Page 12 - link magazine

12 The Link Magazine • January 2004
Progress puts Freshbrook in England's top five per cent improvers
The publication of the primary school league tables in early December confirmed that Freshbrook School is improving rapidly to pull itself
out of special measures.
The Link exclusively revealed in Swindon Council's education de- on taking up the position in Janu- we asked of them.
November that the school had partment which led to a culture of ary and advised Ofsted that they "We still have a great deal to do
failed its Ofsted inspection in May under achievement. Headteacher would find a school in difficulties. and must accelerate therate at which
this year, due to poor management Stephen Luke made his governors However changes under the new children learn. Ofsted have set us
by the previous headteacher and aware of the dire situation he found leadership since the inspection are the task of closing the gap between
already reflected in the league ta- what the children are capable of
f
1
bles. c nc usrono ava uea e and what they are achieving."
Th ; 1 ;
dd d
Jo Jingles Infant & Primary School measure for the first time demon- Former headteacher Jan Milsom
Admissions strates the improvement in the edu- has joined the staff since the Ofsted
Fun with Music cation of children now aged 11 inspection as senior teacher re-
from the leading UK Infant to Junior Transfers compared to when they took Sats sponsible for school improvement
at age 7. and is working closely with staff to
children's music group • Children born between 1 Sept 1999 Freshbrook, along with Abbey improve lesson planning and class-
for children aged and 31 Aug 2000 are due to start school Meads Community School, is one room practice.
in Sept 2004, Jan 2005 or April 2005.
6 months to 5 years of three Swindon primary schools Mr Luke said the organisational
• Children transferring from infant to to appear in the top five per cent of changes and Mrs Milsom's work
Abbey Meads: Tuesday a.m.
junior school are due to start junior schools in the country to have with teachers was having a signifi-
Sparcells: Tuesday a.m. school in Sept 2004. boosted their performance. cant impact. "In the same week the
Peatmoor: Friday a.m.
The closing date for applications
is 16 January 2004.
FOR DETAILS
Application forms and further advice
CALL n v from school or Swindon Borough Council,
VIRGINIA ON Admissions Team, Sanford House, fC 3
01453 839464 0,<.• Swindon. Tel: 465789. 465790 ^{
Swindon
or 465867
Private • Infant & Junior
• Key Stages 1-4
Tuition • GCSE & A Level
• Special Needs
in all subjects • 11+ & 13+ preparation
& levels
Call 01672 539368
Personal Tutorials 01793 542738 or 07785 532085

The Big Adventure Making the grade, Stephen Luke and fait Milsonw with Freshrook School
youngsters
HoIida and j were delighted that children had league tables were published we
Mr Luke said he and his team
After School
had a two day visit from Her Maj-
esty's Inspector of Schools to as-
exceeded expectations when they
sess our work since the Ofsted in-
/\
took the tests in the Spring.
"We set very high targets for the
THE\ Care children to achieve in January and spectors were here. She was very
pleased with our progress which
is very encouraging."
we are delighted they met the level
Change to school year from September
IBIG\ \p► In the March edition of The Link, Swindon Council asked for views
The Big Adventure Club on the proposal to change from a three term to a six-term school year.
Most responses were in favour ing a six-term year with slight dif-
aregional, if not national, change ferences.
0 Qualified staff
to six terms in order to avoid prob- After considering the responses
O Over 10 years experience lems which would arise if neigh- SwindonCouncilwillbeintroduc-
bouring authorities had different ing a six-term school year from
O Ofsted regulated school holidays. September 2004 as follows:
Other responses covered the eas- 1st Term: 31 Aug 04 - 20 Oct 04
O Open 50 weeks of the year until 6pm ing of teacher/pupil stress and 2nd Term: 1 Nov 04 - 21 Dec 04
O Flexible - only book the days required more effective planning of the cur- 3rd Term: 5 Jan 05 - 11 Feb 05
riculum, childcare issues and con- 4th Term: 21 Feb 05 - 24 Mar 05
O No contract cerns about the fixed Easter holi- 5th Term: 11 April 05 - 27 May 05
day. Most responses were in fa-
O After school care only £6.50 per day y our of individual schools setting 6th Term: 6 June 05 - 22 Jul 05
five training days. The only Bank Holiday which
O Holiday care from £12 per day Wiltshire County Council, falls during term time in the 2004/
Gloucestershire County Council 05 school year is May Day: 2 May.
Contact Tracey and Peter Bailey and South West Local Education The five training days will be
on 01793 875992 or 07'977 570488 Authorities have decided to intro- determined by individual schools.
duce a six-term year starting from Voluntary aided and foundation
Email: [email protected] September 2004. Oxfordshire schools will set their own term
L-ounty Council will be introduc- dates.