We are thrilled to share that, last week, the children at Almond Hill had the fantastic opportunity to participate in online safety workshops led by Richard Pomfrett, the Founder & Head Instructor of The Stay Safe Initiative. Years 5 and 6 delved into the world of social media, discussing both its pros and cons, understanding content, and navigating issues like FOMO, digital pressure, and the difference between banter and bullying. They also explored the importance of recognising fake news and algorithms. Meanwhile, Years 3 and 4 focused on essential online tools, understanding their digital footprint, the significance of kindness and respect online, and how to make healthy connections while being aware of potential risks. This engaging session equipped our students with vital skills to navigate their online lives safely! 

Online Safety Day - Follow on Report: 

Following the recent sessions, Richard shared some important insights regarding the online activities in our school. Before you read on, Richard assured us the prevalence of the below issues is not unique to our school; it's a growing concern in all schools everywhere. Year by year, children are starting their digital journey earlier and the number of users is increasing. This presents an opportunity for us to address the below issues and concerns with parents. 

Social Media Usage: 

All KS2 groups mentioned using the following apps: WhatsApp (13+), TikTok (13+), SnapChat (13+), Instagram (13+) and Discord (13+).  I would urge parents to have discussions with their children around social media and the importance of maintaining private social media accounts. This approach is not only safer but also contributes to a more positive online experience. I would also consider whether it is appropriate for children to be on these apps given the age limit. 

Online Gaming: 

In terms of gaming, all the usual games, such as Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite were mentioned. Most gamers (across all year groups) admitted to regularly playing and chatting with people they don’t know. Parents, please check your child’s settings and consider restricting the chat functions.  

Warning Signs (Online Grooming): 

Below are four warning signs we try to help children recognise, when interacting with people they do not know online (often seen as their online friends). 

Someone showing an interest: Sharing personal information online (everything from names and addresses, to hobbies and interests) with others could lead them into further conversation and make it easier for online predators to find out more about them. 

Decline gifts: Children should not accept gifts, as adults looking to exploit them might offer in-game currency or online gifts as a way to gain trust. 

Reject private connections: Children should avoid connecting privately with unknown individuals. Adults sometimes try to move public conversations to private platforms like WhatsApp or Snapchat. 

Never meet up: Meeting in person with online friends is obviously highly risky. 

Action Steps for Parents: 

I urge all parents to take the time to fully understand what their children are doing online and the functions available on the apps and games they use: 

Can they chat with others? 
Can they connect with people they don't know? 
What kind of content can they be exposed to? 
What are the age ratings of the games and apps they use? 
What setting are available to limit risk and encourage a more positive environment? 

Action Steps for Parents & Children Together: 

• Sit down with your children and explore privacy settings in the games and apps your children use. 

• Encourage children to show you how they BLOCK & REPORT people in the games they play. Lots of children can say you should but not all know how to.  

• If your child uses social media, check to determine if their accounts are private or public. 

By understanding these aspects, parents can make informed decisions and provide the necessary support for their children's online activities. Knowledge is the key to fostering meaningful conversations and sharing ideas on how to ensure online safety at home. 

If we all (school / parents / carers) work together, we can create a safer online environment for our children.  

Richard is very happy for parents to contact him should they have any questions or concerns.  

Action Steps for Children: 

Take control of who you are letting into your digital world. Look through who you have connect with on the games and social platforms you use and remove any people that you don’t actually know in real life. 

To help a bit more. Please find below links with some follow on activities and resources. 

Online Safety: https://thestaysafeinitiative.org.uk/follow-on-resources/ 

Parenting in the Digital World -  Resource pack: https://thestaysafeinitiative.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Parents_Online_Safety_Advice_Sheet.pdf 

Parenting in the Digital World – Getting help Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXfjT_CTYuI 

 A big thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, including Iris in Year 4 who proudly shared a photo of her voting for Almond Hill. We applied for funding to help cover the deficit costs of our pop-up pool and your support could make a huge difference!    
 
This is the final push as the closing date for votes is on Sunday. Simply make a purchase of any value in store and you’ll receive one token per transaction.  Thank you so much for your continued support — every vote really does count!   

Thank you to those parents who joined the Parent Forum with Miss Simmons last week. It is a shame more parents weren't able to attend as it is another way for families to get involved and influence decision making that affects their children.  

Miss Simmons plans termly meetings to discuss an agenda jointly formed between the school leadership team and parent volunteers. The most important thing is that parents get involved. We would love approximately three parents per year group and with so many new families joining, we wanted to remind you of this opportunity. Each and every one of you is an expert in what it is like to be a parent at our school and would be welcome to join the parent forum meetings. Children thrive best when school and home work together. The next parent forum will be held in the autumn term. 

Our most recent session focussed on our exciting plans to transform play at Almond Hill. Parents were invited to be directly involved in shaping what play will look like for our children. We’re not simply aiming to make playtimes a little easier or children a little happier, we’re looking at creating a lasting cultural transformation in how play is experienced across the school. 

Summary of the meeting  

OPAL 

• Parents are very positive about OPAL, particularly the focus on purposeful play. 
• It was noted that play makes up a significant part of the school day and should be intentionally planned. 
• Parents are keen to promote OPAL and support the community involvement aspect. 

Homework Changes 

• Parents find traditional homework difficult for children to complete. 
• Increased screen time is less of a concern if balanced by active OPAL play at lunchtime. 
• Homework could be reviewed by teachers to identify common misconceptions and addressed in class. 

Transition 

• Children are excited about new class mixes, but all‑day transitions can feel long and tiring. 
• Parents noted many schools offer shorter transition sessions, which may feel more positive. 
• Concerns were raised about friendship groupings being set too early and extended time in new classes reducing the sense of a fresh start in September. 

End‑of‑Year Reports 

• Reports are viewed as similar to those from other schools. 
• Parents are content with tick‑box reporting for foundation subjects. 
• General comments and Mrs Fordham’s contributions are the most valued section.

Mrs Cleaves and Mrs Fordham are hoping to host a Music and Poetry Recital on Thursday 25th June in the evening (6.00-7.00pm). 

Children have already been informed about this event during assembly and have been invited to audition. We are keen for this evening to be a great success and we know that we have many talented musicians and performers in the school. We would therefore strongly encourage children to come forward and showcase their talents. 

• Any child wishing to sing on the evening must be a member of the school choir. 
• Children who would like to play an instrument should speak to Mrs Fordham about auditions. 
• All interested children will be able to audition for choral poetry, where they will perform a poem from our school poetry collection. 

Please note that this is a proposed event and will only go ahead if there are enough children wishing to take part. 

Children must be willing to practise (including lunchtime rehearsals for choral poetry) and committed to participating fully in the event, including the evening performance.  Previous music and poetry evenings have been fantastic and very well received, and we hope this one will be just as successful.

Some parents in Year 6 will have had children who have already come up through the school and moved onto secondary school but for others, this may be your first child who has reached Year 6 at Almond Hill. We believe it is important to recognise the hard work, achievements and memories that are made in the time children are here which is why we hold ‘graduations’ for all children in Year 6. It is a wonderful opportunity to really celebrate with families and we would love for as many parents to attend as possible. 
 
The graduations will take place in the school hall 2.00-4.00pm on the following days: 

• Tuesday 14th July - 6S 
• Wednesday 15th July – 6C 
• Thursday 16th July – 6W 

More information will be sent, including how to get your tickets, closer to the time.