1. Conduct of the School

   a.    The work of the Governing Body

   A full meeting of the Governing Body was held once a term and received a full report from the Headteacher at each meeting. The governors also complete much of their work in committees, which report back to the full Governing Body. Present committees include Finance, Personnel, Curriculum, Buildings and Grounds, Admissions and Admissions Appeals and a Disciplinary Committee.

   The governors have a programme of termly visits to the school to see the children and staff at work. This year every governor has been linked with a particular teacher in the school and has undertaken class visits to monitor the work of the school. Written and oral feedback has been given to the full governors' meetings, and has been most encouraging.

   In their meetings the governing body has discussed aspects of the National Curriculum, staffing, the school budget, admissions to the school, health and safety and post-OfSTED developments. Some governors have attended training sessions organised by the Medway Unitary Authority.

   It is, once again, evident to the governors that the school is well ordered and full credit must go to Mr. Pichowski, the Headteacher, for his leadership and the dedicated team of teachers, learning support assistants, administration officers and other support staff who have all responded excellently.

    

2. The school organisation

   a.    General

   In September 2000 the school opened with 554 children on roll, organised in 21 classes (9 infant and 12 junior). In January 2001 the reception aged children born between 1st March and 31st August 1996 were admitted. These children and their parents had pre-school visits, in the term before their entry.

   b.    Curriculum

   Napier Primary offers a broad and balanced curriculum, promoting sound intellectual, physical and personal development, which, in turn, prepares pupils thoroughly for the next stage of their education.

   Following the successful implementation of the Literacy Hour, the school has responded equally well with the teaching of Numeracy, the teachers clearly having responded to the training offered.

   Teachers have produced a new curriculum based on government guidelines, with additional elements added, such as I.C.T. links, and spiritual, moral, cultural and social elements contained within the subject areas.

   c.    Target setting

   The Government has set national targets for the number of pupils gaining level 4 in Maths and English for the year 2002: 75% for Maths and 80% for English. Each school must now predict the percentage of pupils to achieve level 4+ in these subjects by the time they reach the end of Year 6. The staff and governors have explored, in some detail, how our standards compared in the two stages. The staff carefully studied current achievement and have predicted that next summer (2002) 82% will achieve level 4+ in Maths and 82% in English. Assessment Tests results are published at the end of this report.

   d.    Extra Curricular Activities

   Fifteen different after school activities are currently running and the governors commend the staff for their continued commitment. The activities range from recorders to art to computers etc. The Breakfast Club, which is funded by the Gillingham Partnership is extremely successful with over 130 pupils attending on a daily basis.

   Year 6 enjoyed an exciting long weekend as Osmington Bay, Dorset and the governors thank Miss Thomas, Mrs Evenden and Miss Shephard for giving freely of their own time providing the children with this valuable opportunity. Years 3 & 4 went on their weekend residential trip to Swattenden and Mrs Savage, Miss Vincett, Mrs Stewart and Miss Gallagher are also thanked for their time.

   Children have been involved with various efforts to support charities. The summer production, last year raised £204.88 for Leukaemia Research. Staff and children presented splendid Christmas concerts, which were well supported by parents, enabling £187.69 to be raised for Demelza House. In March 2001, £253.36 was raised by the school for Comic Relief.

   The governors take this opportunity to thank all parents for their generosity at all fundraising events.

   e.    Special Needs

   At present Mrs. Dunster, Special Needs Co-ordinator, receives five days per week without a class commitment to carry out her duties as SENCO, reporting regularly to the Special Educational Needs governor, Mrs. L. Stephens on school issues. The school's Special Needs Policy has been adopted by the governors, but will need to be reviewed due to changes in legislation.

   At the last Special Educational Needs audit the figures were as follows:

           Level 1 - 73 children
           Level 2 - 30 children
           Level 3 - 38 children
           Level 4 - 1 child
           Statemented - 6 children

   This represents 25.29% of Years R - 6, a decrease of 2% on last year.

   The school also identifies more able children and Mrs. Collins has responsibility for organising suitable activities for this. Setting takes place in Year 5 & 6 for Science, Maths and English. From Year 2 - 4 setting takes place in English and Maths. This system is designed to challenge and meet the needs of all children. The school has a growing number of pupils for whom English is an additional language and they are most ably supported by Mrs Adesina, Miss Sehgal and Ms Shamim.

   f.    Behaviour Policy

   The Code of Conduct Policy has proved itself once again, with no children being excluded from school during the academic year.

   g.    Facilities for staff and pupils with physical disabilities

   Site A, B and D buildings are accessible to pupils with physical disabilities. The school has adopted all aspects of the Authority's Equal Opportunities Policy.

   h.    The School Development Plan

   The School Development Plan is reviewed and updated annually and reflects all aspects of the school's development. In addition to the curriculum development already mentioned (2 (b)), other matters are referred to in the report on premises.

    

3. Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff

   Last year was a settled year for staffing, but this year a number of teachers have left the school.

   Mr. Cornish gained promotion and went to Oakfield Junior School at the end of the Spring Term (3½ years at Napier).

