Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s been another wonderful week in school and, as always, I feel very lucky to spend time in classrooms seeing the joy, curiosity and enthusiasm our children bring to their learning each day.
This week, I had the pleasure of spending some time back in Reception. The children have been busy exploring natural materials to build their very own bug hotels. Today’s Forest School session gave them the chance to finish them off, and I’ve already heard reports of the first excited “guests” checking in — a snail and two very proud-looking woodlice! It was a delight to see how much care and creativity went into their designs.
I also had the opportunity yesterday to join Year 5 during an RE lesson, where they were discussing the similarities and differences between different branches of Judaism. It was inspiring to see not only how much knowledge they already had, but also the depth of the conversations they were sharing with each other. Their respect, curiosity, and thoughtful dialogue were truly impressive.
A huge thank you to the parents who have already responded to offer help with bedding and beds for when we host the Dawn Patrol Team as part of Doddie’s Triple Crown. Your support is very much appreciated. The form was sent this week via Eduspot, so if you think you may be able to help, please do respond through that link.
Last week and this week, Traffic Wardens were out at the end of the day on both Durham Close and Lincoln Avenue. They were offering reminders — and issuing tickets where necessary — to support safe and considerate parking around our school. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in keeping our children and families safe at pick-up time.
During this week, the Gloucestershire Initial Teacher Education Partnership (GITEP) underwent an Ofsted inspection. Our link with GITEP meant that I, as the Professional Lead, alongside Miss Barrett as Mentor and our trainee teacher, Mrs Culf, spent three hours being interviewed by one of the inspectors on Monday afternoon. It was a fascinating process to be part of, and it offered the chance to have some extended and very insightful discussions with Marie, the HMI, about her recent inspections. The inspection concluded yesterday, and we wish our colleagues at GITEP a well-deserved and restful weekend.
And finally — the rain paused just long enough this morning for our Year 2 children to recreate the Great Fire of London. Mrs Sperduti and Mrs Bruce reported how much the children enjoyed the experience and how much they gained from seeing history brought to life. I’m very much looking forward to reading their writing next week as a result of this memorable learning moment.
That just leaves me to say: have a lovely weekend.
Georgina Flooks
Headteacher