Wooler First School , our Development Plan 2004/5

The major concern this year is to prepare the school for a change of headteacher.

It is important that the governors have a clear understanding of those areas of the school that are strong and those areas that need to be developed.  This knowledge will help them to decide the best person to succeed Mr. Ayres. 

• That person must have the abilities to move the school forward in those areas that need to be developed. 

• The new headteacher must also possess qualities that will enable him/her to continue the school’s existing successful practices and procedures.

The completion of Ofsted Form S4 will be the major priority, as it will provide crucial information to help with the appointment of a new headteacher.  It will enable the governors:

• To do a complete audit of the school according to Ofsted criteria.

• Identify the strengths of the school.

• Identify areas that need to be developed.

The time has come when Mr. Ayres has to begin the process of transferring his knowledge of the school to the deputy headteacher.  Thus, Mrs. Green, the deputy headteacher, will take the lead in the completion of the S4 Form.  This will enable her

• To gain comprehensive knowledge of the school,

• which in turn will help her to advise the governors during the appointment process.

• She will also be in a strong position to help and advise the new headteacher in his/her first few months.

Throughout the process she will regularly consult with Mr. Ayres, M. Bishopp (the LEA link adviser) and a named governor (Mr. C. Kane) in order to ensure that a true reflection of the school is achieved

Her first task is to update the information that she has already collated. 

When this has been done she will then be in a position to complete Section 1 of the Form, which will give her an overview of the school.

In the Spring Term 2005 a special meeting of the Governors will be convened at which Mrs. Green will be able to inform the governors about the strengths of the school and areas that need to be developed. 

Mr. Bishopp has agreed to attend this meeting as a consultant and to give the LEA perspective.

The governors will then be in a position to start the appointment process with confidence.