Keep up to date with the Latest News

• Siblings Using Different Gates

  Wed 30 Nov 2022 Dr James Inglis

  The other teachers and I have been giving some thought to how we might adjust our routines to support parents and carers while the building works are proceeding. Having all the children entering by one gate would present the risk of inadequate supervision and unacceptable congestion.

   

  I do appreciate, however, it can be trying for parents and carers of siblings using different gates on busy mornings with restricted access in front of the school; therefore, where siblings use different gates on entry and for the duration of the current phase of the building works, parents and carers are welcome to drop their children at the gate normally just accessed by their youngest child.

• Building Extension

  Tue 29 Nov 2022 Dr James Inglis

  We had planned for the building contractors to lay a temporary path on the grass verge while access immediately in front of the school was restricted; however, we have now been advised it is safer for the children if we encourage parents and carers to cross the road and use the pavement opposite. The gates will be kept open five minutes longer in the morning to allow for this diversion.

• Building Extension

  Mon 14 Nov 2022 Dr James Inglis

  This has been in the pipeline since long before I assumed the headship at Northaw; however, we are now able to go ahead with an extension to the building, adding much-needed space to the kitchen and staffroom. This work will continue until April 2023; our priority is keeping any disruption to a minimum. While pupils will naturally want to watch the builders when they enter and leave school, and robust safety procedures have been agreed, we advise parents and carers to supervise their children carefully, especially as passing immediately in front of the school will be restricted.

• Attendance Matters

  Tue 01 Nov 2022 Dr James Inglis

  Understandably, coronavirus led us all to depart from established patterns; however, it is now very important everyone returns to placing the highest priority on school attendance, especially as we strive to fill the gaps in learning left by successive national lockdowns.

   

  According to government figures, the pupils with the highest attainment at the end of key stage 2 have higher rates of attendance over the key stage compared to those with the lowest attainment.

   

  I can only grant leaves of absence in 'exceptional circumstances' - a family holiday does not fall into this category, and you can be fined for taking your child on holiday during term time without the school’s permission.

   

  It is equally important children attend school on time each morning: if a child arrives several minutes late every day, they are losing out on almost an hour of class-based learning a week. Parents or carers must also complete a confidential late-book entry before leaving.