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Chesswood Junior School

Chesswood Junior School

Parent Feedback

Ofsted Parent View Questionnaire (Internal)

Our internal questionnaire encourages parents to provide the school with their individual experiences of Chesswood Junior School. In addition to the quick multiple choice questions (14) we ask parents to set out areas going well and areas to improve in free text boxes. The questions here are taken from Ofsted Parent View, an online survey that allows parents to give their views about their child’s school - linked closely to the new Education Inspection Framework. 
(By ‘parents’, we mean any person with parental responsibility for a child at the school.)

We will notify parents annually of the arrangements for providing feedback, typically we will open the form in April for a month to enable all families to respond. The responses provide direct annual feedback for the relevant academic year.

We use the answers to the questions to build on areas that are going well and identify opportunities for improvement. We would, therefore, like all families to respond to the questionnaire as fully as possible when the form is open. 

This questionnaire is intentionally not anonymous. We may contact parents in response to areas for improvement, as appropriate,  to: 

  • further our understanding of a specific issue
  • explain the actions we have taken to resolve issues identified.

We genuinely welcome all constructive feedback and areas for improvement, to help us on our journey to make the school the best that it can be.

Questions

Core Areas

Question Summary

Question

Academic

Curriculum

The school makes me aware of what my child will learn during the year.

Academic

Curriculum

There is a good range of subjects available to my child at this school.

Academic

Progress

The school has high expectations for my child

Academic

Progress

My child does well at this school

Academic

Progress

The school lets me know how my child is doing

Academic

Progress

My Child has SEND, and the school gives then the support they need to succeed

Leadership

Concern Response

When I have raised concerns with the school they have been dealt with properly.

Leadership

Recommend

I would recommend this school to another parent

Pastoral

Is happy

My child is happy at Chesswood

Pastoral

Feeling Safe

My child feels safe at Chesswood

Pastoral

Behaviour Management

The school makes sure pupils are well behaved.

Pastoral

Anti-Bullying

My child has been bullied and the school dealt with the bullying quickly and effectively

Pastoral

Personal development

The school supports my child’s wider personal development.

Pastoral

Personal development

My child can take part in clubs and activities at this school

Parent Feedback - Online Form

This is our internal feedback form, it opens between January (15th) to March (15th) each year. We always hope to have feedback from all families. You may complete a separate form for each child if the answers are notably different otherwise one form is welcomed. The form will take between 5 and 20 mins depending on how much detail (if any) is shared in response to the open questions.

If you are using a mobile phone or tablet, please click this LINK.

Parent Questionnaire Analysis and Outcomes

Overall Agreement

The chart below provides the overall agreement with the latest annual parent feedback process. 144 responses.

Agree and Strong Agreement Stacked

Included in the chart below - Agree (Green) with statements; Strongly Agree (Blue) with statements. The chart stacks both agree and strongly agree to provide a clear image of agreement overall (Green and Blue) and importantly the strength of that agreement. The bars and chart provide a reference to 100%. We would typically secure overall agreement in the mid 94%+ to high 98%+

Parent Feedback Overview

The school makes me aware of what my child will learn during the year

  • Y3 Yes we have seen the paperwork through school buddy and see the weekly tasks.
  • Y3 Frequent correspondence from teacher about weekly and termly learning goals.
  • Y4 Weekly newsletters and the website is full of information.
  • Y4 Schools Buddy is always full of information about topics, homework and holiday challenges.
  • Y5 Every term parents are provided with a leaflet informing us of the current curriculum; the weekly homework sheets also give information and we receive a weekly newsletter.
  • Y5 At parents evening a learning plan and progress report was communicated with me.
  • Y6 Always receive up to date emails with what my daughter is learning!
  • Y6 Website information is clear, homework sheets are information and all information is readily available and easily accessible.
  • Y6 Information on the curriculum is on the school website and you have a chance to meet the teachers at the start of the year where they will tell you.

There is a good range of subjects available to my child at this school.

