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Posted on: September 30th 2020

Tawny Owls use continuous provision to enhance their learning

Tawny Owls use continuous provision to enhance their learning

Tawny Owls is a mixed year 1/2 class and they are using continuous provision to enhance their learning using some fantastic new resources. Enhanced provision and challenges are linked to the skills taught in the previous week providing the children with an opportunity to practice and apply their new skills independently. The project is being developed week by week. The children have been really busy exploring, building, crafting, reading and telling stories (see photos).  The children are really enjoying it, with some needing a little more encouragement than others to complete the challenges. This way of learning has enabled the adults to work with children on a 1-1 basis to develop their skills and understanding. These lovely photos show the children enjoying their learning environment.

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Minerva Primary School on ITV West Country News Posted on: 20/03/2024

Minerva Primary School on ITV West Country News

Seven-year-old Reuben from Minerva Primary School has become a community hero. Reuben has a passion for tidiness and environmental responsibility, and has taken it upon himself to keep the school community tidy. ITV West Country News visited us this week to find out more about this litter-picking force! The youngster has become a litter-picking force, collecting any discarded items in the school grounds and around the local area. Such is his dedication that Reuben not only collects litter on his way to and from school, he even does so at the weekend. Remarkably, Reuben goes beyond cleaning up after himself: he also encourages his peers to do the same. He has inspired others to become active participants, positively encouraging them to join his team. When asked about his motivation for his litter picking endeavours Reuben said: “I want to make the world a better place; it’s sad when people drop litter.” As a result of Reuben’s litter-picking efforts, members of local community have rallied round and donated towards his campaign. Minerva staff have also sponsored his efforts, and Reuben has raised £500 for his school. Furthermore, he has captured the interest of the Mayor of Taunton, who presented Reuben with an award at an assembly themed on school values. Gareth Nation, Head of School, said: “Reuben is a real inspiration and an absolute delight. He is a role model pupil to others, demonstrating our values on a daily basis, which is wonderful to see.”Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
Minerva Primary School ensures rapid improvements Posted on: 25/01/2023

Minerva Primary School ensures rapid improvements

Minerva Primary School ensures rapid improvements in its quality of education, leadership and management. Minerva Primary School is part of The Redstart Learning Partnership and has made rapid improvements in recent months. In a recent inspection (November 2022), OFSTED recognised that the school has made considerable progress and commended the school for it being a positive place to learn. The inspectors identified the strong culture of learning and high expectations of behaviour. ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’ and ‘Personal Development’ were judged as ‘Good’.  “Pupils are proud to be part of their school. They have positive attitudes toward learning. Staff give pupils the confidence to not give up when they find learning tricky".  Head of School (Mr Gareth Nation) said, “I joined the school in September 2021 and we have focused relentlessly on our Vision and Values. I am proud and privileged to work with such a committed team. We constantly focus on improving the school and we know which areas to prioritise next. Knowing our strengths and what we need to improve are vital to ensuring Minerva Primary School continues to grow in strength. The OFSTED inspectors identified the same areas as the Senior Leadership Team and agreed that we have planned to focus on the right priorities.” ‘Leaders, including trustees, know the school’s strengths and areas for improvement’. The report recognises that leaders, trustees, parents/carers and the staff are all working in unison to see the continued improvements at the school. Furthermore, the school has recently won two awards for its improved attendance; it is now performing in the top 10% of schools nationally.  ‘Leaders are ambitious for pupils’ learning…Leaders have developed a clearly sequenced curriculum…’ The OFSTED team identified that the school teaches a broad and balanced curriculum; the planning, teaching and learning in Reading, Writing, Maths (and some other foundation subjects) is well planned and well taught. The Assistant Head of School, Mrs Kate Caldecott, has helped lead the team to ensure a coherent curriculum is embedded in every subject. She has significantly contributed to the ethos and direction of the school.   ‘Staff are quick to spot pupils who need additional support’. Inspectors recognised the number of children who benefit from additional support in school. This is significantly above the national average and they praised the school SENCo (Mrs Rachelle Billington) for her leadership of the staff, ensuring the inclusion of all children in all classes.  ‘Leaders’ work ‘beyond the school gates’, with families and the local community is a strength of the school. Leaders are tenacious in their pursuit of support for the school’s most vulnerable pupils.’ Mrs Debbie Glenn (Safeguarding Officer) works closely with children and their families. She has been instrumental in the support provided for the children and their families. The school were thrilled to see this recognised during the inspection and were rightly praised for their efforts and impact on the community it serves.   Gareth Nation (Head of School) added, “every member of staff at Minerva Primary School shows an unfaltering commitment to understanding, supporting and nurturing children to be the best they can be. They embrace the challenges we face as a school and crucially, believe that children and adults can achieve more than they realise. Schools are absolutely necessary but they are not sufficient – this team goes above and beyond and holds the children at its very heart.”   Suzanne Flack, CEO praised the team at Minerva saying 'They go above and beyond every day to offer our pupils the best opportunities possible. To have this recognised by OFSTED is really pleasing. The last few years have presented many challenges in schools but Gareth and his team have worked tirelessly to support all our pupils and families. The school is a happy, positive place in which to learn. It is great to see the pupils are so proud of their school as we are all so proud of them.'  The support from The Redstart Learning Partnership, its senior leaders and staff of the school has ensured the school continues on its path of accelerated progress and is growing in strength each day.          Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
Minerva Primary School and nursery settle in to their new  learning environments. Posted on: 20/09/2021

Minerva Primary School and nursery settle in to their new learning environments.

Minerva Primary School and nursery settle in to their new learning environments. "Growing together, making the impossible...possible" Owlet’s nursery, based at Minerva Primary School in Taunton (part of The Redstart Learning Partnership) are absolutely delighted to be starting the term in their new nursery building. The building project commenced in March 21 and was carried out over a three phase approach, with the nursery expansion being the final and biggest phase. The nursery capacity has doubled from 24 to 40 and they now have a huge outdoor area with two large shelters allowing outside play in all weathers. In addition to the nursery the project included the expansion and refurbishment of the year 1 & 2 classrooms, an expanded and refurbished year R & year 1 classroom, a new staff room, a refurbished pupil kitchen and a welcoming new entrance lobby decorated by a local artist with plans for the children to add their own artistic touch.  All in all a very big and exciting project for the nursery and the school. Sophie Furse, Owlets Nursery manager said: “The children and staff are so excited to be starting back in their newly extended, refurbished and decorated nursery and classroom spaces. Since starting back the Owlets have been busy playing indoors utilising the new space and have also been playing in the outdoor area.  It’s going to have such a positive impact on the children and allow us to offer more activities and sessions and increase our numbers.  We are also looking forward to offering support for parent and carers by hosting coffee mornings and settling in sessions and opening a library in the reception area.” Isla’s mum, Lucy wrote to the nursery expressing her gratitude to the staff saying they are “excellent” and that they have “gone above and beyond”, she also said that she was extremely glad that she chose Owlets nursery.Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
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