I was in a school this week and the Christmas buzz was evident in every class; staff and children were all off to the pantomime later that morning. How exciting, and what fun – for some children it is their first time watching a pantomime, and for some children it is the Christmas trip they really look forward to. Fun laughter and learning the unique responses that become part of Christmas fun – “Oh yes, it is,” followed by, “Oh no it isn’t.” Oh yes, I did,” followed by, “Oh no you didn’t.” The child I was working with was so excited, I felt excited for her.
Then the phone rang …. Yes – the school had got the OFSTED call. I know they will be fine, and I know their children will make them proud, but is this really the best time to be inspecting a school? Children are so excited, and many are eating chocolate from their advent calendar while being taught how to be ‘naughty’ by the Elf on the Shelf before they even step into school. For some children Christmas is the most difficult time of the year where difficult memories resurface. Staff are trying to organise their own family Christmas while creating magic for their own children at home, and the children in their classes. All emotions are heightened.
It makes me sad to think that during the pantomime trip, staff will have had other things on their mind because they will have been thinking about the small jobs they wanted to get finished to show their school off at its best. I am sure the school will do well, but I have not been able to stop thinking about what this week has been like for those staff. The only good thing about the timing of this inspection is that everyone will be able to have a good rest over the Christmas holidays and properly switch off from work.
I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas festivities in school, but please think about those who may find this time of year difficult for whatever reason.
Reach Behaviour 