Autumn 1

A Note from Mr Mitton

We hope you and your family have settled well into life back at school, summer seems like a distant memory...but at the same time, we're already a half term down!

We're trying something a little different with this half-termly update by going digital... as always your thoughts on this approach are most welcome!

- Mr Mitton

At a glance...

Week 1

This week started with Year 4 visiting Butser Ancient Farm.. In school, Year R had their first library visit and the Year 1 classroom became a crime scene! Friday afternoon concluded with a celebration assembly!

Week 2

This week saw Year 4 carry out Science experiments, Year 5 learn about the Shang dynasty and Year 6 make blood. Year 2 had a Movers and Shakers dress up day and some Year 3/4 boys took part in a football tournament at Testwood.

Week 3

Year 1 had a visit to Totton Library. In school, Year 4 studied Christianity, Year 5 carried out more science experiments and lots of fun was had at OWL.

Week 4 & 5

We raised money for Macmillan! Year 5 took part in a forces workshop at Paultons Park. Elsewhere, Year 2 and Year 6 had a fire safety visit, Year 1 made potions and there was a Stone Age theme for Year 3 at OWL. Our leveret arrived back in school too!

Week 6

Year 1 made an autumn leaf collage and Year 6 did a science experiment, looking at the effect of exercise on the heart rate. Year 4 researched Lucius Septimius Severus as part of Black History Month and Year 3 had lots of fun with tools during OWL. After school, some of Year 5 and 6 took part in a table tennis tournament at Testwood. Finally we opened up the classrooms and shared the great learning that had been happening through our 'express afternoon'

Week 7

We’ve had a really busy last week of this half term! Year 6 had mini medics training and Year 3 went to a Hindu Temple. Some Year 5 and 6 children took part in a handball tournament at Testwood School and Year R had a mysterious vegetable appear in their digging area!

Yesterday we had a visit from some Korean children. They led an assembly and took part in activities with our children, as well as joining them for lunch and break. This was followed by the Harvest Festival at Testwood Baptist Church which was a lovely event – thank you to everyone who came.

The week finished with our Book Celebration Event in school.... what a busy few weeks at school!

Important Updates

Uniform - Tights

We've noticed children coming to school without tights when they are needed.

To ensure children keep their modesty, please provide them with tights to wear or an alternative, such as trousers or shorts, all of these are in the uniform policy.

-Miss Poole

Half Term Works

We're saying goodbye to two trees outside Year R and Year 1, we have tried hard to keep them but their roots are destroying the tarmac and becoming a bit of a health and safety hazard. The wood will be used at OWL so nothing will go to waste.

-Mr Clark

Half Term Fun

Lots of activities for October half term are on our website – have a look under ‘Enrichment’ / ‘October 2022 Half Term Activities’.

-Mrs Lailey

More Information

Future Dates

Lots of activities for October half term are on our website – have a look under ‘Enrichment’ / ‘October 2022 Half Term Activities’.

-Mrs McFarlane

Upcoming Dates

Ordering Together

There have been a few issues with school meals this half term.

Please order food with your children, we have seen food waste increase as a result of children not wanting the option that has been selected for them and preferring something else.

If you have ordered in advance we suggest you still check each week to ensure your meal choices are correct for the following week - https://innovate2020.cashlessschool.co.uk/.

If you haven’t ordered, please ensure your child brings a lunchbox to school. If you have any queries or have forgotten to order please contact Innovate rather than the school office as we cannot add orders to the system.

Treat Friday

We're continuing to encourage and promote healthy eating Monday - Thursday by asking you provide a healthy snack, reserving Friday as 'treat day',

Whilst we don't enforce this across school, we would like to see more children moving away from chocolate bars every day to fruit (for example).

Parent Meetings

In the first week after half term we have our parent/teacher meetings planned.

Remember that these will take place on:

Wednesday 2 November 5:00 - 6:30pm
Friday 4 November 9:30am - 4:30pm

Sign up for an appointment with your child's class teacher is through the Arbor App and opens Tuesday 18 October at 9:30am and closes Tuesday 1 November at 9:30am.

All meetings will take place in the school hall where there will be an opportunity for you to look at your child's work and chat to their teacher about their progress and targets.

If you have any issues with signing up please get in contact with me.

Young Voices Choir

A quick choir update for you - we have been having fun learning the new songs for this year and are getting excited to perform with young voices at the O2.

