issue questionnaires about school trips, and residential visits have been important in informing policy and practice. 

• In February and March 2020 we consulted with families regarding statutory PHSE and RSE (relationships and sex education), this was through the school's blog followed by opportunities for families to see materials and meet in school. There was additional consultation with families whose cultural heritage mean that some aspects of the curriculum might be more difficult to understand and support. 

• A questionnaire issued in lockdown, Summer 2020, was invaluable in our being able to evaluate the effectiveness of the provision we were offering, make some improvements during the Summer term. Just as important, parents' and carers' views have led the planning and policy for a rapid move from children being in school to online learning in the unfortunate event of further lockdown restrictions nationally or locally. Hopefully this will be one bit of planning and policy we won't be needing.

Children's views:

• 23/45 were interviewed (51%)

• 65% liked the surprise of not knowing in advance.

• 57% of Sparrows and 70% of Hen Harriers were happy not being told beforehand.

• 100% of children said they were happy with the class they were in; even if they hadn't come up with a friend, they would make new ones. Those who would rather be told in advance spoke of some feeling of anxiety over the weekend.

'[I] like the fact I can make new friends.'

'[I] liked sitting next to [an older girl] I knew already'

[I was] excited. I was a bit nervous but not bothered.]

[I was] anxious over the weekend. ...worried whether I would be with my friends. Felt better once in my class.'

[I] wasn't told before and enjoyed the surprise. I have people I know but not friends... [will] make new friends.'

Quite a lot of children told us they 'Liked the surprise.'

We cannot take all anxiety about moving to a new class. Being human means any move to somewhere new, whether a house, school or job can bring some anxiety and worry. It is important children learn to manage while young so they can prepare for the bigger transitions ahead of them. What our policy for transition should do is ensure that the natural anxiety and some worry doesn't become too big for them to manage. 

Mrs Hammond's survey of Year 4 tells us that our policy is effective for most children. As this year, it is important that we continue to make reasonable adjustments for those who need it. 

In response:

• We have updated the Classes homepage sharing information from the prospectus about how classes are split in our 1.5 form entry school.

• We will continue the policy of not telling children in advance unless teachers believe it would be in a child's interests (for example children with ASD who are not keen on surprises). 

• We will continue to support children whose parents and carers tell us transition is causing an unacceptable level of anxiety.

• We will have an assembly in 2023 Summer term which explains to all children how classes are organised, hopefully reducing any anxiety. 

• We will share with parents and carers how classes are organised annually, to help families support their children talking about new classes at home.   

• A majority of families favour prioritising places for regular users.

• A majority favour booking for a set schedule over flexibility to cancel (and receive a refund at short notice).

• A majority don't have a problem with paying at the time of booking. However we have also noted that a large minority (around a third) would like to book before paying. It is important to leaders and governors that the club supports working families on all income ranges. 

• A large majority are happy to pay a month or half term in advance. Monthly up front looks to suit over 85% of users and balance potential admin time chasing up payment and the workload on staff who have duties well beyond administering Early Birds and Night Owls.