Hinstock School
ANNUAL PARENTS MEETING JULY 2009
CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT
As Governors we feel that it is very important to meet with parents to discuss the main events that have happened during the last year, and most importantly, to listen to any general issues that parents may wish to discuss with Governors about the school
For parents wishing to look at the details of the school performance this is available on the school profile on www.schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk
I talked a little last year about the process for rationalizing the number of primary schools in the County. A number of consultation meetings were held and several Governors, including myself, attended and set out views out for the retention of small schools. Since then, the structure of local Government has changed and the new leader of Shropshire Council has clearly stated his commitment to keeping small village schools open. We are awaiting further news of the independent review and the Governors will continue to watch developments closely. We do however remain very confident about the future of the school.
Pupil numbers dropped slightly which has meant that we have had to look at class arrangements for the autumn term whilst maintaining 4 classes. We are confident that numbers will continue to increase and the projections for 2010 are encouraging.
We are taking active steps to publicize the school including the production of a new leaflet. Also the school now has its own website www.hinstockprimary.co.uk
We had a pilot OFSTED Inspection and we were encouraged that overall the school was judged as satisfactory with a number of areas judged as good. We were pleased with the result of the inspection.
The school nursery, Hinstock Hedgehogs celebrated their first birthday in April and is going from strength to strength
To improve safety and provide somewhere for parents to wait when collecting their children at the end of school, a new path and shelter have been built.
A whole range of activities have taken place this year including the Balkan singers/choir through the support of Arts Live. The Bags for School initiative was well supported and raised £1180 this year. The running club is a great success as is the gardening club which won 1st prize at the Taste of the Town in Market Drayton.
The school has taken part in the inter-schools events swimming, football, cross country running and recorder and singing festivals
The safety of the children is always uppermost in our minds and this year the school achieved the Safer Schools Initiative.
The success of the school and the provision of the many activities do not just happen. It is as a result of a huge amount of work by many people.
As Chairman I wish to record my thanks to the school staff for achieving so much in what was a challenging year. To my fellow Governors who give a lot of time voluntarily in supporting the school, to the PTA who work incredibly hard to organize social events and to raise money for the school. To the parents who help in school with reading, swimming and the running club. To everyone else who has had a hand in making Hinstock School a school to be proud of.
Martin Kent
Chairman of Governors
Hinstock School