1. Quality Network Meeting 17th November 2017
St William of York
RC Primary School
Our Journey to Good!
Quality Network Meeting
17th November 2017

2. Looking back to April 2016
Environment that did not work for the children
Limited outdoor space for Reception children. Large wasted space for Nursery children.
No clear leadership, no clear direction. Staff had received limited or no early years training.
Ineffective and inaccurate assessment
Nursery without any structure or planning. Reception very formal and adult led
Children with high levels of need not identified and no relationship with external agencies.

3. What was the impact of this?
Very low baseline data for Reception 2016
Complex needs not identified.
45% gender gap in GLD for cohort.

4. Introduced New Early years leadership and invested in our staff team
What did we do?
Introduced New Early years leadership and invested in our staff team
Made sure that the observation, assessment, planning cycle became embedded in everything we do.
Sought support from external agencies.
Reviewed the environment (indoors and outdoors)

5. Investing in our staff team
Leadership mentoring
Staff CPD
Careful Recruitment
Teamwork and shared vision

6. Assessment, observations and planning
Continuous use of EYFS trackers
Quality interactions based on next steps
Observation checklists
Termly and midpoint data analysis to monitor attainment and progress
Flexible planning based on individual next steps and children’s interests.
Reflective practice

7. Seek Support
Bolton LEA, training and mentoring from Startwell team
Bolton Startwell SEND team, SEND external agencies.
Funding- Grants, Inclusion fund, Disability fund
Get support from your headteacher, SLT and governors
Parent Partnership

8. The Environment
View it from a child’s perspective.
Evaluate levels of engagement in each area.
Look for simple solutions
Be ‘critical friends’.
Seek advice for Bolton LEA and arrange an inspection visit.

9. Creating a new outdoor area
Create a plan.
Look at other settings
Check ideas with a specialist
Get at least 3 quotes
Match quotes to the budget
Find more money!
BUT Don’t forget your children in the meantime!
AND Be prepared for setbacks

14. Did I forget to mention OFSTED?
Ofsted June 2017 judged our school and Early years provision as ‘good’.
‘Teachers and teaching assistants go the extra mile to provide children with a vibrant, engaging and well-organised environment in which to learn.’
‘providing the high-quality provision that children deserve that is safe, nurtures and develops children’s relationships with adults and prepares them to ‘fly’ on their learning journey.’
‘Children are polite and courteous. Children are keen to learn. They play and collaborate well together. Consequently, children swiftly develop their inquisitiveness and social skills.’
Top tips
Be able to explain what you are doing and why you are doing it.
Know your data, looking at starting points to current day-progress must be shown and if not why not.
Do what you do everyday, embed your values and vision in everything you do.
There is never a good time for Ofsted! Whatever happens, be proud of your setting and your children. Believe in yourselves and Ofsted will believe in you!

15. What’s next for St William’s EYFS?
Move to outstanding
Continue to improve outcomes (GLD and exceeding ELG)
Continue to invest in our team.