School News
Friday 9th October 2026
Embedded Files
Nash Mills CofE Primary School
Year 4 go back to the Dark Ages
On Tuesday Year 4 went to Mountfitchet Castle as part of their history topic - The Anglo Saxons. We discovered how they would have lived and what their daily life would have looked like. We had a fantastic time trying out the trebuchets and sling shots! We discovered that doctors were quite brutal and so were the punishments! It was a good chance to showcase what the children have learnt already in this topic and really brought the learning to life.
Activity Ambassador Training
"The School Games helps schools use physical activity and competitive sport to involve all students. It gives young people the chance to take part in competitions and aim for their personal best".
Meet our new activity ambassadors - EJ, Ethan, Parker, Sianna, Sophia and Emel! Their role is to promote inclusivity, health and wellbeing and fun. They had some training on Thursday where they discussed what is needed to be a good sports leader and then participated in some activities to give them a flavour of things they could do in our school. They are now part of SSOC (school sports organising crew) and will be organising activities for the children throughout the year- so watch this space!
First Aid
As part of our Skills of Life (PSHE) curriculum, we have introduced learning about First Aid for our pupils. It is widely accepted that children having some idea of how to help people who are hurt is a good thing to introduce as early as possible and it also ties in with our school's work around The Good Samaritan.
Each class, from Year 1 upwards, will have some input this year around how to help someone in need, starting with how we would get help if it was needed, right up to the older year groups learning about how we would help an unconscious casualty. Of course, this is always delivered in a way that is sensitve to the childrens' needs and understanding.
Over the past two weeks, both our Year 5 and 6 classes have begun their learning around this. Today, the Year 5 class took part in some learning following the CPR Smart programme from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. Hopefully they will have come home with lots of new learning!
Star of the Week!
Star of the Week!
Nursery
Remi
For finding your voice and sharing your thoughts and ideas so brilliantly! Also a big well done for some lovely sharing.
Reception
Robert
For always making brilliant choices and being such a wonderful member of our classroom. You are a fantastic role model to others, and we are so proud of you. Keep shining!
Year 1
Lucio
For always having a go at activities with a positive attitude and growing in independance. Well done!
Year 2
Bobbi
For her brilliant behaviour and hard work in Year 2 - you are doing really well and we are so impressed!
Year 3
Lily
For always listening, contributing in all lessons and always putting 100% effort in all subjects. She is also a trustworthy friend, and extremely supportive! Thank you and keep it up!
Year 4
Felix
For his infectious enthusiasm during lessons and being a great learning partner.
Year 5
Jack
For always giving 100% in every lesson and showing a positive attitude towards his learning. Well done!
Year 6
Isla
For always approaching learning with a positive attitude, even when things are tricky.
Year 6
Logan
For showing great effort and determination during the tag rugby event.
Introducing...our Jericho Class
Introducing...our Jericho Class
Our Green Room provision has a new name: Jericho Class.
You may have heard of our Green Room previously, which is our specialist provision for pupils who are not yet ready to learn the wider curriculum. This is situated by the front playground and is led by Miss Cutler and Miss Swift, with regular support from Mrs Nicholls.
The name links to our school’s Good Samaritan theme. In the story, a traveller is on the road to Jericho when the Samaritan stops to help him. His actions remind us to notice others, show kindness and treat everyone with dignity. It is also reminds us that we are all on a journey.
Jericho Class is a place where children learn in ways that meet their individual needs and develop their strengths, communication and independence. Communication is a key theme within the curriculum; supporting our children to be able to use words, symbols or signs to share their needs, wants and opinions.
The new name reflects something we want every child to feel at Nash Mills: that they belong and have something valuable to contribute to our school community.
Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots!
Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots!
This week's TTRS leader board is for improvement in accuracy of answer, our top 3 made the biggest leaps in accuracy over the last 7 days, meaning they are getting more correct answers in less attempts.
Our Numbots leader board is also for accuracy of answer, the top 20 all have an accuracy of over 90%, which is fantastic to see.
Well done to all of our leaders.
Leader board this week
1st - Mary (Y1)
2nd - Don (Rec)
3rd - Ellie (Y1)
Leader board this week
1st - Isla (Y6)
2nd - Queenster (Y4)
3rd - Khloe (Y5)
Best Bedtime Reads
Best Bedtime Reads
As you know, reading regularly at home with your children is incredibly important. A good bedtime story is not only helpful in maintaining a strong routine in the evening, it also helps children to develop their imagination and vocabulary.
Each week, we will ask our staff what their current recommendations are for the best bedtime reads. We hope that it provides you with some ideas!
Mr Jessop recommends...
I am NOT sleepy and I will NOT go to bed, by Lauren Child
This was a favourite in my house when my daughter found it hard to know when it was the end of the day.
The story follows patient big brother Charlie, who is tasked with the Herculean challenge of getting his highly energetic little sister, Lola, to bed. Lola is a definitive night owl who claims she is still wide awake at 9, 10, 11, and 12, and will probably still be "perky at even 13 o'clock in the morning".
Instead of arguing, Charlie cleverly uses Lola’s own active imagination to guide her through her bedtime routine. He turns normal steps into whimsical adventures.
It’s charming and fun which may, also, get your little one to bed earlier!
Curriculum Spotlights - Computing
Curriculum Spotlights - Computing
At our school, we follow the 'Teach Computing' syllabus, which we feel gives the children a really clear pathway through from Early Years all the way up to Year 6. The syllabus works to help the children to become independent users of different computing technologies, gaining confidence and enjoyment from their activities whilst knowing the risks and dangers of using technology and developing a sound knowledge of how they can work to keep themselves safe when online. Part of the curriculum also looks at various aspects of computer science, where the children develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving along with critical thinking skills.
