Dear Parents and Carers, 
I have always enjoyed working in primary schools because you get to see children learn in so many different ways and provide them with such fantastic experiences. All the staff at Beaford are committed to delivering a curriculum that balances rich experiences with the development of important core skills, and this has been very evident across the school this week.
This week
It has been SATs week for our Year 6 children. I would like to say how incredibly resilient and hardworking they have been throughout the process. They approached the week with maturity and determination and should all be very proud of themselves. Preparing properly for challenges is such an important life skill, and the children have shown real commitment in the way they have revised and supported one another.
I would also like to give a huge thank you to Donna, who has gone out of her way each morning to provide the children with an enjoyable SATs breakfast club. Starting the day together with a good breakfast and a calm atmosphere has helped the children settle their nerves and prepare positively for the challenges ahead.
While the Year 6s have been busy with their SATs, the Year 5s have been working with coaches from Exeter City Football Club on a programme called The Joy of Movement. The sessions have focused on the benefits of exercise for both mental and physical wellbeing. While we absolutely recognise that reading and maths are fundamental priorities within the curriculum, we also believe strongly in developing the whole child. A varied curriculum that promotes wellbeing, teamwork, confidence and healthy lifestyles is something that will benefit children throughout their lives.
Wednesday was a particular highlight this week, as it saw the official opening of our Busy Bees area. Over the past few weeks, Jo, Anna, Chantal and Chrissie have worked incredibly hard to transform our back room from an unloved space into one that is warm, welcoming and full of love. The Busy Bees area will now be used as an intervention space for all children, but especially for those with additional SEND needs.
To celebrate the opening, the children hosted a small party. They made cakes and refreshments and wrote invitations to parents and staff to attend. It was wonderful to see the pride they had in the space they helped create. The Busy Bees area is a fantastic addition to the school, and I am excited to see how it develops in the future.
On Thursday, Otters enjoyed a trip to Rosemoor. Despite the weather, they all returned beaming after learning about food, nutrition and the importance of plants in our world. Hedgehogs are also enjoying a fantastic castle workshop today, spending the whole day learning about the purpose of castles and their importance throughout history.
On top of all this, Ms Cannon has organised a range of eco workshops for the rest of the school. We are committed to teaching children about caring for the planet and understanding the world around them. Today, Reception took part in a pirate-themed care and conservation workshop, Otters explored the importance of recycling through paper making, and Owls investigated alternative forms of energy by using fruit as a power source for electricity experiments.
Important Health Update
You will have seen in the news, that there have been some bacterial meningitis outbreaks across the country recently. Bacterial meningitis is an extremely serious condition, Meningitis can also be caused by a virus which has the same symptoms but is a less serious illness. Public Health England advise that the risk of an outbreak is extremely low but we have attached the NHS guidance on meningitis as a precaution. If your child has these symptoms, we advise you to seek medical attention and let the school know immediately if they have a confirmed case.
Next week
Next week, I will be taking the Year 6 children to Bude for a well-earned activity week alongside other trust schools.
The Year 5s will be learning about road safety as they complete their Bikeability training.
Mr Wright and the teachers have organised a whole-school “Mad About Maths” day on Wednesday. The children will spend the day problem solving and playing games designed to develop and apply their maths skills in fun and engaging ways.
I will not be on site next week. If you have any issues, please speak to class teachers or email the school and I will respond as soon as I can.
George Myers
Head of School
Head of School
