Due to the Covid crisis, Governors at Mellers have undertaken the current round of monitoring via virtual meetings. It has been my pleasure to meet with a range of staff and look at five subjects across the curriculum; mathematics, design technology, art, modern foreign languages and religious education.

I can report that the development work on the curriculum is progressing extremely well. Mathematics teaching is very well established, taught very well and the children enjoy their learning. Throughout the lock down period, children were supported very well at home and they have returned to school working in line with expectations. Children in Key Stage 1 have been issued with knowledge organisers which they can use in the classroom and at home. Arrangements are in place should the school need to close again, lessons can be taught via Microsoft Teams so the children would benefit from full teacher input.

The children at Mellers learn French in their MfL lessons and make progress over time. All lessons are delivered by the appointed MfL teacher so there is consistency and clear progression. The diverse nature of the school means it is very rich in language skills and this is a real strength. Many children are talented linguists and they are offered wider opportunities.

In DT, ART and RE the curriculum is developing rapidly. The subject leads have written the scheme of work for the first half term to ensure quality and consistency. The new curriculum has been very well received by staff and students alike, and there is enthusiasm about learning. All subject leads have monitoring schedules in place and are working with the class teachers to ensure that the subjects are well taught. The children are accessing a wide variety of teaching and learning and are clearly benefiting from the new approach to curriculum planning.

All staff have worked hard to support the children when they have needed to stay away from school. They are compensating for those activities that can no longer take place by planning alternatives. There is a clear determination to ensure that the children are offered the best possible education, irrespective of national and local restrictions.