LEARNING

The Leo Outdoor Learning day was held on Thursday the 20th of May. Classes across the school have been trying to do more learning outside, the weather wasn't particularly helpful at times! Across the week, lots of classes moved their lessons outside and the children had great fun learning across a range of subjects, using the outside space that we have at Brookfield.

EXCELLENCE

• Please see further below for each year group and the learning that has been taking place this week.

Walk To School Week May 17th- 21st

The children at Brookfield learned about the importance of reducing the congestion on our roads and having more opportunities for walking to school. We learned that walking sets up us for the day as we are fitter and our minds are ready for work. Too many cars at school means there is a build up of traffic and pollution close to the school. We send our appreciation to the children and parents for making a massive effort to ensure they walked/ scooted or cycled to school. Wednesday was a miserable day and we had so many determined children who still walked to school under the protection of an umbrella. Well done Brookfield! Thank you to the LEO catering team who also provided pastries and shortbread as a treat on Wednesday and to the Brookfield PTA who gave some money towards prizes for each class.

Week Commencing :

14/05/2021 - Friday Weekly Achievement Assembly

21/05/2021 - Friday Weekly Achievement Assembly

The children in Early Years are still having lots of fun learning about traditional tales. Nursery have been baking gingerbread people after reading The Gingerbread Man and Reception have been trying out extended pieces of writing, telling the story of The Three Little Pigs, which they now know so well.
Outdoor learning is an important everyday feature of Early Years learning and we have loved celebrating it this week, using natural resources to help us practise counting and categorising.

Year one have been really busy and have thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of watching our beans grow! Not all of the beans have taken off at the same rate but everyone has seen a change- some are just shooting whilst others have reached over 30cm!! We have been sculpting flowers in playdough and clay which has been messy but great fun! We celebrated Eid last week and all the children had a taste of a piece of date... some discovered they quite enjoyed this fruit.

Year 2 have had a great week! In English, we have been learning about a new book called The Tin Forest by Helen Ward. We have been using expanded noun phrases to write some imaginative descriptions and character comparisons. For our topic lessons, we have been growing seeds and it has been lovely to see them grow! In maths, we have been learning about fractions and we have used a variety of different resources to help us understand how to write fractions.

Another busy week in Year 3! In Maths we have finished the topic 'Fractions'. We are now experts at finding equivalent fractions and we can add and subtract fractions with the same denominator.

In Topic and English we have learned about the process of mummification and we have written a set of instructions about how to make a mummy. It's really interesting! We also learned how Ancient Egyptians lived and we made a Shaduf, a farming tool that was used to collect water from the River Nile.

Year 4 have completed their topic measuring area in maths and have begun to explore angles in preparation for our geometry topic. We particularly enjoyed exploring the outdoor environment to find examples of right angles, acute angles and obtuse angles.

In our writing, we have written newspaper reports about the bombing of Plymouth during World War 2. Our reading texts this week have helped increase our awareness of the global issues of plastic pollution and child labour.

Our topic work has focused on the use of gas masks during World War 2. We created posters to show what a gas mask was used for and included key facts about gas masks.

Year 5 have been very busy this week. In Maths, we were pros at learning percentages as we used our fraction and decimal knowledge to complete the calculations. In Writing, we have written reports expelling Virgo from the Zodiac council for her increasing disobedient behaviour. We had great fun using the VR headsets in Topic and got to explore Crete- it made Mrs Davies long for a sunny holiday!

Year 6 has been a busy week. In maths, we have been revising how to find fractions and percentages of amounts and are feeling much more confident with using different methods. In writing, we were tasked with writing a balanced argument based on the title 'Should the corona-virus pandemic kick start an environmental recovery?' We also had lots of fun carrying out investigations related to our topic on electricity. We have been making circuits and investigating what happens when we add more bulbs and more bulbs. We also thoroughly enjoyed designing stamps for the Heros of the Pandemic competition.

Our fabulous Mathematicians met one more time to have a go a all 4 activities in the Count on Us Primary Challenge. This week they managed to create a double-sized 'Z' using the pentominoes and they made different pictures using the tangrams. They were able to solve a complex mission using the Caesar cipher code and they had a go at the 24Game as if they were in the competition already. Such fun!

We can wait for next Tuesday's heats. We will be competing with many schools across London. Good luck Brookfield!

Please see attached below the St. Raphael's Leaflet which has a lovely write up about the Brookfield Rudolph Run.

