Recommendation 1
Re-evaluate the effectiveness of the multiple roles performed by some managers.
We have already had the opportunity to review the senior management structure and the report acknowledges the positive changes made in this area. During this academic year we continue to evaluate our structure, such as the demands placed on heads of departments in the senior part of the College, as we strive to build on our exam success. Such restructuring also gives an opportunity to spread responsibility to a wider pool of very able staff.

Recommendation 2
Develop and monitor closer cooperation and links between parents, governors, leadership and management.
During Mr Stearns’ first year as Headmaster we conducted a parental survey and used this information to identify ways in which we might give parents further opportunities for increased information and involvement in the life of the College. We have had annual parents’ forums, re-launched the Parents’ Association, made greater use of email, web and text communication and, most recently, introduced a parents’ information evening. A small number of parents expressed dissatisfaction with links between them and the College. However, the inspection team was very satisfied with the level of provision and their advice was to continue to do what we do. As always, any parent can approach Mr Stearns with an issue if they wish.

Recommendation 3
Extend the opportunities for gifted and talented pupils to be fully challenged.
This is an area that the College has been looking at since last year’s plan, and is a feature of many other schools’ inspection reports. By virtue of being in classes of 19 or less, and being taught by well qualified teachers who support and challenge, we already know that children of all abilities perform well at Shoreham College. Nonetheless, we put this item in our development plan and discussed it at recent governors’ education committee meetings because we want to ensure that we remain at the forefront of best practice. Our classes already make much use of differentiated work, and recent training sessions involving external speakers and the sharing of good practice within the College have built on this further. Additionally, we have joined the Independent Schools’ Association’s research group on this topic.

Recommendation 4
In the EYFS, further develop the outdoor area as a learning resource.
Again, this item was picked up in our development plan. Visitors to our Early Years department will already know they have fantastic facilities, but to make even further use of them we are aiming to put a cover over part of the outdoor area to increase the range of activities possible.

We are delighted that the hard work of the staff and pupils has resulted in a report where none of the judgements are less than good, and we have an Early Years setting that achieved excellence in all areas. We are also pleased that the recommendations for the College were, in essence, part of our development planning before the inspection team arrived, showing that our own self-evaluation is indeed effective. Although there are some points on which to improve, the Governors and staff are determined to build upon our success and not be complacent. We will continue to work hard to ensure that Shoreham College encourages all its pupils to achieve their full potential.