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School Development Plan

At Manuden Primary School, our vision—"Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams"—drives our commitment to continuous improvement. We strive to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where every child can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Our school development priorities focus on five key areas to ensure we provide the highest quality education and opportunities for all our pupils:

Quality of Education – We are dedicated to delivering an engaging, ambitious, and inclusive curriculum that challenges and supports every learner. Through high-quality teaching and a focus on deepening knowledge and skills, we ensure that all children reach their full potential.
Behaviour and Attitudes – We foster a culture of respect, resilience, and responsibility, underpinned by our restorative practice approach. We encourage children to develop positive attitudes towards learning and each other, ensuring a safe and supportive environment where everyone can succeed.
Personal Development – Beyond academic success, we focus on developing well-rounded individuals who are confident, empathetic, and prepared for the future. Through enrichment opportunities, wellbeing support, and character education, we nurture the personal growth of every child.
Leadership and Management – Strong and effective leadership ensures that our vision is embedded in every aspect of school life. We work collaboratively as a team—staff, governors, parents, and the wider community—to drive improvement and create the best possible learning experience for our pupils.
Early Years – We lay the foundation for lifelong learning by providing a rich, stimulating, and nurturing environment where our youngest learners develop curiosity, independence, and a love for discovery. We ensure that every child is well-prepared for their next steps in education.

Through continuous reflection and improvement in these areas, we remain committed to growing hearts, growing minds, and growing dreams, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive at Manuden Primary School.

Manuden Primary School – School Development Plan 2025–2026

A small school with big ideas – Growing Hearts, Growing Minds, Growing Dreams

At Manuden Primary School, we are continually striving to provide the very best education for all our pupils. Each year, we identify key priorities to help us move forward as a school. These form our School Development Plan (SDP) — a roadmap that guides our improvement work and celebrates our ambitions for the year ahead.

This plan aligns with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) for use from November 2025:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025

1. Quality of Education

We want every child to experience consistently high-quality teaching and a broad, balanced curriculum that helps them thrive.

This year we are focusing on:

Embedding Teach Like a Champion strategies across all classrooms through targeted CPD and coaching.
Publishing and implementing a Teaching & Learning Handbook setting clear expectations for lessons, routines and behaviour.
Developing subject-based curriculum planning (moving from topic-led to subject-specific) to ensure clear progression and disciplinary knowledge.
Strengthening teaching and assessment in phonics, writing and mathematics, ensuring SEND and disadvantaged pupils are well supported and challenged.

Learn more about Ofsted’s ‘Curriculum and Teaching’ judgement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025#curriculum-and-teaching

2. Behaviour and Attitudes

We are proud of our calm, respectful, and inclusive school culture, built on our three school rules: Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Safe.

This year we are focusing on:

Embedding the Behaviour for Learning policy and shared routines across all classes.
Promoting excellent attendance through monitoring, early support and celebration of success.
Encouraging pupils to understand the impact of positive behaviour on learning and relationships.

Learn more about Ofsted’s ‘Attendance & Behaviour’ judgement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025#attendance-and-behaviour

3. Personal Development

We aim to nurture confident, resilient and kind young people who make a positive difference in their community.

This year we are focusing on:

Extending pupil leadership roles, including Eco Team, School Council, and Wellbeing Champions.
Preparing for the full introduction of myHappymind as our PSHE and wellbeing programme from September 2026, including staff CPD and parent engagement.
Auditing and strengthening SMSC and British Values coverage across the curriculum and enrichment offer.
Celebrating our school values through assemblies and daily practice.

Learn more about Ofsted’s ‘Personal Development’ judgement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025#personal-development

4. Leadership and Management

We are building a strong and sustainable leadership structure to ensure the highest standards of education for all pupils.

This year we are focusing on:

Embedding the roles of Head of Teaching & Learning and Head of Curriculum.
Developing middle leadership capacity through coaching and subject leader development.
Implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation schedule led by senior and middle leaders.
Refining SEND systems and strengthening communication with parents and external partners.

Learn more about Ofsted’s ‘Leadership & Governance’ judgement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025#leadership-and-governance

5. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

We want our youngest learners to have the very best start to their school journey.

This year we are focusing on:

Refining EYFS curriculum mapping to ensure strong progression into Key Stage 1.
Continuing to develop indoor and outdoor provision to support independence and exploration.
Increasing parental engagement with workshops and home learning to support early development.
Maintaining a focus on Writing and Physical Development to increase Good Level of Development outcomes.

Learn more about Ofsted’s ‘Early Years’ judgement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025#early-years

Inclusion & SEND

Inclusion is central to Manuden Primary School. We believe every child — regardless of background, need or ability — should feel valued, supported and able to reach their potential.

Our inclusion priorities for 2025–26 include:

Auditing and refining SEND systems to align with the Graduated Approach and ensure clear, consistent processes for identification, support and review.
Providing whole-school training on inclusive classroom strategies and adaptive teaching to improve access for all learners.
Developing a clear SEND support framework detailing quality first teaching, intervention expectations and progress tracking.
Strengthening partnerships with parents through SEND coffee mornings, drop-in sessions and clear communication pathways led by the SENDCo.
Working closely with the Envision SEND network and external agencies to secure timely and effective specialist support where required.

Our aim is that every child at Manuden feels seen, supported, and successful — academically and emotionally.

Learn more about Ofsted’s ‘Inclusion’ judgement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025#inclusion

Our Aim

Through this focused and ambitious plan, Manuden Primary School continues to be a place where every child is known, nurtured and inspired to grow — in heart, mind and dreams.