Mixed Year Groups What? Why? How?

Aim: To ensure parents understand why we have mixed year groups To explain how it is going to work

Why? Mixed years groups are used in many village schools where pupil numbers vary. Markyate is now a one and a half entry school therefore is a mixed year group school. The school has to mix years– our focus will always be on ensuring educational standards are maintained.

Why are we mixing differently this year? Background 24 pupils is the amount deemed to cover the cost of a teacher. In Reception, class sizes cannot go over 30 pupils.

Why are we mixing differently? This year we have 33 pupils in Reception therefore one or two reception class(es) is not an option. Mixing Early Years is also not an option as our Nursery is only part time. There are a number of permutations that were considered such as: R, R/1, 1, 2, 2/3, 3 R/1, R/1, R/1, 2/3, 2/3, 2/3 All permutations would have to have had a mixed key stage class.

Why a R/1, R/1, 1 and 2, 2/3, 2/3? Space Staffing Logistically, we cannot put all reception and year one in the Early Years area. The Year 2/3 will be based where the current 1 / 2 (Mrs Poole’s class) and Y3 are currently based. Staffing Our staffing reflects the needs and knowledge required for the cross key stages. We have 4 teachers that have taught in Reception and in Year 1 therefore know curriculum expectations. We have a teacher who is experienced in Year 2 expectations and 2 teachers that are experienced in both the KS1 and Lower KS2 curriculum.

Why were parents not consulted? In 2015, the school consulted with all stakeholders about the proposal to move to a 45 pupil intake (PAN) which was approved. Therefore, when it comes to mixing year groups, it is for the Headteacher (under direction of the Governors) to make the appropriate decision that is right for the school. This enables all local children to attend their village school

When will we know classes/teachers? Why were parents not consulted? Summer is a busy term –usually we confirm classes and teachers at transition. We have taken time to make carefully considered decisions. We leave enough time for transitions and in the last few weeks and activities are organised to help children get to know their new classes. Consultation is not practical when deciding class splits due to the number of variables. Staff will always consider what is right for the children. Ultimately, it is the Headteacher’s decision.

How has this been prepared for? Firstly, in both mixed classes, the teachers have the Curriculum knowledge. Teachers will continue to plan in teams to ensure children have consistency in expectations and timetabling. We have already worked with other schools who work with mixed key stages. Our local heads work with mixed year groups so we are supporting each other. One of these heads is a national leader of an outstanding mixed year group school. We are already working with County to ensure English and Maths planning meets the needs of the children Topic will be theme based across the school to ensure that they will be differentiated and will be national curriculum compliant.

How will it work - R / 1 The team have already looked into how other schools plan for mixed classes. This will be adapted over the year to suit the needs of the children. Maths – We will be using planning from county to support teaching. Teachers may look at splitting into groups where necessary to ensure key objects are taught to appropriate groups Phonics - Reception through to Year 2 groups will be used where appropriate which will be timetabled Literacy – will be mixed or grouped where appropriate Topic in afternoon will be mixed. Year 1 and EYFS national curriculum content can be easily merged. Timetabling will be the same in all 3 classes We are currently recruiting a specialist EYP and we have experienced TAs to support in the classes. Where there are children that have specific needs, interventions and provision will be set up as always. We have visited different settings - some Reception classes that we have visited are already doing class learning moving into group work/play based learning. The Reception and Year 1 team will plan together to ensure the children have the same provision. The Reception team and Mrs Karmock have already met to look at the strengths and areas of development for the current Reception children and therefore already know what needs to be targeted to ensure progress.

How will it work - 2/3 SATs will not impact on Year 3 learning and vice versa. As with every year, KS1 SATs can be delivered in class or in small groups. This will be reviewed nearer the time. Year 2 and Year 2/3 will plan together. Lessons will be differentiated where appropriate as it has been with Year 1 / 2. Ultimately, Year 3s need to access the year 3 curriculum as Year 2s with their curriculum. Intervention groups will still be used to target support as required as it is across the school. Mrs Poole will be leading the team. She and the leadership team know every child and is tasked with ensuring they continue to make progress. County are and will continue to support with core planning over the year to help ensure quality assurance.

How will the needs of the children be met/monitored? Whether a mixed year group or single year group it is our duty to meet the needs of all children. Even at the start of Year 1, there will children working within ELG or children that will benefit from extra challenge. This is the same in Year 2 and 3. We have made the Year 1 / 2 work through regular reviews of provision and monitoring. Our teachers are experienced in differentiating work and lessons to meet the needs of all children. As a leadership team, we regularly look at work, teaching and progress to ensure that children are meeting their expected targets. This is done regularly so that we can monitor standards. Over the year, County Maths, English and EYFS advisors will be used to help quality assure the provision for all pupils.

Has it worked before? Our mixed year groups will allow more flexibility to suit your children whether it is formal or play based, whole class or small groups. Studies show that when done well, mixed year groups can benefit learning. Parents concerned about their child’s mixed-grade class should be reassured that learning occurs individually, in small groups, and as a whole class. Engaged students will learn whether the class is structured by age, grade, ability, or as some form of mixed-grade class.

How will we manage day to day logistical issues? Swimming French Breaktimes Lunchtimes… These are all in hand and will be run past Governors before the end of term.

Moving forward… Markyate is a mixed year group school and will highly likely be mixed differently each academic year due to our pupil numbers. Your feedback will be essential so that we get it right for all of our children as this is now how our school will have to work. I would expect parents to communicate with their class teacher during the year if there is any feedback (positive as well as constructive) but give us time to make it work. Our teachers care deeply about your children’s education. Our aim will be to have a clear robust system so that parents do not have to worry as they know how our system works for any potential year group mixes.