Headteacher’s Blog

This term has been incredibly busy, with a variety of activities and events that have supported our students’ learning, well-being, and personal development. We have also been pleased to see strong engagement from parents and carers, who have actively participated in key events across the school. Here are some of the highlights:

Year 2 Zebras & Foxes Swimming Lessons – Our Year 2 children have made great progress in their weekly swimming lessons at Fountains. These sessions have not only improved their confidence and technique but have also helped them develop essential water safety skills. It has been encouraging to see the enthusiasm and determination of the children as they gained independence in the pool.

SEND Coffee Afternoon – We were delighted by the strong turnout of parents at our SEND Coffee Afternoon. These sessions provide an important opportunity for families to connect, share experiences, and access useful information. Given the positive response, we plan to make this a regular event, with guest speakers and workshops to further support our SEND families.

Parent Assemblies – Parental engagement has been particularly strong this term, with near full attendance at our parent assemblies. These events provide a valuable opportunity for families to celebrate their children’s achievements and learning.

Staff Training – Thrive Approach – In January, all staff took part in Thrive training, an approach designed to support children’s emotional and social development. This training will help ensure that our pupils feel safe, secure, and ready to learn, reinforcing our commitment to their well-being.

Year 1 & Year 2 Athletics Event – Our Year 1 and Year 2 children took part in an athletics competition at Greenbank, demonstrating fantastic teamwork and enthusiasm. Parents who attended were incredibly supportive, cheering on the children as they participated in a range of events, including sprints and jumping challenges.

Year 2 Visit to the Faith Centre – The Year 2 visit to the Faith Centre in Derby provided children with a valuable opportunity to learn about different cultures and religious practices. Parents have expressed their appreciation for such experiences, as they help foster understanding, respect, and inclusion from an early age.

Chinese New Year Celebration Day – Our Chinese New Year celebrations were a fantastic success, with children engaging in activities such as dragon dancing, calligraphy, and traditional crafts. Several parents commented on how much their children enjoyed sharing their learning at home, demonstrating the impact of these cultural experiences beyond the classroom.

Safer Internet Day – Online safety remains a priority, and this term’s Safer Internet Day focused on helping children recognise and avoid online scams. Parents have appreciated the school’s proactive approach, with many engaging in follow-up discussions at home based on what their children learned in school.

Attendance Update – We are pleased to report an improvement in attendance figures compared to last year. The strong partnership between school and families continues to play a key role in ensuring that children attend regularly, supporting their learning and overall development.

The Year 2 residential trip to Standon Bowers was a fantastic adventure, fostering teamwork and resilience. Pupils tackled bouldering challenges, built dens, and navigated a blindfold walk, enhancing communication and trust. Evenings around the campfire encouraged storytelling and friendship. The trip provided valuable learning experiences in a fun and supportive setting.  We are extremely grateful to the staff for giving up their time overnight to support this wonderful enrichment opportunity.

The Year 2 children who did not attend the residential enjoyed an exciting day of bushcraft activities at school. An external company led sessions on den building, fire making, and cooking over a campfire, including making hot chocolate. The children had a fantastic time, and we look forward to welcoming the bushcraft company back in the summer term.

This term has demonstrated the value of strong parental engagement, alongside high-quality learning experiences for our children. Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide the best possible environment for our pupils.  We hope you all have a wonderful Easter holiday when it arrives!