When the governors came to school

It was Governors' morning today at St James's School, we toured both sites, visiting classes and participating in assembly - where, in Key Stage 2 ('the juniors'), the children had the chance to quiz the governors on their views.

Here (above) is St James School Chair of Governors, Simon Hughes, getting stuck into some thorny maths problems in Key Stage one.

There was really good work going on in every class. It was a most encouraging morning and made us all once again feel very thankful for our excellent teaching and support staff that make St James the school that is.

Back at the KS1 site in Old Jamaica Road it was great to see the newly-astro-turfed playground (above), which not only looks great, but offers a much more child-friendly play surface. I am told the incidence of grazed knees has dropped dramatically.

This is quite a contrast with the drab expanses of tarmac that I remember from London school playgrounds in the 60s and 70s, so is the equipment available for play -  being made full use of by the Reception children today (left).

With 85 per cent of our parish living in flats, these open areas for recreation and play are a crucial enrichment for our children at St James, and it is heartening to see them looking so good.

Also heartening was my meeting yesterday with the Junior Faith Group at Key Stage 2.

Drawn from the top two years of the school, these lively enthusiastic youngsters, have come up with a whole raft of exciting ideas for Advent and for the school end of term service, so watch this space...