14 Sep 2007 - Newsletter 02

Newsletter No. 02
Friday 14th September 2007


Dear Parents, Carers and Governors,

Ofsted Inspection
As you may know, every school in England is inspected by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education). Formats for inspections change over time so our next inspection will run to a different format than previous experiences. As we are now due an inspection, I thought I would let you know what will happen, as it will all happen very quickly.

Schools are meant to be inspected every 3 years. As our last inspection was in September 2004, we are now due for another inspection. So, we could have an inspection at any time from now on. However, many schools go over 5 years so this system hasn't caught up with itself yet, so it might not even happen this academic year.

We only get 3 days notice! We can receive a phone call at any time but for example, we might be called on a Wednesday and then the inspectors may be in on the Monday.

Inspections are much shorter - they will probably be with us for 2 days at the most.

There is no set meeting with parents, as in previous years. We may have time to issue a quick parent questionnaire. Parents are invited to write to the inspectors if they have any comments to make. We also have our previous questionnaires, which we can show the inspectors.

Reports are issued and on the Ofsted web-site within 3 weeks.

The inspectors will write to the children and parents to summarise their findings.
So you can see it is a much quicker procedure than in previous systems, which I think is a good thing. We will let you know as soon as we do and let you have all the information as soon as possible.

School Lunches for Late Arrivals
If your child requires a school lunch and will be late in due to an appointment, please let the Mrs Dobson know so she can advise the kitchen.

Bulbs
The PTA have sent home a fantastic brochure for bulbs this week. If you are buying any, we would very much appreciate a small donation of a few bulbs to plant in the school grounds. Daffodils, crocuses or hyacinths are lovely, but any form the catalogue would be gratefully received - thank you very much!

Peace Assembly at the Junior School
Next Friday we will have our first visit of the year to the Junior School for the annual Peace Day assembly. We will be leaving first thing next Friday and returning within the hour. If you would be able to help walk up to the Junior School, please see your child's class teacher. We will be singing the song written especially for the occasion by Don Black. We will be focusing on learning the chorus. If your child would like to practice at home it goes as follows....

No wars will stop us singing
Our voices will stay strong
Even through the darkest night
We will sing our song

No fear will stop us dreaming
Our dreams will light the sky
Even when all hope is gone
Our dreams will not die

Planning, Preparation and Assessment time (PPA)
Just to remind existing parents and tell our new parents - each class teacher is allowed half a day a week out of class for planning, preparation and assessment. In blue class, the teachers will cover each other. In years one and two, Miss Perkins will teach for half a day a week in each class. The children will get to know the times, though in some weeks there may be adjustments to allow for courses.
In addition to the PPA time, purple class will also have Miss Perkins as their teacher every Friday.

Blue Class photo shot
Blue class will be having a class photo for the local papers. Could we please have any outstanding consent forms for photos or we will have to withdraw your child from the photo, thank you.

PTA News
This week the PTA would like to particularly remind you about those great bulb catalogues. Why not have a look this weekend and see what you would like to see in your garden in the Spring? We already have a couple of orders in, and we are looking forward to being able to spend the money the school makes on our pond and garden area for everyone to enjoy

Fit 'n' fun Club
There are a couple of spaces left for fit 'n' fun. Pop into the office if you would like your child to attend.

Football club
Mrs Rodgers has done a fantastic job in getting us additional staff so we can have a bigger group for our football club. All the children who receive a leaflet can start next Wednesday. Reading football club has asked if you could pay in advance. I'm afraid we can't accept anyone else for the time being, so no casual attendance please.

Bike Racks
If you wish your child to cycle to school, there are bike rack spaces available. Please see Mrs Dobson for a bike rack form. This is on a first come first served basis. Unfortunately an email request will not be accepted, as we need a signature from a parent.

Local Weather Forecast
As usual, a mixture of sunshine and showers on Sunday!

Have a great weekend,
Helen Ball
Headteacher



Diary Dates
Mon 17th Sept
French club starts
3.20-4.20pm - red class

Tues 18th Sept
Yr2 parents meeting
9.15am -the hall

Tues 18th Sept
Fit 'n' Funky starts
3.20 - 4.20pm - the hall

Wed 19th Sept
Football starts
3.20-4.30pm - the field

Fri 21st Sept
Peace Assembly
Morning @ the Junior School

Wed 26th Sept
Blue class open morning
9.00-10.15am - in the class

Wed 26th Sept
Purple class assembly
10.15am - the hall

Wed 26th Sept
PTA meeting
8.00pm - pop into the office for the address

Thurs 27th Sept
Open Day for prospective parents
9.15am

Fri 28th Sept
Non-uniform day
£1 donations - thank you!