Latest News | Waterside School

Parental Survey

Thu 26 Jan 2017 Mr. G

A huge thank you to those parents who took the time to answer our parent survey...if you haven't done so yet, then click or tap on the link here and you can answer some questions about how we look after your super hero.

From the results we have - we are so proud of how you see our work!

Question 1: My super hero is happy in this school

42.86% strongly agree

57.14% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 2: My super hero feels safe in this school

28.57% strongly agree

71.43% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 3: My super hero makes good progress at this school

42.86% strongly agree

57.14% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 4: My super hero is well looked after at this school

71.43% strongly agree

28.57% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 5: My super hero is well taught at this school

57.14% strongly agree

42.86% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 6 : My super hero's behaviours are well supported at this school

57.14% strongly agree

42.86% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 7: This school works hard to support and improve my super heroes behaviour

71.43% strongly agree

28.57% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 8: This school works hard to deal with bullying or discrimination

57.14% strongly agree

42.86% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 9: This school is well led and well managed

71.43% strongly agree

28.57% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

Question 10: This school responds well to my concerns or worries. I feel supported by the team

71.43% strongly agree

28.57% agree

0% disagree

0% strongly disagree

What is more touching are the comments that parents made about Waterside and the team. We will be publishing those on our electronic screen, Class Dojo and making some banners to show how proud you are of us.

Thank you all - it shows that by working together we can empower our super heroes to succeed!

Greenwich Parent Voice

Thu 26 Jan 2017 Mr G.

We have been working with Greenwich Parent Voice - to help support our parents and carers in gaining access to charities or supportive networks.

They have decided to include us on their website - and the write up is as follows:

"Waterside School is the specialist provision for children in Greenwich who may have social, emotional and behavioural issues. Many of the children at this school have special needs and all will have an EHCP. Jo and Viv took the GPV touring coffee morning to parents and carers here, and we were accompanied by special guest Owen Stevens from Greenwich Welfare Rights Service. Nestled in a quiet part of Plumstead, the school is small with less than 100 students on roll. There's a really high teacher to student ratio which means that students here receive a lot of attention, nurturing and positivity.

We were greeted by Head Teacher Michael Griffiths (Meic), a very cheery personality who made us feel at home straight away. We were led through brightly coloured corridoors, past lovely displays of student work through to the cosy parents' meeting area and kitchen. The carers we met there, including a foster carer, were typical of all carers we have met as we tour the schools of Greenwich: committed to their children, hard working and caring but also under huge pressure not just from the unique strains of child-care but also the daily battles of getting the right housing, financial support and respite. Not to mention the deep worry about what the future holds for their children.

As we waited for parents to arrive we learned more about the school. Meic took over as Head in summer 2015 and since then has made huge improvements to outcomes for the children here. He's held in great regard by teachers in schools around Greenwich, offering advice, working on strategies for children who need a special approach and supporting them to offer the best educational experience for some of the borough's most vulnerable children.

We spoke about how many children have suffered from being misunderstood. Meic talked about how he and his team make a careful analysis of each child, their personality, talents and needs and also any 'triggers' that might lead to difficulties. Once triggers are understood, the child is taught ways of managing their own responses so that they can cope with school life, and develop to fulfil their own potential.

Parents at the meeting seemed extremely happy with how things were going with their children. They spoke of tough times, non-stop stress and how they try to manage extreme behaviour every day. They could see real progress being made however, and the understanding and support of the school makes a world of difference.

Many parents with children who have behavioural difficulties, which can include anger or aggression, really struggle with other people's judgement. They are seen as 'bad parents' and their children as 'bad'. The reality is usually the complete opposite. We loved how the children Meic works with are described as 'superheroes' throughout the school. Quite right too! From speaking to the parents and carers, we were struck by the sense of this school being different - the place where vulnerable children are cherished, their potential discovered and encouraged and where a new hope for their future is grown."

We are blown away by their comments and we are so excited for our parent craft day (check the diary). So why not come along!

Looking to get fit for life?

Tue 24 Jan 2017 Mr G

We are signed up to improve the fitness and well being of not just our super heroes but their families and those who work with them.

We have signed up to the Go Sugar Smart initiative - launched by Greenwich, to reduce the amount of sugar and fat within our diet. We are talking to our partners including our caterers.

Are you looking for a new, fun activity to do this year?

Why not check out the Greenwich Get Active website (listed here) and find free or low cost activities for you and your family? https://www.greenwichgetactive.com/

Looking to get fit for life?

Tue 24 Jan 2017 Mr G

We are signed up to improve the fitness and well being of not just our super heroes but their families and those who work with them.

We have signed up to the Go Sugar Smart initiative - launched by Greenwich, to reduce the amount of sugar and fat within our diet. We are talking to our partners including our caterers.

Are you looking for a new, fun activity to do this year?

Why not check out the Greenwich Get Active website (listed here) and find free or low cost activities for you and your family? https://www.greenwichgetactive.com/

We are open!

Fri 13 Jan 2017

Even though it's really cold outside, we are open this morning.

The bus company will be picking up your super hero as usual, but may run a little late due to untreated roads and traffic issues.

We are forecast to have more snow later today, so if the bus company take the decision to collect your super hero earlier and bring them home, we will contact you asap.

Please take your time arriving at school, and take care on any untreated paths or roads.

Wintry Weather

Thu 12 Jan 2017 Mr G.

Brrr! According to the weather forecast, we are going to experience some interesting weather today and tomorrow.

It is important that your super hero arrives at Waterside wrapped up well so that they don't get too cold and wet.

We will keep you updated via text, Class Dojo, Twitter and on the website - if tomorrow (following the predicted snow this evening and tomorrow morning), the buses are finding it tricky to pick up your super hero.

If there is a problem, the website will change by 7.30am and you will receive a text, Class Dojo and Twitter will be updated too.