OFSTED
We are still awaiting the final report and a letter to send home with the children. Until that is finalised I am unable to share with you formally the findings – However I am pleased to say that it was a very positive experience for the staff and the children. The 2 inspectors were very thorough and professional. Excellent teaching was seen during the inspection, there were NO inadequate lessons. The children behaved well and showed themselves to be happy, motivated learners. The whole ‘team’ at Old Fletton was recognised – we are truly working together to ensure standards rise.

A successful inspection is never down to 1 person – We were like a good jigsaw all the pieces fitting together ? - (no one piece missing under the sofa – or is that just in my house!)

Homework - Not any more... CLOOS (Continued Learning Out Of School)
The CLOOS information evening and the chance to see your child’s new teacher was well attended – Thank you for your support. I have received a lot of positive feedback about this approach to learning at home. I have also seen some very impressive CLOOS ranging from snake skins to houses made out of lollipop sticks – FANTASTIC

One small issue has been brought to my attention, and that is regarding the spellings and times tables work – this is being sent home on pieces of paper that are not always stuck into books. We will try and rectify this – we want to value all learning taking place at home as well as in school.

Communication
I am working with Mrs Blore and Mrs Wallace in the office to produce a school calendar. It will contain an outline of the main events this academic year. The purpose being to give parents and carers as much notice as possible about future events, of course it cannot contain everything and on occasions there may be minor changes, but we will keep you informed.

Appointing a DeputyHead Teacher
Interviews are scheduled for October 22nd.
We have had a lot of interest in this post. I have shown around approximately 15 candidates so I am hopeful there will be a strong field from which to choose.

Gifted & Talented
All staff have now received training on:

identifying gifted and talented pupils

Providing Challenge through effective questioning

There is a Parents Meeting - 3:30 – 4:15pm on Monday 8th December. This will give parents a chance to meet with the Local Authority G&T coordinator, Iain Simper. He has provided us with the training and would like to share with parents how they too can support their child at home. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions and seek professional advice and support.

This is an open invitation to ALL parents not just those whose children are on our Gifted & Talented register.

Walk to School Week 6th October-10th October
This is about recognising the benefits on the body of a little gentle exercise before school. Road safety issues will also be discussed with children as the dark nights start drawing in.

Attendance
Our attendance levels, although improving slightly, are still below the National levels expected for Primary Schools. We should be 95% or better. I will now be including attendance levels for each class in the monthly newsletter so that you can see how attendance rates vary across the school. This month younger children in the school are doing better than the older children.

Nursery	RecHP	Rec NC	Y1 CH	Y1 KH	Y2 CP
99.71%	97.53%	96.77%	97.39%	99.12%	95.8%
Y3 BHR	Y4 CM	Y5 DK	Y5 JO	Y6 AH	Whole School
92.86%	94.56%	91.48%	91.51%	94.89%	95.11%