Newsletters

Deanshanger Primary School - Newsletter 18- 27/05/2021

 

As you are aware, on Monday morning we had a surprise phone call from Ofsted and enjoyed a whole day visit on Tuesday. This was only 3 months after our last one.  You might be wondering why we've had two visits so close to each other.

The March visit was a remote Zoom visit in order to assess whether leaders were taking appropriate action to support effective learning during the remote learning/lock down period. It was a very positive visit with the conclusion being — Leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action to provide education in the current circumstances.

The visit on Tuesday was slightly different as it was an in-person visit with the intention of finding if 'Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the last full Ofsted visit inspection in order to become a good school'. Again, it was a very thorough and useful visit. The full report will be shared as it is received — it is likely to be close to the end of the summer term before this is with you as it needs to go through a series of verification checks first and be checked for factual accuracy.

Even though we have had two inspections this year already, we are very aware that a 3rd is on the horizon and possibly even before the end of this school year!

Thank you very much for your support with each of these visits by filling in Parent View. This information is used as an integral part of making judgments about the school.  Please be reminded though that you are actively encouraged to make open communication with us at all times; if you have any concerns or suggestions about school life, please always share them so that they can be looked into and explained wherever possible. Without knowing your thoughts, we're unable to support any improvement.

I'd like to thank the staff team for showing incredible levels of resilience and professionalism this term, as with all. As much as these visits are powerful, they are pretty intense! Some children were involved in the visit as they read to the inspector, had their phonics lesson observed, or spoke to the inspector about their learning.  Huge thanks to them all - your confidence shone through.

Our governing body also played a large role in the visit this week. Their commitment to their role, despite it being a voluntary role, is significant. We are extremely fortunate to have such a hard-working and involved group of governors.

Summer Club for Wrap Club 

Wednesday 21st July to Friday 13th of August 8.30am till 4.00 pm

The Wrap Club online booking system is now open !

For information, message Mrs Emilie Stevenson: wrapclub@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

Staffing updates

Unfortunately, another very strong member of staff has recently confirmed that she won't be part of the DPS team going forward!  We are deeply saddened that Mrs Zoe Watson will be only sharing her passion and professionalism for one more term!  Zoe has been a really integral part of our school's forward directions — she has boundless energy, enthusiasm, skills, knowledge...I could go on and on! The Early Years Foundation Stage was judged to be outstanding in June 2019, with Zoe and the team's dedication and skill.

 Zoe is a very positive member of the team and SLT, and it is hard to imagine school life without her, but alas, we thank ourselves lucky to have worked alongside her since 2015. 

Updates from our Chair of Governors

It has been a particularly busy end to the half-term with an Ofsted visit on Tuesday. As a governing body, we joined the inspector for part of the day to share our role in supporting the school's forward direction. I was pleased to see so many of our governors able to join us for this opportunity and provide a full overview of the tight working relationship between the leadership of the school and leadership from governors and our impact.

You will receive the full report in due course.

 

Wishing you a great half-term break. 

David Aaronson, Chair of Governors  

ChairofGovernors@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

 

ZOONS DANCE CLUB IS BACK!!!!!!

We have 12 remaining spaces available for our dance club on a Tuesday after school — 3.25pm-4.25pm 

Classes will run for 5 weeks starting on Tuesday 8th June 15th 22nd, 29th and 6th July.

Classes will run outside on the playground/field (weather permitting) If in the event of wet weather then the classes will be cancelled by 2.00pm with parents receiving a text. (refunds will be sorted at the end of the 5-week block)

To reserve your space please text your child’s name, class and if they have any medical conditions to Sian (07824904228) along with an emergency contact number. Fees are £25 for the 5 weeks and are due to the school office in a named envelope before Tuesday 8th June.

Zoons have been running from Deanshanger Primary since 2007 and we are so pleased to be able to start our classes back. The children learn a variety of dance styles and perform in 2 shows per year with other zoons groups from across the counties.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any more questions.

Community Fridge 

The response to this new initiative has been simply phenomenal! Thank you to everyone that has been involved.

The opening hours  for the week ahead are 

Monday 31st May  8.30am - 11.00am

Wednesday 2nd June 1.00pm - 4.30pm

Friday 4th June  7.00pm - 8.30pm

 

However, please note that from Monday 7th June the opening days and hours are changing to allow opening every weekday ie,

Mondays 8.30am - 10.00am

Tuesdays 3.00pm - 4.30pm

Wednesdays 3.00pm - 4.30pm

Thursdays 3.00pm - 4.30pm

Fridays 7.00pm - 8.30pm

We are always happy to accept food donations to enhance the stocks - we are currently quite short on tins. If you have any that you are able to donate, please drop them off in Admin. Thank you.

If you would like to know more about the Community Fridge and possibly volunteer, please make contact with either Mr. Peel, Mrs. Penwell, or Mrs. Rice.

 

dpeel@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

apenwell@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

head@deanshanger.northants-ecl.gov.uk 

The stamp competition entries have been sent off to Royal Mail. Well done to everyone that took part. All of your entries were beautiful. I wonder what the Queen will think of them as she chooses her either favourite ones for a summer set of new stamps?

28 May 2021
Science at DPS
We have recently held a ‘Science Elevation Group’. This meeting looked at what the children thought of their learning in Science.   At Deanshanger Primary School, the children have access to a wide and broad science curriculum through their year group IPC (International Prim...
Read more
26 May 2021
Music teaching at DPS
Starting in September 2021, we are thrilled that a music specialist will be working with us to further develop class music sessions and support staff professional development. Our part-time music teacher will be teaching classes across the school from Foundation Stage to Year 6. 
Read more
26 May 2021
French teaching at DPS
We are absolutely delighted that Mrs Emilie Stevenson is teaching French across the school from Year 1 to Year 6. As a native French speaker, Emilie is really taking the language forward and supporting the staff's confidence and French knowledge at the same time!  C'est une merveille...
Read more
14 May 2021
Create a National Book Token design
Knowing how much we all like a competition, this one from National Book token may interest your child/ren.  Calling creative young booklovers – could they win a £10/€10 National Book Token for each of their classmates? This summer term, we're asking children...
Read more
14 May 2021
Geography at DPS
Geography Elevation Group As Mrs Rice mentioned in the last newsletter, we have had a ‘History Elevation Group' meeting. Our second meeting was a ‘Geography Elevation Group’. This meeting looked at what the children thought of their learning in Geography. At Deanshanger P...
Read more
13 May 2021
History at DPS
As Mrs Rice mentioned in the last newsletter, we have had several subject 'Elevation Group' meetings. The first of these meetings looked at what the children thought of their learning in History. At Deanshanger Primary, the children have access to a wide and broad history curriculum throu...
Read more
13 May 2021
Calling all pre-loved pots and pans!
As you will be fully aware, we ask quite a lot of you as parents and carers and often ask for your help!  Miss Whitaker has helped us develop a very special outside science lab and a sound wall is part of this. If you have old pots and pans that you no longer need that have come to the...
Read more

Wishing you all a wonderful half-term break.

The children return on Monday 7th June. 

 

Rachel Rice   

head@deanshanger.northants-ecl.gov.uk