Hornchurch Academy Trust - Annual Report 22/23

Hornchurch Academy Trust Annual Report 2022/23

“Working for HAT gives me a support network bigger and better than any I have experienced before.”

Mr C W Hobson CEO

Best Quality Education for All Welcome from the CEO Chris Hobson

Welcome to the third edition of the Hornchurch Academy Trust Annual Report to Parents/Carers.

The Hornchurch Academy Trust remains a primary phase focused Trust that has now been in existence for 6 years. It has grown from 3 to 6 schools and has become a key presence in the local communities it serves in both Havering and Kent. The Trust’s aim is to ‘advance education for public benefit’ and we keep that aim in the forefront of our decision making processes in order to ensure we deliver a high quality and inclusive education to all those who attend our schools.

Time and growth means that the Trust continually evolves. The opportunities of working collaboratively often mean that we are able to be more flexible and innovative in our work and solutions to the challenges we face. This is hugely beneficial in order to be effective and responsive in a rapidly changing education sector. An example of this is that in September, the Trust will open its first nursery provision at Scargill Infant School. This is an exciting development that we believe will provide a first class provision for local children and families.

This year, the Trust has continued to work with local partners and other local Trusts in order to achieve the best outcomes for all children within Trust schools. This means that the continual work to develop and deliver a high quality and inclusive education alongside recruiting and retaining quality staff and leadership is a key driver for Trust leaders and Trustees. By retaining this focus, we believe that we will remain ambitious for children and staff and also ensure that all children are able to achieve their full potential.

“The Trustees work with the leaders at every level in all our schools. The combination of their talents ensures consistently high outcomes for our pupils.”

“Moving forward into the next academic year, we are confident that the Trust will continue to thrive.”

Welcome from the Chair of Trustee

Gillian Thumpston

Ms G Thumpston Chair of Trustees

Welcome to our third annual report. This year we take time to reflect on outcomes and achievements amidst significant challenges and a wide range of social disruption nationally.

For these reasons, the challenge and role of governance has never been greater, more complex and more important.

The role of the Trust is to advance education for public benefit. Governance at Hornchurch Academy Trust play a key role in enabling this. This year, the Board of Trustees commissioned and completed a self-evaluation exercise in the form of an External Review of Governance. This was completed in partnership with Viking Academy Trust and comprehensively reviewed the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees and identified any further areas for development.

In November 2022, cross Trust governance attended the third annual Governance Conference based on the theme ‘The future is now … preparing for change’. Governance took the opportunity to collaborate and discuss the strategic direction of the Trust when considering the implications of political, social and financial challenges within the education sector.

The conference was also an opportunity to reflect and return to our core purpose of delivering high quality education and outcomes for the children who attend our schools. A stunning performance by the Upminster Junior School choir opened the conference and amazed attendees.

Moving forward, governance at all levels in the Trust continues to work incredibly hard to adapt and respond to the known and unknown challenges our schools face in delivering education and beyond. This means working in and with our communities and responding to their changing needs. To this effect, I would like to thank parents and carers who recently provided feedback in Trust wide questionnaires. Feedback on a wide range of hugely important issues such a behaviour, SEND, funding and mental health have been discussed by the Board of Trustees and will contribute to establishing priorities moving forward.

Thank you to all our Trust community for your continued support. We work hard to improve provision for all and look forward to another successful year in these challenging times.

Upminster Junior School choir

Members of Board of The Trust Trustees

Gillian Thumpston

Gillian is a retired educational consultant with over 30 years’ experience working in schools to raise standards, improve pedagogy and develop leadership and management.

Rev Keith Turner

Following 27 years’ experience in banking, Keith became ordained as a priest in the Church of England in the year 2000 and was Associate Minister at St John and St Matthews’ Church in South Hornchurch. In addition to this, Keith is on the steering group for Rainham Food Bank and also Director of Turning Point Ministry UK which supports those in need.

Anne Ling

Anne previously worked for London Chamber of Commerce. Anne is a volunteer for a bereavement counselling service in Brentwood Essex and has been instrumental in extending the service into schools in order to support children in need.

Jackie Woodgate

Jackie is a professional childminder and has been a governor of both primary and secondary schools within the Upminster area. She takes part in a variety of local community groups including running a local Rainbows Group.

