Dear Parents and Carers,
This week
We welcomed the children back to school this week. It was lovely to hear about the wonderful half-term break they had enjoyed and the glorious weather we were treated to. The school has been full of children telling us about garden parties, beach days, ice creams and horse rides. It’s a shame the sunshine hasn’t continued, but the children have made the most of their playtimes regardless.
Playtimes have been a little different this week because our Nursery children who will be joining Reception in September have started spending time on the main playground. This is an important part of helping them transition into school next year. As a small village school, we are proud that all of the staff know the children and that the children know and play with one another across the year groups.
In Monday’s assembly, I set the children the challenge of making sure they looked after our newest arrivals on the playground, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Some of the Owls joined Zenna in Nursery to explain all the different activities available at playtime and who the younger children could go to if they needed help. The rest of the children were fantastic at helping them settle in, making sure they played safely and showing them how to use the different resources.
The Friends of Beaford are running Frozen Fridays throughout this half term. Every Friday, starting today, children can purchase an ice lolly for 40p as an end-of-week treat. All money raised goes directly towards supporting the school through PTA-funded educational visits, workshops and resources.
Next week
Year 1 and Year 4 will complete some statutory assessments next week. Year 1 children will take part in the Phonics Screening Check and Year 4 children will complete the Multiplication Tables Check. These are short assessments designed to ensure that schools are teaching fundamental reading and maths skills effectively.
Both year groups have been steadily practising these skills over the last two years and are very well prepared. There is no need to place any additional pressure on the children, as for them these assessments will simply form part of a normal school day.
Beaford will be represented at the annual Torridge Swimming Gala for the third year running on Tuesday, and at a Year 5 and 6 cricket tournament at North Devon Cricket Club on Friday. I would like to wish all of the children competing the very best of luck. They always represent the school brilliantly and demonstrate excellent teamwork, sportsmanship and resilience regardless of the result.
Our Reception children are off to Putsborough on Wednesday for a beach safety and lifesaving session led by RNLI lifeguards. I have no doubt they will also find time to enjoy some beach games while they are there.
On Thursday, the school's Local Governing Body will meet to discuss progress this term and share ideas for further improvements next year. GTS will also be visiting to meet with our Year 6 children ahead of their transition to secondary school in September.
Attendance
Good attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children succeed at school. Children have a right to a full education and schools and parents must work together to ensure they attend regularly. Attendance at the start of this term has been notably poor - which is unusual for Beaford.
Every lesson matters. While the occasional day off may not seem significant, missed days quickly add up over time and can have a substantial impact on a child's learning, confidence and attainment. Children who attend school regularly are more likely to make strong academic progress, develop positive friendships and feel fully included in school life.
Nationally, attendance below 95% is considered a concern. Although 90% attendance may sound high, it actually means a child misses around one day of school every two weeks. Over five years of primary school, this equates to approximately half a year of education missed. Attendance of 80% would mean missing the equivalent of an entire school year over the same period!
I have attached a table which shows how attendance accumulates over time and the significant impact that low attendance can have on a child's achievement. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your children attend school regularly and arrive ready to learn.
Enjoy your weekend.
Head of School