  • Y3 I generally don't like how limited the national curriculum is, but that is hardly the school's fault. The school is doing very well given the circumstances to provide amazing provision such as music lessons.
  • Y4 ‘X’ enjoys the subjects she studies and talks in detail about these. I really loved that the school focused on inclusion at last years Christmas show (with the flags) and was impressed with ‘X’ reading I am Malala and learning about the rights of children and the election was great to hear about.
  • Y5 Specialist music teacher and room are great. Regular computing slot on timetable. Varied PE. plenty of practical art, science and DT.
  • Y6 No particular examples, but ‘X’ has always been very engaged and chatty on the extra subjects, from cooking to bridge building!

The school has high expectations for my child

  • Y3 In her learning and behaviour. Respecting each other, taking responsibility, making sure my daughter is on task.
  • Y3 The school has identified that ‘X’ is very bright, and in doing so we feel he’s being challenged academically and thriving.
  • Y3 I think the school is very good at encouraging the children to do their best at all times.
  • Y4 ‘X’ is always encouraged and praised for her achievements and when she tries her best. All of her teachers have spoken with enthusiasm about her learning and what she could do next.
  • Y4 The quality and quantity of home work given and expectations which are set out. For example, the amount of reading expected from children per day/week.
  • Y4 The school leadership team make it clear that they have high expectations of the children, academically, but also in music, sport and other creative areas. They also reward good attitudes and conduct. The bright sparks scheme, house points and the always and exceptional awards help to motivate my daughter.
  • Y5 The head teacher is very inspiring and focuses on the importance of always trying your best and being able to achieve anything.
  • Y5 Expectations are discussed in special SEN meetings.
  • Y5 Always encouraging ‘X’ to do his homework and to achieve the best of his abilities. I have personally spoken to ‘Teacher’ and I think he can see ‘X’s’ potential and wants him to achieve his best. So we are now doing more homework to build ‘X’s’ confidence.
  • Y6 The targets set for reading. The maths tests. The end of term awards.
  • Y6 Top tens, star of the week, healthy competition, lots of opportunities for talents and successes across the board to be celebrated and recognised.
  • Y6 It is clear from all the teachers and the senior leadership team that they all strive to ensure ever child matters so that they can all meet their potential.

My child does well at this school

  • Y3 ‘X’ has matured at a huge rate since attending Chesswood. His confidence has grown, he sees his hard work paying off and he has developed interest in his subjects. He is now engaged and enjoys completing his home learning. It is not an understatement to say he is a different child!
  • Y4 ‘X’ absolutely loves the PE activities and misses the pre covid after school clubs, she has had the chance to try lots of activities. ‘X’ is making good progress with her maths, loves to read and had better handwriting than us!
  • Y5 My child wants to learn and this is because the work set out is enjoyable and fun, and the clear expectations help him push himself.
  • Y6 Both my children have thrived and my youngest in particular has seized the opportunities to learn and the variety of learning methods and topics. Both are very happy and enjoy school!

The school lets me know how my child is doing

  • Y3 They held their usual parents’ evening which was informative and a staff member phoned me and spoke at length about his suspected dyslexia.
  • Y4 Feedback at parents evening about a academic achievements is good, informative reports.
  • Y5 Detailed termly reports. Helpful parents evenings.
  • Y5 I get updates on his work through parents evening and school reports, they also have class updates with regards to the top 10 achievers in TT Rockstars, IXL maths and English, reading targets etc. His class teacher is very friendly and approachable and will always be in touch to update me if I have any questions.
  • Y6 Parents evenings are not rushed and give personalised feedback that shows a deep understanding of each pupil.
  • Y6 Frequent and detailed reports and parent evenings.

My Child has SEND, and the school gives then the support they need to succeed

  • Y3 We feel ‘X’ is being supported with his additional emotional needs and being challenged academically and thriving.
  • Y4 SENCo and the team have worked and are continuing to work extremely hard with my son, always with his best interests at heart.
  • Y4 Range of strategies to support during year 3 and we felt fully involved in that process.
  • Y5 ‘X’ gets extra help with her dyslexia and the school has recognised that she requires a little extra time for tests.
  • Y5 ECHP applied for successfully. There is a real sense of team around my child.
  • Y6 We wanted ‘X’ screened for dyslexia again in year 6, she was screened again and found to be moderately dyslexic meaning she’s now getting extra help, which is a relief with her year 6 SATs starting next year.

When I have raised concerns with the school they have been dealt with properly.

