Analysis of SHORTENED Parental Questionnaire – July 2014 Mr Ian Bartle - Headteacher

1. Analysis of SHORTENED Parental Questionnaire – July 2014 Mr Ian Bartle - Headteacher

2. Analysis of Responses Whole School Response – 14 out of 75 families = 18.7% (1 return = 5.9%) Parents / carers might also have completed the dedicated ‘Reception Parental Questionnaire’ in May & the official ‘Parental Questionnaire’ (Parent View) during Ofsted 30th April & 1st May 2014 (This included a 1 to 1 interview with the lead inspector). Parents also had the opportunity to attend the Summer Term’s ‘Parental Forum’

3. Whole School Issues – From Total Responses • Whole School Key Points – from comments made on forms & data – POSITIVE • The OVERALL picture is STILL VERY POSITIVE • The format was shortened considerable with no ‘tick boxes’ due to our official Ofsted Inspection (April / May 2014) • Parents / carers had the opportunity to identify the ‘good features of the school’ & ‘the improvements they would like to see within our school’

4. Whole School Improvement Suggestions From Total Responses – Part 1 • Improved Facilities (2 responses)– New Hall for sport & after-school child care • Communication (3 responses) – Not just academic, but also sport, drama & other areas • homework, how to help their children progress, less acronyms in correspondence • Specific revision ideas for areas at home • dates & forthcoming events – more forward notice • Double-check & proof read web-site & parental communication for mistakes • School Uniform (1 response)- Maroon t-shirts for everyday to help with washing / dirt • Lunchtimes (1 response)– Table leader to support table manners • Sport & Extra-curricular (5 responses)– More sport for KS1 (lunchtimes / clubs) • French for Reception (1 response) • More music & drama opportunities (1 response) • Less paperwork for extra-curricular sport (inter-school). One form to sign at the beginning of the term for all games (eco-friendly)

5. Comments – Positive Feedback – Part 1 • Staff - Committed & dedicated staff x 4 • Leadership & approachability • Visible, accessible & hands on staff • Variety of teaching styles, personalities & teachers & TA’s • Speed at which the staff respond to concerns • Enthusiastic staff who encourage children and always have time to listen to parents • All staff know the children • Discipline is good and effective • School is constantly looking to improve • Excellent Ofsted result • Quality of teaching is excellent, including number of experience TA’s – those that need extra attention are catered for • Extra time put in by staff for extra-curricular clubs – help children’s learning immensely • Emphasis on good manners and behaviour as well as education • Staff very approachable & caring x 2 • Both Breakfast Club & kitchen staff mentioned for their kindness

6. Comments – Positive Feedback – Part 2 • Academic – High expectations of children’s progress, attitude & behaviour • Quick Maths has been really good in promoting speed, competition & fun in maths • Great support & encouragement to learn & know they can do their best in all areas • Like the mixed classes (work with the year above) • Communication – Variety of communication to suit all types x 2 • Induction for Reception & start of school (likes the 3 full days – gradual) • Good communication with parents & problems dealt with quickly • Communication between staff & parents, regular newsletters to keep parents updated on current curriculum • Useful web-site & notice-board outside of school • Extra-curricular & Hot Meals – School Meals are great! X 4 (including wonderful kitchen staff!) • Parent Assemblies x 2 • For a small school the sports programme is very good • Breakfast Club & links with Lower Covey for working parents x 2 • Good opportunities outside of the curriculum • Variety of extra-curricular clubs is fantastic

7. Comments – Positive Feedback – Part 3 • Atmosphere - ‘The school has a buzz’ • Lots going on activities, events & opportunities to offer x 2 • Happy children • Family atmosphere x 4 • Children are well mannered & polite • Children are motivated by what the school has to offer • ‘We are thrilled with the school and feel very lucky that our girls have the opportunity to be educated here’ • Peer relationships & support • Huge variety of learning outside of usual classroom / events / special days / outside visitors & experts • ‘My daughter thinks everything is good’ • ‘We love Thornford and the friendliness + kindness’ • Lovely community feel x 2 • The older pupils are encouraged to look after the younger ones x 2 • Praise & reward systems including Parent’s Assembly x 2 • Constant promotion of all staff of the importance of respect, decency & kindness to others • The ‘can do’ attitude of the school is infectious & secures a real sense of community • Safe environment x 2

8. Comments – Positive Feedback – Part 3 • Other – The school knows our children and are very good at embracing their individuality • Great outdoor play areas x 2 • Fantastic transition from playschool to school – children already at ease with setting & staff • Lots of opportunities to be active, be outside, clubs, village walks, trips • Dealt with medical situation very well