Each class will study a topic every half term, with some focusing on specific programmes, such as using spreadsheets or web creation tools, whereas others look at how the school's network and the internet allow computers to talk to each other. In school, we have a range of technology to use, including iPads and Chromebooks. We intentionally have a real mix so that pupils learn to use a range of equipment as they will in the wider world. We also have a range of programming devices in school which include Sphero balls, Crumble devices and Raspberry Pi's which the children use as they move through Key Stage 2.
We know the immense potential of technology in our lives but also the risks and concerns that it can involve. Through our teaching of computing, we want our children to be able to appreciate this and develop an understanding of the ways that we can interact safely with technology.
As with our entire curriculum, more information about what we teach at Nash Mills can be found on the curriculum pages of our website. Please do have a look if you would like to learn a little more!
Attendance
Attendance
What a fantastic week for attendance across the school! We are delighted to see such strong figures, with six out of eight classes achieving attendance above 97.9%. These are exceptional results and demonstrate the commitment of our pupils and families to ensuring that every school day counts.
A huge congratulations goes to Year 6, who achieved a remarkable 100% attendance this week. They are our first class of the year to achieve a perfect attendance score, which is a tremendous accomplishment and one they should be very proud of. Well done, Year 6!
Not far behind were Year 5 with an outstanding 99.6%, followed by Year 3 on 98.5%, Year 4 on 98.4%, Year 1 on 98%, and Year 2 on 97.9%. Reception also had a positive week with 95.5%, while Nursery achieved 91.4%.
These figures are some of the strongest we have seen this year and are well above our school target of 96% attendance. Thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support.
Using the School Car Park
Using the School Car Park
Please remember that we ask parents and carers not to use the school car park at the start and end of the school day whilst the children are moving around the site. This is also the case for the period at the end of after school clubs, from 4.10-4.30pm.
Please find alternative parking at these times.
Thank you for your support in keeping our children safe.
Breakfast Club - Booking System Update
We are so pleased to see so many of our children continuing to enjoy breakfast club. A huge thank you for all the donations of toys and games we have received, there is a fantastic variety of activities for the children to enjoy.
Following parent feedback, the booking system has been updated so you can book your child(ren) on up to one hour before the club starts. This will hopefully be easier for parents who may need the flexibility to book last-minute - however, please do book in advance whenever you can so that we can continue to plan for staffing.
A gentle reminder that even though Breakfast Club Session 2 (8.10-8.40am) is free of charge, please ensure that your child is booked on so that we can plan accordingly.
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
14th Oct - Y6 visit Diocese Harvest Celebration
15th Oct - Y2 Tring Natural History Museum Trip
16th Oct - Reception visit the Library
19th Oct - Whole School Church visit for Harvest
26th-30th Oct - Half Term - school closed
Google/Numbots/TTRS
Google/Numbots/TTRS
if your child is in Years 1-4, they will have a QR codes stuck into their Reading Records, which can be used to easily log into Google Classroom, Numbots and Times Tables Rockstars at home.
To use My Login:
Visit our school website (www.nashmills.herts.sch.uk)
At the top of the page, click on the 'Useful Links' dropdown
Select 'My Login'
Select 'Scan a Magic Badge'
Scan the QR code, which should then log you in!
Logging Absences
Logging Absences
Thank you to those who have now managed to log child absences on Arbor. It has really helped the office, meaning that we know where all of the children are more quickly in the morning. If The instructions on how to do this are set out below.
If your child is unwell, Hertfordshire Attendance team require that the nature of the illness is recorded, so please include this in your message (cough, cold, temperature, vomiting etc.). Please note that any absence requests for future dates will still need to made through the school office. In line with our attendance and safeguarding policies, a reminder to report your child's absence every morning, by 8.30am, until your child is well enough to return to school.
Step 1 -Click on Quick Actions button and then click Attendance followed by the green Log Absence button (top right).
Step 2 - Enter the absence details. If your child will be absent all day, there is no need to edit the start and end times that will automatically appear. If your child is ill, please ensure that you enter the nature of the illness and then press the green Log Absence button.
Step 3 - Once you have logged the absence, the school office will 'accept' it. Approved absences then appear in the Attendance tab of the Arbor App. It is not possible to edit an absence once it has been approved, so if you have any queries, please email the school office who will be able to help.
Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium
Did you know that your child may be able to receive additional support in school in addition to free school meals, if you qualify for certain benefits?
If you receive any of the following, your child may well be eligible for the Pupil Premium. This provides them with free school meals throughout their time at school, but also a range of additional things in school to help with their learning and engagement. If your child might be eligible, please visit the following site (https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ufs/HCWH.eb?ebd=0&ebz=1_1717745705707) or speak to the school office who will be happy to help.
Income Support
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (as long as you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and you don't get more than £16,190 a year)
Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Universal Credit (with annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get).
The application process only takes a few minutes and we are more than happy to provide support if it is needed.
Clothing Bank
Clothing Bank
Thank you for your donations towards our clothing bank. If you have any old clothes following clear-outs, please drop things in. The clothing bank is emptied regularly so should be ready for more donations.
Members of the local community are more than welcome to use it too so please spread the word!
Final Thought
Final Thought
In 1993, 95 year-old William Snell published a list which he called 'Life's Little Instructions'.
They still very much ring true today.
Pick two to notice this weekend.
Pick some for next week too...
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