   Miss Thomas is getting married and going to Balfour Junior School (5 years at Napier).

   Mrs. Collins has obtained a teaching post at Fairview Junior School (3 years at Napier).

   Miss Dimond is moving to Lowestoft (5 years at Napier).

   Mrs. Huxtable has obtained a senior management team post at a school in Staffordshire (5 years at Napier).

   Miss Archard will start maternity leave in September.

   Mrs. Jenkins will start maternity leave in November.

   Mr. Howell will be leaving after a one term contract.

   We wish all these teachers well for the future.

   The new deputy headteacher, Mrs. Slade, took up her post on the 14th May 2001.

   Next term we will welcome to the teaching staff Miss Tinsley, Miss Grenfell, Mr. Wake, Mrs Kendall, Miss Covington and Miss Oakley.

   Mrs. Hurley left at Easter to pursue a new career.

   The school has continued to benefit from the work done by the caretaker/site technician, Mr Guscott. The governors thank him and the cleaning staff for keeping the school in such good condition.

   The mid-day meals supervisors led by Mrs. Macaulay, continue in their care for the children at Breakfast Club and lunchtime and the governors are grateful for their contribution to school life.

   The kitchen has catered well for the school thanks to Mrs. Carwardine and her team.

   Without the help of the learning support staff and the number of parents who assist the teaching staff the school would be the poorer. The governors acknowledge with gratitude this work.

    

4. The Wendy House Pre-School

   The pre-school continues to operate alongside the work of the main school as an independent unit, and benefits many of the children who transfer into our reception classes. The governors record their thanks to the pre-school.

    

5. Parent, Teacher Association

   The P.T.A. have continued the magnificent tradition of support for the school with a wide range of social and fund raising activities. The governors thank all the committee members for their hard work for the school.

    

6. Transfer to secondary education

   Twenty seven children have been assessed for places at local grammar schools (fifteen boys and twelve girls) and the remaining children have gained places at Robert Napier, Upbury Manor, Medway Community College, Greenacres, The Howard High School, Chapter School and Rainham School for Girls. Arrangements have been made for all Year 6 children to visit their new schools and also the head of Year 7 to visit Napier Primary School to talk to the children. The school is proud of all Year 6 children and the governors wish them every success as they leave Napier in July. The Leavers' Assembley will be at Napier Primary School on 24th July.

    

7. Buildings Committee

   The members of this committee are:

   Mr. Short (Chair), Mr. Guscott and Mrs. Stephens.

    

8. Building Maintenance

   The following works have taken place to enhance the learning environment in the school:
   

9. Playing Field

   The field is in good condition and the fencing around the perimeter remains intact. The field has been used in the summer months.

    

10. Finance

    The Finance Committee consists of:

    Mr. Mitchener (Chair), Mrs Tomkins, Miss Thomas and Mr. Short.

    During the year, the Finance Committee have met on three occasions to monitor the school's income and expenditure and to deal with staff related issues. The school accounts are healthy and costs are being tightly controlled, as in previous years.

    Last year the school received £1,118,912 Local Management allocation from the Local Education Authority. Total expenditure was £1,003,918 leaving a rollover of £114,994. The school's Standards Fund budget was £70,841 and expenditure was £70,539.

    The balance on the School Fund on the 31st August 2000 was £6,931.42. These funds are used to subsidise swimming, school trips, visitors and our Book Week etc. Full audited accounts will be received by the Governing Body.

    There are many challenges in ensuring that the financial management of the school supports and enhances the quality of education for our children. There is an increasing desire by central government to delegate services, previously provided by the LEA, to individual schools. This in turn requires an increased amount of administrative work on the part of the school secretary and Head Teacher. The Finance Committee acknowledges this work and expresses its appreciation to Mr. Pichowski and Mrs. Sears.

     

11. Admission of pupils

    A total of 84 new entrants and 28 older children have been admitted since September 2000.

     

12. Suspension of pupils

    None

     

13. Complaints

    There was one complaint of a racial nature, which was dealt with by the Head Teacher.

     

14. Absences - authorised and unauthorised

    There have been 8280 approved absences and 808 unapproved absences. These figures are based on two sessions each day. One missed session equals on absence. The governors record their thanks to parents for their diligence in this matter.

     

15. School Times

    School times are as follows:

    Key Stage 1 (Infants)        8.55 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. and 1.10 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.
    Key Stage 2 (Juniors)        8.55 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. and 1.10 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.

    All children have a fifteen minute break in the morning and only Yr R have a fifteen minute break in the afternoon.

