June 2022

Messages from Mr Clarke-Castello

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


Well, our feet haven’t touched the ground this week as there has been so many events and activities taking place…But, we wouldn’t have it any other way at Lea Forest! Attendance has been really poor over the last few weeks as families have been taking unapproved holidays. Attendance will remain a huge focus until the end of term - please make sure children are in school on time, every day!


Last weekend, we invited along our new Reception pupils and parents starting with us in September for a picnic. The weather wasn’t very kind to us but it was a brilliant opportunity to meet some familiar, but also lots of new faces. Some of the children were really nervous at the start, but didn’t want to leave us by the end. We can’t wait for our new children to start with us in September. Staffing in Early Years for September 2022 is as followed:


NPH - Mr Haw (with Mrs Hopkins and Mrs Peachey)

RCG - Mrs Gonzales (with Miss Freeman)

RMH - Mrs Hicklin (with Miss Clarke)

RFH - Mrs Hartwell (with Mrs Byrne)


I know this is an exciting time of the year for the children (and especially for parents), but the rest of the school will get to find out new teachers and classes on Monday 4 July when we have our transition morning planned.


Mr Taylor will be leaving us at the end of this school year as he has gained a headship at Warren Farm Primary School in Kingstanding. Mr Taylor and I both joined Lea Forest together in September 2015 and have been on a real journey, leading Lea Forest to where we are today. I’m sure you will join me in congratulating Mr Taylor and wishing him the best of luck in his headship. We will not be replacing Mr Taylor’s Deputy Headteacher role in school as we have 7 Assistant Headteachers (Mrs Gonzales, Miss Evans, Mr White, Miss Francois, Ms Purcell, Miss Ward and Ms Wale) who all support me in leading the school.


Most of our Year 6 children with have a transition day at their new secondary schools on Wednesday 6 July, but some schools may have different arrangements. If you have any worries or concerns about transition, please speak to a member of our pastoral team who will be able to offer some support.


Year 1 have been tested to track their progress in Phonics. Mrs Gonzales carried out the Phonics screening tests with every single child and we have been blown away by the amount of progress made. I am very pleased to share that our Phonics results reached a remarkable 92%. Well done to all of the children and also a HUGE well done to all of staff working with the children. Year 4 have completed their Multiplication Checks Tests this week and await the results...I will share these next week!


Have a great weekend!

Mr Clarke-Castello

Summer Fair

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


Planning is well underway by staff and our PCAB for the Summer fair.

We look forward to seeing all of our parents, family members and friends on Friday 1 July from 2.30pm - 4.30pm.


On this day, we will require parents to collect children in Early Years at 2:00pm, Key Stage 1 at 2:10pm and from Key Stage 2 by 2:15pm to allow us to prepare the stalls.


This will be an opportunity to come together as a community in a safe, yet fun manner. All our stalls and events will take place outside on our Key Stage 2 playgrounds and large top field.


The entrance to the fair will be via

Eddish Road (staff car park entrance)



Tennis Coaching at Yardley Tennis Club

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


We are working with Yardley Tennis Club this term to provide expert tennis lessons and clubs to children in Key Stage 2. They are based close to Lea Forest and have superb facilities. They’ve asked us to let you know about their provision available for you to book direct. LTA Youth Start is for kids aged 4-11 years who are new to tennis. We'll help teach kids new life skills, developing them as both players and people.


Two classes are available:

- 16:30-17:15 kids aged 4-7

- 17:15-18:00 kids aged 8-11


The course costs £29.99 (+£5 P&P) which gets:

- Six top-class tennis sessions with a specially trained coach

- A tennis racket and set of balls

- A branded t-shirt

- Activity cards, a lanyard, stickers and a certificate


To find out more, check out:

http://tennisforkids.uk/yardleytennis

Character Curriculum

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


At Lea Forest we aim to develop our pupils’ character through the growth of relationships that define us as humans. Through our curriculum, we develop a set of competencies (behaviours) which enable each and every one of our pupils to lead a remarkable life. These competencies can be found on the Character Curriculum Page of the LFP Website. In addition to the tasks provided by individual class teachers, a ‘Character Curriculum Challenge’ will be set fortnightly on the newsletter.

