Our School Development Plan

Welcome to Our School Development Priorities for 2026-2027

At The Grove Junior School, we are passionate about helping every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Each year, we set clear priorities to ensure our teaching and learning continue to improve and reflect the needs of our pupils and community.

This year, our focus is on six key areas:

Improving Writing

• Develop a clear and progressive writing curriculum from Years 3 to 6. 
• Increase opportunities for pupils to write across all areas of the curriculum. 
• Strengthen spelling, grammar, handwriting and presentation skills. 
• Use high-quality texts and models to inspire and support writing. 
• Provide targeted support to help all pupils achieve their best.

 Embedding Peer Coaching

• Encourage staff to learn from one another through coaching and collaboration. 
• Share effective teaching strategies across the school. 

• Develop a culture of professional reflection and continuous improvement.
• Ensure pupils benefit from consistently high-quality teaching.

 Embedding High-Quality Oracy

• Develop pupils' confidence in speaking and listening.
• Provide regular opportunities for discussion, debate and presentation.
• Build vocabulary and communication skills across all subjects.  
• Support pupils to explain their thinking and reason effectively.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

• Review our curriculum, policies and school culture to identify strengths and areas for development.
• Gather the views of pupils, parents, staff and governors.
• Develop a long-term action plan to promote inclusion and belonging.
• Ensure all children feel represented, valued and respected within our school community.

Behaviour and Relationships

• Continue to develop a positive, values-led behaviour curriculum.
• Promote respect, responsibility and resilience.  
• Support pupils to develop emotional regulation and positive relationships.
• Ensure clear and consistent expectations across the school.
• Help every child feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

Online Safety and PSHE

• Implement the Project Evolve programme across the school.
• Teach children how to stay safe and responsible online.
• Develop pupils' understanding of healthy online relationships and digital wellbeing.
• Work closely with parents and carers to promote consistent online safety messages.

We are also working on strategic priorities such as preparing for OFSTED, managing future pupil numbers, and enhancing safeguarding including responsible use of technology and AI.

Together, we can make this an exciting and successful year for every child at The Grove Junior School.