Local Authorities (LAs) assess their schools against the 10 Elements of the Quality Mark and recommend schools to the Agency for approval. Staff from the Agency monitor the assessments and ensure that they are consistent between and across LAs.
The Primary Quality Mark is awarded for three years (during this time regular monitoring visits take place from the LA). After three years the Quality Mark is renewed only if the school can demonstrate that it has made progress in basic skills. Clydach Junior School was awarded the Quality Mark in 2003 and 2006.
Primary Quality Mark Elements:
1. A whole school strategy including an action plan, to improve performance in basic skills.
2. An assessment of pupil performance in basic skills in the school.
3. A target for the improvement of the school`s performance in basic skills.
4. Basic skills improvement plans for pupils under attaining in the school.
5. Regular review of the progress made by each pupil under attaining in basic skills.
6. A commitment to improving the skills of staff in the school to teach and extend basic skills.
7. The use of a range of teaching styles to improve basic skills.
8. The use of appropriate teaching and learning material to improve basic skills.
9. The involvement of parents in developing their children`s basic skills.
10. An effective procedure for monitoring the action plan and assessing improvement in performance in basic skills.
A primary school has to demonstrate that it has all the evidence in place for each Element before the Primary Quality Mark can be awarded.