We regularly ask parents for feedback to help us continually improve, refine and adapt our practice and provision. Sometimes we ask parents their views on a specific subject, such as our Year R parents reviewing how successful they found our transition arrangements. Sometimes we seek views prior to a policy change to inform our decision making, such as that for shaping provision of sex and relationships education. We also ask parents to evaluate more general aspects of the school through. This helps us continually review and not become complacent regarding our success.

In addition, our whole approach is to be proactive and invite parents to informally 'chat' and voice any concerns before they grow into something more deeper. Our headteacher, Mr Woolley, welcomes the children into school on the gate in the mornings and is around on the playground at hometime, along with the other teachers. These are perfect times to ask a question, share a problem or just catch up.

How do parents of children leaving the school after Year 6 in 2024 describe their experiences through our school?

Every year, a key piece of feedback for us are reflections from parents from our Year 6 who are leaving us. They have a unique perspective on their child's journey through the school, what they take with them and how well prepared they are for secondary school. 

In July 2024, this feedback was extremely positive. Here are a few of the comments made:

• The time has flown by and we are all sad to be leaving Upham. Most certainly the best school we could have chosen. 
• My child has developed a real love of learning and is looking forward to secondary school (although she will miss Upham).Thank you to all staff in the daily running of the school, contributing to making Upham School a special place to be.

• My child has enjoyed his time at Upham and feels excited (and nervous of course!) for the next step up to secondary school.

• I like the school values and my child has developed empathy and emotional maturity. He has enjoyed the responsibility of being a buddy.

• My child has a good awareness now of different faiths.
• My child has grown in confidence and learnt to push herself.
• He has always enjoyed finding out new things and been inquisitive about the world around him and his enthusiasm to learn has stayed with him throughout his time at Upham.
• My child has made lifelong friends that will continue into secondary school. He is able to be friends with children of different ages.
• My child is very sociable but sometimes still finds it difficult to control his emotions. He has had any support that we have asked for. He is now able to identify his emotions now and rectify them quicker.
• My child has developed lots of friendships from across all ages and has particularly enjoyed being a buddy in year 6.
• My child's confidence has grown throughout his years at Upham. The buddy system and families across year groups has helped him to grow socially and emotionally from making friends across all year groups, going from being cared for in Reception Class to being the older one caring for others.

We specifically asked parents what they might say to a prospective parent about what Upham School offers and they wrote:

• Most children thrive in a small school experience. All age groups play together and older children develop a sense of responsibility for the younger children. This creates a sense of community.
• Upham is a superb primary school, being able to care for the needs of the child. Mr Woolley is at the heart of the school and the children are given lots of opportunities to grow in confidence.
• I would not hesitate to recommend Upham to other parents – it has a wonderful ethos, caring staff, which provides a brilliant environment for learning.
• Upham is a small, nurturing, family orientated school. We feel very fortunate that both of our boys have been able to attend this school and my child has been very happy here.