I started this blog two weeks ago; suffice to say we have had an extremely busy start to the term! The children have settled down well to their learning and have been reviewing their targets with their teachers. They have been setting themselves new challenges that you will be able to share at the Open Evenings this week. We have also gathered formal assessment information this week and again will have up to date information to share with you during your consultation.
You may have noticed that the windy weather over the Christmas break whipped away our polytunnel covering. The cost of replacing this is quite significant so we are considering whether this is an efficient use of our funds. We suspect not. We would still have gardening provision as we have the raised beds that we can relocate; we are so fortunate to have such lovely well-kept grounds.
You will soon be receiving a letter regarding a new Local Authority initiative to improve attendance. We have several children whose attendance is below 95% and it is for these families that we want to ensure support is available. Obviously sickness absence cannot be helped but for other absences I want to be certain that we have done everything possible to prevent a family being prosecuted for non-attendance.
I have been so impressed with the way the children have taken to their Learning Challenges this time. EYFS and KS1 have literally taken off like a rocket! They are sending questions to Tim Peake, are making rockets at home and are completely absorbed by the whole ‘space’ theme. I believe Mr Sharp has worked with classes 1 and 2 and they have built a giant polystyrene rocket that will hold astronauts!
Meanwhile KS2 are travelling back in time. We have budding historians who are becoming experts in the Romans, Vikings and Mayans. I have seen some beautiful artwork as well as fabulous extended writing.
Since our return in January we have had a group of children who have successfully completed the Bikeability programme. Well done to them! It is so important to train our young people in road safety, especially those who cycle to school. We have also had our termly fire drill which recorded us leaving and being in our evacuation places within 5 minutes, which is excellent.
My sincere apologies for not blogging sooner; it really has been an immensely busy start to the year. I do however look forward to catching up with you next week.
Best Wishes,
Nicola Wood.