Robert Henney

Bob is a retired Headteacher with over 25 years’ experience leading a large inner city primary school. He also spent a further 7 years as a professional Tutor and consultant with a local SCITT provider working in over 20 different schools.

Christopher Hobson

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Chris initiated the creation of the Hornchurch Academy Trust in 2016 and subsequently led its formation in 2017 and subsequent growth. He was previously Headteacher at Whybridge Junior School between January 2010 and October 2019. Chris is the Accounting Officer for the Trust.

Matthew Pepper

Vice Chair of Trustees

Matt works in a large financial institution in the City and is responsible for the relationship between IT and the bank, covering some 120,000 employees in over 30 countries.

Keri Pitt

Chair of Finance & Audit Committee

Keri works for a Global Insurance and Reinsurance Company, currently as Head of Treasury Infrastructure. Keri is a qualified accountant (ACCA and AAT) and is currently Chair of the Trust Finance Committee.

Chris Birbeck

Chris is an Executive Coach following an extensive career in the NHS and nursing. He is a Leadership Associate for the NHS Leadership Academy and is involved in coaching and leadership at Executive and Board level.

Gillian Thumpston Chair of Trustees

Eve Lacy

Eve has worked as a Business Analyst for Hewlett Packard Enterprises working in accounts and services for over 20 years. Part of Eve’s responsibilities include fraud detection and reporting of financial data.

Robert Train

Robert is a Health and Safety expert and is currently Head of Estates and Facilities at Drapers Mulit Academy Trust. Previously, Robert was a Health and Safety advisor for the London Borough of Havering for 10 years.

Tom Sampson

Tom is the Information Security Manager of a large London-based Law Firm, with over 15 years experience in IT and cyber and information security. He has experience in planning for the response to cyber-attacks and business continuity in the event of a major incident.

Avril Weatherley

Avril has worked with children and young adults for over 30 years. Avril has over 20 years’ experience in governance including Vice Chair of both governing bodies and academy trust, and has also completed the Chairs of Governors Leadership Development Programme.

Kate Ridley-Moy

Kate is a Director in the Department for Education where she is currently responsible for apprenticeships. She has extensive experience of work in central government including work in various departments and the cabinet office.

From the Board room to the class room...how the Board of Trustees support the Trust.

As a Trustee, my role is to encourage the development of the pupils, teachers, other staff members and the Trust, by challenging and offering support both at strategic level and by working with the Chief Executive, Heads of Schools and teachers. The Board members (Trustees) do this through regular meetings with the Chief Executive and individual schools, where the Trustees hear about progress and challenges from the school leaders. This information is then taken back to the Board meetings. Here the whole Board can discuss the issues from these meetings, as well as hear feedback from the wider Trust workforce and the Chief Executive.

Trustees also have a specific focus on improvements within the Trust, with some being a link for one of the schools back to the Board. My specific role is working with the Chief Executive and the Chair to support the development of an approach to ensure that our workforce are top quality and are enabled to develop their professional and personal skills, for the benefit of the pupils, their colleagues and the wider Trust. We have created the People Strategy, which describes the commitment from the Trust to ensure that all of our workforce have access to necessary development to make the Trust a great place to work.

Chris Birbeck

1,905

Employees

260

47

6 school Schools

81  Clubs Offered

Our Vision & Values

Hornchurch Academy Trust schools have a unique connection that allows us to raise standards, performance and outcomes in a transformational and sustainable manner whilst remaining accountable to each other. We have a consistency in our approaches, however we clearly retain and embrace the unique characteristics of each school. All schools are connected by a shared, strategic vision, culture and core purpose. However, each school retains its own unique identity, which reflects their school community. As a family of schools, we believe that we are stronger together.

Responsibility

We are all connected as one organisation with a collective responsibility and a united approach.

Collaboration

We all engage in co-design, take ownership and embrace accountability.

Support

We are all committed to supporting each other in order to improve outcomes for all.

Leadership

We are all leaders and aspiring leaders who will continually receive the support required to lead with impact and effectiveness.

Expectations

We are all aspirational and work within the Trust expectations towards the highest denominator.

Whybridge Junior School

Key Headlines

• Whybridge Juniors is oversubscribed, with a waiting list for Year 3 places.

• 15 after school clubs (free or subsidised for Pupil Premium pupils).

• New OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme set up to promote positive playtimes and social interaction.

• New toilets for Upper Key Stage 2.

