St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School
Laughing – Loving – Learning.
PARENTS’ AND CARERS’ SURVEY
AUTUMN 2016
Your Views Count!
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This document presents the results of our Annual Survey of Parent/Carer Views. The Survey was
carried out in Autumn 2016.
This Survey – and the other smaller surveys we carry out from time to time – will help to shape
the ongoing development of the school.
Thank you to all parents/carers who completed our Survey
1. Overall Results of the Survey
46 Surveys were returned which represents 62 children. There were 91 children from Foundation 2 to
Year 6 at the time of the survey which results in a 68% response rate as a percentage of children on roll.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
My child is happy at
school
My child feels safe at this
school
My child makes good
progress at this school
My child is well looked
after at this school
My child is well taught at
this school
My child receives
appropriate homework
for their age.
This school makes sure
the pupils are well
behaved.
This school deals
effectively with bullying.
This school is well led and
managed
This school is a welcoming
and pleasant place to visit
I receive valuable
information about my
child’s progress
There are a good range of
clubs for my child to enjoy
The school has a good
reputation in the local
community.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
60%
34%
73%
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Total % in
agreement
Total %
who
disagree
6%
94%
6%
24%
3%
97%
3%
69%
27%
3%
97%
3%
74%
23%
3%
97%
3%
74%
21%
2%
3%
95%
2%
53%
42%
2%
3%
95%
2%
56%
37%
3%
3%
93%
3%
53%
35%
5%
5%
88%
7%
74%
24%
2%
98%
2%
74%
24%
98%
0%
69%
29%
2%
98%
2%
50%
43%
3%
93%
5%
64%
36%
2%
98%
2%
2%
Don’t
Know
2%
2%
2%
Due to rounding
2% = 1 response
3% = 2 responses
5% = 3 responses
Next, we will take each question in turn and add our response.
2. Our Response to the survey results, question by question
1) My child is
Strongly
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Don’t
Total % in
happy at school
Agree
Disagree
Know
agreement
60%
34%
6%
0%
0%
94%
Our Response: We are pleased that 94% of children are happy at school. We know how
important this is to you, as a parent/carer. We work hard to ensure that the children are able
to thrive & flourish, that they feel safe, and that lessons and other activities are enjoyable.
Happy children are happy and productive learners! We are however disappointed that 6%
feel that their children are unhappy at school. We will speak to the 2 families and 3 children
who are not happy to find out what it is that makes them unhappy and what we can do to
improve the situation.
2) My child feels
safe at this school
Strongly
Agree
73%
Agree
24%
Disagree
3%
Strongly
Disagree
0%
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
0%
97%
Our Response: We are delighted that 97% of children feel safe. We have several systems &
procedures to ensure that we are a safe school – for example our Safeguarding systems, ,
anti-bullying policies, Playground Buddies etc. We have effective internet filtering systems,
and we teach the children about staying safe online We also strongly promote mutual
respect, & we encourage the children to be caring toward each other. We are however,
extremely concerned that there is 3% (2 children) who don’t feel safe. This is something that
will be done urgently as every child must feel safe at school as a basic necessity.
3) My child makes
good progress at
this school
Strongly
Agree
69%
Agree
27%
Disagree
3%
Strongly
Disagree
0%
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
0%
97%
Our Response: We have worked very hard as a staff during a time of enormous change in
the curriculum and assessment to ensure that all children make the best possible progress.
We will continue to work hard to maintain parental satisfaction in this area. We keep parents
informed through Parent evenings, via our Home-School diaries, and through the new Class
Dojo System. We also have an open door policy which allows you to speak to the teacher
about your child’s progress and make an appointment if necessary. We will continue to work
together with you to help you engage in your child’s learning too and work with school to
help your child make good progress.
4) My child is well
looked after at this
school.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
74%
23%
3%
0%
0%
97%
Our Response: We’ve aimed to create a caring environment in school, within which all
children feel safe and well cared for. All of the adults in school are caring and considerate
with the children. We are delighted that so many parents have confidence in what we do in
terms of ensuring children are well looked after. We are introducing a named pastoral
worker for each child in school to ensure that they have a named person that they have
chosen to be able to talk to when needed. We are also introducing Anti-Bullying
ambassadors for each year so that children have peers that they can talk to too.
5) My child is well
taught at this
school
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
74%
21%
2%
0%
3%
95%
Our Response: We are delighted that so many parents have the confidence in our staff in
order to give all of our children the best education. We are continuing to develop the high
skills of our teachers and teaching assistants to carry out their core role. We are working
closely with our link school, the schools in our catholic family of schools, and with our
geographical family. We are also delighted with the introduction of Mrs McGough to our
team.
