Dear Parents and Carers,

The running of the school has been somewhat challenging over the last fortnight due to staffing pressures brought about by increasing numbers of staff testing positive for Coronavirus and having to self-isolate. I can't thank the staff and the Senior Leadership team enough for their ongoing support during this time; some teachers with the support of teaching assistants in school, have been teaching live from home when they have been unwell. The added support from staff has meant that fortunately it was only one key stage that we needed to close; well done everyone! A huge thank you to our LKS2 families after we had to close these year groups for two days this week. Well done to all of the children and families who tried their best to access the online learning offered to them; it was great to see you all still taking part with our Science Week learning at home. This week has demonstrated our fantastic ability to pull together as a community during tricky times once again. We are hoping that next week will be a better picture and that upon our return after Easter, positive cases of Covid-19 will have reduced. Thank you once again for your understanding.

Despite the pressures of the last couple of weeks, lots of amazing learning opportunities have still taken place and are being planned for next term. Thank you to Miss Stevens who organised an excellent Science Week this week on the theme of 'Growth'; we are looking forward to sharing some more photos of our new pond area as it develops. We are also looking forward to seeing some exciting developments unfolding in our Early Years playground this weekend with the support from a parent helper. Watch this space... We still have lots of plans to develop this environment so if you think you could be of some assistance then please get in touch by emailing the office.

Over the last two weeks the children have had lots of opportunities to reflect on charity work with the following causes in mind: Red Nose Day, Neurodiversity Week, Wear a Hat for Brain Tumour Awareness Day and Down Syndrome Awareness Day. It is hugely important for us to celebrate the diversity amongst our school community and to teach the children that we are all different and all unique with our own talents and strengths. Our adults in school are used to having supportive conversations with the children in school and I'm hoping that some of the information I sent home to you earlier this week supported your understanding and allows you to do the same at home.

Finally today was Hummingbirds Class assembly; I was sad to have missed it but I have been reliably informed by Mrs Hartley that the children all did a fantastic job of showcasing their learning over the last term; well done Hummingbirds. Thank you to all of our parents and carers who were able to attend.

Wishing you all a healthy weekend; let's hope the sun is still shining!

Mrs Romina Lang

Headteacher