WELCOME to the first edition of The Acorn for the new school year.  It is wonderful to see all the children and staff back in school following the period of lock-down.  We have missed you.  We hope that all children are settling back into school life and are enjoying the time with their Teacher, Teaching Assistant and friends.  We give a special welcome to our new Reception children and hope that they are enjoying their time with us so far.

We say a huge thank you to all parents/carers/family members who have been ‘teachers’ over the past few months.  We know this has not been an easy task and many of you have had to work alongside teaching your children so we really do appreciate all that you have achieved.  We hope you have managed to take part in different activities with your children – many parents/carers have told us that they have had fun baking and gardening which are activities previously difficult to fit into normal life.

Set out below is a list of year groups and teachers names which will assist you when completing any paperwork. Please make sure you include your child’s class initials on any correspondence with us.

Reception      -           Mrs A Wright                         (Rec. AW)

Reception      -           Miss L Good                          (Rec. LG)

Year 1            -           Miss A Cook                          (Y1 – AC)

Year 1            -           Miss B Holliday                    (Y1 – BH)

Year 2            -           Mrs L Croft                            (Y2 – LC)

Year 2            -           Miss J Taylor                         (Y2 – JT)

Year 3            -           Miss S Jones                         (Y3 – SJ)

Year 3            -           Miss E Szokalska                 (Y3 – ES)

Year 4            -           Miss T Pascoe                      (Y4 – TP)

Year 4            -           Miss S Thornton                   (Y4 – ST)      

Year 5            -           Miss L Ironmonger               (Y5 – LI)

Year 5            -           Mr L Jordan                          (Y5 – LJ)

Year 6            -           Miss B Smith                         (Y6 – BS)

Year 6            -           Mrs T Sibley                          (Y6 – TS)

Arriving and Leaving School

Please make sure that you follow our strict instructions regarding arriving and leaving school.  Your child’s start & finish times and gate of entry have been communicated with you and are also clearly shown on the signs on the gates.  You should bring and pick up your child at the time allocated.  When leaving the playground after your child has come into school please leave by your allocated gate. Please do not crowd in front of the gate as this prevents people from entering.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL OF THESE MEASURES ARE PUT IN PLACE FOR THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF ALL CHILDREN, PARENTS/CARERS, AND STAFF.

Flu Vaccinations

If you have not already registered your child for the flu vaccination, please do this as soon as possible.  A reminder email about this was emailed to children in Years 1-6 on 8^th September.  If your child is in Reception they will receive a letter concerning this on Monday 14^th September.  The vaccinations will take place within school on 3^rd December.

Year 6 - 11+ Tests

If your child is registered to take the 11+ tests, you should receive notification from either the Grammar School or High School concerning the arrangements.  Just a reminder that the tests will take place on Saturday 19^th and Saturday 26^th September at the Grammar School for boys and at the High School for girls. 

Year 6 children – Transfer to Secondary School – September 2021

An important letter was emailed to Year 6 Parents/Carers on Wednesday 9^th September.  This letter explains the procedure for applying for a secondary school place for your child.  An application has to be made for ALL year 6 children by the closing date of 31^st October. Please read the letter carefully for information on how to apply for a place.

After School Clubs

Due to the current social distancing rules, at present we are only able to offer after school clubs to children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. As always, we are limited for numbers.  If you have applied, and your child has gained a place in an after school club, they will have received a letter letting them know.

Is your child eligible for Pupil Premium Funding? This funding is available for children whose parents are in receipt of certain benefits.  It entitles your child to free meals during KS2, free milk, 50% discount on school trips (including residential trips), discounted music tuition, additional teaching support, and help with purchasing uniform and equipment.  If you think your child might be eligible, or if you would like further information, please call into the school office in confidence.

Tests - Advance Notice – The SATs tests will take place as follows :-

Year 2 Puzzle Books - w/c 3^rd May 2021

Year 6 SATs– w/c 10^th May 2021

It is absolutely essential that all children are in school for these important tests.  Please do not arrange routine medical appointments for these weeks.  Thank you.