• New Multi-Academy Trust offices based at Whybridge Juniors.

• New sensory room, supporting SEND and SEMH.

• 98% of children are now reading at home, compared with 68% last year.

• 75% of pupils now have a 1:1 device at school.

Awards & Achievements

• Lead staff member for SEND successfully completed the NASENCO qualification.

• Joint partnership with Havering Emotional Support Team (HEST) programme.

• ELSA programme - valuable emotional support for pupils on a daily and weekly basis.

• PSQM Award (Primary Science Quality Mark).

• Artsmark Award.

• Fully accredited Read, Write, Inc (RWI) school.

• KS2 SATS Results - above national average in all areas.

• 93% parents said that they believed their child did well at school - Parents Survey 2023.

“I love playtimes because I don’t have a garden at home.” Student

Parent

Fundraising

Jeans 4 Genes - £190

MacMillan Coffee Morning - £235

Children in Need - £215

Red Nose Day - £445

Poppy Appeal - £136

Fundraising for Young Minds Charity - £400

Fundraising for First Steps Charity - £400

World Book Day - £140

Community Engagement

• Active support for Rainham Foodbank, which is used by members of the school community to ensure no children go without food.

• Strong links with Whybridge Infants.

• Links with Sycamore Trust - parent workshops on supporting pupils with autism.

• Host school for a community KS2 writing moderation.

• The Big Sing community event.

• PC Edwards and PC Drew, our Safer Schools Officers, continue to provide workshops for pupils and parents at Whybridge Juniors.

• CAMHS sessions for pupils, parents and staff on a termly basis.

• Referral to Havering Holiday Programme communicated with parents termly.

• Second hand uniform and free zoodies for pupils eligible for Pupil Premium.

Easy FundRaising - £170.77

Projects

• New quad area

• New classroom for our expansion to 3-form entry

• New toilet block for girls and boys in upper key stage 2

• New Multi-Academy Trust offices

• OPAL playground development

“They have really helped my daughter, I’m so glad I moved her here. Thank you so much for everything you have done so far.”

Scargill Infant School

Key Headlines

• Teaching Staff have good knowledge of all the subjects they teach.

• Learners are supported to develop their character through the wider curriculum and wider work – including their resilience, confidence and independence.

• Leaders focus on improving staff subject, pedagogical and pedagogical content knowledge to enhance the teaching of the curriculum and the appropriate use of assessment.

• Teaching of the wider curriculum is designed and delivered to help learners to remember in the long term the content they have been taught and to integrate new knowledge into larger concepts.

Awards & Achievements

• Attendance is 94.9%, above National average of 93.7%.

• 92% of children leave Year 2 after passing their phonics assessments.

• Participation in different sporting events with the Havering Sports Collective.

• A range of workshops and opportunities for children to visit the local area and wider area e.g. travelling to London to see key landmarks.

• Lakeside Fairy Competition – Winners were Freya and Charlie in Year 2.

• Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 joining i-rock to form their own bands. They chose to either play the keyboard, guitar, drums or sing.

• Free Cinema tickets for Year 1 and Year 2 as well as going to see the film premier of Matilda the Musical at the BFI Southbank.

“Scargill Infant School gave our child an opportunity to learn, to develop and to discover the world in a safe, fun and happy environment.”

Year 2 Parent

Fundraising

Reindeer Run - £2,854.05

British Legion’s Poppy Appeal - £400.46

Save the Children - £200

Community Engagement

• The Year 2 Choir performed with Newtons Primary School and Upminster Infant School at the Christmas and Mother’s Day community fate.

• The Trust’s first ‘Big Sing’ took place at Hornchurch Sports Centre.

• A fund day with TTS Sports Star Adrian Patrick who is a Commonwealth Gold Medallist in the 4x400m relay.

• School worked together with one of our parents to create a Christmas Toy Appeal – we were able to deliver boxes of goodies to 20 of our families.

“It was really fun when we celebrated the King being crowned. We wore red, white and blue and had a party in the hall. It was really fun and I would like to do it again.”

Year 1 Child

Projects

• The Trust’s first Nursery will be opening in September 2023 at Scargill Infant School.

• 20 children from Year 2 attended the school’s first ever ‘Young Voices’ performance with Heather Small.

“I am extremely pleased with the education, care and skills my daughter has gained from Scargill Infant School.”