6) My child receives
appropriate
homework for their
age.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
53%
42%
2%
0%
3%
95%
Our Response: We are pleased that our 95% of parents agree with this statement as it is
something that is often controversial and often has some children wanting more and some
children wanting less. We aim to provide homework that is meaningful, and which links to
and supports the work that is going on in class. We are also aware that the percentage of
children who strongly agree is lower in this area than many others. In order to try and
improve this, and to improve consistency in homework set throughout school, we have since
purchased workbooks for every child from Y1 to Y6 which links closely to the Maths and
English curriculum at the level that the children are working at.
7) This school
makes sure the
pupils are well
behaved.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
56%
37%
3%
0%
3%
93%
Our Response: We have high expectations for good behaviour in school - all children are
clear as to what those expectations are (and in fact they helped to formulate them). We
place strong emphasis on mutual respect. We have introduced a new reward system in place
to reward good behaviour and deal effectively & consistently with any inappropriate
behaviour. All staff, including lunchtime staff, are trained in positive behaviour management.
Having said all of that, it’s worth noting that our aim is to enable the children to develop an
understanding of why good behaviour helps them and helps others – it certainly isn’t about
‘obedience’ as such. We have also introduced a new scheme to support the new curriculum
this year which should help to keep children and engaged in their learning and
demonstrating excellent learning behaviour.
8) This school deals
effectively with
bullying.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
53%
35%
5%
2%
5%
88%
Our Response: The fact that 5% of parents have responded ‘don’t know’ perhaps means
that we need to spread the word amongst parents/carers about our very effective AntiBullying approaches. We worked with the local authority last year to put on training sessions
for staff and a separate one for parent. Unfortunately, the parent session with the County
Anti-Bullying Coordinator was not well attended. We have recently shared the Anti-Bullying
policy with parents via the website for consultation and no responses have come back in
from parents. We have also consulted with the House Captains and Vice-Captains over the
anti-bullying policy to which they added some points. They are now going to work on a
student friendly anti-bullying policy. We participated in the recent National Anti-Bullying
Week and have introduced Anti-Bullying Ambassadors for each class who were elected by
their peers. We have a zero-tolerance of bullying – any suspected bullying is addressed
rigorously. The children are familiar with our approaches & know who to ‘tell’ if they
experience or see bullying. Staff are trained in how to deal with bullying. Any bullying
incidents are reported on a termly basis to Governors via the Headteacher’s report to
Governors. Direct contact will be made, where possible as some forms were anonymous,
with parents who don’t feel that the school deals effectively with bullying. This 7% is a figure
that we take extremely seriously and will act to reduce immediately.
9) This school is well
led and managed.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
74%
24%
2%
0%
0%
98%
Our Response: We are delighted that such a high percentage of parents/carers see
leadership and management as very effective. Our Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher
want the very best for every child, family and for every member of staff, and they will ‘move
mountains’ to ensure that every child achieves well, in a happy and safe environment. We
have a clear structure in place in terms of leadership and management at St. Patrick’s and
are currently working hard to develop Middle Leaders In addition, every teacher is a leader,
of their class and of a curriculum area. All of our leaders are 100% committed to making the
school successful – we are highly aspirational, and determined to make the school the best
that it can possibly be, for every child. Our Governing Body actively holds our leaders to
account, contributes to the strategic development of the school, and supports the school in
an energetic and ambitious manner.
10) This school is a
welcoming and
pleasant place to
visit.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
74%
24%
0%
0%
2%
98%
Our Response: We are very keen that anyone who visits St. Patrick’s feels welcomed –
parents & carers, other professionals, & those who visit to carry out work. A cheery greeting
and a smile are important. We also like to think that visitors pick-up and sense that our
school is a special place, where everyone is valued. Lots of visitors have said that they can
feel the welcome and sense the positive atmosphere.
11) I receive
valuable information
about my child’s
progress.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
69%
29%
2%
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
98%
Our Response: The school holds two termly Parents’ Evenings which are very well attended
and our staff are always happy to rearrange appointments for those who are unable to make
it. We have an open door policy for teachers to discuss any concerns regarding your child’s
progress that you may have. We issue a detailed Annual Pupil Report. Over the past 2 years,
we have begun to add Learning Workshops for to give parents a chance to work alongside
their child in school. In addition, we are flexible & welcoming in terms of organising any
additional meetings with teachers that parents might request. We will continue to review
and work with parents and carers to ensure that we communicate children’s progress
effectively.
