Dear Parents and Carers, 
We’ve had a busy end of the half-term this week all topped off with Otter’s amazing assembly performance this morning. Also this week…
TEAM Multi-Academy Trust review visit
We welcomed leaders and trustees from the TEAM Multi-Academy Trust on Thursday to look at how we teach writing and science. Our colleagues in the trust were extremely positive about the standards of writing in the school and the progress the children are making. They were also impressed with the writing opportunities in Early Years and the new drawing club lessons that Ms Baugh has started, which are really helping to get our youngest children enthused about writing.
In science, the children’s books showed lots of evidence of practical work and children engaging confidently with the scientific vocabulary they have been taught. One area identified for development was handwriting in Key Stage 2, which will now have a heightened focus for the rest of the year.
Local Governing Body
Thank you to our governors for giving up their time on Thursday to attend our termly Local Governing Body meeting. As a community school, we are very fortunate to have governors who are active members of both the school and the local community. They are extremely helpful in sharing the views and feelings of parents, which helps us to run the school effectively and keep improving what we offer for the children.
Attendance
As a school within a multi-academy trust, we follow the TEAM Multi-Academy Trust attendance policy. This states that we need evidence of medical appointments if they take place during school time. This is based on national guidance, which also asks schools to encourage families to book appointments outside of school hours wherever possible.
I know how challenging it can be to get a medical or dental appointment at all, let alone outside school hours, so we do understand when children need to be taken out of school. However, please do send in evidence of the appointment. This can be a screenshot of a text message or a photo of the appointment letter. If the appointment is in the morning, please return your child to school in the afternoon if you can. If it is in the afternoon, please send them in for the morning and collect them from school for their appointment.
Parking
Thank you for not parking in the lay-by when the bus and taxis arrive. This really helps and makes things much safer for the children. We have also had a few occasions this week where staff have not been able to get into the car park because the entrance has been blocked while children are being dropped off, so please be mindful of this too. Our neighbours have also asked that parents do not park in their spaces near the village green. Thank you for your continued support and consideration.
Staffing
After half term, we will be welcoming some new staff to the team. All of them are current parents at the school. Anna Day and Chantal Pincombe will be supporting in Otters, and Christine Quinlan will be supporting in Hedgehogs. We are really pleased to have them joining us and supporting the children in these classes.
Enjoy your half term.
George Myers
Head of School
