Dear Parents and Carers
A somewhat slippery start to the day today – thank you to everyone for taking extra care when driving and walking into school this morning. I am looking into ways to make sure the beginning and end of the day is as calm as possible and am always keen to hear your ideas as to how we can refine the drop-off/collection routine. It is good to see many of you lift-sharing – if you would like me to put you in touch with someone who lives near you and have a spare seat in your car, let me know.
Keeping Children Safe
In school our main priority is to ensure that the children are safe. The school has an annual Health and Safety Audit which helps us to address any issues in the school environment which may need attention, and we also complete the Local Authority’s Safeguarding Audit to show that we are following best practice when dealing with any concerns we may have about a child. One recommendation we will continue to prioritise is ensuring the children are safe when using the internet; our school has a high level of security settings and filters, so we spend time teaching the children how to stay safe on-line, and what to do if they are worried in any way. I am currently arranging a Safer Internet Briefing for parents and carers and will circulate the date as soon as it is confirmed; I hope you will make the time to come and find out more about this hugely important issue. In the meantime, if you have any concerns about the children’s use of the internet, including through games consoles, at home, there are many valuable resources on the ThinkUKnow website https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ or ask me for advice.
Since I joined the school in September, I have been very impressed with the children’s behaviour in and around the school. They look after the school, themselves and the other children. Occasionally, however, children may occasionally not follow the school rules as well as we would hope. If your child is upset by anything that happens in school, please contact the class teacher direct, or see me on the door at the beginning or end of the day – that way we can deal with any issues quickly through implementing the school’s policies.
Other News:
Congratulations to our Stars of the Week for their hard work: Liam C, Eden C-L, Thomas M, all for working hard, and developing their resilience.
PE Kits
A reminder that all children need to have their full, named kits in school every day. This time
of year tracksuit bottoms and sweatshirts are advisable.
Study guides
The books offered to Chestnuts and Oaks Classes to support their learning arrived in school.
To ensure the children have maximum time with the books, I have distributed them, but due
to the complexity of the order, you may have been sent a slightly different version from
the one ordered. Please check your order carefully and let me know if anything needs
amending.
Forthcoming dates:
Parents’ Forum – 1st February 2:30pm – details to follow
INSET Day – no school for children – 9th February
Half Term – 12th – 16th February inclusive
Don’t forget you can keep up to date with the children’s learning, and any other news, by visiting the school website.
With best wishes
James Stanford.