Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been a real pleasure to spend time around school this week and to see the strength of our community in action. Our current attendance stands at 94.9%, which is above the national average, and this reflects the commitment of our families and pupils to learning. Attendance plays a big part in children developing as individuals and as a community, learning how to work alongside others and build positive relationships. As I have moved around the school, I have been struck by how well pupils are supporting one another, how focused they are in lessons, and how they continue to persevere even when faced with challenge.
This positive attitude is also evident in their playtimes, where interactions between pupils have been kind, respectful, and inclusive. The way our children look after one another truly reflects our school values.
After thoughtful discussion with pupils and in collaboration with Mr Turner and Ms Halpin, we have introduced “Match of the Day”, bringing 5-a-side football into lunchtimes. The children have absolutely loved it, and the sportsmanship, teamwork, and encouragement on display this week have been fantastic to see.
We recognise that some children experience barriers to learning at different times. In response, and working with our experienced and dedicated staff, we are continuing to develop our Learning Champions programme. This week, pupils took part in the Farm Project at Pilton Community College, and have been engaging in activities such as cooking and art therapy. These opportunities help to build confidence, wellbeing, and engagement with learning.
In the coming weeks, we will also be launching our Zones of Regulation groups, which will support children in understanding and managing their emotions. To support this work further, Claire Jones will be running a workshop open to all families. This does not mean your child necessarily requires additional support; rather, we believe this will benefit everyone by helping us all better understand children’s emotional development and how we can support them both at school and at home.
Finally, I would like to thank you sincerely for the support, encouragement, and guidance you give the school. Working in partnership with families makes a significant difference to the success and wellbeing of our children.
Warm Regards,
Mathew Harts
Head of School
