This week, I accompanied our Year 4 children to the Sports Festival at Ashlyns School. During the event, the children really impressed me with their teamwork, cooperation and support for each other and it was a pleasure to see. Unfortunately, as some of you know, we had an issue with the coach on our return journey but even through this challenge, the children really showed the very best of themselves and I was extremely proud of them all. Many thanks to the children of Year 4 and all of the staff and parent volunteers on the trip for being so fantastic!
Children in Need
Next Friday (13th November), is BBC Children in Need. Our House Captains have decided that they would like to raise money for the charity by having a non-uniform day. They have chosen the theme of wearing something that makes you feel special (but please ensure that this is appropriate for playing outside!). We recommend a donation of £1 for the charity which should be handed to the class teacher on arrival at school on Friday.
Medical Appointments and Reporting Absence
We understand that medical appointments are sometimes unavoidable. Wherever possible, we kindly ask that appointments are arranged outside of school hours to reduce the impact on your child's learning. If an appointment does need to take place during the school day, the school office may ask to see proof of the appointment. If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please let us know by calling the school office. As messages through Arbor may not always be monitored, we ask that these are not used to report absences. If we need any further information, a member of the office team will be happy to give you a call. Thank you for your continued support in helping us ensure the safety, wellbeing and education of all our pupils.
Fidget Toys
Recently, we have noticed an increase in children bringing various fidget items, toys, and sensory gadgets from home. While we recognise these items are often brought with good intentions, we want to clarify how and why we manage them at school.
Research and daily classroom experience show that fidget items can often divide a child's attention rather than improve it. When used without a specific medical or educational need, they frequently become a distraction to the student using them and to the children seated nearby.
Our Approach to Support
Targeted Support: Carefully selected sensory tools can genuinely benefit students with specific concentration, emotional regulation, or neurodivergent needs. However, these situations are specific and evaluated on an individual basis.
School-Provided Resources: Where a child genuinely requires a fidget or sensory resource as part of their learning plan, the school can provide appropriate, discreet, and non-distracting tools.
Keeping Home Toys at Home: To maintain a calm and focused learning environment, we ask that children do not bring fidget toys or personal items from home unless it has been pre-arranged with the class teacher or SENDCo.
If you feel your child has a specific sensory or concentration need that requires accommodation, please speak to your child's teacher.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support in keeping our classrooms focused and productive.
Sharing Assembly
Next Thursday (12th November), children from Year 6 will be presenting a sharing assembly for parents about their PGL / Activity Week experience. The assembly will take place at 9am and those wishing to attend should report to the school office.
The week after, on Thursday 19th November, we will have our first class sharing assembly of the year presented by the children from Team Onyx. Please note that the time for this has changed due to swimming. This assembly will now take place at 2:45pm.
Nursery Rhyme Week
Next week, our children from Early Years will be celebrating Nursery Rhyme week. Parents of children from Early Years will already know that we have a nursery rhyme dress up day and the performance of the Nursery rhymes on Thursday afternoon.
