Dear Parents and Carers,
We have some really exciting news to share with our families!
We have recently been notified that Pilton Bluecoat C of E Academy has been selected as a Relational Pathfinder School, following an application process involving over 80 schools. We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as one of a few schools to take part.
This recognition is based on the dedicated work we do to support the individual needs of our pupils, alongside the way we engage with our families and work with professionals to ensure children get the right support at the right time.
As part of this work, we will be working closely with the Local Authority to develop practice and will also be looking to work with other local schools. We know that schools across North Devon are all working with children and families who face different challenges, and collaboration is key. By working together, sharing ideas and learning from one another, we can continue to improve the support we provide for our children and families.
We know that children will face different challenges at different times, and I know that my team work tirelessly to make sure we provide the very best support we can for your children. However, if you ever have a concern or worry, please remember to follow our communication flow chart and, most importantly, talk to us. By working together respectfully and openly, we can listen, understand your concerns and work with you to find a positive way forward.
Learning beyond the classroom
This week we were incredibly lucky to welcome Pastor Lew and his wife, Monica, from Indonesia to Pilton Bluecoat.
They led our Collective Worship, talking to the children about Indonesia, including the incredible distance between Indonesia and the UK, its population and some of the amazing wildlife found there. They also linked their experiences to Bible thought and gave the children an opportunity to think about the wider world and their place within it.
And, of course, they didn't come empty-handed! They made sure that every child had three keyrings from Indonesia to take home.
These experiences really do help shape our children's understanding of the world and themselves. They provide opportunities to learn about different cultures, places and people in a way that children will remember.
A huge thank you to Pastor Kenny, one of our LGB members, for organising this special opportunity for our children.
A day at Newton Abbot Racecourse
I have also been told that the children who travelled to Newton Abbot Racecourse are having a wonderful time learning about horses and, importantly, the care, dedication and hard work that goes into looking after them.
At Pilton Bluecoat, we believe that education is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. Providing experiences that support our pupils' development is a key part of our vision of Building Brighter Futures.
I would like to thank all the staff and parent helpers who give up their time and make these experiences possible. We really couldn't do it without you.
Settling into our new year groups
It has been fantastic to see the children continuing to settle into their new classes and build stronger relationships with their new adults.
I am truly proud of how the children are working together, looking after each other and developing those important relationships. Our Year 6 Buddies have been incredible, particularly in the way they have welcomed and supported our younger children.
We know that the beginning of a new school year can bring excitement, but also uncertainty for some children, and those relationships make such a difference.
Finally, a quick reminder about attendance. We are currently at 97.2%, which is fantastic, and we want to keep this going. It is so important that children are in school whenever they are well enough to attend, not only because of their learning, but because of all the experiences, opportunities, friendships and relationships that are happening every day.
There is so much happening at Pilton Bluecoat, and we want every child to be part of it.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Mathew Harts
Head of School
