Cheam Common Infants' Academy
Weekly Newsletter
3rd November 2023
Cheam Common Infants' Academy: Balmoral Road, Worcester Park
KT4 8SS
Email: ccioffice@leoacademytrust.co.uk www.cheamcommoninfants.com
Welcome to our weekly newsletter!
Updates
Welcome back!
I hope you had a restful half term and had a chance to recharge and spend time with family and friends. This term is one of my favourites. It will be extremely busy but full of lots of learning and fun. There are also lots of celebrations and festivals this term. This Sunday, 5th November, is Guy Fawkes or Bonfire night, the annual celebration that commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder plot of 1605.
If you are celebrating, have lots of fun but ensure you remain safe by remembering the Firework Code.
Sunday 12th November 2023 is Remembrance Sunday.
To show our support and care for the armed forces we will be selling poppies next week.
Poppies and other items will be on sale daily from 8:30am - 8:40am and 3:05pm - 3:15pm in the main playground.
This week's learning
This week, our children have been focusing on sustainability. Mrs Harris and her Eco warriors have challenged everyone to think about ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment, and how we can make our school more sustainable. There is more information below.
Nursery
Nursery have had a wonderful first week back. They have looked at a different nursery rhyme every day as well as exploring the safety and fun of fireworks!
Reception
We're going on a bear hunt!
Reception have had a wonderful return to school this week.
In Reception the children have read 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. We explored the different settings of the story by going on a sensory trail in our outside area and then we wrote about the different settings in our books.
Our number of the week was '5'. The children were very busy playing 'number fairies' looking for different ways to represent 5.
Reception have learnt about the history of Bonfire Night, how to be safe when watching fireworks and made some beautiful 'firework art'.
Year 1
Year One have a great start to the new half term. They were all very excited to dress up as their favourite toys. As historians they used lots of questions such as 'How does your toy move? What is it made from?' They really enjoyed playing and discussing their toys and they all look fabulous dressed up.
In Design Technology the children began their new learning on structures and identified whether the structures were natural or manufactured.
Working like Mathematicians the children have been exploring odd and even numbers, making number bonds to 10, finding one more and one less than a number and writing them as number sentences.
In English, the children have begun their new book 'Lost in the Toy Museum'. They wrote some amazing sentences using adjectives describing the characters and tried hard to remember full stops. We are very proud of all them as they are trying so hard to independently write.
What a great week Year One have had. Enjoy fireworks night!
Year 2
Year Two started off this half term with a walk around our local area, working as geographers. They enjoyed reading the local street names, pointing out local landmarks and discussing the street furniture they could see. We were impressed with how much they could remember from Year One about the different types of housing.
As computer scientists, we have been finding out about algorithms and writing some for our friends to follow.
Happy birthday to all our pupils who have celebrated a birthday this week.
As a healthy school we ask if your child would like to celebrate their birthday, they donate a book to the library instead of bringing treats for the class. The book will help us to grow our library and ensure we are promoting healthy eaters.
We will display a photo of your child with their book in the newsletter.
Our daily sustainable focus
Mindful Monday
Thinking about the impact of our actions (meat free meals, turning off lights, screens, being careful to recycle properly).
Tidy up Tuesday
Collecting rubbish from around the school to protect our local environment and wildlife.
Walk to school Wednesday
Reduce our carbon footprint and improve the air quality in our local community.
Thrifty Thursday
Helping the local community to reduce, reuse and recycle by donating items to school that you no longer require.
Feel good Friday
The Eco Squad reflect and feedback to their classes on the positive impact we have made during the week including counting crisp packets - there will be a prize for the best class at the end of each term. They will also relay positive stories about how scientists are coming up with solutions to our sustainability problems around the world.
Following the success of the conker competition The ECO SQUAD have a new challenge for you!
Stickman is missing.....
Stickman is lost!
The Eco Squad have been delighted with the entires to our competition so far........
There is still time to win!
The winner will be judged on 1/12/23
Help us find Stickman!
On your autumn walks see if you can find a Stickman.
If you find a stick with a body, two arms and two legs bring it in to school (...normal sticks need not apply)!
Mrs Harris does not need 10,000 normal sticks...only Stickmen!
There will be a Christmas chocolate prize for the individual who brings in the best Stickman!
