21 Sep 2007 - Results of Parents' Surveys
Whole School Safety Consultation regarding climbing frame pole
The children came up with the following ideas:
Younger pupils to be trained how to use the pole by older children and teachers.
Have a softer landing area.
Have an adult supervising at all times.
Have instructions displayed showing children how to use the equipment.
Children to use it sensibly, taking care of others.
Parents came up with the following ideas:
The pole to be painted a different colour to differentiate it from the surroundings.
A height restriction rule and sign as is seen in theme parks.
Pole to be supervised by an adult at all times.
An age restriction, with only years 2, 3 and 4 being allowed to use it.
Children to be trained in how to use the pole.
A new surface be installed as the current one has hardened.
Thank you very much for your input on this subject, it has been extremely valuable.
I would like to put your minds at ease on the following:
The pole is constantly supervised at all playtimes, with staff positioned next to the pole. I am currently analysing finances to see if further supervisors can be employed at lunchtime.
The surface is suitable for high level equipment and has been checked by the Local Authority as part of our health and safety policy.
Upon my own and other staff observations I believe that years 2, 3 and 4 are able to use the equipment safely and the whole school have had part of an assembly dedicated to discussing safety and awareness of others.
I have personally worked with year 1 on how to use the equipment and have checked each individual to see if they are able to do so. The good news is that they all are!
I do believe the idea of instructions emphasising safety and awareness of other children around the pole is a positive way forward.
We will investigate improved signage around the area to this effect.
The height restriction board is an excellent idea. However, when working with year 1 it became obvious to me that a certain technique at the top of the pole made how tall the child is totally irrelevant, (which shows how much I know about play equipment and capabilities of children!!!). Therefore, my initial concern was unfounded.
Later in the year Reception children will be trained in the technique before being allowed to use the pole when we feel they are confident and competent.
The colour of the pole does blend in with the surroundings and is becoming shabby in its appearance.
The pole will be painted a different colour that will give it more emphasis and make it look better.
If you have any individual concerns with the outcome of this consultation please come and see me. We want you to be assured that we have your child's best interests at heart and take our duty of care very seriously. We would therefore take individual wishes into account.
Thank you for your very positive comments about this consultation and also your wonderful, supportive comments regarding the staff and school procedures.
J.Tilley 21st September 2007
Extended Services Questionnaire - Analysis of Hindlip parents' responses
Thank you for taking the time to complete the questionnaire. We received thirty responses about what services you would like to be able to access in our area.
If you chose the very important option 5 points were allocated to that service, important 4 points, no strong opinion 3 points, unimportant 2 points and very unimportant 1 point. Therefore the higher the amount of points the more important you felt that area was. The results (in rank order) are shown below:
Service/opportunity Points
Sports Clubs 141
Quick access to health services 132
Music Clubs 131
Access to ICT facilities 125
Art Clubs 122
Adult and family learning opportunities 120
Childcare for working parents 119
Access to parenting and/or
family support programmes 117
Quick access to social services 112
Your opinions will be reported at the next Extended Services meeting which is scheduled for October 2nd. Thank you.
The children came up with the following ideas:
Younger pupils to be trained how to use the pole by older children and teachers.
Have a softer landing area.
Have an adult supervising at all times.
Have instructions displayed showing children how to use the equipment.
Children to use it sensibly, taking care of others.
Parents came up with the following ideas:
The pole to be painted a different colour to differentiate it from the surroundings.
A height restriction rule and sign as is seen in theme parks.
Pole to be supervised by an adult at all times.
An age restriction, with only years 2, 3 and 4 being allowed to use it.
Children to be trained in how to use the pole.
A new surface be installed as the current one has hardened.
Thank you very much for your input on this subject, it has been extremely valuable.
I would like to put your minds at ease on the following:
The pole is constantly supervised at all playtimes, with staff positioned next to the pole. I am currently analysing finances to see if further supervisors can be employed at lunchtime.
The surface is suitable for high level equipment and has been checked by the Local Authority as part of our health and safety policy.
Upon my own and other staff observations I believe that years 2, 3 and 4 are able to use the equipment safely and the whole school have had part of an assembly dedicated to discussing safety and awareness of others.
I have personally worked with year 1 on how to use the equipment and have checked each individual to see if they are able to do so. The good news is that they all are!
I do believe the idea of instructions emphasising safety and awareness of other children around the pole is a positive way forward.
We will investigate improved signage around the area to this effect.
The height restriction board is an excellent idea. However, when working with year 1 it became obvious to me that a certain technique at the top of the pole made how tall the child is totally irrelevant, (which shows how much I know about play equipment and capabilities of children!!!). Therefore, my initial concern was unfounded.
Later in the year Reception children will be trained in the technique before being allowed to use the pole when we feel they are confident and competent.
The colour of the pole does blend in with the surroundings and is becoming shabby in its appearance.
The pole will be painted a different colour that will give it more emphasis and make it look better.
If you have any individual concerns with the outcome of this consultation please come and see me. We want you to be assured that we have your child's best interests at heart and take our duty of care very seriously. We would therefore take individual wishes into account.
Thank you for your very positive comments about this consultation and also your wonderful, supportive comments regarding the staff and school procedures.
J.Tilley 21st September 2007
Extended Services Questionnaire - Analysis of Hindlip parents' responses
Thank you for taking the time to complete the questionnaire. We received thirty responses about what services you would like to be able to access in our area.
If you chose the very important option 5 points were allocated to that service, important 4 points, no strong opinion 3 points, unimportant 2 points and very unimportant 1 point. Therefore the higher the amount of points the more important you felt that area was. The results (in rank order) are shown below:
Service/opportunity Points
Sports Clubs 141
Quick access to health services 132
Music Clubs 131
Access to ICT facilities 125
Art Clubs 122
Adult and family learning opportunities 120
Childcare for working parents 119
Access to parenting and/or
family support programmes 117
Quick access to social services 112
Your opinions will be reported at the next Extended Services meeting which is scheduled for October 2nd. Thank you.