What we are working on this academic year and going forward….

Our first goal is all about creating a positive and nurturing environment for everyone in the school community!

Goal 1: Focus on Emotional Resilience and Wellbeing ?

What is the Goal?

To make sure everyone—children, staff, and the whole school community—has strong emotional health and the resilience needed to thrive.

Why are we focusing on this?

The school has noticed that many children are experiencing challenges like anxiety and issues with attachment. We want to focus on strengthening their ability to cope and regulate their emotions. Staff have also indicated a desire for more support and knowledge on promoting good mental health in the school.

What will the school do?

• Long-Term Programme: We are starting a five-year programme called Being Well Doing Well in September 2025 to embed a strong culture of emotional health and support.
• Review Practices: We will review our policies and the overall school environment (ethos and provision) to make sure they actively support improved emotional wellbeing for everyone.

How will we know we are succeeding?

We will see improved wellbeing for all. Staff, parents, and the Board of Governors (BoG) will have better knowledge and understanding of good mental health practices and policies.

Goal 2: Partnering with Parents through "Getting Ready to Learn"

What is the Goal?

To significantly improve our support through the Getting Ready to Learn (GRTL) programme, offering more resources and guidance so you feel fully equipped to be partners with us in your child's education.

Why are we focusing on this?

While the school has previously provided book bags, lending bags, and stay-and-play sessions, recent feedback shows parents still feel they don't have enough knowledge of the pre-school curriculum or the right tools to help their child progress at home.

What will the school do?

We want to make sure you have the knowledge and resources you need to give your child the best building blocks for their educational journey.

The main actions for 2025-2026 include:

• More Parental Events: Offering Parents Coffee Mornings and workshops/information sessions to build your knowledge.
• Showcasing Learning: Planning more focused stay-and-play sessions that clearly demonstrate the tools and techniques we use to support children's learning through play.
• Improved Resources: Developing more guided materials available via the school's website, including useful links and monthly news with ideas and support for home.
• Better Lending: Improving the materials and system for the lending library.

How will we know we are succeeding?

We will know the plan is successful when parental feedback highlights a greater knowledge of play and when parents feel more confident in supporting their children.

Goal 3: Maximizing Learning Through Quality Interactions

What is the Goal?

To closely look at how all adults (teachers and support staff) interact with your child during play and learning, ensuring we are using the best possible techniques to maximize every learning opportunity.

Why are we focusing on this?

The quality of adult interaction, language, and knowledge is the most important factor in bringing children forward in their education. We want to ensure that all staff are consistent and purposeful when they talk to, encourage, and question children.

What will the school do?

• Targeted Training: All staff will attend a specialist training session on adult interactions , with a session run by Early Education.
• Team Reflection: The team will reflect on their communication , evaluating how they use words, gestures, facial expressions, and questioning during play. This builds on insightful work done last year using VIG (Video Interaction Guidance).
• Improved Recording: We will evaluate past observations and improve our record-keeping to show the progress children are making.

How will we know we are succeeding?

Staff will be more confident in their interactions and have a clear understanding of whether it is better to "interfere or interact" during play. We will also celebrate successes as a team and share good practice.

Goal 4: Enhanced Support for Children with Additional Needs (SEN)

What is the Goal?

To improve and develop the support we offer for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). We're making sure our planning, observations, and environment reflect the changes required by the new framework for SEN.

Why are we focusing on this?

The needs of children are changing, and we must adapt to the new SEND transformation and the graduated response framework. Our goal is to access the right support for children early on, which is key to helping them be the best they can be.

What will the school do?

• New Framework Training: Staff will attend SEND transformation training to become familiar with the new resources and pathways to access support.
• Evaluate and Improve Provision: We will evaluate our current SEN provision to ensure our environment and planning meet the needs of all children in the school.
• Timely Support: We will ensure our paperwork is appropriate to get children the best support required, and as early on as possible. We will also work with appropriate outside agencies and the Education Authority (EA).

How will we know we are succeeding?

Children will be receiving the best support required as early on as possible. We will see an improvement in our provision that is reflected in more informed planning and observation. Our environment will be inclusive, and staff will feel they have the necessary support and training to help the children.