Issue 30 - 8th May 2026
Dear Families,
Next week, children in Year 6 will sit their SATs. It is essential children come to school and arrive on time otherwise they may not be able to sit the tests. It is important to ensure children have plenty of rest the night before to set them up for the day ahead. We have engaged in lots of practice tests so they are well versed in the process and this should reduce undue anxiety. We see the tests as an opportunity to show what children can do and there should be no pressure or worries. The tests are sent away to be marked externally and the teachers share the outcomes with the children on the day their reports come out. This is done on a one-to-one basis so children can ask questions and be supported whatever the outcome.
Year 6 children only are invited to come to school at 8.30am on all four days of SATs week where breakfast will be provided and they will have the chance to not feel rushed before they start each day. They will be met on the playground by their teachers at this time.
It would really help our Year 6 children, if parents across the school could make a concerted effort to ensure their children are on time for school this week. Some children will be taking their SATs in rooms across the school and late arrivals can cause disruption to these children. Children behaved impeccably during our mock SATs week and I look forward to seeing the same behaviours demonstrated next week.
Emma Fordham
Headteacher
Key Messages
Homework Feedback - Please Complete the Short Survey
I am really pleased to see that some parents have already taken the time to complete the homework survey – thank you. I would strongly encourage as many families as possible to take part. The more views and opinions we gather, the better informed our decisions will be and the more confident we can be that they reflect the needs of our children and wider school community. While even a small number of responses is helpful, a high level of participation across the school will give us a much clearer picture and play an important part in shaping our next steps.
Everyone a Leader
As part of our behaviour curriculum, we teach children to take pride in their school and to support one another. I am truly delighted to share some photos of our children doing just that over the past couple of weeks.
Our Year 5 pupils have taken the initiative to set up a lunchtime chess club for their peers and younger children, showing fantastic leadership and enthusiasm. Our Year 6 reading mentors have also been working with younger pupils, helping to build their confidence, develop their reading skills and foster a real love of reading.
Our Headteacher’s Assistants (HTAs) have been busy helping to prepare for the upcoming reading challenge (while also enjoying the occasional perk of lunch in Mrs Fordham’s office!).
We are also incredibly proud of our lunch leaders, who help to keep the dining hall clean and tidy and our Year 3 litter pickers, who do a wonderful job keeping our school grounds looking their best.
These are just a few examples of the many ways our children demonstrate leadership, pride and responsibility each day - we couldn’t be prouder of them.
RSHE Policy Parental Consultation
Reminder: Parents are invited to an in-person consultation with Miss Andrews (PSHE lead) at 5.30pm on the 20th May to discuss the new Relationships and Health (including sex education) Policy. If you are unable to attend this but would still like to ask a question or make a comment, please email admin@almondhill.herts.sch.uk
Changes to Eligibility Criteria for Free School Meals (FSM)
From September 2026, the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals (FSM) will be changing. From the start of the new school year, all parents/carers who are in receipt of Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of the amount received. Applying takes around 5 minutes, and you will need your National Insurance number.
Applications can be made using the following link: Free school meals and other benefits | Hertfordshire County Council. There is no requirement for pupils who are already receiving Free School Meals to re-apply.
We encourage you to apply even if you have previously been told you were not eligible. Not only will your child receive a hot, nutritious meal at lunchtime but the school will also receive additional funding to support pupils. If you require any further information or support with your application, please contact us at admin@almondhill.herts.sch.uk
School Photos
The proofs have been sent to parents today.
THE DEADLINE FOR FREE DELIVERY TO SCHOOL IS: SUNDAY 17th MAY 2026
Sports Day
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.
Before the upper school sports day performance on 20th May, I am delighted to let you know that the street dance and cheerleading club will be performing. The Wednesday Cheerleading and Street Dance Clubs are run by Lindsey Pollard Dance, suitable for all years and abilities - no previous dance experience needed. Spaces are still available and can be booked using the following link - www.lindseypollarddance.com
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.
Currently the weather report looks unsettled but we all know what British weather can be like. We will aim to hold the sports days as planned but will move them to after half term if this is unavoidable.
Defibrillator
Some of you may have noticed that we now have a defib at the front of the school. We have always had a defib on-site but thanks to Hearts for Herts, a paramedic-led charity, this is now this is available 24/7 for those in the community too.
For more information about Hearts for Herts or to support their mission to provide lifesaving CPR/defibrillator training and increase the number of public-access defibrillators and bleed control kits in our area, visit their website: https://www.heartsforherts.co.uk/about-us.html
Year 6 Graduations
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.
For those parents who haven’t yet booked, FREE tickets are available through the Arbor School Shop.
Our School’s Climate Action Plan & Your Support
At Almond Hill we are committed to creating a greener and more sustainable future for our pupils and the wider community. As part of our efforts to reduce our environmental impact and align with national climate policies, we are launching a Climate Action Plan. This initiative will include reducing our energy consumption, improving our waste management and promoting sustainable transport options.