On this occasion, we would like you to attempt to complete the fourth task in the National Trust '50 things to do before you're 11¾' by building a den either at home, in your garden or at the park (using the National Trust website or some of the pictures below to help you). Remember to send pictures of your den to Mr Croxon or your class teacher (either on Class Dojo or Twitter) and the best ones will be evidenced in the ‘Character Curriculum (evidence) Book’ for your class!



Children's Rights

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.


Sleep is really important for all children. What does your do to get to sleep at night? Do they have a special story, or a special toy to cuddle?



Votes For Schools

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


In recent months, the Department for Education has been made aware of a rise in “incel culture” online and even in schools. While this is less likely to affect Primary-age children, it nevertheless highlights a need for young people to feel they have an outlet for their feelings, whether they are experiencing frustration, isolation, or something else. This week, children have explored how we express our emotions, and identified which of these they think are the most appropriate and helpful, including online interactions.


Key Stage 1 have asked: “Should everyone deal with big feelings in the same way?”


Key Stage 2 have asked: “Should everyone deal with big emotions in the same way?”


Travel Tracker Update

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


We are travel tracking superstars at Lea Forest. So far in June we have recorded 6581 active journeys to school!


Our most active classes this week were: 6BS in Key Stage 2 and RFH in Early Years! Keep-up the great work!



TTRS Update

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


Congratulations to 4SH who are this week’s

Battle Of The Band Champions with an average of 1,489 correct answers per person. The Top 3 Rock Stars this week for the most correct answers are:

1. Lucas Wallace #LFP-4SC

2. Zain Qadir #LFP-4SC

3. Mohammed Yakub Chowdhury #LFP-4SC




Contact Details

posted 26 June 2022 9:23am , by J Croxon


It is really important that we have up to date contact numbers for you and that you keep your mobile phone switched on during the school day. All parents should ensure that we have at least two contact names and contact details on our system. This is extremely important as we may need to get hold of you in an emergency.


If you change your mobile number, please remember to inform the school straight away.


To communicate with parents we use Class Dojo, email and text messages.


Please ensure that you inform us if you change your email address or phone number. In addition, if you move house, please ensure you let the office know your new address. You can email: contactus@leaforestacademy.org or telephone the school office to notify us of any changes or use the online form on our website.

Messages from Mr Clarke-Castello

posted 18 June 2022 7:23am , by J Croxon



It’s been another incredibly busy and successful week at Lea Forest! As we get closer and closer to the end of another school year, the weeks just seem to be flying by with each and every week being busier than the last.


Football Success

It has been another great week for our football team who are the Premier League Champions for 2021/22. The boys managed to remain unbeaten throughout the season and brought

home the silverware!


Great British Bark Off!

We have taken part in 'The Great British Bark Off' this week. This charity event has been run by an organisation called Underdog International, whose motto is ‘Children helping dogs, dogs helping children’ They aim to use dogs to support children suffering emotional and mental health difficulties and also support dogs at the same time! Children have found out about the valuable roles dogs, including therapy dogs, play in improving children's lives, building confidence and helping them overcome worries. We have ended the week dressed in dog themed costumes and we’ve had a few furry friend visitors. We also held a cake sale during breaktime today. More information about the Bark off can be found at https://www.greatbritishbarkoff.com/


Year 4 Multiplication Tables Checks

A huge well done to our Year 4 children who have completed their multiplication checks this week. The purpose of these checks is to determine whether your child can fluently recall their times tables up to 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. All children have worked extremely hard to improve their fluency and rapid recall of facts and have done themselves, their teachers and you proud. Well done and thank you for your supporting your child with this work this year.