     

16. Dates of School Terms and Holidays 2001 - 2002

    Autumn Term 2001
    Start:	Thursday, 6th September
    Finish:	Friday, 21st December
    Half Term:	Monday, 22nd October to Friday, 26th October
    Non-Contact Day:	Wednesday, 5th September
    Non-Contact Day:	Monday, 1st October
    Spring Term 200
    Start:	Tuesday, 8th January
    Finish:	Wednesday, 27th March
    Half Term:	Monday, 11th February to Friday, 15th February
    Non-Contact Day:	Monday, 7th January
    Non-Contact Day:	Monday, 18th February
    Summer Term 2002
    Start:	Thursday, 11th April
    Finish:	Tuesday, 23rd July
    Half Term:	Monday, 3rd June to Friday, 7th June

17. The Governing Body

    Chairman of Governors:    Mr. D. P. Liyanage

    Clerk to the Governors:    Mrs. S. Sears

    	Expiry of Term of Office
    Co-Opted Governors
    Mr. R. Short	October 2002
    Mr. D. Cokayne	July 2003
    Mr. J. Mitchener	September 2003
    Headteacher Governor
    Mr. N. Pichowski
    Local Education Authority Governors
    Mr. D. Liyanage	June 2002
    Mrs. J. Tomkins	December 2003
    Mr. J. Mills	September 2001
    Mrs. L. Stephens.	December 2001
    Parent Governors
    Mr. A. Smikle-Golightly	December 2004
    Mr. P. Cook	February 2003
    Mr. J. Venn	September 2003
    Mrs. F. Bannister	May 2004

    There will be no need for an election of Parent/Governors in the next academic year.
                                            

    Teacher Governors
    Miss K. Thomas	September 2002
    Mrs. P. Evenden	September 2004
    Non Teaching Staff Governor
    Mr. M. Guscott	September 2003

18. OfSTED Action Plan

    Spiritual Development

    Mrs. Brown, the R.E. co-ordinator, has been in post for three years. Links have been established with the Revd. Darren Flatley. In every curriculum subject the spiritual dimension has been included in the schemes of work. The Headteacher, on a termly basis, has been leading a meditation assembly in KS2. The school has visited both Christian places of worship and those of other faiths.

    Extending More Able Children

    Mrs. Collins has been appointed as co-ordinator for Exceptional Children. She regularly withdraws groups of pupils to give them additional problem solving stimulationg learning experiences. She has attended courses and has built a network of children to attend such places as Children's University and summer schools.

    The school, from Yr 2 to Yr 6 now sets in the core areas. In curriculum planning there is a requirement to produce extension activities for more able children.

    Role of the Senior Management Team

    Mrs. Slade has been appointed Deputy Headteacher on May 14th in order to support the Headteacher in strategic planning of the school and monitoring the existing practices and policies in the school.

    Miss Banyard, on a one year contract, and Mrs. Jenkins are the new additions to the Senior Management Team.

     

19. Inclusion Policy

    The school's Inclusion Policy is being reviewed. The school applied for a grant to provide a lift between Site A & Site C. The school offered to pay half towards the cost, which was £20,000, but the request was turned down by the LEA. However, Site A, B & D are accessible by wheelchair.

     

20. School Security

    The school's security system has been in place for five years. The school applied for a grant to up-date it, but this request was turned down. However, as new fencing has been purchased and entry to and from the school is closely monitored from 8.45 a.m. to 3.15 p.m. the security system.

     

21. Professional Development of Staff

    Teaching staff have been attending both Gillingham Partnership courses and Medway courses. The Gillingham Partnership courses have been on the Formative Assessment Policy, implementing Curriculum 2000 and training for subject co-ordinators. Medway have run a similar programme. The teaching staff and classroom assistants have undergone their Kitsch (I.C.T.) training this year.

     

22. Community Links
    

    The school has had a variety of visiting musicians as part of the Music Curriculum.

    The school has taken part in the Medway Music Festival and the school choir has visited an old peoples' home and the SavaCentre to sing Christmas carols.

    Yr 4 children attended a Chinese Music Workshop in January.

    The Salvation Army came to perform a Christmas Carol Concert.

    Napier pupils have attended an Inclusion Project with Danecourt pupils, which included being coached by Gillingham footballers.

    Gillingham footballers have been in to hear children read.

    The school has taken part in the Yr 6 mentoring system, whereby children are helped in the transition from junior to secondary school with a mentor following them.

    Parents have been invited in to take part in the BBC Webwise and other I.T. training initiatives run the the Gillingham Partnership.

    The school continues to help train a series of students from Christ Church University and a variety of work experience pupils.

    Children have taken part in the National Westminster Bank Christmas Card Competition.

     

23. Targets for Key Stage 2 assessment

    The school's targets for this year in Maths and English for Yr 6 children were 73% of pupils at level 4. In 2002 the projection is 82% of children in Yr 6 at level 4 for Maths and English.

     

24. Standard Assessment Tests results

    Key Stage 1

    Figures indicate % of pupils achieving level 2 and above.

    	School 2001	School 2000	National 1999
    English
    Reading Comprehension	xxxx	72%	79%
    Reading	xxxx	63%	53%
    Writing	xxxx	84%	83%
    Spelling	xxxx	60%	71%
    Mathematics	xxxx	91%	86%
    Science	xxxx	90%	87%

Key Stage 2

Figures indicate % of pupils achieving level 4 and above.

	School 2001	School 2000	National 1999
English	xxxx	65%	69.7%
Mathematics	xxxx	66%	68.2%
Science	xxxx	81%	77.9%

(This year's SATs results will follow).

xxxx = figures not yet available