The Young Voices experience is not simply a children’s choir concert, these are the largest children’s choir concert's in the world. Choirs will perform alongside 5,000-8,000 other children as a single choir to capacity audiences of family and friends.

We would really love to get more people involved this year to be able to get the coach up to London! If you are in KS2 and want to join, it is not too late.

This is a great opportunity to perform at the O2 arena and come to see the children shine ! - Contact Miss Lycett for details.

Learn More

Scholastic Book Fair

Are you thinking about Christmas presents yet?

We have our Scholastic Book Fair visiting between 15 and 22 November. This will include our annual Bedtime Story Party on Wednesday 16 November.

There will be some great books available to purchase from the fair, you can view some of the titles by clicking the link below.

Last year we were able to secure £600 worth of free books because of your amazing support.

Our School Improvement Priorities

Our priorities for this year run through everything that we do in school.

Thank you for doing your part at home to support us to implement some of the actions that will contribute to the successes aspire to achieve.

We use pupil feedback from their annual survey, family feedback from the annual survey, subject leader feedback from their monitoring activities (such as book looks, lessons visits and moderation), senior leaders' analysis of our work, external audits from partners outside of the trust and finally, Ofsted's Framework for inspection.

We identify emerging themes or patterns as well as discrete objectives that require developing or improving.

1 - Securing Academic Excellence

Raise standards of writing across the school…
- so that there is a demonstrable improvement year on year and any gaps in progress close at individual and group level.
Effectively utilise recovery and intervention programmes…
- There are rapid improvements in addressing misconceptions and gaps in learning for identified pupils, removing the need for targeted support.
Identify and close gaps in specific pupils’ social, emotional and mental health development.
- so that they are ready to learn and have the highest chance of success.

2 - Developing Children's Character

Increase pupils’ understanding of diversity including different faiths, cultures and families.
- So that pupils’ understand and appreciate diversity, celebrating what we have in common and promoting respect for the different protected characteristics as defined in law.
Empower pupils to make further positive contributions to life within the local and wider community…
- So that they make a positive contribution to their communities.
Consistently provide meaningful opportunities across the curriculum for pupils to extend and challenge their views of the world whilst respecting those of others.
- So that they are confident to take their place in an ever-evolving world.

3 - Securing Firm Foundations

Provide an environment that enhances the ambitiously planned sequence of learning alongside children’s developing interests.
- so that children are able to access high quality resources that enables them to develop effectively through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning.
Provide a diet of rich language through the environment and high quality adult interactions, across all areas of learning.
- So that pupils’ breadth and depth of vocabulary choices are significantly extended and used whilst closing identified gaps.
Ensure accurate and robust assessment throughout EYFS
- so that teachers identify and address specific gaps in development and learning over time, leading to increased readiness for Year 1, specifically in writing.

4 - Sustaining Culture & Climate

Ensure sustained coherence and consistency across the school…
- so that pupils benefit from effective teaching and consistent expectations, wherever they are in the school.
Ensure all leaders (including governors and subject leaders) are empowered to discharge their duties effectively and consistently in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.
- Pupils benefit from a high quality curriculum in every subject that contributes substantially towards pupils’ progress in meeting the aims of purposes set out by the school.
Reduce staff workload whilst maintaining high standards through the school.
- Time is spent on accelerating progress and raising educational outcomes for all.

5 - Strengthening Family Partnerships

Continue to support our work with individual families in order to reduce lateness and persistent absenteeism.
- so that all pupils receive their entitlement to education.
Further engage all families and the community thoughtfully and positively…
- so that educational outcomes are prioritised and enhanced.

Updates From The Gateway Trust

Mrs J. Houghton

Chair of Trustees - GMAT

Mrs G. Harrison-Jones

CEO - GMAT

Download Full Letter

Summer Works

After a busy summer of building works, it was finally great to be able to get school back to normal and looking well!
The wall between Year 1 and Year 2 has been made more fireproof and given additional sound dampening between the rooms.
The fire alarm system has been completely replaced, we now have more sensors to detect concerns and more sounders to alert us.
The new flooring in Year R, Year 1 and Year 2 has been put to good use, it has brightened up the space, made it easier to clean and given us a more modern space to teach and learn in.
The new devices for staff and children have enabled us to further improve the quality of teaching and access to the curriculum!

