IN THIS ISSUE ... NEURODIVERSITY WEEK - PAGE TWO ... FOSS UPDATE - PAGE THREE ... SPORT AND LAU CLASS ASSEMBLY - PAGE FOUR  ... RECEPTION ROUND UP - PAGE FIVE ... ALL ABOUT ART - PAGE SIX ... MORE EASTER SERVICE - PAGE SEVEN ...

OFSTED REPORT SAYS 'PUPILS THRIVE IN THIS ENVIRONMENT'

The inspector carried out an ungraded Section 8 inspection. Although he reported that: "Evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded Section 5 inspection were carried out. The school's next inspection will be graded."

The two-day inspection evidenced the planning and hard work put in by the St Stephen's staff team, says our headteacher, Liz Bachour: "I feel blessed to work in such a wonderful school, with fabulous staff, marvellous children and supportive parents and governors. It is so heartening to hear that the inspector noted we live our school motto to 'build up in love and learning' on a daily basis." 

Here is the link - here is the link https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/102915

As well as the published report, we had some marvellous verbal feedback from His Majesty's Lead Inspector, Russell Bennett. Mrs Bachour continues: "Mr Bennett told us that we clearly have a positive ambition for all our children and he found our culture truly inclusive. Additionally, he told us personal development in our school is exceptional." All of these comments echo the findings of the recent SIAMs report which can be found on our website.

Click on the link above to see the report in full. In the meantime here are some highlight quotes:

'Pupils enjoy coming to school and make the most of the extensive range of opportunities provided'

'Relationships at the school are respectful and nurturing.'

'Pupils are kept safe.'

'The school has placed emphasis on high quality professional and subject-specific professional development for staff.'

'The school has prioritised the importance of reading.'

'The school promotes a love of reading through each year group,'

'Pupils thrive in this environment.'

'The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour.'

'Pupils with SEND follow the same ambitious curriculum and receive extra help if they need it.'

'The school has a rich and varied curriculum for personal development.'

'Pupils appreciate and celebrate difference in the world.'

'They follow the school's expectation of being an 'up stander' and doing the right thing.'

Our annual Easter Service at St Stephen's Church is always a treat. Our wonderful Year Four children acted out the events of Holy Week beautifully and enthralled a packed church with their very own retelling of the final days of Jesus' life. Thank you so much to the young thespians and the marvellous Year Four team who rehearsed them to perfection. Exemplary singing from the whole school. Thank you to Mr Munn and Mrs Gawn for getting everyone note perfect in our weekly singing assemblies. Mr Wilford, Miss Cooper and our amazing school orchestra were a feast for the ears (we missed you Mr Munn). Thanks to Libby, Lauren, Rachel and the whole St Stephen's Church team for hosting us so well. Here are some shots of the show. More pictures on page seven. 

As part of our ongoing work on safeguarding, we have organised for PC Amanda Stonehouse (Youth Engagement Diversion Officer) to run a session for parents on Friday 26th April at 9am. She will share information on some of the local risks and dangers that young people are facing and how parents can support their children to keep safe. This session is open to all parents but is particularly pertinent for those with pupils in Year 4, 5 and 6. 

The session will cover: 

• County lines  

• Online malicious communication – young people using Whatsapp and social media

• Robbery – how children can keep themselves safe on the streets

• Criminality with children 

There will also be an opportunity for questions at the end. 

We will run the session in the main school hall. Please enter via the hall door on Chertsey Road. 

We hope you can join us for this informative session. 

SKYLARKS EASTER ACTIVITIES

LOCAL CHARITY FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS, SKYLARKS, HAS LOTS OF FABULOUS EVENTS PLANNED FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS. CHECK OUT THE SKYLARKS WEBSITE - info@skylarks.charity