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.

School Aims and Values

At Yorkley, we open children’s eyes to a brighter future and give them the Power to achieve it through our Values and School Drivers. Together, we nurture, inspire, and challenge every child to grow in confidence, aim high, and embrace the future with curiosity and ambition.

Our Aims

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

  • Building healthy, positive relationships with adults and peers.

  • Developing knowledge, skills, and understanding across all subjects.

  • Supporting emotional wellbeing, resilience, and self-confidence.

  • Encouraging moral, spiritual, and cultural awareness.

  • Fostering adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and independence.

  • Promoting responsible decision-making and personal accountability.

  • Developing collaboration, communication, and listening skills.

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

  • Cultivating curiosity, ambition, and a love of learning.

Ideas from our children: 

    

Motto:

Our motto is “Valuing learning, Learning to Value.”

Values:

Our values are Partnership, Perseverance, Patience, Practice, and Pride. These link together to give children the “Power” to achieve and develop into responsible citizens.

 

Our school poem highlights these values:

We persevere, just keep on trying,
Practice helps us be high flying.

We take our time and wait our turn,
Patience is a skill we learn.

We work together as one big team.
Partnership is never mean.

We should never have to hide,
We try our best, so we have Pride.

The Yorkley values show us how,
We have the power to learn right now.

Recognition of School Values 

We actively promote and celebrate our school values throughout all aspects of school life. Pupils are consistently recognised for their efforts to align their behaviour and attitudes with these values, fostering a positive and respectful learning environment.

During Autumn Term 1, our focus was on the value of Partnership, encouraging pupils to work collaboratively and support one another. Pupils were recognised for demonstrating behaviours and attitudes that reflect this value, helping to build a strong, respectful, and inclusive school community.

 

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