Scargill Junior School

Key Headlines

• Leaders are able to confidently articulate how they have positively impacted on raising standards.

• Pupil’s work and voice evidences high expectations, accurate and progressive knowledge and skills in all subject areas.

• Pupils’ autonomy within lessons is enabled through the effective use of: assessment, direct teaching and interventions.

• All stakeholders work collaboratively and effectively to continue to promote high standards of attendance, wellbeing and independence.

• Sky Arts Week in which the pupils were encouraged to use the arts to explore their own individuality and what makes each one of us unique.

• Nine year group excursions and held nine inschool workshops.

• Held a fantastic inter-house hockey tournament.

Awards & Achievements

• Successfully embedded Read Write Inc Phonics Scheme.

• Successfully introduced school led tutoring sessions for 66 pupils.

• 3 Members of staff successfully completed NPQ programmes.

• Participated in eight sporting events in the Havering Sports Collective.

• Successful CIF bid used to replace and upgrade the school boilers and heating system.

• Held a successful Business Enterprise week –making a profit of £900.

“All the teachers are approachable and always around should you need to speak to them.”

Parent

Fundraising

Macmillan Coffee Morning - £772.39

Breast Cancer Wear It Pink Day - £517.46

Remembrance Day Poppies - £224.45

Save the Children

Christmas Jumper Day - £25.90

Rabbit Run for BHR Hospital Trust - £217

NSPCC Number Day - £170.50

Children in Need - £268.96

Community Engagement:

• School Choir performed in the inaugural Trust ‘Big Sing’.

• Pupils designed and painted a Morph sculpture for the Wild in Art London Trail in conjunction with the charity Whizz Kids.

• School Choir performed in the Young Voices concert at the O2 and were recorded for a charity single.

• Participated in the Annual Trust Performance Poetry Competition.

• Planted a commemorative King Charles Coronation wildflower garden.

Red Nose Day - £596

Whizz Kids - £750

Place 2 be - £153.55

Parent

“Keep doing what you’re doing – we appreciate all your efforts.”

“I have always felt my child is in a safe environment.”

Upminster Infant School

Key Headlines

• 11 free clubs, 9 available to all children (2023) This year we have been able to extend the clubs available to children that develop skills in music, languages, PE and the arts. 16 clubs were offered to Year 2 children this year (9 paid 7 free), 14 clubs offered to Year 1 children (7 paid 7 free), 4 clubs offered to Year R children (2 paid 2 free).

• Parental engagement continues to develop with a positive response - 94% of parents would recommend the school to another parent with 100% stating that the school has high expectations.

• Enhanced curriculum opportunities continue to strengthen teaching and learning with visits, visitors and workshops.

Awards & Achievements

• Attendance average 95.4%.

• Successful external moderation of year 2 with the majority of the teacher judgements being validated and some being moved up.

• Year 1 winners of Quad Kids athletics 2023.

• Year 2 winners of Quad Kids athletics 2023.

• Participation in Football competition (Spring 2023), Sports hall (Spring 2023), Teddy Bear Olympics (Summer 2023). Non-competitive events.

• Funding received for the development of EYFS.

• Gold award for the Travel Plan.

• Successful CIF bid for School development 2023-2024.

• Continual development and refurbishment of additional learning areas.

• 3 members of staff achieving an NPQ qualification and 2 more enrolled in the 2023-24 cycle.

• Our school has performed at the Havering Music Festival, St Johns Mother’s Day event, the Big Sing and attended many Christmas events in the local community.

Year 2 parent Summer 2023

“Thanks to everyone involved in arranging today’s session. The kids and parents all had big smiles and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It’s another great example of what makes the school so special.”

Year 1 child

Fundraising

Jeans for Genes - £312

British Legion’s Poppy Appeal - £175

Children in Need - £230

Red Nose - £115

PFA fundraising to date £19,000 (15,800 fireworks event 2022)

First Steps - £170.23

• Upminster Infants continues to actively support St Francis hospice, which is an essential local resource.

• Upminster Infants continues to have strong links with Upminster Juniors, with the two schools working together in a variety of ways.

• Links with Sycamore Trust – With Upminster hosting training sessions on supporting pupils with autism.

• Upminster Infants hosted a community KS1 writing moderation event for both Trust and Local Authority schools.

• Our school has performed at the Havering Music festival, St Johns Mother’s Day event, the Big Sing and attended many Christmas events in the local community.

