At St James’ CE Primary, we regularly seek the views of others. Last month, we let you know about feedback from a Leeds Health and Safety Advisor (news article on 31 January 2019, deriving from a Health and Safety inspection) and a Leeds Early Years Advisor (news article on 15 January 2019, deriving from a visit to the Early Years class).
In January, we also collected the views of staff for the second time in recent years. We asked staff to complete a survey with questions that Ofsted use during inspections (very much like the survey we ask parents and carers to complete in the Summer term). The survey was completed by ten staff (in any role – premises staff, lunchtime supervisors, teachers, teaching assistants…). Here are some key findings:
100% of staff agree that our school has improved since it was last inspected, with 86% believing the school has improved a lot. (These percentages exclude three staff members who are new to school and can’t comment on improvements since the inspection). Comments include: ‘Massive improvement. Staff morale is so much better.’ and ‘Much better – more consistency and support, much better atmosphere around school, and a team ethos.’
We’re really proud that in other statements, 100% of the staff who responded agreed with the following statements:
- Pupils are safe in our school, with 80% strongly agreeing.
- Leaders support staff well in managing behaviour.
- Leaders do all they can to ensure the school has a motivated, respected and effective staff.
- St James’ Primary is well-led and managed.
- I feel well supported working in this school.
- Leaders and managers are considerate of my well-being: ‘Leaders are supportive and understanding when there are problems in a teacher’s personal life and make sure to check in on teachers.’
- Being in a federation benefits me/my role in school.
Of the four remaining statements (such as ‘Being in a federation benefits this school.’), no staff member disagreed but one or two expressed no views as to whether they agreed or not.
Finally, we asked for any strengths and areas for further improvement…
Strengths
We asked staff to comment in an open-ended question about the strengths of our school. Some of the many strengths they mentioned are:
- ‘Great staff and caring ethos.’
- ‘Staff work well together as a team.’
- ‘Pastoral care and senior leadership.’
- ‘Dedicated teachers and parent partnership.’
- ‘Absolutely amazing head of school. She is so supportive. I feel that my role at school is greatly appreciated.’
- ‘Promoting positive behaviour and Christian values.’
- ‘The effort and team playing of staff which is resulting in better results for children.’
- ‘The federation which we’re part of.’
Next steps
We’re always wanting to keep getting better and better. There were far fewer suggestions for areas to develop, but, based on the survey, our next steps are to keep improving behaviour management for all staff and to keep developing positive partnerships with parents / carers that help to support the pupils in our school.
Thank you to all staff who support our school, with special thanks to those who completed the survey.