Dear Parents and Carers

It's been quite a busy week here at Delce, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on it.

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt commendations to our incredible Year 6 children. This past week, they faced the challenges of SATs with remarkable resilience and hard work. Their dedication and determination have been truly inspiring and I couldn't be prouder of each and every one of them.

I also want to express my gratitude to all the teachers and parents for their unwavering support throughout this time. Your encouragement and involvement have played a crucial role in helping our children navigate their way through this important time together. It's been so heart warming seeing the Year 6 children's smiley faces each morning for their served breakfast and confidence affirming pep talks. Together, we've created a strong foundation for their success and I am immensely grateful for your partnership.   Go TEAM DELCE!

As we move forward, let's continue to celebrate the achievements of our children and support them in their journey of growth and learning.

At Delce We Do Belong!

Diversity Celebration in full swing at Delce

The Junior Leadership Team (JLT) has been hard at work, and we've already shared our vision with the entire school. We're more motivated than ever to make this celebration a resounding success.

As we continue to plan this event, stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved and help us make a meaningful impact. Together, let's embrace our differences and create a culture of inclusivity that shines brightly throughout Delce.

Understanding bullying behaviour

Children may bully for various reasons, including feeling insecure or seeking control. Others may not realise it's wrong to target those who are different. Some engage in bullying due to a pattern of aggressive behaviour, often needing help managing emotions and learning co-operation. Additionally, children may mimic aggressive behaviour seen outside of school or learn that bullying equals control over perceived weaknesses.

Helping children stop bullying:

• Clearly communicate that bullying is unacceptable and enforce consequences.

• Understand the reasons behind the behaviour, such as difficulty managing emotions or lacking conflict resolution skills.

• Teach respect and empathy for differences.

• Stay involved in your child's social life to understand influences.

• Reinforce positive behaviour and discourage bullying through meaningful consequences.

• Collaborate with schools to develop action plans and promote pro-social choices.

Register for the Medway Test

Registration for the Medway Test opens on 20th May and closes on 14th June 2024.

If your child needs special arrangements to sit the test, you will need to register them in the same way as other families. Please speak to Mr Palmer before this date if you think your child needs special arrangements for the Medway Test.

Medway Education and SEND team will be celebrating the start of their new adventure!

Our local teams are moving into the Children and Family Hubs during May half term, and we invite you to come and meet with us to find out more.

We will be holding open events on the dates below:

28th May 10-2pm at Wayfield and Rainham Children and Family hub Wayfield Road, Wayfield, ME5 OHH

29th May 10-1pm at Gillingham Children and Family Hub, Woodlands Road, Gillingham, ME7 2BX

30th May 11.30-1.30pm Strood Children and Family Hub, Clifton Road, Rochester, ME2 2HG

Our staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding education and SEND, as well as offering arts, crafts, and games for the children.

No need to book, please just turn up and we look forward to meeting you.

Mr. Palmer's Parent Drop Ins 

Each week Mr. Palmer will be available 9am-10am every Friday in 15 minute slots to discuss any concerns.

If you would like one of the 15 Minute Slots to discuss something, please use the QR code below to access the booking system. 

SEND Coffee Morning

We were very lucky to get Medway Community Healthcare to our last SEND Coffee Morning.

They shared some great tips and resources for sleep, diet, toileting as well as ASD and ADHD strategies.

Some further resources are below around anxiety and depression.

They would love some feedback if you were here. Please follow this link. 

The Dangers of Underage Social Media Use

In today's digital age, the appeal of social media and various apps can be strong, especially for our younger ones. However, it's essential to recognise the potential dangers, particularly when children under 13 engage with platforms not suitable for their age group.

Did you know that it is illegal for children under the age of 13 to have accounts on platforms like Snapchat or WhatsApp? These apps, along with many others, have age restrictions in place to protect children from exposure to inappropriate content and potential risks associated with online interactions.

These age restrictions are not arbitrary; they are implemented for specific reasons:

1. Privacy and Safety: Social media platforms often collect personal information from users, including their location, photos, and contact details. Young children may not fully understand the importance of privacy settings or the potential risks associated with sharing personal information online, making them vulnerable to predators and cyber-bullying.

2. Inappropriate Content: Many social media platforms contain content that is not suitable for children, including explicit language, violence, and graphic imagery. Exposure to such content can have a negative impact on a child's mental and emotional well-being and may contribute to desensitisation or inappropriate behaviour.

3. Online Interactions: Children under 13 may lack the maturity and judgement necessary to navigate online interactions safely. Social media platforms facilitate communication with strangers, which can lead to encounters with individuals who may have malicious intentions or engage in grooming behaviours.

As parents, it's crucial to understand the reasons behind these age restrictions and take proactive steps to ensure our children's safety online. Here are some tips on how to address the situation if your child insists on using these apps because "all their friends are doing it":

1. Educate Your Child: Take the time to explain to your child the reasons behind the age restrictions on certain apps. Help them understand the potential dangers of using platforms that are not suitable for their age group, including exposure to inappropriate content and interactions with strangers.

2. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear rules and boundaries regarding social media use in your household. Let your child know that certain apps are off-limits until they reach the appropriate age, and explain the consequences of violating these rules.

3. Offer Alternatives: Provide your child with alternative age-appropriate activities and apps that they can enjoy safely. Encourage them to explore creative outlets, hobbies, and educational platforms that align with their interests.

4. Lead by Example: Be a positive role model for your child by demonstrating responsible online behaviour yourself. Show them how to use social media responsibly and emphasise the importance of privacy, kindness, and respectful communication online.

5. Stay Engaged: Keep the lines of communication open with your child and stay actively involved in their online activities. Regularly check in with them about their digital experiences, address any concerns or questions they may have, and offer guidance and support as needed.

Summer Term Foodie News

Chartwells - our school meal provider – has launched their new Summer menu, filled with crowd-pleasing classics and fresh, seasonal flavours.

See the new menu below or visit the school website.

There is plenty of foodie fun planned for the summer term with themed menus such, Mexican themed Fiesta Fun in May and celebrating National Picnic Week in June.

All theme menus can be found here.

Complaints procedures

At Delce, we aim to meet our statutory obligations when responding to complaints from our parents. Parents should follow our Complaints Policy that explains the procedures that should be followed. 

Stage 1: Informal 

The complainant should raise the complaint as soon as possible with the relevant member of staff or the headteacher as appropriate, either in person or by letter, telephone or email. If the complainant is unclear who to contact or how to contact them, they should contact the school office.

If the complaint is not resolved informally, it will be escalated to a Stage 2 formal complaint. The school will maintain a log of informal complaints and review this on a termly basis.

Stage 2: Formal 

If the issue cannot be resolved through informal action the complainant should inform the headteacher in writing. This letter will be acknowledged within three working days. Formal complaints must be reported the local governing body. The local governing body must then be kept informed about progress and outcomes. This letter should provide details such as relevant dates, times, and the names of witnesses of events, alongside copies of any relevant documents. The complainant should also state what they feel would resolve the complaint. 

For more details visit our website.