BUILDERS EVERYWHERE!
They have almost finished, just need to add guttering on the storage extension and the construction will be complete and the wildlife area to the front of the school has been remodelled. On the inside, the boys’ toilets next to Breakfast Club are being totally refurbished. The old changing rooms, by the children and staff entrance, have been converted into a computer suite, with air-conditioning and storage, plus an enclosed area for the caretaker’s large cleaning machine. All the computers are to be commissioned today. All that is left is the façade of the school to be painted.

CROSSING PATROL
The Lollipop Lady, Mrs McHugh, broke both her wrists and injured her face falling downstairs. As her position is as an employee of Peterborough City Council, we have no power to replace her, but we have passed on all your concerns. We have received an e-mail to say that the afternoon will be covered by a temporary patroller, while they hope that the police will be covering the morning. Should you have any concerns please ‘phone Julia Potkins direct on 01733 453460.

A VISIT FROM HER MAJESTY’S INSPECTOR (HMI)
As you are all aware, this school was placed in the category of notice to improve by an OfSTED inspection team last July. I distributed a copy of their report to all when I started my two terms here last September. Many of you came in to read the action plan which we informed you about in the October newsletter. This plan outlines all we have to do to get out of the category by the time OfSTED return, which will be in October or November. In the meantime HMI Killman made the first of two monitoring visits on 31st January to see how we were getting along. At the end of the day she held a meeting which the LA, our Chair of Governors and the school’s Leadership Team attended. She spoke of the improvements in the quality of teaching and learning, how she had spoken to the children about their targets, appreciated all the work that had gone into setting up single age classes and the considerable amount of progress in English. Overall the school was, “Broadly satisfactory.” She was greatly disappointed that the LA had not supported improvements in mathematics until this term and training that was necessary for school staff had been delayed until tomorrow. She was very interested in our assessment programme. All children were assessed in November and will be again next week. We will then have accurate data that will show the progress the children have made when HMI Killman returns for her second visit in the summer term.

TOAST
The school serves toast each morning, but HMI was not happy with the impact this had on the start of the school day. So from tomorrow, Tuesday, toast will be served from 8.30 to 8.45. Children wanting toast must come in at the top entrance, but must return to the playground when the doors shut at 8.45. This way we hope that all children are registered on time at 8.55 and that lessons start promptly at 9 o’clock.

FIRE FIRE!!
There was a fire in the school kitchens last Tuesday morning. The children were wonderful, they knew exactly what to do and left promptly. Unfortunately, many adults wanted to come into or stay in the building and consequently the school got into trouble with the fire service. Please could I remind everyone that all parents, carers and visitors must enter the school building by the front door on London Road and sign in, not come into the building through any of the children/ staff entrances. Lessons must start at 9am after the register and there is no time for discussions. If anyone wants to speak to a member of staff, please make an appointment with the office. Only then we will know who is in the building and that all your children are receiving education at the correct time.

FAMILY LUNCH
How long is it since you had a school dinner? They are no longer soggy cabbage and lumpy mash. We are opening lunchtime to parents and carers on the first Tuesday of each month – Tuesday 4th March being the first. There is a slip attached to this letter for those who wish to join us. Please return it by THURSDAY so the correct amount of fresh food can be ordered, and include the £1.80 for each adult meal. Thank you.

A MUSICAL ASSEMBLY
Mr Adam Dopadlik, from the Cambridge music service, gave a performance of wind instruments to the school on Wednesday 6th February. He is offering to tutor children who are interested in learning to play flute, clarinet, recorder, saxophone etc. and is including free instrument hire. If you wish your child to be considered please complete the second attached slip.

FAMILY LUNCH

I/We would like to come to family lunch on Tuesday 4th March at 12.10pm.

I/We require _________ (number) lunch/es.

My child _______________is in _____________ class.

I/We enclose £____ ____

Signed __________________________________________

WOODWIND TUITION

I/We are interested in our child __________________ in _________________class,

in auditioning for woodwind tuition.

Signed _______________________________________


Y L Waring
Head teacher