Thank You Ma'am

Within a few days of returning to school, we heard the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

We held a virtual silence during a small remote assembly (due to the planned staff training) in which many families joined us to pay their respects.
Everyone in school made their own small tribute on a piece of paper that was combined by our School Ambassadors into a special book, this is on display outside Mr Mitton's office where it will stay for some time.

GSTQ

Academic Excellence

What has been happening in school?

Home Learning

Our revised approach to home learning is showing really positive signs of impact already.
Every week we send home spellings, handwriting, Key Instant Recall Facts and a reading book linked to your child's phonics knowledge/reading age....this is in addition to a book they love to read/have read to them from the library.
If you're unsure of the expectation for your child or how to help, please see your child's teacher who will be more than happy to help.

Summer Reading Challenge

We read an incredible 1,462 books over the summer as a school - an amazing achievement....we didn't quite reach the ambitious 1,500 target we set but we enjoyed a whole school treat afternoon listening to stories from adults with a sweet treat - Mrs Lailey who organised the event was very proud of everyone's efforts!

Poetry Writing

We launched our first poetry writing competition with the theme of 'The Environment' organised by Miss Bray.
The children were allowed to write any type of poem as long as it was about the theme. The deadline was Thursday, 20 October....Mrs Houghton will be judging the entrants, choosing a winner in KS1 and a winner in KS2.

He's Back....

Our leveret that was part of the 'Hares of Hampshire' trail is now back in school, after a brief spell outside he's hopped outside the library to keep dry over the winter!

Year R - Maths

Can you guess what Year R have been learning in maths? The children have made fruit kebabs, built towers and used natural resources to show repeating patterns.

Year R - Explorers

Year R have been exploring their classroom, inside and outside this half term. They have enjoyed making music shops, painting and creating, exploring where we live in the world using Google Earth and globes as well as conker painting (because that is always so much fun!) Outside the children have loved making cars for travelling to wonderful places and building t..t..towers.

Y1 - Totton Library

Year 1 had a fantastic trip to Totton library. The weather stayed dry for the walk there and back. Whilst there, the children were told where they could find picture books, information books, audio and early reading books in the children's section of the library. They then completed a scavenger hunt and were read stories. The children got new cards and scanned out a book.

Mrs Turner was very proud of the amazing walking and the behaviour while representing Oakfield outside of the school grounds .

Y1 - Potion Masters

Earlier this year, Year 1 became potion masters! They had a range of ingredients to mix, stir, pour, smell. They used a range of tools too such as pipettes, tweezers, spoons and more. It was a great opportunity to develop their fine motor skills and scientific skills as they watched what would happen if they mixed ingredients

Y1 - Geographers

In Geography, Year 1 explored maps. The children discovered the ways they could use maps, used Google Earth to walk the streets of Hong Kong and then created their own maps.

Y2 - Artists

For Year 2's innovate task in art the children had a colour challenge. They had a pattern to fill it with as many colours as possible but only using the three primary colours!

They had lots of mixing to do .

Y2 - Fire Fighters

Year 2 learnt about staying safe at home . They looked at smoke detectors and found out that grown ups need to check them once a week. The children got a post card to colour and write their addresses in case they ever needed to call 999 . They then had a competition to see who could get the protective clothing on quickest!

Y2 - Historians

There have been some significant people in this world!

Year 2 children enjoyed representing and sharing their knowledge about a wide range of important individuals with each other.

Can you guess some of the people here?

Y3 - Scientists

Year 3 have been investigating which food has the most fat.

The children put different foods on brown paper, then observed and measured the grease left afterwards.

Y3 - Virtual Visitor

It was exciting in Year 3 when they had an online ‘meet the author’ day!

The class listened to Amy Huberman tell them about how she writes her stories. She has written the book 'The Day I Got Trapped in my Brain'.

The class used this as inspiration when they wrote their own stories.

Y4 - Historians

Year 4 have been researching Lucius Septimius Severus as part of Black History Month. The children used a green screen to trial / attempt to record videos.

Y4 - Scientists

Some parents witnessed Year 4's very interesting digestive system science experiment during Express Afternoon. The children forgot to add water to the stomach ... causing constipation! This opened up a magnificent scientific conversation about healthy diets etc.

Y5 - News Reporters

Year 5 have been news reporters!

Using an app called 'Do Ink' the children tried filming their reports against a green screen and edited the background to look like a news studio.

