Orchards' newsletter

3rd September 2026

Head's message

Dear Orchards' families,

Welcome back to all of our families and if you are a new family to our school - welcome.

I hope that you have all had a lovely summer holiday. There have been lots of smiley, happy children today who are already displying our school principles of Be Kind, Work hard, Aim High. I have a feeling that this is going to be a great year at Orchards.

Last year was another successful year - we were rewarded with our highest ever results in Year 1 phonics screening, Year 4 multiplication tables challenge and Key Stage 2 SATs. Boosted by these results, the staff and school are primed ready to have an even more successful year this year.

Regards

Dr Homden

What's new at Orchards?

At the start of the term, there is always a lot of change for the children - new classrooms and teachers, new learning and new school uniforms.

I would like to say welcome to all of our new children who have joined throughout the school and an especially big welcome to our new Reception cohort.

We also have new members of staff:

Miss Harrison in Year 1

Mr Shah in Year 4

and Mr Finney in Year 5

I would also like to welcome back Miss Stimson into Year 6.

Some of you have spotted that we have also had a new logo (please see below) as part of the Grace Schools trust makeover. Uniforms have been updated and so more and more of the new logo will start to appear across school throughout the year.

We also have a new website https://orc.graceschools.org.uk/ which is exciting.

Start times of the day

Constant road works close to school continue to make it difficult at drop off time however a reminder that the school gates open between 8:15 and 8:20 and that class doors open at 8:25. Please ensure that you arrive at school before 8:25 ready for the doors to open. Gates close at 8:35.

Communications

The class teacher is the best person to speak to about any worries or concerns that you have. They will also be able to sort out the vast majority of problems as they are the adults who spend the most time with your children.

If you have a safeguarding worry/concern/issue - please ask to speak to one of the safeguarding team: Dr Homden, Miss Banks, Mrs Horlock, Mrs Carlile or Mrs Trundle.

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