What are the 3 best things about Almond Hill? 
 
We were delighted to receive such positive feedback from parents and families. Families consistently describe the school as a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment where children are happy, feel known as individuals and are well supported to thrive both emotionally and academically. The commitment, care and approachability of our staff, alongside clear and responsive communication with parents, were highlighted as key strengths. Parents also value the wide range of clubs, trips and enrichment opportunities on offer, our strong pastoral and SEND support, and our focus on high standards, wellbeing and inclusion. We are really committed to offering children plenty of enrichment and extracurricular activities and have a key focus on both physical and mental wellbeing of our children and I am pleased to see this effort is recognised by our families. 

What one key thing would you improve at Almond Hill to help with children's learning and progress?

When asked what could further support children’s learning and progress, parents shared thoughtful and constructive suggestions. Key themes included a desire for even clearer communication about what children are learning so families can support at home, and ensuring all pupils, particularly those already doing well, continue to be challenged and recognised for their effort and progress. Some parents highlighted behaviour and classroom disruption, staff retention and the balance between homework, assessment and wellbeing as areas to keep under review.  

Thank you to all families who took the time to share their views. 

Following feedback from a range of voices, including our recent parent forum meeting and the parent survey, we are reviewing the impact and purpose of homework at Almond Hill. We would really value hearing the views of as many families as possible so that we can make informed decisions that reflect the needs of our children and community. While even a small number of responses can be helpful, a high level of participation across the school will give us a much clearer picture and help shape the way forward. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts. 

Upper school – Wednesday 20th May 
Lower school – Friday 22nd May  
Both sports days will take place in the morning (approximately 9-11am) 

Although we have allowed 9.00am-11.00am for the sports days, they may finish earlier, especially if the races are over quickly! Parents can come round to the field after drop off. The gates closest to St Nicholas Church will remain closed but unlocked during sports day for anyone who will be arriving after 9.00am. All children must go to class first to register as normal and then will be brought out to the school field for sports day.  

A reminder of your child’s house colour will be sent via email. Ideally, children will participate in their house teams so please can they wear a t-shirt in their house colour if possible.  Please do not worry if your child does not have an item of clothing in their house colour. We do not expect parents to purchase anything. We have bibs for anyone who hasn't got a top in their colour.

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

You can now book your tickets for our graduation events. As previously mentioned, spaces are limited to 3 per family. The booking will close at 12.00pm on Friday 26th June. Please book your places to enable us to plan the space in the hall.

FREE tickets are available through the  Arbor School Shop.

We do understand the timing can be challenging for some parents and we did discuss changing it but we are not able to make it earlier due to the nature or arrangements (we don’t want to give too much away here!) The only other option is to make it shorter and cut some out which we wanted to avoid as feedback received each year tells us parents really enjoy it all.

Where possible, please arrange for younger siblings to be collected on the day of the graduation as space in the hall will be limited and it is nice for children in Year 6 to have this time to celebrate. Where this is absolutely impossible, please inform the class teacher of the younger sibling that they will need to be taken to the hall at the end of the school day. The Year 6 teachers have been busy putting together a wonderful event for you all and we hope to see as many of you there as possible.

It is a formal event and in previous years, the majority of children do wear ‘formal’ attire be that a dress, suit or a shirt and tie but this is not compulsory (just think your best partywear – not football kit!) As always, we do not expect you to buy anything specifically for the afternoon. Children will need to wear uniform to school and they will change into their chosen outfit for the afternoon.