They have reported on their own innovated stories of mysterious goings on!

Y5 - Musicians

Year 5 have been musicians.

The children learnt about different rhythms and the pentatonic scale, using their knowledge to compose and perform pieces.

Y5 - Engineers

What a fun filled day of forces they had!

The children learned about how gravity and height can create speed and momentum on different rollercoasters🎢

They had great fun putting some of Paulton’s rides to the test!

Y6 - Artists

Year 6 explored different tints, tones and shades in landscape art before creating their own landscape piece in preparation for painting.

Y6 - Life Savers

Congratulations to Year 6 who completed the mini-medics workshop with Mr Lailey from Trustworthy Services. It was a busy day and they learned: CPR, how the heart works, ho to put somebody into the recovery position. how to support somebody who is choking, how to apply bandages to different types of bleeds, how to approach somebody who needs first aid

Great job Year 6, some really important life skills were learnt.

Character Development

School Ambassadors

The staff team cast their votes for the new school ambassadors.

Riley & Ruby were elected and have been busy already representing the school by showing visitors round, giving speeches to prospective parents and organising the book in memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II. They did a remarkable job leading our Harvest Celebrations too!

Class Ambassadors

These children are selected by teachers to represent their class when visitors tour the school.

They often talk about their learning and guide people around the classrooms sharing topics and educational points.

Children selected for this role are chosen due to their conduct in school and not academic ability.

Some of our class ambassadors are pictured below ...

School Council

We have school council members, two per class.
These children are nominated by children and selected by children.
Children choose who represents them at meetings with the headteacher.
Some of our school councillors are pictured below .

Special Visitors

We were pleased to welcome children from South Korea into school!

We started off with an extended assembly where we welcomed visitors from Good Seeds Primary school in South Korea.

They wowed us with their musical talents and visited our classes to teach us origami, Korean letters and how to sing ‘Twinkle twinkle’ in Korean!

See the video on Class Dojo!

Clubs

We were pleased to offer a range of clubs this half term based on feedback from pupils and families. Staff clubs will return again in the spring term and our school council will be voting on what they want to see us offer in order that we continue to offer clubs that are well loved and attended.

Dance
STEM
Sports
Choir*
Craft
Football

*Choir will continue in order to prepare children for their performance at the O2 Arena in January! Mrs Turner and Miss Lycett will therefore not run a club in the Spring so that we can look after them.

Harvest

Thank you to everyone who joined our Harvest celebration.

You donated generously, supported brilliantly and it was great to see the children share their learning.

We reflected as a school about the importance of saying 'thank you' - some people say this to their God, their families or even the farmers and delivery drivers who work hard to make sure we have the food we need to keep us full.

We also thought about those who have less than us and why helping others is important, particularly at this time of year.

Hindu Temple

Year 3 enjoyed a trip to the Hindu temple. The children watched the Arti ceremony and found out more about Hindu festivals, prayer and customs.

They were then able to share fruit which had been offered as a blessing.

Back at school they listened to the story of Ganesh and why he had the head of an elephant.

Walktober

We are a week into October now and it is Walktober. We are encouraging our families to walk, scoot, cycle or park and stride to and from school to help the environment, our well being and our community.

The week beginning 17th October we recorded pupils' journeys to school via Travel Tracker and badges will be awarded to those pupils who have walked, scooted, cycled or park and strode to school. More to come from Mrs Townsend soon,

Macmillan Coffee Afternoon

Thank you to everyone who donated cakes for our coffee afternoon last Friday and / or attended the event.

We raised £184.62 in cash donations on the day.

Many thanks for your support.

Outdoor Woodland Learning

Can you help?

New project for OWL.

I have a couple of long fence poles and would like to make them into welcome totem poles for the woods. I would like to paint them with the children’s art work.

It would be lovely to have a nature/woodland aesthetic but also incorporate a theme of well-being and gratitude.

If your child would like to draw a picture or pattern to be included please hand them to me before half term.

Some photos of our forest school learning this half term!

Sporting Achievements

Year 3/4 Football Festival

Year 3 and 4 had an amazing time at the Football Festival at Testwood School! They took part in 5 different stations: speed dribble, controlled footwork and passing back to the team, control and then kick from a distance, target practise into a goal and finally a minefield game! We played four matches!

