Whole school attendance this week: 97.8%

Overall attendance so far this year: 97.6%

Every day counts! All classes begin learning activities as soon as the children arrive at 8:40am. 

All absences must be reported to the school either by leaving an absence message (Option 1) or emailing Mrs Redman (Pastoral Support/Attendance Lead) via absence@greatgaddesden.herts.sch.uk

Please note: in line with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education which is reflected in our attendance policy, we are unable to authorise term time holiday.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance 

Thank you for your support and understanding.

On Monday, we had the annual blessing of the school. Mrs Tisbury led this starting outside and then visiting each classroom. It was a lovely way to provide a period of reflection and togetherness as we start a new academic year and to ask for God's blessing and protection. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for this.

Yesterday, we had our first Celebration Assembly of the year. We started by asking our Early Years children to add a pebble to the bowl which is kept in the school hall. Each pebble represents each member of the school and symbolises belonging, togetherness and strength in our community. 

This week, we hear from Early Years.

The Early Years children have had a fantastic start to their school journey this week. They have come in smiling and eager to play with their new friends. The children have begun to learn about the different areas of the classroom and outside area. They have enjoyed discovering new things and activities to take part in. The children have had some lovely story times and showed excellent listening skills as well singing some well known nursery rhymes. 

The children have also enjoyed Disco Dough to strengthen their fingers to support with writing. The children have enjoyed their first PE lesson with Coach Joe which was a big hit as well as joining the whole school for the weekly celebration assembly.

On Friday 3rd October, we are all excited to welcome an athlete to our school, who will deliver an inspirational assembly as well as work with each year group on some exercise circuits. It will be a great way for the children to have fun, keep fit and learn what it takes to train and compete in a sport at a high level. 

Our visiting athlete is Roberto Lacourt, a boxer with his sights set on the LA Olympic Games. It would be wonderful if some of the children were able to research a little more about him over the next couple of weeks. Please feel free to bring any home learning to Miss Bonney and I will award house points.

The children will have taken home sponsorship forms this week. Please take your time to read through the details and decide if it is something your child would like to get involved with at home. It is completely optional. Any money raised will be highly beneficial in supporting and improving our PE provision as well as supporting young athletes. There is a QR code attached if you wish to donate money online instead.

Nursery

We offer both 15 hours and 30 hours provision. For families entitled to 15 hours, we offer the option to top up hours to 30 hours. If your child or if you know of anyone looking for Nursery provision, please do not hesitate to let them know.

Please note- places are offered to children the term after they turn three as per the guidance below:

Reception

We are welcoming parents/carers to book tours for Reception 2026! Please share widely and contact the school office to tour our newly refurbished Early Years unit.

Dates for upcoming tours 

24th September

1st October 

8th October

14th October

15th October 

21st October

5th November 

12th November 

19th November

3rd December

11th December

Please contact the school office to book an appointment with Mr Beach. Our school prospectus can be accessed via the link below:

School Prospectus 25-26