Keep up to date with the Latest News

• 22nd October 2021

  Fri 22 Oct 2021

  Incredibly, we have reached the end of Autumn 1—the first half term; a sixth of the way through the academic year. It has absolutely flown by and has been such an enjoyable seven weeks. I must start by thanking all of the school community for your support and generosity. The beginning of term was a challenging time for Northaw with Mrs Whales retiring, followed by her very sad health news, and then a change of headteacher at very short notice. However, resilience has proven to be a real strength of the school and challenges have become successes. The community of any institution is always determined by how it deals with unprecedented events. On top of the demands and challenges of COVID, I really do feel that we should all be so proud of the direction Northaw has headed during this time. I am very privileged to be a part of this wonderful school and community; something which cannot ever be taken for granted and is the legacy that Mrs Whales had worked so hard to achieve with you all.

  This week started with our headteacher interviews. Although an appointment was not made, a very pleasing aspect of this process was the pupil panel that helped to deliver the interview programme. They were extremely professional, perceptive and insightful—such great qualities to have from an interview panel. Congratulations to all of the pupils involved in this and to the rest of the school for making a striking impression with your excellent behaviour.

  Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very enjoyable half term break. I look forward to seeing you all for Autumn 2—the second half of the Autumn term.

• 15th October 2021

  Fri 15 Oct 2021

  The end of another week is here and what a brilliant week it has been! The week started with great excitement as we once again attended the church and enjoyed a great service with some uplifting songs. We then had our first break time as a whole school community. The pupils were delighted to be able to play outside with their friends from other classes once again and the behaviour was exemplary. It was such a positive and energising way to begin the week. Lunchtimes have also run very smoothly.

  I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting classes this week to look at some of the maths learning across the school. It has been both delightful and inspiring to see the positive learning attitudes that pupils have. The staff team work tirelessly to support pupils and it is very evident that relationships between all members of the school community are a great strength of the school. I was particularly impressed by the focus and participation from pupils that I have seen in the lessons visited.

  It was very pleasing to hear fantastic feedback about Willow class visit to Wodson Park this week. The organisers of this event went out of their way to speak to Northaw staff to say that the pupils from Northaw stood out for the way they work together and support each other as a team. What brilliant news to receive! Well done to Willow Class. What great ambassadors you have been.

  Unbelievably, next week is the final week of this half term. We look forward to seeing you on Monday. Have a restful weekend.

• 8th October 2021

  Fri 08 Oct 2021

  What a fantastic start to the week it was: all of the school back in church, singing their hearts out and generously bringing items to add to the harvest collection for the food bank. It was a wonderful start to the week. I have really enjoyed showing various people around the school this week. We have had some prospective parents visit and I have also shown around many people interested in the permanent headteacher vacancy. So many of these visitors commented on the positive behaviour of the pupils and what a welcoming environment Northaw has; both are things which I can relate to, as a new member of the team. The school community should be very proud of this. One prospective headteacher commented that there is smile around every corner you turn. This has to be one of the best bits of praise we can receive; a place where everybody is happy and positive.

  Next week, we are looking forward to the return of ‘normal’ break and lunchtimes restrictions arrangements, after a recent review of our risk assessment. Since the start of this year, when many were lifted for schools, we have taken a steady and cautious approach to making any changes to our procedures. We will continue to limit mixing inside at this time, with the exception of visiting church as this is a very airy and large space.

  Wishing you all a marvellous weekend and see you on Monday.

• 1st October 2021

  Fri 01 Oct 2021

  October has arrived and another Friday has arrived in the land of Northaw. The school has been a hive of activity over the last week, Pupils are all so well embedded into our school routines and engaged in their learning, which is so pleasing to see.

  One of the wonderful things about Northaw is how friendly everybody is: walking down through the school, you are guaranteed to be met by warm greetings and smiles by pupils and staff. It is these small acts of generosity that make Northaw such a great place to be.

  A particular highlight for me was being visited by Isabella from Apples and Pears class on Wednesday after-noon. Miss Barker brought Isabella to me with one of our new positive cards which read “I am going to put a big smile on your face”. The class were talking about being thankful and had to draw something they were thankful for. It was an absolute honour that Isabella has chosen me to draw! Not only was this such a thoughtful gesture, the drawing was of top quality too—it was just like looking in the mirror. This was a real cheerful moment in my afternoon and certainly did put a smile on my face. Thank you, Isabella!

  We are looking forward to being able to reunite as a whole school community for our first visit to church on Monday morning. We will be walking pupils to and from the church, so please remember that the normal morning routine will apply on Monday. As a reminder, parents will not be able to join us at the moment but we hope this will change for future.

  Wishing you all a brilliant weekend.