Reviewing the Parent Questionnaire

On the 29^th March, I sent a questionnaire to all parents asking for views and feedback on our school.

With a pupil population of 615 pupils, we received 171 parent replies and I again thank everyone who took the time to respond. I wanted to share some of the headline figures and answers some of the questions and concerns that were raised. 

There were many positive and thankful comments about our school from parents and we will strive to improve further. Thank you for recognising the hard work of our staff and the care we aim to provide. We know that Mortimer holds a special place in many families hearts with multiple generations attending.

Of the responses received, a small number of parents indicated that they wouldn’t recommend Mortimer Primary School to another parent at that time. I personally offered each parent an opportunity to meet with me. I have used the information from these meetings to target areas for growth and development. Thank you to those parents for sparing their time to help me further.

We continue to be a sought after school, since January we have had several pupils transfer into Mortimer and we are now operating close to maximum capacity across the entire school in pupil numbers. Furthermore, in our recent teacher vacancy, we had over 60 applicants and look forward to welcoming a new staff member to Mortimer very soon.

I continue to make myself accessible to all parents and welcome your feedback. Please contact me or my team if you wish to discuss or clarify any queries.

I remain passionate about making Mortimer the very best it can be and a school parents are confident in. This is a journey and I look forward to strengthening home/school ties over the coming years.

Thank you for your support and have a lovely weekend.

Mr Bennett

Head Teacher

Questionnaire Headlines

Positive areas

• 97% said their child felt safe at school.
• 96% said their child was happy at Mortimer
• 91% of parents stated that their child did well in school.

Areas to improve

• 83% recognised that that there are clubs and activities for their child to take part in
• 82% felt concerns raised with school were dealt with properly.
• 81% felt we had high expectations for their child with 14% unsure how to answer.

Questionnaire Direct Responses

Q I can’t make meetings during the school day. Can they be recorded and shared?

A We have tried to alter times to make meetings as accessible as possible. We know there isn’t a perfect time for all. We have begun to record important sessions and share these with parents.

Q Why has there not been a parent evening meeting since Christmas?

A I took the decision upon becoming Head Teacher not to have a second consultation this academic year. This allowed maximum time to implement important changes and move the school forward. I recognise that several parents had hoped for a second meeting either in the spring or summer term. I do apologise for this not taking place, but want to reassure you that communicating your child’s progress regularly is high on my priorities. Before the end of term, we will be holding an open event for parents to come and see their child’s books. This will follow pupil reports being shared.

Plans are already taking shape to fully develop a robust system to enable parents to be kept up to date with their child’s progress across the entire year. We will share details of this early in the autumn term.

Parents do not have to wait for parents’ evening to speak to their child’s class teacher. We are happy to facilitate meetings if you require.

Since Christmas we have held our SEND Parent Drop in sessions for specific parents, which were well attended.

Q Can children have access to more clubs?

A I recognise that extra-curricular activities are very much sought after. Whilst, we do run several very popular clubs: athletics, performing arts, yoga, crafts/sewing, football, choir, cookery to name a few, however we are looking at how we can provide more opportunities.

Q What is the school’s main method of communication?

A We are in a transition period at present. It is my intention to move the majority of communications to email to ensure they are received directly by the parent as letters can sometimes not make it home. Text messages are used to add reminders or urgent information. Facebook is used primarily to share good news and is not considered as a main communication avenue. Facebook Messenger is not used to communicate with parents.

Q How long do children have for lunch?

A Children are given as much time as they need to finish their lunch. We operate a rota system for year groups, so that a single year group is not left till last every day. Lunch and school dinner children now mix in the hall.

Q Why do you not have a breakfast club?

A At present, we recognise that Bright Kids offer a wraparound service which offers breakfast. Our recent year 6 SATs breakfast was a great success and we do support some families with breakfast in school. Whilst there are no immediate plans to start our own breakfast club, we will review this next year.

Q Can the KS1 Yard be open from 8:30 to be in line with KS2 yard?

A We will review this for September 2023.

Q How can parents be more involved with school?

A I am working to restart the PTA with two meetings already taken place. Further details will be going out to those parents who expressed an interest in being a part. We will also be holding an election for a parent governor in the Autumn term. We will be hosting an information session to help understand the role of a parent governor.

Q Is there a bike/scooter parking station for KS1?

A Not currently. I have discussed this with the governors and we will be exploring how we add this facility to promote healthy travel to school.

Q Are there any plans to improve the playgrounds? 

A Yes! We lots lots of ideas and hope to work closely with the PTA to implement these plans. We want children to enjoy their time outside of class.

Finally…

If you have read this far then thank you! If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

My aim as Head Teacher is to bring about our motto of Excellence for All. For pupils, staff and parents.