St. Raphaelite Newsletter

Aurora in Year 3 has raised an amazing £434 for the Little Princess Trust by donating her hair. Please see the pictures below.

Well done Aurora from all of us at Brookfield, we are very proud of you. Plus your new haircut looks fab!

Following recent training sessions we wanted to share some resources with you to support your child with GSuite.

Slides from the session

Youtube recording

Google Classroom Interactive Guide

Supporting Parents Helpfinder - Answer six questions to find out how you can support your child's mental health during the pandemic, see link below:

Young Minds - Supporting Parents Helpfinder

School Tours For Prospective Parents

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions we are unable to complete school tours this term. Please visit our website for more detailed information on Brookfield Primary and a Virtual Photo Slideshow Tour. Please share with friends and families.

Brookfield Primary Website - Virtual School Tour

Brookfield Virtual Photo Slideshow Tour

Please find below a reminder of our procedures for communicating with the school

The School Office is open daily from 8:00am – 4:30pm

Please only visit the school office/reception area if your enquiry is essential and cannot be dealt with over the telephone or by email.

If you do need to come into the school office/reception area, PLEASE ensure that you wear your face mask (unless you are exempt).

Also please note that there is a 1 in 1 out policy. If there is someone in the reception area please form a queue outside and wait your turn.

The phone number is 020 8644 8616 (the phone lines are open from 9:15am to 4:30pm)

Email: bfoffice@leoacademytrust.co.uk

Our website address is http://www.brookfield.sutton.sch.uk

The office staff can deal with all general queries and take messages for our teaching staff. If any problems should arise, please let us know as soon as possible. Class Teachers continually monitor every child’s progress and will contact you with any concerns about academic progress, behaviour and application in the classroom. Pastoral care is also offered to the children in their class and across the school. Your child’s class teacher should always be your first point of call with any general concerns that arise. If you still have ongoing concerns, please make an appointment to speak to a Middle Leader. Our Middle Leaders/Year Leaders are - EYFS Mrs Lilly Holden, Y1 Mrs Paula Holmes, Y2 Mrs Sylvia Keen, Y3 Ms Eva Rubio, Y4 Mrs Michelle Underwood, Y5 Mrs Catherine Davies, Y6 Miss Sara Brice. Any concerns that you feel still have not been addressed will be escalated to the school’s Senior Leadership Team. Our Senior Leaders are - Ms Sarah Pearson (Inclusion Manager), Ms Rachel Mander (Vice Principal), Ms Prathayini Wright (Principal) and Mrs Alison Day ( Executive Principal).

All staff have attended safeguarding training. This training is updated yearly.

The designated staff for safeguardng are Ms Prathayini Wright (Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead), Mrs Rachel Mander (Vice Principal and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead), Ms Sarah Pearson (Inclusion Manager, Vice Principal and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead), Mrs Catherine Davies (Class Teacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) and Mrs Claire Langford (Office Manager and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead). Please see our safeguarding policy and procedures on the school website.

You will be aware that the school does not authorise any holidays. Very rarely we are able to authorise leave in exceptional circumstances. You must complete a ‘Request for Special Leave’ form which are available from either Office Reception Area or the school website in order for the request to be sanctioned.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS, because…

• Children with good attendance achieve much better in their learning

• Time off disrupts learning for your child, and also for the rest of the class

• Children who miss school miss out on their right to a full education

• It is your legal responsibility to ensure that your child attends school regularly

• Persistent unauthorised absence could lead to court action, including fines

Attendance 96% to 100% - 0 to 7 days missed per year – your child’s good attendance will give them every chance of being a successful learner who makes good progress.

Attendance 92% to 95.9% - 8 to 15 days missed per year – you should try to improve your child’s attendance to make sure they have the best possible chance of success at school.

Attendance 90% to 91.9% - 16 to 19 days missed per year – your child’s attendance is dangerously close to falling to a level which can stop them making progress at school.

Attendance below 90% - 20 or more days missed per year – your child is considered a ‘persistent absentee’ in government statistics, and their poor attendance is putting them at serious risk of underachieving at school.

DID YOU KNOW

½ day missed every week = 90% attendance

1 day missed every week = 80% attendance

1 school year at 90% attendance = 4 whole weeks of lessons MISSED

1 school year at 80% attendance = 8 whole weeks of lessons MISSED

By the time a pupil is persistently absent (85% attendance) they have missed 6 weeks or half a term of schooling.

The simple message is: the greater the attendance, the greater the achievement.