Game 1 was against New Milton we won 2-1

Game 2 - Calmore Junior 0-0

Game 3 - New Milton we won 3-0

Game 4 - Calmore Junior 2-2

What a great afternoon! Well done Yr 3 and 4 boys!

Year 5/6 Table Tennis

Table Tennis Tricksters 🏓

Some Year 5’s and 6’s took part in a table tennis festival against many other schools on Friday evening and were a real credit to the school.

They played lots of competitive games and won many of them. 🎉

It was fantastic to see how the quality developed from the first practice at sports club to playing in a real festival; hopefully we have some budding table tennis players in our ranks.

Great job everyone 🏓

Year 5/6 Handball

Handball heroes 🤾

Some year 5&6 children took part in a handball festival at Testwood.

It was clear that their practice had paid off as they put together some great team moves, accurate shots and spectacular saves in the competitive games.

Special shout out to Sid and Sam who were selected by other schools and the Testwood young leaders as being great sportsmen; playing great handball but also supporting and encouraging others in their team. ⭐️⭐️

Hopefully we have found a new favourite sport for many of the pupils! 🤾🥅

Attendance

I've attached a report from last week showing attendance by class compared to the national statistics and will continue to do this over the year.

Working together to improve school attendance

As you know, children with stronger attendance attain stronger academically in almost all cases.

We all have busy lives and have 'one of those days' when things don't go to plan, that is life. But we're talking about missing days off school for Birthdays or taking holiday during term time, repeated lateness due to sleeping in or emotional based school refusal.

This year we are working with local schools and championing the importance of attendance AND punctuality across Totton and surrounding areas in order to ensure that we all give a consistent message and response. Whilst we do things differently to our friends in other schools, we want to ensure we are consistent in highlighting every child's right to an education.

September 2022 saw the government release statutory guidance for schools, academy trusts and local authorities which sets out more clearly the responsibilities professionals have as well as that of parents/carers. This tells us that attendance is a national priority as well as a local one.

We've published all the information on the website and I will be continuing to promote attendance in order that we do better than other schools nationally as far as possible.

Thank you for continuing to work with us.

Mr Mitton

Family Workshops

We offered a wide range of workshops to support families. We were pleased to see friendly faces and the feedback was very complimentary. It would be even better to see more families join in the future so we can reach a wider audience.

Supporting Academic Excellence

'Phonics for Families'

📅 Tuesday, 13 September⌚ 5 - 6.30pm

This session was an introduction to phonics for families new to Oakfield and those looking to remind themselves of how we teach reading in school in order to know how you can support at home.

'Maths for Families'

📅 Wednesday, 21 September⌚ 5 - 6.30pm

This session was an introduction to maths for families new to Oakfield and those looking to remind themselves of how we teach maths in school in order to know how you can support at home.

Previous Workshops

Supporting Regulation & Behaviour

'Behaviour as a communication of need'

📅 Wednesday, 5 October⌚ 1:15-3:15pm

This session looked at the brain, survival instincts, what behaviours children might be trying to communicate and the cycle of distress and emotional regulation.

'Practical strategies to help children during and after distress'

📅 Wednesday, 12 October⌚ 1:15-3:15pm

We looked at practical ways to help children when they are distressed or their behaviour is challenging, ways to calm and help regulate them and helpful behaviour strategies.

'Activities and strategies to help support children'

'📅 Wednesday, 19 October⌚ 1:15-3:15pm

The focus was activities and ways parents/carers can help support children, help with emotional regulation and literacy (including talking with children about their feelings) transitions, routines and coping strategies.

We have worked incredibly hard to facilitate workshops in school time, after school time and and have received really positive feedback from families....

BUT....

Whilst families have asked for support and are keen to say they are interested, this hasn't been followed through and not everyone has attended the workshops.

External support and resources are scarce and in order to provide families with the support needed Miss Poole has organised the workshops to reach a wider audience.

We want to continue to be able to support as much as possible so please do sign up and attend the workshops by contact Miss Poole by email or through Dojo.

e.poole@oakfield.hants.sch.uk

Upcoming Family Workshops

📋 Workshops & Updates from Miss Poole 📋

My next set of workshops for 'Helping children when they are distressed or displaying behaviours that are challenging' will take place Wednesday, 9, 23 and 30 November. I will be offering daytime and evening sessions.

❣️This is a workshop that is for any caregiver. It is not just for parents and carers that struggle with continuous behaviours. We look at various areas and ways to support children with behaviour, social and emotional development and wellbeing.

