School Committee Impact Statement 2022-23

This statement outlines the key accomplishments and impact of the School Committee for the 2022-23 academic year and the strategic decisions that were made to achieve these.

Pupil Outcomes

The challenge and support from St Mary & St Thomas’ School Committee, and through the way in which they hold leaders to account has resulted in strong pupil achievement.  Standards at the end of KS2 are extremely strong; 93% achieving the expected standard in Reading with 30% of those pupils achieving the higher standard, 87% in Writing with 20% of those pupils achieving the higher standard, 97% achieving the expected standard in Maths with 63% of those pupils achieving the higher standard. The percentage of pupils achieving RWM combined was 83% with 20% of those pupils achieving the higher standard in RWM. Pupils in all year groups have made strong rates of progress. The progress measures for the end of KS2 have not yet been released but we are expecting strong rates of progress for all learners. At the end of key stage 1 standards in Reading and Maths have remained roughly in line with previous years. 87% of Y2 achieved the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check by the end of the year (all children who did not pass have a detailed case study). At the end of Reception 70% of children achieved a good level of development.

External Audit

The two-day external review in February 2023 highlighted the school’s high standards. ‘There is strong leadership right across this school. Leaders strive tirelessly to empower all pupils at SMST to ‘Believe, Achieve and Shine.’ This ambition shines brightly through all aspects of the school’s work. A highly engaging and stimulating learning environment enables pupils to make excellent progress through the curriculum.’ The reviewer recognised the role that the school committee also play in teaching and learning at St Mary & St Thomas. The shared sense of responsibility and accountability for all aspects of educational provision, including the effectiveness of the wider leadership of the school was acknowledged and praised. The strategic dialogue during School Committee meetings has ensured a relentless focus on school improvement resulting in excellent outcomes for the children.  

Partnership between School and Church  

St Mary & St Thomas’ School Committee have been instrumental in continuing to foster and secure strong links between church and school. This has included the church supporting school in the running of their weekly toddler group ‘First Steps’, their weekly parenting course and other activities. In addition to this, school and church have been working very closely together to increase the number of families who attend active worship at St Thomas’ Church which will help develop the pupil’s knowledge of scripture and their spiritual and moral awareness. As a result, they will be working in collaboration to deliver ‘Tales at St Thomas’ Church’ one Sunday a month beginning in September 2023. This close collaboration between church and school was evidenced in the school’s ‘Keeping on Track’ visit last academic year. ‘The headteacher, assistant headteacher and leaders at all levels demonstrate extremely strong Christian leadership. They are supported by committed governors (school committee). Together they ensure that the explicit Christian vision and values permeate every aspect of the school’s work.’

Safeguarding

The School Committee is effective in fulfilling its statutory safeguarding responsibilities. All members undertake safeguarding training. This is refreshed on an annual basis. Through the termly Headteacher Report, members know what school is doing to educate pupils about how to keep safe, including staying safe online and safe from sexual abuse. Each term, the Chair of the Committee meets with the Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure that the school is compliant with its safeguarding procedures. To make sure the culture is right, they ask probing questions and reflect on case studies that demonstrate what school is doing to identify children who may be at risk of harm and how school is helping those children and fulfilling its duties. The Chair receives feedback about the checking of the Single Central Record and Safeguarding Training Log, and ensures all staff and volunteers have completed training in the Prevent Duty. They also hold leaders to account for achieving the areas for development identified following the submission of the Trust Safeguarding Audit to the Director of Wellbeing and Section 175 Audit to the Local Authority. Outcomes are shared with all other members at the termly School Committee meetings.