'Chris James, Michael Connolly, Gerald Dunning and Tony Elliott have produced a comprehensive analysis of the very effective primary school. Although the research for the book draws on the authors' experiences in Welsh Primary Schools, the range of literature cited and the analytical frameworks employed ensure that their findings have a much broader relevance. They define 'a very effective' school as one that provides high levels of attainment and rich educational experiences despite being located in extremely challenging circumstances. A key insight of the book is that although these schools are consequently 'extraordinary' their practice was in many ways quite 'ordinary'. This is because these schools worked in much the same way as the very best of schools have always done. In many ways, this as the authors note, is an optimistic message - that all children deserve to be educated in such very effective schools. The virtue of How Very Effective Primary Schools Work is that it makes clear those characteristics and strategies that can help every school to become great' - David Hopkins, HSBC iNet Chair of International Leadership, and formerly Chief Adviser on School Standards to the Secretary of State 2002-2005

A Review of the Literature Key Issues in School Effectiveness The Characteristics of Effective Schools Schools in Challenging Circumstances Organisational Culture Contextual Influences on EffectivenessA Way of Understanding Schools as Institutions Theories - Purposes and Problems System Psychodynamics Aspects of the System PsychodynamicsThe Research The Education System in Wales The Central Issue The Kind of Study We Undertook The Schools We Studies The Data Collection and Analysis The Case Study Schools - The Nature of DisadvantageThe Central Characteristic A Productive Culture A Strong Culture A Highly Inclusive Culture Continuing Professional Development Changes/Initiatives Extra-Curricular ActivitiesLeadership The Headteacher The Development of Leadership Density and Depth The Leadership Work of the Governing BodiesThe Mindset The MindsetThe Teaching Team The Teachers Teamwork Additional Classroom SupportThe Pupils and Their Parents Pupil Engagement and Commitment Parental Engagement and CommitmentVery Efficient and Effective Organisation Structure, Management and Systems The Management of Pupil Performance Data The Sizes of the SchoolsThe Mutual Support, Validation and Valuing Of The Community The Schools and Their Local Communities The Schools and the Wider Community The Schools and the Education SystemWhat Makes These Schools Very Effective? An Interpretive Review of the Findings The Characteristics of the Case Study Schools In Comparison With the Characteristics of Effective Schools Why Were These Schools Very Effective? Concluding Comments The Primary Task - Interpreting the Outcomes Group Mentalities Espoused Theories and In Use Theories Leadership Boundaries Defensive Behaviours Containment and the Transformation of Anxiety and Emotion into Creativity Working with Passion CollaborationConcluding Comments Reflections on the Research and the Outcomes New Research Issues Messages for All Schools Very Effective Schools Are What All Children Deserve