LEARNING

The Leo Trust Spelling Bee competition was held on Friday 23rd April. Classes in KS2 held elimination rounds during the week to make teams of four players per year group. They then went head to head virtually with the other schools in the Leo Trust. It was a very exciting day. Brookfield children competing were:

• Year 3: Shreena, Khaqan, Matthew and Phoebe. We came 2nd!

• Year 4: Arajan, Chloe, Pratyush and Shaan. We came 3rd!

• Year 5: Varsha, Georgi, Shikha and Aarav. We enjoyed taking part!

• Year 6: Harmonie, Daniyal, Harini and Nigel. We came 3rd!

Well done for super effort!

In EYFS and KS1 children were invited to make posters for a phonics sound of their choice.

EXCELLENCE

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

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

Week Commencing 23/04/2021 - Friday Weekly Achievement Assembly 07/05/2021 - Friday Weekly Achievement Assembly

The children in Early Years are still having lot's of fun learning about traditional tales. Last week they were busy building bridges for the 'The Three Billy Goats' to cross, writing speech bubbles and learning all about 3D shapes. This week the children across Nursery and Reception have been reading 'Goldilocks and the Three bears'. The children have been enjoying retelling the story using props, writing letters to the three bears and learning about 1 more and 1 less.

The last couple of weeks have been very busy in Y1. We have begun investigating multiplication and division in maths with lots of grouping and sharing going on. Our art topic is based on sculptures and we had a look at the work of Barbara Hepworth. Her sculptures are abstract figures. We took the title 'Family' and, using construction materials, made our own sculptures of 'Family'. So far in science we have been thinking about the different parts of a plant and made and labelled our own flowers!

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.

Year 3 have enjoyed learning more about the Egyptians. They used Google Earth to locate the River Nile and they learned why it was so important to Ancient Egyptians. They used it for farming, fishing, trading and transport. We can't wait to learn about the pyramids next week! In RE we are learning about Sikhism and the importance of the Gurus for the Sikh people.

In Maths we have continued with our Fractions unit and this week we are learning to find the simplest fractions and also fractions of a number. In English, we wrote a blog from Howard Carter explaining the amazing discovery of the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Year 4 have been exploring what it was like to be evacuated during World War II. Each of the children was given a label with their name on it and a suitcase with a list of contents they were allowed to take with them. They were lined up in the playground and sorted into mixed groups and evacuated to a different part of the country (school). Once they were evacuated they learnt about the part of the country they had been sent to and were given a scenario. These scenarios reflect the varied experiences evacuees had, so some were happy with their situations , other weren't happy at all. This really helped us to understand what life was like for an evacuee in World War II.

Year 5 have been very busy this week. In maths, we are now experts at adding and subtracting decimals and are feeling more confident at using the column method to find the solution. In writing, we have been writing our 'Very Scary Letters' . We threatened the main characters to pay their bill on time. We did a Kahoot quiz in Topic to check our understanding of the Battle of Marathon and we finished by writing letters as the Athenian General asking for Spartan help. We also designed our stamps for the Heroes of the Pandemic competition.

We have had a great week this week in Year 6. In English, we have began writing our own stories based on a picture. We have focused on a detailed setting description followed by a fantastic build up. We cannot wait to see the final results next week. This week, we used our knowledge of ratio to solve word problems and challenging SAT's questions. In science, we were tasked with exploring and researching the main scientific inventors for electricity. We also loved participating in the Captain Tom 100 challenge to raise money for a brilliant cause.

The Count On Us Primary Challenge Maths club has resumed this week and Year 4 and 5 children enjoyed getting together to work out different challenges once more. Today we tried solving the trickiest cards in the 24Game. It wasn't easy but we did our very best. This week we had a go at Tangrams. We had to use the shapes to create different pictures. It's more difficult than it seems but we managed to solve the puzzles. We can't wait to try other pictures.

All the children at Brookfield did an AMAZING job with their Captain Tom Challenge! Most, if not all, classes beat their target of doing 100 laps of the playground. It was so heartwarming to see their enthusiasm throughout the challenge - despite the windy weather. Captain Tom was an inspiration for all of us during the global pandemic but the children of Brookfield are just as inspiring through their effort and determination to do well and help give back to their local community. We are sure you are just as proud of your children as we are. Thank you for your kind donations and support; so far, we have raised £510!

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/