It is a first come basis as I like to keep the groups small. The reason for this is to ensure that all participants feel safe to share their experiences and to offer support and advice to one another. I also like them to be interactive and have time to ask and answer questions and have discussions between everyone.

If you would like to reserve your place, please send me a Dojo message.

📁 For all Workshops you will receive handouts and resources for activities.

📝 Please note that the workshops follow on from each other, so confirming your place means that you are able to attend ALL THREE workshops

Miss Poole

Dates & Times

'Behaviour as a communication of need'

📅 Wednesday, 9 November

⌚ 1:15-3:15pm OR 4:30-6:30

This is looking at the brain, survival instincts, what behaviours the child might be trying to communicate and the cycle of distress and emotional regulation.

'Practical strategies to help children during and after distress'

📅 Wednesday, 23 November

⌚ 1:15-3:15pm OR 4:30-6:30

Looking at practical ways to help children when they are distressed or their behaviour is challenging, ways to calm and help regulate them and helpful behaviour strategies.

'Activities and strategies to help support children'

📅 Wednesday, 30 November

⌚ 1:15-3:15pm OR 4:30-6:30

We will look at activities and ways parents/carers can help support children, help with emotional regulation and literacy (including talking with children about their feelings) transitions, routines and coping strategies.

OPTFA - Oakfield's Parents Teachers Family Alliance

Election Updates

Congratulations and a big thank you to our new PTFA committee elected in at this morning's EGM!

Chair: Kimberley Harper

Vice Chair: Rachel Marshall

Treasurer: Amy Marsden

Secretary: Emma Renyard

Download Minutes

Office Updates

Mrs Spencer

We learned Mrs Spencer would be absent from school until the spring term as she begins her Chemotherapy.

Mrs Spencer is doing well and is missing everyone. She has been in touch with us and is thankful for your cards and well-wishes.

Re-download Letter

Amended Hours

Don't forget that there are slightly amended office hours at the moment, we appreciate your understanding. Remember you can always email outside these hours if that is more convenient.

office@oakfield.hants.sch.uk

🚌 Reminder: Educational Visit Contributions 🚌

As many of you are aware, the cost for educational visits this year has increased by £5 per pupil.Since 2019 when we began our policy of charging up front for visits, our price has remained the same despite rising costs.

❌We do not make a “profit” from your contributions and we do not use payments from one family to cover the cost for another pupil, ever.

✅ We ask up front and make it clear why; the benefits of doing so for families is that you get a guaranteed amount 'paid off' before Christmas and this enables better financial planning for you, saving a last minute request for £15 when for some families, that would be an unwelcome request without notice.

✅ For us, it enables us to plan effectively for trips, book in advance and ensure that precious school money is not wasted. It also means we can budget knowing that we have the money in the bank and get the best visits scheduled for your child.

We receive great feedback about this way of working and continue to put this in place.

💰To support families with lower household incomes, we automatically cover the cost up front so there is nothing to pay. Despite not receiving any additional funding from the government, we can cover the £5 this year out of the £100 offer we give to families registered and eligible.

❓If you think you may be eligible for support, please check this page and apply, you MUST be registered before 05/10/22 in order to receive the support from us.

We are really proud of the visits and educational programs we provide with your contributions, and it is always a challenge to balance quality and quantity with budgets, however those of you who have children in secondary school already know that £45 represents excellent value for money.

🧾 Mrs Spencer has issued invoices on Arbor for all families, they can be split into equal contributions of £15 and payment by the date due will enable us to secure bookings. You are able to make payments upfront in full, or in part.T

hank you for continuing to work with us and making prompt payments.If we are not able to secure the contributions from families, we may have to cancel the visits scheduled as we did last year in a small number of cases.

Any money remaining in your child’s pot at the end of the academic year is rolled forward and is never lost, so please do not worry. By the time children reach Year 6 we average about £6 per pupil (though this has been because of Covid) and should this happen again, this can be used to cover the cost of leavers’ hoodies or the additional reward trip…. A refund is an option too and we can always discuss this at the time.

Governor Vacancy

✅ DO YOU WANT TO BE A GOVERNOR?

Governing boards meet regularly to look at the big picture and the school’s long-term goals. They set the culture and values of the schools/academies they serve, responding to opportunities and challenges. Governors and trustees (the name for those in charge of an Academy like GMAT) work closely with the headteacher, supporting them and challenging them.

