Newsletters

Parent Online Safety Workshop

Do you want to be able to keep up with your kids online?

A second online safety workshop will be delivered due to high parental demand by Mr Rayner.

Nursery and Reception

Nursery and Reception have had an amazing start to school! The children have settled into school really well and established routines and strong relationships with their teachers and pupils. It has been a busy term in the Early Years, full of exciting learning opportunities. The  children were immersed into a world of sensory dance with the ACE dance workshops this term. The children explored their key stories, ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ and  ‘The Gingerbread Man,’  through a sensory exploration of dance, rhythm and music.

Children across the early years have been exploring the season of Autumn and investigating natural media, which has provoked a lot of thought and discussion.           

This term, children have developed their passion for reading for pleasure by bringing stories to life. They have enjoyed role playing and re-telling the stories in a variety of different ways.

Year 1 used charcoal to create the Deep Dark Woods. They tried to make the trees as realistic as possible. Fantastic work Year 1!

Safety of our children due to parking around school

There are ongoing issues with parents parking on the zig-zag lines and performing dangerous manoeuvres near the school site. School staff continue to urge parents to consider others when parking, but there have not been any behavioural changes. The community police will do regular spot checks and take action accordingly.

The law on yellow zig-zag lines

The Highway Code states that drivers ‘MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on yellow zig-zag school entrance markings.’

Parking rules help to protect our children and keep them safe, and drivers who park illegally put our children at risk. To reduce the risks of accidents and injuries, it is recommended in the Highway Code to park at least 400 m away from school and walk to the gates!

Benefits of Walking to School

Physical activity is a brilliant way to start your morning. Walking to school is both fun and beneficial for the whole family. It's a fantastic way for you and your children to stay healthy, active and happy.

According to campaigners, Living Streets, 'A generation ago, 70% of us walked to school - now it's less than half'.

1) Stay healthy

Walking to school is a great form of exercise for you and your children. It reduces the risk of obesity and heart disease, improves your mood and generally does wonders for your young adventurer’s health. It also helps to create good habits for an active lifestyle. Plus, all that extra activity should help children feel more tired in the evenings, leading to a better night’s sleep.

2) It's fun

Walking to school is much more fun than driving. Your children can spot lots of interesting things on their way to school and will get more familiar with the neighbourhood. 

3) Planet friendly

Swapping driving for walking is a great way to reduce CO2 emissions. It's a good way to introduce little ones to the importance of protecting our planet. Walking to school even once or twice a week makes a real difference and means the only footprints you'll be leaving are your own!

4) It helps children learn

Walking is great for mental health. It releases good hormones, helping to boost our mood and can help your little explorers start the day with a calm mind. Physical activity helps your children learn and boosts their performance in class. After a good walk, they will arrive at school feeling refreshed, happy and ready to start their day. 

5) Improves confidence

Walking to school makes your children feel more independent and in control. It teaches them road safety, basic navigation skills (let them lead the way) and helps them feel more confident. Before allowing your children to walk to school on their own, make sure they are ready and have all the required road safety skills.

6) More family time

Some quality time spent with your children on the way to school. It is a great start to the day. Taking a walk with them in the morning will help you focus only on them and help you feel closer as a family. 

7) Goodbye traffic

Nothing is more stressful than getting stuck in traffic, especially when you are in a rush in the morning. Swap your car for a pair of comfortable shoes and enjoy your morning walk as a family. Plus, you won't need to hunt for a parking space - what a relief!

8) It’s for everyone

It is never too early or too late to start walking to school. It is also for everyone – no special or expensive equipment is needed. Just a pair of comfortable shoes (or wellies for splashing on rainy days) and a waterproof jacket in case of a sudden downpour will be enough.

Flu Vaccinations
Immunising pre-school children against flu

This year’s flu vaccination programme is underway.  Children aged 2 and 3 years old (on 31 August before flu vaccination starts in the autumn) are eligible for a free flu vaccine given as a nasal spray.

Those working in the early years sector have an important role to play in raising awareness amongst parents about the annual flu vaccination programme for preschool children.

Annual vaccination of children helps provide protection to each child and reduces the spread of flu to their families and the wider community, protecting others who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. The flu vaccine also promotes a healthy working environment in nurseries and childcare settings by reducing the risk of flu being spread to others including staff.

A leaflet for early years providers giving information about the programme is available and it includes details about how to order free resources to display or give to parents including translations in multiple languages.

Measles

Measles cases are rising across the country, with over 102,000 children starting primary school in England being at risk of catching the disease. We are asking you to share key messages from the NHS about measles / MMR and how to get vaccinated. The Back to school MMR Guidance from the NHS includes information to share, as well as for example, social media posts which can be found here: NHS Vaccine Poster and NHS MMR Poster.

Measles is highly infectious and if left unvaccinated, nine out of ten children in an early years setting can catch the disease if just one child is infectious. Please share these resources with colleagues, parents, and where suitable, community organisations to increase awareness and encourage parents to get their children vaccinated.