• Local community Safer schools officer PC Edwards, continues to work alongside both pupils and parents at Upminster Infants.

• Second hand uniform sales support parents by keeping the cost of school uniform down.

• Great community engagement has supported the school’s PFA, with established events and donations.

“I love my teacher. My teacher makes everyday fun. I do not like being ill because then I miss school. I have lots of friends and I’m good at maths.”

“The school is forever supportive, with all staff working together to make the days count.”

Community

Engagement:

Upminster Junior School

Key Headlines

• 126 pupils took part in Young Voices at the O2 this year.

• 66 pupils represented our school at the very first HAT ‘Big Sing’ event – 5 of our school choirs came together for this musical extravaganza!

• OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) introduced which allows all pupils to be actively engaged at lunchtimes.

• Participation in 15 sporting events in the Havering Sports Collective with 170 different children representing our school.

• All teachers have run a free lunchtime or after school club, including Art, Maths, sewing, origami, gardening and ECO club.

Awards & Achievements

• This year, our continued focus on curriculum development has led to the following awards: Primary Science Quality Mark Historical Association History Mark Gold Music Award

• 92% of our Year 6 pupils can confidently swim a minimum of 25 metres.

• 4 members of staff have successfully completed NPQs in the following areas: Leading Teaching and Learning, Leading Teacher Development, Behaviour and Culture and Senior Leadership. 2 further members of staff are currently undertaking the NPQ for Senior Leadership.

• 1 member of staff has completed an Instructional Coaching Course.

• Yr 5 came 2nd in Quad Kids out of 38 schools and Year 6 came 7th out of 36.

• Our first UJS has Talent event took place showcasing our pupils’ diverse skills and talents.

“There is fantastic support from the teachers, support staff and leadership team. Hugely impressed with how the school adapts to help overcome challenges pupils face in and out of the classroom.”

Parent, UJS

Year 3 pupil

Fundraising

Local charity for children with autism, First Step - £170.23

Our annual Fireworks Display raised £15, 800 for our school’s PFA!

GOSH - fundraising £2,684

We have also supported the following charities this year: Genes for Jeans, Poppy Appeal, Children in Need and Comic Relief

Community Engagement

• Many older members of our community attended the Y5 WWII production, ‘Edith’s Wartime Scrapbook’.

• Our gardening club have worked with Thames Chase to plant 120 trees on our school field, to help the environment.

• Children in Yr 5 have completed ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ in the local community, working alongside our local church.

“I love everything about UJS and have fun every day! There are so many fun things to do including lots of clubs and there are lots of awards to earn.”

“I feel very valued as a member of staff and have been able to thrive professionally.”

Teacher

Shears Green Infant School

Key Headlines

• Successful alignment to and with the Hornchurch Academy Trust in our first year of being part of the family.

• Installation of a new sensory room to support the well-being of all of our children.

• New sports floor confirmed to be installed October 2023.

• Sustained provision of trips and visitors to enhance the wider curriculum provision: Lower Grange Farm team building day, Bodium Castle, Shorne Country Park, Mini Beast Exploration, Rocky’s Animal Experience, The Great Fire of London and St Paul’s Cathedral Experience, The Booster Theatre Company, The Astrodome Experience, Our 2nd whole school Christmas Theatre Trip and Dinosaur Land Adventure.

Awards & Achievements

• Successful alignment through ECT provision, leader collaboration, shared CPD, introduction of shared management systems for improved communication and school to school support.

• The launch of our new website for improved communication with our parents and beyond.

• Leaders accepted onto, and participating in, the National Professional Qualifications for Early Years Leadership and Headship as well as achieving Local Authority Moderator status.

• Successful collaboration with Read Write Inc providing bespoke training to secure consistency of phonics provision across the school.

• 8 successful applications agreed for High Needs Funding enabling children to receive specialised TA support and provision.

• 40 children accessing specialist music provision at SGIS.

• To develop the provision through Foundation subjects with a focus on concept building across the curriculum.

• To continue to develop and enhance the impact of all leaders.

• To further enhance the knowledge and skills of our TAs to support and lead on interventions.

“My son honestly loves his teachers so much, he talks about them all the time. I’m so grateful he was given such amazing ones!”

Reception Parent

Year 1 parent

Community Engagement:

• Strengthening community links with our Junior School through our transition programme and access to their mini farm.