  • Y3 I have always been able to speak to Mr Jolly with any concern that I have had and he has always taken the time to explain to me the situation and alleviate any concerns. 
  • Y4 When bringing up issues about ‘X’s’ health they have listened and supported.
  • Y4 ‘X’s’ anxiety symptoms. Taken seriously and a plan put in place to monitor.
  • Y4 Last year we emailed ‘Teacher’ with questions in relation to maths learning, following a problem X had told us about. He got back to us super fast with the information we needed and made sure it was sorted out.
  • Y5 If I have an issue at the school that I’m in need of being dealt with as soon as possible it is done. The school does not make promises or agreements they cannot keep.
  • Y5 I had a concern about messages my son was sent one evening from another pupil in his class. I emailed the school and got an immediate reply from his teachers, and a telephone call the same day after my son and the other child had been spoken to by staff members and the issue had been resolved that day. I also had a message from the other parent apologising. The school dealt with this very effectively, even though the incident hadn’t happened during school hours and I am very grateful it was sorted out and no further repercussions.
  • Y6 My daughter has a stutter and I spoke to some of her class teachers and the SENCo About this and they were very supportive re support that could be offered to my daughter.
  • Y6 I have emailed the class teacher and Head about concerns and I have had a quick responses and felt like the responses dealt well with my concerns and next steps.

My child is happy at Chesswood

  • Y3 The transition was difficult due to COVID but ‘X’ has settled in well and loves school.
  • Y3 Daily direct rewards to the children in class in form of stickers, certificates & house points system, encourages gently healthy competition & increases the child's self-belief in their abilities.
  • Y4 Both children had wobbly starts at first but with the excellent help of the staff and support they had they settled very quickly and are both extremely happy at Chesswood.
  • Y5 Over the first lockdown staff went over and above to be as helpful and supportive to children and families.
  • Y5 Nothing ever seems too much to ask for staff are very helpful there.
  • Y6 The transition between years has always been well planned and managed any anxieties but also through promoting excitement and joy. My daughter really signs up to the Bright Sparks philosophy too.
  • Y6 Great reward system; I feel that my child’s achievements are always celebrated and I have been most impressed with the home learning during the lockdown.

My child feels safe at Chesswood

  • Y3 I’m sure the COVID situation has been a challenge and the school has worked hard to manage this. This was clear when I attended parents evening for example. Road safety re parking etc near the school has clearly been important and I support that. I understand work has been done with the children on internet safety which I’m reassured by.
  • Y4 Excellent pastoral support when needed. Excellent Covid-19 response.
  • Y5 I do feel there is a good ethos around 'zero tolerance' around bullying especially in regards to differences around ethnicity. I LOVE LOVE the fact that children from different nationalities are encouraged to walk with their flag around the church at the Christmas carol concert. Chesswood should rightly be proud of the diversity of their students and I do think these values are a core of what sets Chesswood apart from other schools. 
  • Y6 My daughter clearly understands what to do if she felt unsafe.
  • Y6 The school promote a really inclusive and trusting environment, which makes it easy for children to seek support from teachers.

The school makes sure pupils are well behaved.

  • Y3 When my son, told me that one of his classmates had been misbehaving, the child lost his playtime and stayed in the classroom. For me this is good. I think they need to know that everything they do have consequences and they have to take responsibility for it whether it is good or bad.
  • Y3 Considering the amount my son has progressed in such a small space of time suggests that minimal time is lost in the classroom with bad behaviour.
  • Y4 Clear boundaries, rewards and sanctions.
  • Y4 X is aware of the Bright Sparks code which includes behaviours and has been communicated to both the children and parents. There is strong leadership from Mr Jolley which the children (and parents) are all aware of, such that X would only want Mr Jolley to see his best behaviour!
  • Y5 When my son has not been on his best behaviour the school were brilliant in handling the situation and it did not deter him from wanting to come to school or upset him further.
  • Y6 Bright Sparks philosophy and the awards system based on promoting good behaviour.
  • Y6 The school is quick to act and resolve issues.