Things to celebrate
Star of the Week Certificates (Week 9)
Nursery
Ducklings - Isla
Fawns/Cygnets - Kayla
Rabbits/Cygnets - Jahvel
Reception
Badgers - Nora
Foxes - Chi Tung
Hedgehogs - Lily
Squirrels - Fatemah
Year 1
Finches - Vihaan
Robins - Anijah
Sparrows - Nor
Wrens - Indie
Year 2
Eagles - Remy
Falcons - Alfie
Kestrels - Melvyn
Owls - Isla
3 Bees Certificates (Week 9)
Nursery
Ducklings - Mollie
Fawns/Cygnets - Aiza
Rabbits/Cygnets - Billie
Reception
Badgers - Jack
Foxes - Joe
Hedgehogs - Deniz
Squirrels - Riley
Year 1
Finches - Aria
Robins - Ava
Sparrows - Madeleine
Wrens - Ewan
Year 2
Eagles - Viaan
Falcons - Scarlett
Kestrels -Harriet
Owls - Oliver
Be Ready to Learn Bee
Well done to Wrens
Well done to Kestrels
Celebratory Lunchtime Award Lunch
Mr Honeysett's Be Ready to Learn Sporty Bee
Well done to Robins
Great job 🏆
Best Attendance
Well done to Robins and Hedgehogs classes who had the highest attendance for the last week of Autumn 1.
Reminders
Appropriate Clothing
As the weather has now turned colder and wetter, please ensure your child/children come to school appropriately clothed.
Wherever possible, children will be outside for lunches and break times as well as for their outside learning.
Please ensure they have coats, gloves and hats etc.
Important Information
There is no longer an option to report a child’s absence via telephone. We ask that you use the google forms below to report absence. They are also available to complete on our website using the parent tab.
We do not authorise holidays during term time. If your child is going to be off school due to an exceptional circumstance, then please complete this form:
Request for Exceptional Absence form in advance for future appointments and exception absence.
Cheam Common Infants' Absence Form for sickness and same day medical appointments.
TThe Seesaw app has got a fresh new app icon.
Don’t worry, the way you use the app will stay the same. Anytime after October 27, you can update to the newest version of the iOS or Android app to see this change. If you access Seesaw via the website, app.seesaw.me, the updates are automatic.
Applications are now open for Nursery, Reception, Junior and Secondary places for September 2024
For information and to apply for a Nursery place for September 2024, please visit:
https://www.cheamcommoninfants.com/720/admissions
Information on applying for Reception, Junior or Secondary school
Please refer to the Admissions section of the Local Authority that you pay your council tax to:
Sutton - https://www.sutton.gov.uk/school-admissions
Kingston - https://www.kingston.gov.uk/homepage/5/schools-and-education
Surrey - https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/admissions
Merton - https://www.merton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools/admissions
Key dates:
Applying to start secondary school - Applications open 1 September 2023 and close on 31 October 2023.
Applying to start primary school - Applications open 1 September 2023 and close on 15 January 2024 (with the exception of Surrey which opens from 30 October).
Applying to transfer to junior school - Applications open 1 September 2023 and close on 15 January 2024.
National offer dates:
1 March 2024 national offer day for secondary application
16 April 2024 national offer day for primary and junior applications
As well as being respectful to our neighbours, please can you ensure you adhere to the parking rules within Sainsbury's Local and only park there if you are a customer.
Please ensure you do not obstruct any gates or double park during drop off or collection times.
Thank you for your support.
If you have moved address, it is imperative that you inform the school office as soon as you have moved. It is a requirement that the school has up to date details particularly in case of an emergency.
Please email the school office ccioffice@leoacademytrust.co.uk if your details need updating. Alternatively you can update them using the Arbor App.
Upcoming Events
Odd Sock day for anti bullying week
Monday 13th November
Parent Consultation Meetings
Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th November
There will be NO teacher-led clubs this week
Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday 14th to Friday 17th November
Please note the book fair is CASHLESS.
There will be a QR code to scan in order to purchase your books. More details to follow.
Children in Need - 'Be Spotacular' Mufti
Friday 17th November
Toilet Training Session run by Community Nursery Nurse
Monday 27th November at 9am
Year 1 and 2 Christmas Production at Church
Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th December at 9:30am
Rock Steady Autumn Show (invite only)
Thursday 14th December at 9:00am
Friends Quiz Night
Friday 2nd February 2024
(More information to follow)
Please check the dates section regularly as dates may change and new dates will be added.
Information
We are still developing our outside Nursery area. We woud love a mud kitchen for the children to play in. If you know of anyone who has one they would like to donate to us, please let us know.
Cheam Common Friends
The team have worked really hard and put together another cracking raffle this year.
Please see the flyer attached.