• Our local community stepped in to share their occupations, skills and talents to enrich our learning experiences.

• Sharing our beautiful singing voices with the congregation at our local church with the amazing Rev. Trudi.

Fundraising

Jeans 4 Genes - £239.30

MacMillan Coffee Morning - £257.38

Children in Need - £341.21

Red Nose Day - £229.47

Poppy Appeal - £201.22

Young Enterprise - £295.00

School Fairs - £2427.97

Easy Fund Raising - £136.00

Harvest Festival Donations - 91.7kg of food provisions

“We have been impressed at how our daughter’s learning and emotional wobbles have been looked after.”

People Matter to us….

“Working for Hornchurch Academy Trust is a big family network. It is wonderful to have an expanded team to work with, share ideas and attend additional professional development opportunities. Everyone is here to achieve the same goals and we work together to create a wider impact and improve outcomes for our children.”

EYFS leader, UIS

“It’s great to have a network of colleagues to refer to and work with to best support the children in our care.”

Office Manager, SGIS

“Working at Whybridge Junior School, as part of the Hornchurch Academy Trust, has been an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience for me. The positive atmosphere, supportive community, and dedication to excellence have made it an outstanding place to work and one where I feel very fortunate to have met the colleagues I have and been given fantastic opportunities during my time here.”

Phase Leader and English Leader, WJS

“Knowing there is a supportive structure to promote and develop professional discussions across year groups, as well as schools, ensures we continue to develop to give the best opportunities for all our children in the Academy Trust.”

EYFS lead, SGIS

“As the parent of a child within the academy I feel happy and confident knowing my child has been and will continue to be supported and encouraged to be the best version of herself. I feel confident in speaking to all staff within the school should I have any queries or concerns regarding my child. My child is happy and thriving within the school.”

Parent, SJS

“As a parent with 2 children that have passed through HAT, and with 2 more currently in Upminster Junior School, I have found the school and wider trust staff to be incredibly thoughtful, caring and passionate about what they do. I think the newsletters and communication as a whole to be excellent, and I really like feeling connected to the wider Trust and not just the local school itself. Furthermore as a governor and trustee I have been able to see “behind the scenes” and can confirm that the best outcome for the children is at the heart of everything the Trust does.”

Parent and Trustee UJS

“It’s wonderful to be a part of a bigger team for subject leads in order to share good practice. Always great to have others to bounce ideas around with.”

Maths Leader, SGIS

“I love working within the deputy and SENCO networks, sharing knowledge and good practice to support the children across the trust.”

Assistant Headteacher, SGIS

“Working for the Hornchurch Academy Trust gives me a support network bigger and better than any I have experienced before.”

HoS, SJS

“It’s great to work in such a supportive and friendly environment in which you love coming to work each day.”

Early Career Teacher, UJS

“As a parent of three children within the Hornchurch Academy Trust, I feel that they are supported throughout all of their school years. There is a very wide variety of extra curricular clubs on offer to all pupils and children feel happy and safe at school. The Hornchurch Academy Trust encourage even the smallest of children to have big ideas and put the needs of all pupils at the forefront of every decision. Staff members are approachable, caring and always willing to listen. I feel very grateful that my children are able to excel socially and academically within such a warm and welcoming school environment.”

Parent, UJS

Hornchurch Academy Trust

Our ambitious and inclusive curriculum aims to educate all students in knowledge, skills, and understanding as well as help them become competent, inquisitive, interested, and independent learners who have a wider perspective on every subject matter.

We work to provide each child with the best start in life and the assistance they need to realise their full potential and find success in the future. This is known as providing the children with the cultural capital they need for future success. We are passionate about creating opportunities for children to communicate successfully and articulately, through developing language and communication skills and specifically teaching vocabulary. We wish our children to believe in their abilities and capabilities, to belong to the school learning community and the wider community and to become successful in their academic career and beyond.

It is our intention that children experience the different areas of learning through a balance of whole class/group teaching and play based learning. We plan to achieve this through following the childrens’ interests, engaging and stimulating themes, continuous provision activities, and whole class teaching.