My child has been bullied and the school dealt with the bullying quickly and effectively

  • Y3 ‘X’ has been subject to mild bullying but ‘Teacher’ has always dealt with it quickly and made me aware of what's going on. I like to be kept informed and I feel confident in ‘Teacher’s’ abilities to take swift action when required.
  • Y5 This school takes bullying very seriously. There had been issues previously where my son had been being bullied, I spoke to the teacher and it was handled quickly and effectively.
  • Y6 Recently for the first time ever in his time at Chesswood ‘X’ didn't want to go to school and was very sad and emotional when leaving for school at the start of each day. It transpired he was being made fun of daily. I emailed his teacher who immediately forwarded it on to pastoral and I received a call within the hour from ‘Pastoral’. After speaking to her she felt the need to make ‘Senior Leader’ aware. He also called me shortly after and set up a meeting with ‘X’ and I the following day. He explained to ‘X’ how it was right to speak up and that how he was being treated wasn't acceptable. He spoke to all children involved the same day and the matter was resolved almost immediately. ‘X’ came home physically lighter and was back to his jumpy bubbly self. I am so grateful to Chesswood, it was a fantastic example of seamless communication and action with a very effective result. Thank you!

The school supports my child’s wider personal development.

  • Y3 She received a certificate for being caring to another pupil which encourages good social behaviour.
  • Y4 The school has a good PSHE offer and we appreciated the activities they set in this area over lockdown.
  • Y5 My son's are very different from each other and both are SEN, however this does not stop the school from teaching and helping them both uniquely and on a personal scale.
  • Y5 Many aspects like leadership, kindness, courtesy and helping others are promoted by the school.
  • Y6 Chesswood take an active part in its local community and in educating our children on wider issues people might be facing in society.
  • Y6 My son's music interests immediately surfaced for the first time, the minute he joined Chesswood and he took trumpet lessons for a while. Then for him to be inspired to join choir is testament to the brilliant music provision and teaching at Chesswood. Shrek and Peter Pan brought out his love for drama too and he now attends a drama club at the weekend.

My child can take part in clubs and activities at this school

  • Y4 Prior to lockdown he took part in clubs both during and after school. There was a lots of choice and lots of availability.
  • Y4 Not since covid sadly. The after school club is brilliant but not the same as learning basketball/football/athletics etc as ‘X’ did last year.
  • Y5 Breakfast club is excellent and my children look forward to attending.
  • Y6 Clubs are so good for children’s health and social skills. I noticed a dip in my kids during lockdown so great to have them back at school. The school after school club is brilliant!
  • Pre lockdown we used breakfast club daily, ‘X’ has also taken part in Drama clubs after school etc and thoroughly enjoyed them.
  • Y6 The range of clubs and after school activities is great and it really helps if you’re a working parent. I’ve noticed this is in stark difference to many schools who don’t offer such a great service.

I would recommend this school to another parent

  • Y3 The quality of education is clear and the healthy competitive spirit is excellent. As someone who works in a challenging and competitive industry, I don’t feel it is ever too soon to start preparing children for the real world. Setting targets and rewarding children when they work hard is an excellent way of preparing them for adulthood. Chesswood does this in a controlled and positive manner.
  • Y3 Chesswood's 'Bright Sparks' ethos is the heart of everything they do in the school and all the staff will make sure your child is the best he/she can be.
  • Y4 They go over and beyond, especially for children with SEN.
  • Y4 Chesswood school have been amazing at supporting my daughter when she needed it and supporting us as parents during home learning.  It was very much appreciated.  I will definitely recommend Chesswood to other parents.
  • Y4 Excellent staff. Brilliant communication, especially relating to Covid - thank you. You have made a difficult situation for everyone, easier to cope with.
  • Y4 Great teaching. Good anti bullying policy. Responsive to parental requests. Good pastoral care and a wide variety of learning activities and clubs.
  • Y5 This school is by far one of the best schools in Worthing, the staff are great, the pupils are well mannered and polite and the teachers deserve a pay rise for all of their hard work in and out of the school. They do not receive the amount of recognition they deserve.
  • Y5 I have had two children attend the school and both have been very happy.  Their learning progressed to a good standard.  My eldest really misses the community spirit of Chesswood.
  • Y5 The leadership at the school is focussed on getting the best out of your child.  A supportive environment to excel academically and emotionally.
  • Y6 My child has been extremely happy here for 4 years and she has excelled since moving schools!
  • Y6 I already have many times. It is an excellent school with great leadership.

Full Report

Click on the picture to see the full parent questionnaire analysis. If you are using a mobile phone click here.