Please where possible make dental, medical or other appointments during the holidays or out of school hours. If the appointment is during school hours we will require an appointment letter/card as proof of the appointment. If the appointment is urgent or last minute, please advise the school as soon as possible. Please do not keep your son or daughter out of school the whole day when they have appointments. When a child is collected early for an appointment it is disruptive for the class and the office staff.

Praise and reward good attendance at home and at school. During the year we will reward termly 100% attendance with certificates. Bronze certificate for 100% attendance for one term, silver certificate for 100% attendance for two terms and gold certificate for 100% attendance for three terms.

If a school can improve attendance by 1%, we will see a 5-6% improvement in attainment (Department for Education). Please help us and your son or daughter by ensuring their attendance remains above 97%, allowing them to achieve their full potential.

As you know we encourage families to walk, cycle or scoot to school where possible. I would like to remind you - cycling and scooting are not permitted on the school premises. Anybody caught doing so will be asked to get off their scooter or leave their scooter outside the school gates. Please park bikes and scooters safely and securely and ensure they are clearly named.

Safer parking at the school gates

We realise that there are some parents/carers who have no alternative but to drive their children to school, however, many are driving short distances where walking is a real option. Even those who have to drive to school can do their bit by parking away from the school entrance and walking for part of the journey.

What can you do to help keep everyone safe around the school gates?

• Please do park thoughtfully and not park in front of the local residents’ drives.

• Please don’t block the road - emergency vehicles and other traffic may need access.

• Please don't park on yellow lines, zig-zags or block the school entrance.

• Please don't park on the pavement, across dropped kerbs or residents’ driveways.

• Please don't park opposite or within 10 metres of a junction.

• Please don't park where you will cause inconvenience to other road users.

• Please don't leave your vehicle with the engine still running as the children and adults nearby will be inhaling those dangerous fumes.

• Please don't stop in the middle of the road to drop your child off, even for a few seconds.

These changes make a real difference to the congestion around school, making the school run less stressful and far safer for everyone. Not only that but they will help your child’s education. Research has shown that children who walk or cycle to school are more receptive to learning at the start of the school day than those who travel to school by car. Stopping or Parking on the yellow zigzags is illegal and is endangering your child.

Please park safely.

Walk to school and save fuel, if you can!

• If your child suffers from asthma they must have an in-date, spare inhaler in school at all times along with a spacer. These should be given to the office who will store them securely. Please check on a yearly basis that the inhaler is still fit for purpose. Please also ensure any child with an allergy has appropriate medication in school, i.e Epipen/Piriton etc. This could be life-saving.

• We ask that pupils bring in their own water bottles daily. The bottles need to be clearly labelled with the child's name and only have water in them.

• Please leave buggies and prams outside the school buildings, as it could be very hazardous in an emergency. Currently, the office is operating on a 'one in and one out' policy. Please ensure you wear a mask if you enter the school building.

• Please remember that all children in KS2 are encouraged to bring fresh fruit or vegetables to school for a mid-morning snack during playtime. Many children are really hungry by lunchtime and will be happier and learn better if they have eaten something at playtime.

• Only children in Year 6 are permitted to bring a mobile phone into school and only if absolutely necessary. Phones are stored in the office during the school day.

• No pets in the playground please especially dogs! (Excluding guide dogs). This includes owners carrying their dog in their arms. We cannot permit any pets on the premises.

• Please do not let your children climb on the climbing frames in the KS1 or KS2 playground.

• No smoking is allowed anywhere in the school or grounds.

• I would like to urge parents to remember to park thoughtfully and not park in front of the local residents’ drives or on the yellow zig zag lines in front of the school. We would like to see as many families and staff as possible walking, cycling or scooting to school.

• Please ensure that you look at your Arbor account as we are a paperless school and all information is sent via this portal. If you have any queries, please contact the school office.

We have a number of exciting opportunities arising across the Trust:

LEO Academy Trust Vacancies

Sutton Schools Nursing Service

Children, young people and families with any concerns can contact the school nursing service via phone. For parents, the school nursing duty line number 0208 770 5409 from Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. For children and young people who require support, the contact number is 0208 770 4409 9am-5pm, or the email address is

schoolnursing@sutton.gov.uk

Learning Support

Sutton College is offering to help parents support their child/ren with FREE online Family Learning English and Maths workshops and courses. Please see the link below for further details.

Family Learning

Our local jobcentre

https://www.jobcentrenearme.com/

We've asked pupils at Brookfield what they love about their school: find out what they say here!