Two Down but how many left to go?????

So Mary Rushe is improving her career and going to be an outreach worker
We don't think so!!!
We wouldn't like to claim yet another victory in this websites' 4 year or so career,
because that sounds a bit arrogant and confrontational.
Nobody wins here

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Nurse Anna Howard-Price moves on
Well once the school has found a replacement that is.
Our views have been expressed previously.

TWO DEPUTY HEADTEACHERS REQUIRED for Sept 2008 Closing Date 28th April. Interviews 6th and 8th May Let's explore how the school perceives itself, now the finances have been sorted out(?) and most of the old guard has gone. There are signs of genuine improvement, however the main argument of this website is  THE TOTAL EXCLUSION OF MOST PARENTS. This is still bizarre and unlike any other school, let alone Special School (1) " You will be an excellent classroom practioner" ie: you will have to work your butt off in as well as out of the classroom (2) You will need to "generate a passion for learning" - don't all teachers in theory? (3)  "Demonstrate proven leadership, management and interpersonal skills" Wouldn't that be wonderful if the two new deputies could do that. Manna from heaven. (4) "We are committed to improvement in an environment where everyone is valued " except the parents of course who have as a group been treated appallingly for a long, long time (5) " HFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children" even though the Head has an Official Police Caution for assaulting a pupil and hasn't even apologised yet! SO PLEASE COME AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT OUR SCHOOL. The parents just want to be treated in a civil way.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN  for May 2008 to April 2009  (Draft)
(a) " To agree a School vision Statement which projects the values and expectations of the school, for its pupils, staff, parents and stakeholders"
Although the pupils are the most important  group in this, we hope parents will have a genuine role in the next year, and will look for improvements
(b) " a collaborative approach with parents " setting personal learning targets for children
 Parents please monitor that you are collaborated with in setting targets.
(c) To develop a multi-agency approach to managing pupils' challenging behaviour
Yes, good, perhaps staff could endeavour to find out why a pupil has challenging behaviour, in order to find the best approach to improving it. Positive reinforcement (encouragement) is a good method!!1
(d) "to broaden and increase theraputic provision" Yes. It has been very distressing to many parents to see how therapies, which are normal in other Special schools have almost been obliterated at HFS . 20%-by April 2008 - that would be a start...
Does the Counsellor have a qualification? (We've no idea)
What does art, drama, and play therapy tell you about the numbers of EBDs  - there are lots.
(e) "To set up a new school website" Bring it on !!
(f)  "Provide a drop-in service " for up to 5 children 0-5 ". Good heavens, allowing 'outsiders in. Whatever next ! Allowing parents in?
(g) "improve the effectiveness of gathering the views of pupils, PARENTS, carers and stakeholders. We don't think they listen very much to us, do we?
(h) "to meet DCSF Financial management standards"
Has the financial black hole been sorted out yet?
Is that why the number of pupils varies so much from 70, to 103 to 120 (for new Dep. Heads)
Do you think they are quickly restoring the deficit by halving the number of pupils for a while!!! Don't the parents deserve a truthful explanation of the finances over  many years ?
(i) "governing body" "as critical friends"  At last they have recognised a phrase we on the website used  years ago. A Governor should be FAIRLY elected, no sham elections, but once elected they  should have the courage and intelligence to be a 'critical friend' and be appreciated by the management and school as such.
(j) "to work with PARENTS to maintain an effective PTA"
We hope the PTA can be more genuinely INCLUSIVE of all PARENTS, not just a small clique, and not just be a money raising group, noble though that is.
(k) "to develop a facility for lifelong learning," "pupils will benefit from training opportunities"  A FACILITY in one year??
(l) "accessible toilet facilities" in the entrance. See someone  does listen!
(m) "to achieve specialist school status"  3 year plan. We haven't decided what yet, but we're sure someone will come up with a good idea soon. After all Burnt Mill are a Specialist Table Tennis School - now who on earth had the 'vision' for that one. We're sure that there is plenty of humour left in this one. Keep viewing.
(n) "to gain New Model Special School status" About bloody time. Still we suppose the financial black hole amongst other things have held things back.
Is anyone ever going to spell it out to parents what a NMSS school is?
(o) "to achieve the health schools award." Some  of you may have thought the school already had this but as pointed out ages ago if you look closely at the logo it says WORKING TOWARDS. Isn't that a modern way of saying failed?
(p) "To  restore upper hydro therapy pool," " to renovate lower school pool facilities".
Can the school make up its mind.  First there were 2 pools, then there was one for a long time, then there are none (disgraceful) but wasn't this another way to fill a black financial hole? So we look upon this three year plan as a sign that normal financial service may be resumed within three years.
Can we please have these building projects done in holiday time, as the large number of autistic pupils have problems with noise and disruption? Can the school ensure that Health and Safety issues with building work are carefully planned?

Parents need to think what has been done to the school facilities in the last 8 or 9 years, and probably conclude b***er all. except putting in piped water to replace tank water because a few parents insisted (and were then demonised!!) That's because the money was going elsewhere.   So a lot of food for thought and a lot of good things have happened  - just one very big one has not and that is of course the INCLUSION OF PARENTS So we welcome a sign that the school is willing to re-invest in facilities like pools, and just hope that this bodes well for the future of HFS.