Mossford Green is a school where children embrace learning and feel happy and secure; enabling them to reach their full potential through perseverance and a belief in their own abilities. We are a small, two-form entry primary school in the heart of Barkingside. Our school is set in spacious grounds, with an early years' garden, ecology area, memorial garden, field and large playgrounds. Our teachers and support staff form a dedicated team of professionals who ensure that a vibrant curriculum, and personalised learning experiences, inspire all children and secure the very best outcomes for each individual. Children are valued for their uniqueness and are encouraged to be confident, whilst respecting and accepting others' differences. Our children are a strong testament to our school values of respect, courage, creativity, kindness, resilience and determination. Where basic skills in communication, language and teamwork are missed, it undermines social mobility, productivity and wellbeing. We first became involved with Skills Builder and adopted the key principles several years ago in response to a deficit in language across our school. Over time, language has continued to be a key driver of our curriculum as we have recognised the positive impact Skills Builder has had on our children. We think all children, at every key stage should have the opportunities to build key skills.
The overall impact has been on the pupils' ability to speak with confidence to a wide-range of individuals - peers and adults; they listen attentively and have the skills to seek support where needed. Our pupils play and work together harmoniously. All staff recognise the need to support children in developing the basic skills and this is now just part of regular practice. Children are prepared for the next stage of the education and aspirational goals for their future.
All new members of staff and early careers teachers have been trained in the use of the Skills Builder Hub. Discrete Skills Builder sessions are a regular part of learning and run as a thread through our entire curriculum. Our schools' core values of courage, respect, kindness, resilience, determination and creativity recognise the key principles of Skills Builder and each Friday pupils receive gold awards related to these values. Debate opportunities are regular and we have developed word mats which children can use as prompt to support them in speaking opportunities. A big push this year has been on noticing the 'unnoticed' children. those who are more reluctant contributors/less engaged. This has been driven by the Skills Builder principles. Our curriculum policy makes specific reference to Skills Builder, as does our staff handbook. Governors are regularly updated regarding progress of pupils against our areas of focus.
