Well, here we go again with the weekly blog and I am pleased to say that we have survived the first full week back after the summer holidays which now already seem like a distant memory! The body clocks have begun to get used to the early alarm calls, the new school shoes have (hopefully) been broken in by now and we are all beginning to remember what day of the week it is again.

It has been a really lovely week in school and I have been particularly pleased with how calm and purposeful everything has felt. There is always a certain amount of chaos involved in the first few days of a new school year, with getting used to new classrooms, new routines, new teachers etc, but the children have all settled remarkably well.

What has really stood out to me this week is just how hard the children have been working. I have seen lots of children already getting stuck into their learning, showing real enthusiasm and taking pride in what they are doing. Walking around the school, there has been a lovely sense of purpose, with classrooms feeling settled and children clearly enjoying being back with their friends and getting on with their learning. It is always one of my favourite times of the year to walk around the school as you see the new positive relationships beginning to develop between the children and their teachers and, of course, you get the chance to meet a few new faces along the way. On that note, I have been really impressed with how quickly our new pupils have settled into school life –hopefully they are beginning to feel that they have been here forever! I want to extend a warm welcome to anyone who may be new to the Little Heath community and we hope that you have an amazing time while you are in the school.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff for the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to get a school ready for a new academic year. There is considerably more to it than simply putting some tables in a classroom and turning up on Monday morning! There has been a great deal of preparation over the summer and during the first week and I think the calm and positive start we have had is testament to everyone's hard work. Thank you also to all of you at home for helping your children to get back into the school routine. I am sure there have been a few tired children (and possibly a few tired adults) by the time Friday has come around!

Looking ahead, things will inevitably start to get a little busier as we get further into the term. There are already plenty of things happening over the coming weeks and although this week has felt calm and productive, it will only be a matter of time before the usual school hustle and bustle kicks in.

For now though, I think we can be really pleased with the start we have made. It has been lovely to have everyone back and to see the school full of life again.

Have a good weekend everyone –I think we have all earned it!