Nursery and Reception Welcome Meetings

It was great meeting our new nursery and reception parents this week. It was lovely to see some familiar faces and also great to meet new families who have chosen to join our wonderful school. If you were unable to make any of the meetings you can find further information on the school website in the transition section . We look forward to seeing our new reception children and their parents/carers at our picnic on Saturday 18th June from 12:00-14:00.


Household Support Fund

The government has confirmed its Household Support Fund has been extended and the council is currently finalising a hardship grant scheme with local delivery agencies to ensure this funding reaches those in most need. Further details, including how families can apply for funding, will be shared shortly on the council’s website at: www.birmingham.gov.uk/HSF.

Attendance Update

posted 18 June 2022 7:23am , by J Croxon


It’s great to see everyone working so hard to achieve our 96.5% target.

We can only do this if we all work together!


Our attendance for

the week is

93.4%


Our attendance for

the year to date

96.2%

Keep up the great work!

Attendance remains a high priority for us at Lea Forest.


We regularly review our pupils’ attendance and where there is a concern we will be in contact with you. In cases of regular absence due to illness you will receive a letter requesting that medical evidence is provided. We work closely with Birmingham City Council’s Education Legal Intervention Team and where necessary follow their FAST TRACK process of penalty notices in order to improve attendance.



Tennis Coaching in Partnership With Yardley Tennis Club

posted 18 June 2022 7:23am , by J Croxon


We are working with Yardley Tennis Club this term to provide expert tennis lessons and clubs to children in Key Stage 2. They are based close to Lea Forest and have superb facilities. They’ve asked us to let you know about their provision available for you to book direct. LTA Youth Start is for kids aged 4-11 years who are new to tennis. We'll help teach kids new life skills, developing them as both players and people.


Two classes are available:

- 16:30-17:15 kids aged 4-7

- 17:15-18:00 kids aged 8-11


The course costs £29.99 (+£5 P&P) which gets:

- Six top-class tennis sessions with a specially trained coach

- A tennis racket and set of balls

- A branded t-shirt

- Activity cards, a lanyard, stickers and a certificate


To find out more, check out:

http://tennisforkids.uk/yardleytennis



Careers Day at Lea Forest

posted 18 June 2022 7:23am , by J Croxon


Our Intent:

"To ensure that young people are able to lead remarkable lives. Our remarkable futures careers provision exposes all young people to a range of meaningful encounters and experiences that will empower them and appropriately prepare them for their next stage of development. Our approach ensures that every young person is given the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, qualities and character needed to make fully informed decisions about their future, manage their career and thrive in the world of work."


At Lea Forest, we are developing our curriculum to focus on careers, which will raise aspirations of children. Research shows that children have their first aspirations aged 3-4 years. By the age of 7 children are beginning to think about what they can and cannot do in the future. For these reasons and many more, we are currently developing a programme that will increase pupils exposure to information, encounters, opportunities and experiences that will raise aspirations; inspire young people about their futures; and ensure pupils are not held back from pursuing their passions or achieving their goals.


Children have already had many opportunities with learning about various careers through their trips and visitors. Children have been able to ask questions which are career related and gain an understanding of different job roles. These experiences are shared on the school’s website under the Career Pathways section. The page is continuously updated and available to view at any time.


On Tuesday 12th July, we will be holding a careers event between 2pm and 4pm in Year 6. Employees from various backgrounds will be invited into school allowing children to have a meaningful encounter as they will be exploring a number of possible future careers. This is an exciting opportunity for children as well as parents to help raise aspirations of young children. A questionnaire will also be sent out to parents asking if they would be willing to also participate on this day and talk about their job roles.



Votes For Schools

posted 18 June 2022 7:23am , by J Croxon


As it has been two years since the killing of George Floyd and the subsequent anti-racism protests worldwide, Primary 7-11 voters have been reflecting on the changes they have seen - if any - in education when it comes to tackling racism. They have been voting on:

“Has there been positive change in schools since the protests of 2020?”


