The children have been engrossed in their learning in what is a very short half-term. Our Y2 children have really enjoyed writing in role as Angus, the main character in their core text, Angus Rides the Goods Train and our Reception children have been getting creative using clay to create elephants linked to their core text 'Where's the elephant'. In year 5 our children have been engrossed in their Science learning as they have explored the different stages of human development. 

Next week, our school choir will be performing at 'The O2' as part of the annual Young Voices concert; we can't wait to hear about their experiences and our Y3 children will be visiting the Science museum to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of their forces and plants units.

Have a lovely weekend

Mr Phillips and the team

Measles

In light of recent news coverage regarding measles we wanted to share some important information with you to ensure the health and well-being of our school community is supported.

Measles is a highly contagious infection that can lead to serious complications. Studies indicate that 9 out of 10 unvaccinated children are at risk of contracting measles if a classmate is infected.

The most effective preventive measure against measles is the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, also known as German Measles). Typically administered at 1 year old and again at three years old, the two doses offer lifetime immunity.

A shortfall in the number of MMR vaccines administered nationally, particularly in London, has been noticed. If you are uncertain about your child's vaccination status, please check their red book or contact your GP surgery for clarification.

If your child needs to catch up on vaccinations, it can be done at any time at your GP practice, and appointments with nurses are available, making it a convenient and cost-free service provided by the NHS.

Measles often begins with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Small spots in the mouth may also develop. For detailed information on measles signs and symptoms, please refer to the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles.

Should you suspect your child has measles, please call 111 or inform your GP practice, which may conduct a phone appointment due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. It's crucial not to attend nursery, school, work, or medical facilities to prevent the spread. Additionally, avoid close contact with infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, as they are more vulnerable to measles.

If your child is diagnosed with measles, it is essential for them to stay off nursery or school and you must notify the school. If there are other unvaccinated children who live in the house, they should also isolate incase they are infectious.

For further information on health and well-being, the www.nhs.org website is a valuable resource. To learn more about measles and the MMR vaccine, please visit the following pages

● Measles: www.nhs.uk/measles

● MMR vaccine: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Wishing you and your family continued good health.

Absence from School procedure

If your child is absent from school, please ensure you follow this guidance: -

1. Telephone 0208 8545055 or email info@inspirewoodhill.co.uk or message on Arbor by 8.30 am on the 1st day that your child is absent. Please continue to update the school daily on your child’s illness.  Please also follow it up with medical evidence, where possible. 

2. Absences will only be authorised if medical evidence has been supplied to the school. Medical evidence can be a copy of a prescription for medicine, the prescribed medicine or packaging and medical appointment letters/card or text message. 

3. Make any dentist/doctor/hospital appointments outside of school hours or school holidays where possible.

4. Do not keep your child away from school if there is a school issue. Please contact the school to discuss the problem with a senior member of staff to help resolve the issue.

5. Do not keep your child away from school for reasons other than severe illness. Absences due to  birthdays, holidays, relatives’ visits, shopping trips and your own ill health will not be authorised.

6. All holidays will not be authorised and you will be at risk of a penalty fine from the Royal Borough of Greenwich Attendance Advisory Service.

Year 4 - This week, year 4 have been exploring the Roman Era and researching aqueducts. They worked hard to create posters about Hinduism ceremonies and have been looking into famous Roman Gods, such as Julius Ceaser . Henry said, ‘I really enjoy researching and making my own aquaducts!’

In math, year 4 has been looking into and practicing multiplying and dividing using long multiplication and the bus stop method. They have also been practicing their arithmetic to support their fluency. Ten yang said, ‘i find it so easy to use the bus stop method to work out decision with a remainder’ 

The children have also enjoyed learning new skills this week in PE, as they have started their dance module . They have used different games and skills in outdoor play to work collaboratively as a team and learn different team working techniques, through cricket. Abel said, ‘I really enjoyed working with different team members in my class to create a dance, this is something I would never say.’