EtchinghamRiverside Federation
Federation with Bodiam C E School
Etchingham C E School is Federated with Bodiam C E School under the Riverside Federation. The schools share an Executive Headteacher, SENDCO and a School Business Manager. There is one Governing Body who oversee both Schools in the Federation. Regular events take place across the schools for pupils and staff work and train together to provide the best possible opportunities for the pupils of both schools, each of which reflects its own unique context and community.
The rationale of the Federation is ‘Better together.’ We believe the arrangement to be a key driver in our pursuit of excellence so that we meet the needs and aspirations of all pupils. The concept of Partnership reflects current thinking in National and Local Authority circles. There have been many ‘spin offs’ from our collaboration which are reflected in positive feedback from all communities. Of course, the Headteacher’s car frequently transports resources from one school to the other!
There are 3 main areas of partnership working:
Whole School / Key Stage / Class Events
Pupils come together and enjoy collaborating and co-operating together in learning opportunities which always have an element of peer challenge and stimulus. Most visits which enhance our exciting and relevant curriculum take place as joint ventures across peer classes / key stages.
As part of the pupil voice contribution to Learning Journeys, our pupils across both schools and both key stages often ask to go on a visit to experience aspects of the Learning Journey in a different context.
Bodiam C E School visit Etchingham C E School every summer to perform their annual summer production. The schools perform the same show and share the stage / backdrop / resources lighting facilities.
RIVERSIDE FEDERATION GALLERY GALLERY
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Staff – Collaboration and Professional Development
Staff across both schools share expertise and development opportunities. These include coaching, INSET and resources to support learning. Staff plan together with outcomes reflecting the individual classes for which they are responsible.
This aspect of our Federation underpins every aspect of the life of both schools.
The school is also in a Collaboration with Battle Outlying Schools (Memorandum of Understanding signed September 2018) - Netherfield, Ninfield, Catsfield and Crowhurst. This is an evolving partnership with all staff working together for identified priorities..
Ofsted 2017 said:
As executive headteacher, you divide your time appropriately between the two schools in the federation. You provide inspirational leadership for the staff and governors and a strong, clear vision for the school’s future. You and your leadership team have developed a culture of high expectations for all pupils, combined with careful attention to their individual needs. Governors and all members of staff share your commitment to ensuring that every pupil grows personally and academically and achieves their full potential
External Consultant:
Staff are highly ambitious for pupils’ outcomes. They work exceptionally well together as colleagues, including in planning the curriculum.
Small group support
Through working together, we have been able to provide pupils with opportunities for focused tuition in gender, ability and interest groups. The impact has been increased motivation of pupils and improved attainment.