One of the key areas we are addressing is the carbon footprint associated with school commuting. Transport emissions significantly contribute to our overall environmental impact, and we want to work together as a school community to explore more sustainable options.
We kindly ask you to complete a short survey with your children (or on their behalf) using the link below, by Friday 15th May.
Your response is vital in shaping the plan and reducing our environmental impact. If you have more than one child attending the school, please complete a survey for each, unless they travel together. If their mode of transport varies by day, select the most common method.
If a question does not apply to their situation, please leave it blank rather than selecting an option that does not accurately reflect your circumstances. This ensures we collect meaningful and reliable data for the Climate Action Plan. The survey takes just a few minutes. If you encounter any issues, try using Microsoft Edge instead of Google Chrome.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to prepare our pupils and students for a sustainable future.
Diary Dates
Did you know, you can subscribe to our calendar to keep up to date with the events going on within the school?
Follow the link below, select 'subscribe' and follow the instructions for your device.
Preloved Book Sales
Our preloved book sales take place during the school day. Children can bring cash to school for these. Books cost 50p each.
We would love to add more books to our sales. If you have any you would like to donate (particularly chapter books), they would be gratefully received. Please give any books to your child’s class teacher.
- Wednesday 20th May
- Wednesday 24th June
Uniform Sales
Our uniform sales take place from 3.00-3.30pm in the hall. Please note, we do not currently have space to accept donations.
- Thursday 4th June
- Thursday 9th July
SEND and Pastoral Drop Ins
Monday 18th May 2.30-.315pm - SPACE
Thursday 18th June 4.00-5.00pm - Tune into ASD*
*Following feedback from parents this session has been planned outside of the school day.
We are extremely fortunate to have representatives from a range of organisations joining us at our SEND and Pastoral drop-in sessions. These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for parents to speak directly with professionals who are often parents of neurodivergent children themselves. We would strongly encourage parents to attend these drop ins if you feel they would be of benefit to you or your child.
Tune in to ASD: ‘Tune into ASD is a service with passionate, driven and dedicated facilitators, consultants, coaches, support staff and volunteers who have a desire to see Neurodivergent children, young people and adults thrive in every area of their lives. We aim to increase understanding of the Autistic spectrum and other Neurodivergent conditions, support and equip families, educators, businesses and charities to provide inclusive environments which gives access to all areas of learning and improve the wellbeing for all. We also support Neurodivergent adults discover how to live successful lives.’ https://tuneintoasd.com/
SPACE: ‘We are an award winning Hertfordshire based charity supporting families of children and young people who are on the Autistic Spectrum (ASD), have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or other neurodiverse conditions. Whether families think their child or young person may be autistic or have ADHD, are going through the diagnostic process, or have already received a diagnosis they are all welcome at SPACE.’ https://spaceherts.org.uk/
Class of the Week
The Tidy Award
Attendance
Year 3 95.12%
Year 4 95.17%
Year 5 95.44%
Year 6 96.48%
All Students 95.56%
6W 98.7%
4A 97.2%
House Points
In Other News...
Year 6 Football Match
Our Year 6 football team put in an excellent performance in their latest match, coming away with a fantastic 5–1 victory. The team started strongly with Tommy opening the scoring after a great assist from Joseph. The pressure continued and the second goal came from Jack, with the ball taking a deflection into the net for an own…
Year 5/6 Hockey Competition
Our Year 5/6 hockey team had a brilliant day at the hockey competition and really grew in confidence with every game they played. It was great to see them improving as a team throughout the tournament, working harder together, communicating more and supporting each other on and off the pitch. They showed real determination…
Year 3 and 4 Tennis
Year 3 Tennis Festival
Our Year 3 children had a fantastic time taking part in a Tennis Festival this week. The pupils showed great enthusiasm, determination and teamwork throughout all of the activities. We were particularly impressed with the level of honesty shown when competing in the relays at the en…
Information for Families...
DSPL2 Family Support Surgery (04/06/2026)
Overview
Offering 45 minute face-to-face OR Microsoft Teams appointments where families can receive guidance, support and signposting.
What is a Family drop-in surgery?
These are face-to-face or online appointment sessions where families (with children attending Stevenage schools) can receive guidance, support and signposting on various SEN topics: navigating school issues/accessing community activities and resources.
Supporting Hertfordshire Mind Network
One of our Year 5 parents works for Hertfordshire Mind Network and he (along with some of his team) is taking part in the Mental Health World Cup — a charity 5-a-side football tournament raising money for mental health support in our local community. The event is on 9th May at Vicarage Road and even a small donation can make a real difference 💙 the money raised goes right back into Herts services. Thank you for your support.
Upcoming HERT transport events
