Des Burns Head teacher Christ the King RC Primary School The challenges faced in creating an ‘Outstanding’ Roman Catholic School Des Burns Head teacher Christ the King RC Primary School

Starting Point Canon Law - Article 806… ‘those in charge must ensure we are as outstanding as our local schools’ (This pre-dates any phraseology thought up by the DFE!!!) Central to this is… Jesus Christ The Word of Our Lord & the Gospel Values

The Governing Body 1944 Education Act ensured in law a child’s entitlement to a Roman Catholic education Voluntary Aided – Foundation Governors are always in the majority Representatives of the Bishop – checked through Section 48 (Salford 5 Ws) Role is to ensure the school is ‘maintained in the catholic faith, in the catholic tradition’ & ‘we are as outstanding as our local schools’ ‘Distinctive Nature’ Canon Law…HT & DHT MUST be practising RC Diocese support GBs in the appointment process to ensure this

How does the GB meet these challenges? a) Mission Statement Is it relevant? Do you need to be a theologian to understand it? Has there been input from the whole school community? Is it child friendly? b) Mission into practice Documentation Appointments Admissions Policies Practising RC Staff Priorities RC pupils CES CES Appl forms/Contracts Meets needs of Parish ? Committees Minutes- Challenge? Monitoring –HT/ SIP/ Staff Reports etc. / external verification Processes- Appraisal / Budget setting/ SD Plan/ Buildings Analysis of data – RAISE/ Accuracy of Self evaluation? Value for money!

Senior Leaders ‘one word from me and they do what they want…’ How effective is the SMT – delegation??? You are the ones at the sharp end that will be expected to make it happen! Need to provide clear, concise, honest information for the GB/ staff/parents/Local Authority/ OFSTED Educate/ train them. Support & advise Patient & tolerant!!! They may prove to be your greatest ally, or biggest challenge BUT OfSTED will judge you all (HT/DHT/SMT/GB) in the Leadership & Management Section

Key Areas for Leaders – achieving quality and consistency a) School self – evaluation … How well do you know your school? Evidence? How good is the teaching? Quality of learning? Standards? Safeguarding? b) Data Analysis … RAISEonline - Patterns? Comparative data? Life after Raise? c) Monitoring / Evaluation SMT – consistency of judgements. Consistency of approach. Planned programme Lesson Obs/ NQT Induction/ Scrutiny of Work etc In Year Staff reviews/Pupil Progress meetings Challenge mediocrity? Impact of PPG (where appropriate) – Closing the Gap Progress of ‘Vulnerable groups’ d) School Development(improvement)Plan Is the first page ‘Faith Life’? Reflects priority areas – financial / training / curriculum development Do these reflect in your Appraisal /Pay Policy – targets for staff Now has implications for pay

Challenges to the staff Dealing with mediocrity Diversity of talents – acknowledging contributions Clear guidance about your expectations Curriculum / learning environment (class layout /displays) RE displays / prayer focal point Use of support staff Pupil progress… teacher targets Delegation… you can’t do it all !!!!!

What support is out there? The Diocese (the 4th emergency service?) Mentors / Appointments/ staffing issues / buildings/training from NQT to SMT etc. Varies from LA to LA External Agencies / shop around/ Are they value for money? Cluster – tends to be stronger in RC sector Networks/ Federations Ensure you seek external verification, even if you have to pay for it – need the evidence EYFS / KS1 and KS2 SATs / Monitoring / OFSTED health checks (But do you have evidence for Y3 / 4 & 5 ???) Colleagues

What sort of manager will you be? ‘I’m the Boss so you’ll do it because I say so…’ Bunker mentality – don’t ask it might be seen as incompetent Try to do it all yourself OR Will you lead by example Encourage and support, regularly ‘Thank & Recognise’ Empathise – finger on the pulse/be aware of personal issues Be supportive and encourage development (Tough one!!!) Seek advice from colleagues – network Be confident, welcome the contribution of ideas Delegate And finally… ask don’t feel you should have all the answers