✅ WHAT MIGHT I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?

- developing a vision and strategy for the school

- overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

- holding the school leader to account to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education

- engaging with pupils, staff, parents and the school community to understand their views

✅ WHAT MIGHT YOU DO?

- attending governing board meetings: these normally take place around six times a year and are held during school hours

- looking at information and evidence on the school’s progress and discussing with school leaders

- visiting the school to see plans working in practice, and listening to the views of staff, pupils and parents

- selecting and appointing a headteacher following the resignation of the current headteacher

- making decisions about issues such as pupil exclusions and staff disciplinary matters

- undertaking induction training and ongoing development

✅ WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?

There are no specific qualifications or requirements for the role - every governing board needs a balance and diversity of knowledge, skills and experience. You don't need to be a parent or to have a background in education.

To be eligible to volunteer, you need:

- the time to contribute

- to be aged 18 or over

- not to be disqualified under the relevant rules and procedures

✅ HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?

Please contact admin@oakfield.hants.sch.uk to express your interest and someone will be in touch to have an informal discussion with you before you apply.

Safeguarding Reminders

We have pupils in school who can't have their picture taken as they're here under protection for varying reasons, please respect this by not using your phone on site.
Whilst we're sure no one has poor intentions, we can only be sure children are protected by working together and reminding each other.
What can be a simple phone call or message could be misinterpreted.
Thank you for keeping everyone safe.... we don't have these rules for fun or just 'because' they are there for an important reason.

When Another Headteacher Came...

A short update from my blog post earlier this half term.

Earlier this half term, we welcomed Mr Nutbeam, the Headteacher from Cadland Primary school who was interested in learning more about our curriculum.
He was really impressed with Year R’s writing and their classroom environment Miss Ramsdale and Mrs Bundy have created.
We looked into Year 1 and could see them warming up for PE on the field and loved that everyone was joining in and no one had forgotten their kit.
Year 2 were making Pizza (not to eat) as part of their science experiment and the class ambassadors did a great job of coming to tell us all about their learning.
Year 6 were just transitioning to start PE in the hall but one of our ambassadors was pleased to say hello.
Year 5 were very calm and reflective during their learning time and Mr Nutbeam couldn’t believe we were able to run a teacher with a class of 13 children and what high quality teaching they have as a result.
We waved at Year 3 on our way to Owl but stopped outside the classroom to look at some facilities. He commented on the great site investments that have taken place over time, including the junior Kitchen. The children were also excited to see Teddy’s dad and Oscar’s mum (see below).
Mr Nutbeam was in awe of the forest school and the independence of Year 4 who were engaged in physical digging activities, learning how to tie knots with Mrs Isaac, using hammers and nails safely and sensibly and the general behaviours around the grounds. A special thank you to all our parent volunteers who enable Mrs Isaac to teach and Mrs Neil in particular for yesterday.
Finally, the visit past the library and the “100 books…” initiative inspired Mr Nutbeam to take photographs (of the library without children) back to his school.
Whilst all this was happening, our ambassadors - Riley and Ruby - greeted Councillor Neville Penman (now known as Nev - with permission!) and led a tour of the school with Iain Collins our Chair of Governors, Kim Harper - the newly elected Chair of OPTFA and Miss Bray.
Kim had organised for him to come and see some of the great things that happen at Oakfield and to ask for some favours in return which I am sure we will hear about soon.
The day concluded with a parental Maths workshop led by Miss Light which was very well commended by the families who could attend.
When I check my emails last night there was one from Sue Savory, a Safeguarding inspector in Hampshire, who came to visit us last academic year to ensure we were fulfilling our duties effectively. She asked for Oakfield to speak at a headteacher’s safeguarding conference in Hampshire to share the way in which Miss Poole leads the monitoring and recording at Oakfield - a testament to the amazing job she does leading the safeguarding team!
It has been an honour and privilege to lead Oakfield school over the last 3 and a half years (almost)….. don’t get too excited, this is not a leaving speech…..You can often forget the huge journey we have been on and can take for granted some of the things we do that happen as a result of careful planning and delivery by the whole staff team who work so hard to bring learning to life.
Keep up with the KIRFS, handwriting/spelling and reading at home, at the staff meeting last night we’ve worked out a few kinks with the line printing on the sheets in the planners to help make them easier to use.

Mr Mitton

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