Learning is carefully planned by the staff to support communication and language development; personal, social and emotional development; and physical development as well as literacy, mathematics, understanding of the world and

expressive arts and design. These strong foundations allow the young inquisitive minds to further develop. Passionate practitioners are at the heart of EYFS, they are great role models who inspire positive relationships. Staff have excellent communication and listening skills. They have good organisational skills to plan the day and respond to the different needs of the children they teach. Staff have the ability to inspire and enthuse young children. They demonstrate positive energy, are resourceful, patient and have a caring nature. Staff respond to the childrens’ individual needs, continually working in collaboration with parents to achieve best outcomes.

This year Scargill Infant School is opening an onsite nursery to aid the continual development of children joining the Scargill family. This nursery is a bespoke resource on the school site allowing a discrete early years key stage. This well organised attractive area will be led by experienced practitioners. The development of the nursery at SIS will enable clear early development and a strong transition into school. Mrs McGahey Head of School states that;

Learning through play can be seen in all environments. This continual provision supports the children to learn and develop. Provision enhancement is through first-hand experience. Environments are enabling and support independence, resilience and ‘awe and wonder’, whilst being purposeful.

“Our nursery provides a structure with educational activities that aid the development of individuals in their learning whilst immersing them in a supportive school environment.”

This includes a Forest School at Shears Green Infant School. This has a positive impact on children in terms of confidence, social skills, language and communication, motivation and concentration, physical skills and knowledge and understanding.

Children demonstrated outstanding behaviour by concentrating on their activities and being happy in each other’s company. Staff kept children safe by teaching them to use equipment carefully and with consideration.

What do parents think about the EYFS

“Upminster Infant School has exceeded our expectations.”

“The teachers have gone above and beyond to give the children a varied and rich range of activities. We have felt very involved with what is happening with regular updates on Google and via social media. This has allowed us to discuss what she has done each day. ”

“I have seen teachers encourage children who may be struggling with the drop off, this is exactly the approach I would want. I have also seen the head teacher greet children by their first name, amazing considering how many children there are.”

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities at Hornchurch Academy Trust

Building partnerships

• Hornchurch Academy Trust have been working closely with Sycamore Trust, which is a charity that supports parents, carers and individuals where Autistic Spectrum Disorder is part of everyday life.

• Sycamore Trust offer parental workshops held within the schools and support parents by providing specialised services which are designed to educate families.

SEND

• At Hornchurch Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on delivering adapted teaching and learning to meet the needs of all SEND pupils.

• Our schools recognise that not all pupils can access all areas of learning and this is supported through the variety of inclusive provisions and practices available, ensuring we make the necessary adjustments.

• Schools offer specialised support to meet the needs of individuals.

• Our schools understand the importance of adapted environments, with all schools benefiting from sensory rooms and other intervention spaces to support specific learning needs.

• They have been educating and empowering staff at Hornchurch Academy Trust, increasing their knowledge and understanding of pupils who are diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder or have a learning disability.

“ The presentation was very well presented. Thank you.”

Promoting well-being

• Hornchurch Academy Trust promote emotional well-being across all schools to ensure our pupils make progress and have a successful transition into adult life.

Training

• Pupils are supported through a range of specialist interventions, with staff having up to date training.

• We ensure that all training carried out is relevant to each school’s needs.

• Collaborative training runs throughout all schools so that good practices are shared.

• Early Career Teachers meet regularly with the Hornchurch Academy Trust group SENDCO to enhance their understanding of supporting pupils with SEND.

Family Support Workers

• Our schools are supported by a FSW who offers support to pupils and families who may require additional help and advice at any time.

• The FSWs are line managed by the Senior Family Support Worker, who provides information mornings, as well as signposting families to a range of services.

Emotional Literacy Support Assistants

• ELSA trained staff support pupils who may experience challenges that detract from their ability to engage in learning.

• They will deliver provisions to support the emotional well-being of the pupils.

Havering Emotional Support Team (HEST)

Havering Emotional Support Team is a new collaborative service which is designed to help meet the emotional wellbeing needs of children and young people in education settings. This support is aimed at children and young people who may be experiencing mild to moderate emotional wellbeing concerns. HEST provides additional support, working alongside school and other professionals as part of the whole school approach.

“The ELSA club helped me with my friendships and supports me throughout. I went out and talked about my emotions. I am very thankful that when I found it hard they supported me and made me brave and happy which is a part of who I am.“

Katie, age 11

“ELSA helped me to behave better and make better choices. It has helped me socialise better and even taught me to take my time.”

Charlie, age 10

WE ARE HAT