September2020

Year 2

I’d like to say well done to the Year 2 children and parents for engaging with our online provision during the bubble closure. We look forward to welcoming back Year 2 on Monday 28 September.

Thank you

I just wanted to say thank you again this week for all of the support and encouraging comments and views from parents and carers during these very different times we find ourselves. Have a great weekend!

On Tuesday 29 September we will be celebrating European Day of Languages. Throughout the day children will be taking part in a wide range of language based activities and

experiences. Each year group has been assigned a specific country and are invited to come to school that day in the clothing of their chosen country or the colours of the country’s flag.

Nursery France

Reception France

Year 1 Spain

Year 2 Italy

Year 3 Greece

Year 4 Germany

Year 5 Russia

Year 6 Poland

At playtime we will be hosting a French themed cafe, serving years 3 to 6 with a wide selection of French pastries and crepes for 50p each. To adhere to government guidelines the entry times to the cafe will be staggered by year group and children will be required to sanitize their hands before entering and leaving. If your child would like to purchase from the cafe please send them in with money (no more than £2 per child).

I am delighted to share that we were awarded the Anti-Bullying Quality Mark - Bronze Award this week. To achieve this award we had to demonstrate that we are meeting the following standards:

● Taking a whole school strategic approach to preventing bullying;

● Ensuring the development of the ABQM-UK sits with the school’s leadership and in whole school development planning;

● Having an up-to-date Anti-Bullying Policy that meets the ABQM standards;

● Establishing a Peer Support scheme (e.g. buddy scheme, restorative justice scheme, peer mediation scheme) within the school;

● Sharing information with parents about the school Anti-Bullying policy and who to contact should issues arise;

● Developing a clear understanding about how to prevent and counter cyber-bullying.

A huge well done to our school council, anti-bullying steering group and to our peer mentors who all contributed to our success in gaining this award - ably led by Miss Hadfield who is really passionate about ensuring children are safe and happy in school. Miss Hadfield has worked relentlessly on creating a culture in school which is fully inclusive and is accepting of differences.

A message from our CEO Please find a link to Julian Drinkall’s second video message of the year here where you will hear Julian talking about the road ahead as well as exploring new possibilities in the way we deliver education, with a more bespoke approach, tailored to each child’s individual needs. Click here to watch the video

We are aiming to turn Lea Forest green this year and will be recycling batteries with the big battery hunt! We'll be sending home battery boxes next week that to collect any used batteries in. Please return them to school when they are full and help us to win some fantastic prizes for our children and families. We'll be having a prize draw for all children that return battery boxes to school. Last year we collected just under 100 kilograms of used batteries. Lets see if we can double that this time!

I would like to remind parents, carers and pupils of the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene. If your child is in a “bubble” that has being sent home to isolate, they must remain at home - they must not be brought to school when dropping off siblings that are still attending school. If you need support with getting your child/children to school, please get in contact with us.

Wishing you all an enjoyable and restful weekend. Take care and stay safe!

It has been a difficult week, with Year 2 being being closed from Wednesday 16th September until Monday 28th September because of a confirmed case of COVID-19 for a member of staff. I know this will have caused some frustration and concern, however, I have been really impressed and encouraged by the reaction of our pupils, parents and staff. I would like to thank those of you that have taken to time to give me messages of support. The Year 2 team have been extremely proactive in terms of setting work remotely and ensuring the learning experience for our youngsters hasn’t stopped with a remote offer offered immediately. Meanwhile in school, it’s been business as usual. Despite the current situation, as I walk around school each day it is fantastic to see the learning experiences, enthusiasm and brilliant work being completed. It is also pleasing to see the remarkable behaviour and conduct from our pupils.

What a REMARKABLE week!

I have been so impressed with our first full week back and with just how well all of our children have returned to school. This week, we welcomed our children in Nursery and Reception classes into school and I have been truly amazed by their bravery, smiley faces and enthusiasm. I’ve also been impressed with the children’s appearance, all wearing the correct school uniform. I would like to say a huge well done to all of our children for making such a positive start, but I would also like to give a shout out to all of the parents/carers for following our guidance and for making the start and end of each school day safe and successful. You are all doing so well. Remember, if you need any support, the Learning Mentor Team have a wealth of resources to support children and families. If you need any support please speak to Mr Wills, Mr Comrie or Mrs Tarrant.

Team Points

Our winning team this week is HOLLY with 3654

2nd = Ash with 3607

3rd = Bramble with 3547

4th = Oak with 3203

Reminder to all parents

Please respect the social distancing rules that we have put into effect for the safety of our whole school community. Ensure that the gates do not become obstructed and that you are not putting others’ in danger. 99% of you are doing a fabulous job in keeping everyone safe. Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!

Mr Clarke