Welcome back to Term 1 of this academic year. This summer seems to have rushed by, but we're looking forward to the year ahead and what this might bring. Our new Reception children started their journey at Paddock Wood yesterday and it was lovely to see them leave with smiling faces and full of stories to tell parents/carers. Well done to everyone for such a successful day.

Over the summer the site team have been working hard, alongside Oakleaf to replace all the water pipes in the school - whilst this may not sound particularly exciting, it's the start of refreshing the site and facilities for our academy community. This has meant that the school site has been closed to all staff over the summer break - so the last 2 INSET days have been a mixture of training and classroom sorting. I know that the staff are looking forward to working with you and your child/ren this year.

We will start as we mean to go on, with high expectations of the children, ourselves and one another so a few reminders:

• Full school uniform should be worn daily (unless it's a PE day), including school shoes, appropriate hair styles and no jewellery (other than ear studs/watch) or nail varnish.

• Gates will open by 8:30am and all children should be in class between 8:40 - 8:50am. Gates will be locked at 9am sharp and all lates should come through the office.

• Gates will re-open at 3pm for collection from 3:10 - 3:20pm and these will again be locked at 3:30pm. Late collections will need to come to the office.

• Holidays will not be authorised, unless in exceptional circumstances - as per previous information.

• We will treat one another with respect and curtesy. We will not tolerate abuse towards staff - either verbal or written.

Remember, we are here to support both the children and our families so if you need anything, please get in touch.

Our highly ambitious community builds thinking learners, who act with agency and create lasting memories.

Payments

All payments for any school trips, visits, events, meals, clubs and consumables will now need to be made via ParentPay rather than cash. Please ensure you have access to ParentPay and if you need support please either contact the school office or catch Charlotte Gunning who can help you get this set up. If you would like to purchase a water bottle / lid or plastic book bag these are now available via ParentPay. Please make payment online and these will be sent home with your child on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Lost Property

This will continue to be kept within year groups. Please make sure you name all your children's clothing so that anything lost may find it's way back to them.