I think it is really starting to feel like spring this week - we have had some lovely weather and the world is starting to look green again. Unfortunately, as is usual when the weather changes, we have had a few bugs in school with a few of the children having to be sent home because of upset stomachs. May I remind you that children need to be out of school for 48 hours after their last episode of sickness/diarrhoea before they return to school. This helps to stop the infection spreading to everyone else in school.

We have sent out our Ofsted report today and you will see that we still remain a good school. We were pleased with our report, especially as it was a more detailed inspection than the last one so it means that all elements of the school were inspected. Although it was only a year (almost to the day) since our last inspection we were expecting it and this is because we had to have a section 5 inspection this time.  A Section 5 inspection has to be carried out by the end of the academic year 5 years after your last Section 5 inspection and so we knew they had to come to us by July 2019. I am only clarifying this point because some parents thought that an official complaint may have triggered this inspection and that was not so.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my staff for all the hard work that they give to the school all of the time, without their dedication and diligence our good report would not have been possible. I would also like to thank all of you, the parents, for the support that you show to the school and this was reflected in the many positive comments that we received on ‘Parentview’. We will put together an action plan to address the targets Ofsted set for us and once it is ready we will publish it on our website so that everyone can have access to it.

With the warmer weather we have a lot more children cycling and scooting to school. This is great but may I remind everyone that children are not allowed on their bikes or scooters within the school grounds. This is because in the past, members of our school community have been injured when they have been collecting or dropping off their children by other children accidentally running into them. If the children only ride their bikes or scooters outside of the school grounds we can greatly reduce the risk of this happening again.

A lot of the children have been very excited today because the PTA have organised an Easter Egg Hunt for after school. I would like to thank the PTA for doing this because these events have a real positive impact on school life as well as raising lots of money for extra resources for your children. You will see from the letter they sent out yesterday that they have lots more activities planned for the summer term which will enhance school life further. Next Friday is the PTA AGM and we really need as many parents as possible to attend this to make sure it is quorate and that the PTA can operate for another year. Please make an effort to attend, without the PTA and the events they run, school life would not be as much fun and it would certainly have less resources.

As well as the PTA AGM next week there is lots going on in school next week. On Monday we have a Sharing assembly and if your child is taking part in this you will have received a letter. On Wednesday afternoon it is our Open Afternoon for Years 1-6 from 3.00pm – 4.30pm. This is an opportunity for parents to see the learning their children have covered over the last half term. Years 3, 4 and 5 are also putting on their show ‘Rock Bottom’ next week. I have seen glimpses of this and I am very excited about watching it because it looks excellent and I know the children are excited to perform to their families and friends. Also, remember that school closes at 2pm next Friday.

Have a fabulous weekend – I am sure that I will see most of you at some point next week.