Meanwhile, Key Stage 1 voters have been considering:

“Does school teach us to treat people fairly?”



Children's Rights Updates

posted 18 June 2022 7:23am , by J Croxon


If a child is seeking refuge or has refugee status, governments must provide them with appropriate protection and assistance to help them enjoy all the rights in the Convention. Governments must help refugee children who are separated from their parents to be reunited with them.


We are talking about this right because it is ‘World Refugee Day’ on the 20th June.



Times Table Rock Stars Update

posted 18 June 2022 7:23am , by J Croxon


This week has seen the return of the Battle Of The Band Competition. A big well done to 4SC who have retained their position at the top of the leaderboard. The Top 3 Rock Stars this week for the most correct answers are:


Zain Qadir #LFP4SC

Ameera Hussain #LFP4SC

Lucas Wallace # LFP4SC

Sunny Weather - Reminder For Parents

posted 18 June 2022 7:23am , by J Croxon

As we move closer to the summer months and the weather improves, we request that children come to school with sun cream already applied and with a suitable hat with their name in.


There is more information on the website for parents at: https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/sun-safety-advice-for-parents

Sustainability - Tip of the week

posted 18 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

Reduce plastic pollution

It’s impossible to go for a walk without finding plastic waste: from crisp packets to bottles and bags. These can now be easily recycled at Tesco Swan Island in Yardley or other supermarkets. But some forms of plastic aren't even visible to the naked eye. Around a third of our clothes contain tiny plastic threads. When washed they can escape into the sea and end up in the stomachs of fish. The problem of plastic pollution is now big news. Images of sea life entangled in our plastic waste are being broadcast around the world. It's an issue that politicians can’t avoid. The UK government need a new law to phase out plastic pollution.

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/live-sustainably-how-be-conscious-consumer



Messages from Mr Clarke-Castello

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

Welcome back after a wonderful half term break! I hope that you all enjoyed the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and managed to spend some quality time together. I cannot believe that we are moving into the last half term of the year! It’s been a really busy week back and it’s been great to see all of the children engaged in their learning. It is going to be very busy this term and we have a lot of very exciting things planned for the children, with trips and experiences. Most of the important dates have been added to the dates for your calendar section of the newsletter, so you know what is going on. You can also keep up-to-date with events on Class Dojo and our school website.


We are looking forward to welcoming new Nursery and Reception parents/carers next week, on Monday and Tuesday consecutively for the ‘welcome meetings’. This will be a chance to meet the teaching teams and to learn more about expectations for September. We are also hosting an Early Years Transitional picnic on Saturday 18 June for new Nursery and Reception children and parents/carers.


I would like to say a huge well done to Year 1 for their wonderful successes in their phonics screening checks this week. We are so proud of the progress the children have made. Once all assessments have been completed, I will share the results.


Attendance and Punctuality

Thank you to all of you who have ensured that your children are back in school every day and on time. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of your child arriving to school on time. The school gates open at 8.45am and lessons begin at 9:00am so your child is late if they arrive after that time. Being on time provides your child with a positive start to the day. Please ensure you get your children to school on time - thank you. Attendance remains a high priority for us at Lea Forest. We regularly review our pupils’ attendance and where there is a concern we will be in contact with you. In cases of regular absence due to illness you will receive a letter requesting that medical evidence is provided. We work closely with Birmingham City Council’s Education Legal Intervention Team and where necessary follow their FAST TRACK process of penalty notices in order to improve attendance.

Football Success

I am very proud of our football team who had another successful evening on the field this week and remain unbeaten for the whole season. It was a tense evening on Thursday as it was our last match. We managed to secure another win which ensured that we we ended the season at the top of the league. The winning team can be seen pictured on the banner above.

Attendance Updates

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

Attendance remains a high priority for us at Lea Forest.


We regularly review our pupils’ attendance and where there is a concern we will be in contact with you. In cases of regular absence due to illness you will receive a letter requesting that medical evidence is provided. We work closely with Birmingham City Council’s Education Legal Intervention Team and where necessary follow their FAST TRACK process of penalty notices in order to improve attendance.

