From next week, the pedestrian and drop off gates will close at 8.55am. This is because the register closes at 9.00am and there have been instances where children have come in through the gates and made it to their classroom after the register closes. This has nearly resulted in them not being registered which is a safeguarding concern. Registers are checked by the office team but we must prevent situations like this occurring. Therefore, anyone arriving after 8.55am must go through the main office.

As a result of justified complaints from our neighbours, we will also be opening the drop off later than usual at 3.10pm. This gives parents enough time to enter the drop off zone and get to classes before they open. There is a lot of congestion around the school at collection where parents are arriving early which causes huge disruption to our community and we hope by opening the gates later, this will ease this traffic. As always, I would encourage parents to walk to school to collect where possible.

It is essential children come to school and on time otherwise they may not be able to sit the tests. Please contact school if there are any queries/concerns before or on the day.  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 other pressure or worries than this. 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 in March and I look forward to seeing the same behaviours demonstrated in May.