The last two weeks, since we returned from the half-term break, have flown by amidst special work focusing on Remembrance Day, Diwali, school values, assessments (in year 1-5), and a lot of 'regular teaching and learning!

The assessments are an important chance for us to see how the children are progressing with their learning and how we can best support them going forward. Are there gaps in learning perhaps due to the lockdown? Is a little extra intervention support needed? Do they need support at a higher level to retain their previous learning levels? These questions and more are being considered to ensure that each child is well-supported to make strong progress.

There is a government allowance to support catch up and recovery in schools and this funding means that we have commissioned some additional resources, training and staff to support us. Mrs. Liz Baker will be helping to provide additional maths teaching and learning in Year 6 and Miss Stephanie Mazey will be supporting various children and small groups across the school.  

Although we recognise that the school day is already long and intense, it might be that your child receives an invitation to come in early to join a group. Wherever possible, it would be great if your child could attend.  It might be for a short-term intervention to support a gap in learning, or longer term to support your child make the progress that we believe they are capable of. 

Although I appreciate that the evenings and the weekend are precious family time, opportunities to support learning at home, in a relaxed and fun way, can have a big impact and, after a turbulent eighteen months, additional support would only be a bonus.  Activities such as reading together, cooking, playing board games, practising number bonds or timetables on a car journey and shopping, all support key skills.

Writing stamina is a key area that we have identified as needing extra support across the school. Your gentle encouragement at home to put a pen to paper would also be really worthwhile. Keeping a diary, making storybooks, writing to a family member, etc, all support progress and confidence. 

The standard of children’s writing at school is not only how they form letters and handwrite. They must also be able to express their ideas clearly. Can they put their thoughts in order and discuss what they want to say? All of these depend on speaking and giving them time to express themselves in various ways and linking this to their interests.

Anything that you can incorporate naturally into the day and weekend is invaluable.

Thank you