Forest of Dean Community Schools Federation Strategy 2025–2026

Vision for the Federation

The Federation is committed to maintaining the unique identity, vision, aims, and values of both schools, ensuring each can fully realise its ethos while benefiting from the support and collaboration the federation provides.

We aim to provide stimulating and challenging environments that equip children for lifelong learning and help them become responsible, valued members of their communities. Every individual will be inspired to reach their full potential through access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

We will achieve this vision by:

  • Ensuring robust and effective governance across both schools.

  • Pooling and sharing resources where sensible and cost-effective to maximise opportunities for all pupils.

  • Supporting staff development through peer collaboration, mentoring, and high-quality professional learning.

  • Maintaining each school’s distinct culture, identity, and facilities.

Federation Priorities

1. Identity

To strengthen the federation’s culture by aligning policies, processes, and communications wherever possible. We aim to embed a “think federation” mindset across all levels of leadership, maximising the benefits of collaboration and shared opportunities for staff and pupils.

2. Staff Development

To support every member of staff in reaching their full potential through professional development and cross-federation opportunities. We will foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and reinforces a unified federation identity.

3. Quality of Education

To deliver an innovative and inspiring curriculum that meets the needs of all learners and responds to National Curriculum reforms. Staff will collaborate to share best practice and co-develop subject-specific objectives that reflect each school’s unique context while maintaining high standards across the federation.

4. Finance

To secure the long-term financial sustainability of all schools. We will ensure value for money while providing equitable access to resources and support, enabling every pupil to thrive.

5. Pupils

To uphold high standards of behaviour and personal development. We will provide opportunities for pupils to explore the world around them, engage with diverse cultures and religions, and develop as respectful, responsible citizens.

6. Attendance

To achieve consistently high levels of pupil attendance across the federation. Expectations will be clearly communicated to parents and carers, supported by a unified approach to attendance policies and procedures.

Parkend Primary School – Vision, Aims, and Values

Our Vision

At Parkend, we aim to inspire every child to reach their full potential through our School Drivers: Knowing Me, Future Me, Creative Me, Articulate Me, and Stronger Me. We nurture and challenge children in a supportive environment, helping them develop the skills, resilience, and ambition they need to thrive now and in the future.

Our Motto

“The small school with BIG ideas”

 

Our Values – ‘PACE’

P – Pride in ourselves
A – Achieve the best we can
C – Curious thinkers
E – Everyone together

 

Our Aims

We aim for every child to leave Parkend equipped with the knowledge, skills, and character needed for lifelong learning. In partnership with parents and governors, we focus on:

  • Building positive relationships with adults and peers.

  • Developing knowledge and skills across all subjects.

  • Supporting wellbeing to lead a safe, happy, and fulfilling life.

  • Encouraging moral, spiritual, and cultural awareness.

  • Fostering resilience, adaptability, and self-confidence.

  • Promoting independence in learning and decision-making.

  • Developing collaboration, communication, and listening skills

  • Preparing children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

  • Instilling a sense of responsibility and respect for themselves, others, and their environment.

 

Our Drivers

Stronger Me

We want our children to be resilient, resourceful, and ready to face life’s challenges. They learn to solve problems, work independently, and persevere when things are difficult. At Parkend, we promote both physical and mental wellbeing, encouraging healthy lifestyles and emotional strength. Through our curriculum, pupils learn how to stay active, eat well, and understand their feelings. We teach them to keep themselves safe in school, in the community, and online and to talk openly about their worries and emotions.

Future Me

We aim to prepare our pupils for their place in an ever-changing world. Our curriculum helps children understand their local community, our country, and the wider world. We celebrate diversity, encourage respect for others, and promote responsibility for the environment. By connecting with local and national organisations pupils broaden their horizons and learn how they can make a positive difference. We want every child to know they can change, grow, and achieve whatever they set their mind to.

Articulate Me

Communication is central to learning and life. We want our children to speak and listen with confidence, respect, and understanding. Through discussion, debate, and performance, pupils learn to express their ideas clearly and to listen to others’ views. Our language-rich curriculum builds vocabulary, supports self-expression, and helps children articulate both their learning and emotions. We ensure every child has a voice and the confidence to use it.

Creative Me

We believe creativity fuels curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation. Through a wide range of creative opportunities, pupils learn to think imaginatively, explore new ideas, and express themselves in different forms. Our teaching encourages children to ‘learn by doing’ to question, investigate, and collaborate. By exploring multiple approaches to challenges, they discover that creativity has no single right answer.

Knowing Me

Our beautiful setting in the heart of the Forest of Dean gives children the chance to develop a deep sense of place and identity. We use our local environment, our forest school, field, and local church to give pupils rich first-hand experiences. These connections help children understand who they are, where they come from, and how their learning links to the wider world.