It’s great to see everyone working so hard to achieve our 96.5% target.

We can only do this if we all work together!


Our attendance for

the week is

94.30%


Our attendance for

the year to date

96.3%

Keep up the great work!

Year 1 Phonics Screening

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

We are really proud of our children in Year 1 this week as they have completed the National Phonic screening check.


The National phonics screening check is a statutory assessment that was introduced in 2012 to all Year 1 pupils and is a quick and easy check of your child’s phonics knowledge.


The screening consists of a list of 40 words and nonsense words. It assess phonics skills and knowledge learnt through reception and year 1. The check is very similar to tasks the children already complete during phonics lessons.

You will be informed of your child’s progress in phonics and find out how they have done in the screening check, towards the end of the summer term.


Every single child gave 100% and we couldn’t be prouder of their phonic achievements!

Year 4 Multiplication Table Check (MTC)

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

Next week, our children in Year 4 will be sitting the 2022 Multiplication check. The purpose of the check is to determine whether children can fluently recall their times tables up to 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help schools to identify if children may need additional support.


It is an on-screen check consisting of 25 times table questions. Your child will be able to answer 3 practice questions before taking the actual check. They will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.


The check has been designed so that it is inclusive and accessible to as many children as possible, including those with special educational needs or disability (SEND) or English as an additional language (EAL).


Your child’s teacher will share your child’s score with you when they are received in July, as they would with all national curriculum assessments. There is no pass mark for the check.


Year 4 have been working extremely hard, using TTRockStars to support on a daily basis. We are confident that all of the Children will do themselves, their parents and the school proud.

The Great British Bark Off

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

From Monday 13th - Friday 17th June, we will be taking part in 'The Great British Bark Off'.

This is a charity event run by an organisation called Underdog International, whose motto is ‘Children helping dogs, dogs helping children’ They aim to use dogs to support children suffering emotional and mental health difficulties and also support dogs at the same time!

Children will be finding out about the valuable roles dogs, including therapy dogs, can play in improving children's lives, building confidence and helping them overcome worries.


We would like children to come to school on Friday dressed in a dog themed costume if they would like to.

We will also be holding a cake sale during breaktime on Friday. Please look out for more information about this on Class Dojo.

More information about the Bark off can be found at https://www.greatbritishbarkoff.com/



Sustainability Top Tips

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

Use good wood!


Our country imports a lot of products made from wood – like paper and furniture. It takes an area of land almost 3 times the size of Wales to grow all that wood.


First, try to buy reclaimed or pre-loved wooden furniture wherever possible, and recycled paper products. Next best is to buy wood and wood products from UK or EU sources. If that fails, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo is your next option, but the scheme has not been without its troubles. Check how good retailers are at ensuring their wood comes from sustainable sources by using WWF’s timber scorecard


Trees remove planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Friends of the Earth is campaigning to double the amount of tree cover in the UK

Votes for Schools

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

This week, voters have been celebrating Pride focusing on families and relationships. In the Key Stage 1 we have introduced children to some of the families we see on our screens and on the pages of popular books and consider:

“Is it important to see families that are different to yours"


Meanwhile, Key Stage 2 we have explored why representation matters and the impact being introduced to LGBT+ relationships can have on our understanding of the community. Children have been discussing:

“Will seeing more LGBT+ relationships help stop prejudice?”

Travel Tracker Update

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

So far in June we

have recorded 1953 active

journeys and 4SH are the

most active class so far this month.


We are very proud of how many families are choosing to walk, scoot, cycle and park and stride this year!

Times Table Rockstar Update

posted 12 June 2022 7:21am , by J Croxon

Next week will see the return of our Battle Of The Bands Competition.


Each week children are provided with opportunities to practice their recall of times table facts. Please ensure that you children are practising at home too to further support their times table knowledge and fluency.