At our recent Open Evenings, I spoke about the increasing demand for SEND interventions in schools. As a school, we use both evidence from our own practice and findings from educational research to ensure that our limited resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact on children's outcomes.

For parents who are interested in learning more about this approach, I have included below a report entitled ‘Common SEN (Mis)Interventions’. The report explores a range of commonly used interventions, highlighting which approaches are supported by evidence and which may be less effective than is often assumed.

Importantly, this is an easy-to-read report written for parents and educators, rather than an academic paper. It avoids educational jargon and presents the key findings in a clear and accessible way, making it a useful resource for anyone interested in understanding how schools can best support children with SEND.

I hope you find it both informative and thought-provoking.

Over the coming weeks, governors and staff will be reviewing our Anti-Bullying Policy. We want to ensure that the policy remains relevant, up to date and reflective of the needs of our school community. To help us achieve this, we would greatly appreciate feedback from all stakeholders.

Teachers have already been discussing this topic at staff meetings and we would now like to hear from children, parents and carers. Teachers will be having conversations with children and your views will help us to identify what is working well and whether there are any areas that could be improved.

Please take a few minutes to read the attached policy and share your thoughts using the comments section below.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important review. Your feedback will help us ensure that our school continues to be a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all children.

The Stevenage Community Trust runs an annual Christmas Gift Card Scheme, providing £200 in gift cards to support struggling families and children in need across Stevenage and the surrounding villages.  Families are unable to self-refer for this support, as all applications must be submitted by a professional on their behalf.

If you feel this scheme could help ease financial pressures over the Christmas period and support with the cost of gifts or food for your children, please contact Mrs Wright in the strictest confidence: wrighth@almondhill.herts.sch.uk

Applications must be submitted by 31st October. To allow sufficient time for completion before the half-term break, please contact Mrs Wright no later than 19th October.

As the colder months approach, families who are experiencing financial hardship may be able to access support with their energy costs through a Heating Grant. Applications are open from 1st October to 31st March. The scheme is available to people on a low income, including those in employment, receiving state benefits, or receiving a pension. Please note that you do not need to be receiving benefits to be considered for support.

Successful applicants will receive a £300 grant, which will be paid directly to their energy provider to help with heating costs during the winter months.

If you think you may be eligible, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and contact Mrs Wright in the strictest confidence: wrighth@almondhill.herts.sch.uk who can apply on your behalf.

A reminder of the dates for the Year 3 parent lunches.  Lunch will be served at 12.20pm on separate days:

Wednesday 14th October – 3C (Miss Clarke)

Wednesday 21st October – 3B (Miss Bonfield and Mrs Geer)
Deadline for orders for 3B: 9:00am Thursday 15th October

Adult orders should be placed using the Arbor School Shop. Child meals are ordered in the usual way on School GRID. Please see the email sent to parents for a reminder of the details.