Dear Parents and Carers, 
In our penultimate week of term, the children have been busy as always. It’s been a pleasure dropping into classes this week and seeing how much progress they are making.
Unfortunately, I have missed Mad March Hair Day this year as I am off site, but I will be looking at the pictures to see your creations. The Friends of Beaford are so committed to running a fun calendar of events for the children, as was evident in this week’s cake sale, which always creates a buzz of excitement at the end of the day. Thank you for your donations to the cake sale and the effort you put into the wild hairstyles.
This week
Reception’s first big outing to Plymouth Aquarium was a huge success. They saw different marine ecosystems and animals, and were all impressed by the sharks in the tunnel. Thank you Ms Baugh and Jane for organising the trip and taking the Ladybirds there.
On Monday, our parent governor, Holly, came in to observe our Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) environment and talk to the children about personal development at Beaford. OPAL is transformed by the nicer weather, and Zenna and the team are busy preparing all the resources for the summer term.
On Tuesday, some of our Year 6s completed a practice walk on Exmoor in preparation for the Exmoor Challenge. They learnt some of the map and compass skills they’ll need for the event.
This half term, some children from across the TEAM Multi-Academy Trust have attended Lillcott Farm to provide additional pastoral support. The children who attended from Beaford have been excellent ambassadors for the school during these sessions.
Changes to drop off and collection
Unfortunately, the current parking situation is not working, as there are too many cars in the school parking zone (yellow zig-zag lines). This is blocking the road and becoming unsafe for children. It also makes it difficult for the bus and taxi to drop off and collect pupils.
I have to prioritise children’s safety over convenience, which means that parents will not be able to park or drop children off in the school parking zone between 8:30am and 9:15am, and 3:00pm and 3:45pm. Parents will need to park further away and walk down to the school.
Myself and other staff will be at the front of school to remind parents about this over the coming weeks. Please understand that this is because we are prioritising the children’s safety.
The Police UK website gives some useful safety tips for parking outside schools:
- When picking up or dropping off children at schools, you should do the following:
Allow yourself plenty of time, as the area is likely to be busy.
- Do not park on yellow zigzag lines and avoid parking opposite them.
- If you decide to park further away, please be considerate of local residents and avoid blocking driveways or accessways.
Next week
Rev. Gary is coming in to give an assembly about the importance of Easter to Christians. Some of our talented gymnasts in Owls are going for a session with Falcons on Wednesday. Our Ladybirds Nursery and Reception children will be treated to a mini-beast workshop on Tuesday. As it is the final week of term, Lego and Miles of Smiles clubs have now finished, but Football club will still be running. Wrap-around care will also run as usual.
It’s a short week next week as we break up at 3:30pm on Thursday.
Enjoy your weekend.
George Myers
Head of School