12) There are a good
range of
extracurricular
activities (Clubs) for
my child to enjoy
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
50%
43%
3%
2%
2%
93%
Our Response: Since the Parent survey we have introduced a whole new range of extracurricular clubs. There is at least one club on every lunchtime and at least one after-school
club every day from Monday to Thursday. We have asked the children what clubs they want
and have been able to meet a lot of the needs through starting clubs such as IPad, cooking
and Choir. The responses who disagree are more towards the after-school clubs. It is not as
easy to provide after-school clubs for that age range but we have opened the ipad club to
KS1 (only 1 child has joined this to date.) We are also looking to open the Sports club up to
KS1 too. After Christmas, KS1 will also be participating in whole school instrument tuition.
12) There are a good
range of
extracurricular
activities (Clubs) for
my child to enjoy
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
50%
43%
3%
2%
2%
93%
Our Response: Since the Parent survey we have introduced a whole new range of extracurricular clubs. There is at least one club on every lunchtime and at least one after-school
club every day from Monday to Thursday. We have asked the children what clubs they want
and have been able to meet a lot of the needs through starting clubs such as IPad, cooking
and Choir. The responses who disagree are more towards the after-school clubs. It is not as
easy to provide after-school clubs for that age range but we have opened the ipad club to
KS1 (only 1 child has joined this to date.) We are also looking to open the Sports club up to
KS1 too. After Christmas, KS1 will also be participating in whole school instrument tuition.
13) The school has a
good reputation in
the community.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
Total % in
agreement
64%
36%
2%
0%
0%
98%
Our Response: Over the past 2 years we have worked extremely hard to raise the status
and reputation of the school. We want the local community to feel proud of the school. Our
strategies have included: Introducing new staff (leadership & teaching), improving the quality
of teaching, creating an engaging curriculum, working closely with parents, adopting a
welcoming and positive ethos, issuing newsletters and creating a positive and informative
website. We are aware that we are not fully there yet and this will be helped greatly with a
good rating from Ofsted which we are striving extremely hard for. Any feedback or
suggestions to improve this will be very welcome.
There was also an optional question of
Would you recommend St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School to other parents.
100% of those that replied to the question said YES!
3. Other Comments
1) Carry on the good work.
2) Brilliant School. All 3 have settled in lovely 
3) Love this school.
4) (Name) really enjoys this school for the most part although there are a few
times where there has been a lot of confusion about school / homework
expectations and now reading!
5) Nearly all the after-school clubs are for key stage 2 children.
6) Too much homework. Thank you.
7) Fab school. (Name) enjoys it. No issues.
8) My 3 girls are very happy at St. Pat’s and I am very happy too.
9) In 2015 I was thinking of moving out of the area; the school and (name’s)
confidence in it convinced me to stay.
10) I am very happy with how the staff at this school help Brooke to grow and
flourish. I believe all the students are a credit to the hard-working staff.
11) St. Patrick’s is a lovely approachable school all staff are friendly. More
warning for events would be great and more after-school clubs for KS1 Yr2. Very
Happy Mummy 
5. Next steps - We are acting upon the Survey in the following ways:
The responses we have given to the points raised in the survey set-out many of the actions we
are taking. However, to sum up how we will respond to your feedback (survey questions and
written comments), we promise that we will take the steps set out below:
 We will maintain all of the ways that we already communicate with you regarding your child’s
learning & progress, and we will look closely at how we can develop this even further.
 We will publicise our policy on Anti-Bullying, so that all parents understand what our
approach is and how effective it is
 We will continue to put on workshops we already do on E-Safety, for children &
parents/carers, and we will ensure that parents/carers are kept fully informed about the ways
that we tackle issues around all relevant aspects of online safety, social networking, and so on.
 We will look at opening up more after-school clubs to Key Stage 1
 We will look at re-starting our Family Forum sessions every half-term to give you the
opportunity to chat and discuss any current issues.
 We will continue to develop the role of the House Captains and Vice-Captains to ensure all
pupils get a voice in how the school grows.
Thankyou…
..for responding to our Survey!
If you have any queries or concerns, no matter how small they might seem,
please do not hesitate to call into school, speak to your child’s teacher, or speak
to the Head or Deputy Head, or speak to our Office staff.
We are all here to help!
If you’re happy, and your child is happy,
then we’re happy!