Here is the link to buy tickets: https://raffall.com/346491/enter-raffle-to-win-friends-of-cheam-common-academy-hosted-by-friends-of-cheam-common-academy
Friends have a Facebook Page so you can find out about upcoming events, please join the group for more information:
https://m.facebook.com/groups/152676843669550/?ref=share
Safeguarding
Talk PANTS helps children understand that their body belongs to them, and they should tell someone they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.
Click here for further information and support.
There are many different views about physical chastisement, but it is widely accepted there are much more effective ways to teach children right from wrong.
As a local authority, Sutton has seen a number of children coming to the attention of police and social care due to the use of physical chastisement and as such has worked with other local authorities on an initiative to reduce this number.
In line with this initiative, we agree that anything that causes harm to a child is unacceptable.
As a school, we have a duty to report incidents of suspected or confirmed physical chastisement to social care and the police and this can be with ot without visible bruising, grazes, scratches, minor swelling, cuts as well as stress injuries from prolonged standing, position holding as these are banned by law in the United Kingdom.
Smacking or chastising that does not leave a mark is now illegal in Wales and Scotland, and there is currently pressure being placed on the Government to make it illegal in England and Northern Ireland too. It is therefore important to understand that even if a child has been smacked but no injuries are visible, social care or the police may still choose to take further action.
If you would like support on how to manage your child’s behaviour at home, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to help.
Safeguarding Team
Family Support Worker
Family Support Workers
Please click here to access our Family Support Workers portal with lots of information and resources to support you.
Parent Support
Click on the image above to access the site.
Click here to access the newsletter
Parent/Carer Drop In
Wednesday 13th December from 10-11.30 am at The Sound Lounge at the bottom of Sutton High Street.
There is free parking at Sainsburys and LiDL for 90 minutes.
Members of the committee will be there.
Sutton Library of Things - why buy when you can borrow
You could save money, space and help the environment with a visit to Sutton Library of Things. For a small daily cost, hire tools and equipment, from a carpet cleaner and drill to an ice cream maker and party kit, for those one off activities for your home, projects and adventures. Located in Sutton Central Library, it takes just a few clicks online to reserve your item for collection. There is even a no questions asked 25% discount rate available for anyone who may need it.
Take a look at what's on offer https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/sutton.
Parenting Support
London Borough of Sutton's Family Hubs has put together a range pf parenting programmes to support parents parents and carers to develop a greater understanding of child development, build positive relationships and learn skills to deal with challenging behaviour.
Click here to access more information about the programmes on offer.
SWL & St George’s Mental Health Trust: events for parents and carers
The SW London and St George’s Mental Health Trust has ongoing events for parents and carers to support their primary or secondary aged children. Sessions cover body image, mental health, school avoidance, social media and gaming, sleep, parenting children and young people with ADHD, understanding ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and lots more.
Find their primary school aged events on Eventbrite
Opportunities
Surrey County Council encourages residents to foster
Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience that can transform the lives of both the children being fostered and the foster carers themselves. Children who enter the care system have often experienced trauma and instability in their lives, and a caring, stable foster family can make a significant difference in their wellbeing and development.
Nationally, there are currently over 70,000 children living with foster families in the UK. However, there is still a significant shortage of foster carers, with around 9,265 new foster families needed in the next year alone. In Surrey, there are over 1,000 children in care and Surrey County Council have just under 400 foster families.
Foster carers come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fostering. Whether you are single or married, young or old, own your own home or rent, you can still become a foster carer. The most important thing is a willingness to provide a safe and loving home for a child in need.
This is the message that Surrey County Council is promoting in national recruitment film ‘Any of Us’. The short film has been jointly funded by over 80 councils across England and aims to raise awareness about fostering, particularly among those people who may not have previously considered themselves suited to fostering. The film looks at the potential of three people from different backgrounds to become foster carers, and the potential of children they care for to grow and thrive. ‘Any of Us’ will be available to watch from 26 September.
If you have ever thought about fostering, now is the time to take that first step and find out more. The more people who consider fostering, the greater the chance of finding loving, stable homes for children in Surrey who desperately need them.
You can contact Surrey County Council Fostering Service on 0800 096 9626, via email at fostering.recruitment@surreycc.gov.uk or by visiting the website; www.surreycc.gov.uk/fostering
You can watch ‘Any of Us’ via Any of Us - YouTube and connect with the Fostering Service on social media via @surreyfostering
Dads' Football
Some Cheam Common School Dads get together on a weekly basis to play football and have a good chat.
Join us in our WhatsApp group! ( https://chat.whatsapp.com/FwN7SksNXnBIxanYRJ9TEc)
See you on the pitch!
Follow LEO on Twitter
Keep up to date with all the news, events & opportunities from across @LEOacademies. You can now follow us at: