Step two - Getting ready for your survey

Timetabling the survey 

Timetable the survey in advance and ensure that computer room bookings (if required) are made. A further catch-up slot may be required to include pupils that are absent.  

The timing of the survey will depend on the number of questions you have selected to include. Allocate enough time for staff to introduce and explain the survey to pupils and answer any questions. Consider whether further arrangements will be needed for pupils who require additional support e.g., teaching assistant allocation.  

IT preparation (if completing electronically) 

If completing the survey electronically, prepare the survey for distribution. This may include preventing the capture of identifiable information (such as email addresses) if you are completing an anonymous survey. 

We recommend that you test the survey link on the device that will be used beforehand to check that it is not blocked by your network. 

If it is appropriate to do so, you may wish to make it available either as a shortcut on the pupils' desktops or as a link on the school’s intranet. 

Teacher preparation 

We recommend preparing teachers in advance of the survey so they understand the purpose of the survey, whether it is identifiable or anonymous and how they can support pupils to complete it.  

It may be helpful to provide teachers with introductory slides or a script in advance of delivery. This could include an introduction to the survey and an explanation of the questions. 

We have prepared some resources that you may wish to use: 

• Video which you can share with your pupils.
• Lesson plan for school staff. 
• Introducing the WMfS pupil survey guidance for staff
• FAQs for pupils
• FAQs for school staff

Teachers may find it helpful to plan activities for those children who will not be completing the survey during this session, and for those who may complete the survey early in the allotted class/session. 

Some children may need extended time to complete the survey and we suggest arrangements are made in advance for this to happen. 

Step three

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