Dear Parents and Carers,
You may have noticed that the layout of our newsletter changed after Christmas. This was done to standardise it across the trust and to make it more efficient. We have had a few teething issues with the Important Dates section, as it automatically pulls dates from the website calendar and is capped at 15 entries. During particularly busy weeks, this has meant that some messages have not been shared far enough in advance. To address this, we have added an 'Up and Coming Events section to highlight key events taking place each term.
This week
This week we carried out a lockdown procedure. While we understand that this can be unsettling for some children, it is important that we prepare for all risks, in the same way that we practise fire drills. Our priority is always the safety of the children, and practising these procedures helps ensure that staff and pupils know what to do should the need ever arise.
At the start of the week, assembly focused on Holocaust Memorial Day and why we commemorate it. I led an age-appropriate assembly explaining the Second World War and how Hitler’s beliefs went against our fundamental British values of democracy, respect, tolerance, liberty and the rule of law. When discussing the lessons we can learn from this period in history, the children spoke thoughtfully about the importance of kindness and not hating others. We also discussed why it is important not to listen to people who try to encourage hatred towards other groups.
Teachers met with their trust colleagues this week to plan for next half term. While each school has its own unique character, working together allows us to share resources and collaborate on larger events. This helps us provide the best possible opportunities for our children, despite the limitations that can come from a small rural setting.
Owls performed a wonderful assembly on London this morning. It was a lovely reminder for our Year 6 children of the places they visited and helped build excitement for our Year 5 pupils who will be going on the London trip next week.
Complaints procedure
We have an updated complaints policy available on our website. Whenever parents raise concerns, we aim to listen carefully and address them as quickly as possible.
Effective communication between teachers and parents is the best way to prevent small issues from becoming larger problems. As a small village school, we value the informal communication we have with families through conversations and phone calls. If you have any concerns, please raise them with your child’s teacher in the first instance.
If you have a more significant concern, or an issue that is ongoing or unresolved, you are welcome to contact me via the admin email or by making an appointment. I will look into the matter and do my utmost to ensure it is resolved.
This approach forms the first stage of resolving concerns in line with our complaints policy and is how we aim to address the vast majority of issues. Should you feel that a concern has not been resolved, the policy outlines the next steps available to you.
Next week
I will be taking a group of Year 5 children to London next week. This is one of my favourite educational visits and is always packed with exciting activities. It is also a great opportunity to build friendships across the trust and a real privilege to get to know the children outside of the classroom.
One of the benefits of being part of a trust is the collaboration it enables. Organising residential visits such as the London trip is much more manageable within a trust, and while I am away, Mr Thomas and the rest of the trust team will be supporting staff and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
George Myers
Head of School
