Head Teacher Blog: Friday 14th June 2024

Date: 14th Jun 2024 @ 1:19pm

Another quiet week in school and not too much to report on – I think that the very unseasonal weather has become the most talked about thing at the moment!

Term Time Attendance

Well done to Sandymere with their fantastic attendance this week.

Hatchmere: 88.57%

Sandymere: 95.00%

Delamere: 90.53%

Oakmere: 92.50%

Linmere: 94.17%

Blakemere: 94.07%

Absence During Term Time

Schools are not allowed to authorise pupil holidays in term time. The parents of any child going on holiday in term time may receive an unauthorised absence. This is also true for irregular attendance in general, not necessarily holidays. Our registers are regularly checked by the Education Welfare Service and parents may be issued with a fine from the Local Authority for unauthorised absence, which is currently £60 per child, per parent and this rises to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days. However, in September, this fine is rising to £80 per child, per parent and will rise to £160 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days.

It is important to note that Fixed Penalty Notices can also be issued for irregular attendance – not just for holidays – when there are 5 or more days absence over the course of a term.

Attendance during one school year	Equivalent Days	Equivalent Sessions	Equivalent Weeks	Equivalent Lessons Missed
95%	9 Days	18 Sessions	1.4 Weeks	45 Lessons
90%	19 Days	38 Sessions	3.4 Weeks	95 Lessons
85%	29 Days	58 Sessions	5.4 Weeks	145 Lessons
80%	36 Days	72 Sessions	7.1 Weeks	180 Lessons
75%	48 Days	96 Sessions	9.3 Weeks	240 Lessons

Just to remind you all that I now carry out ‘Welcome Back’ meetings where a child has had an absence of at least 5 days. At these meetings, the children and their adults will be invited to meet with myself to discuss the reasons that the child was off and any support that can be put in place to increase their attendance.

If your child has a medical appointment, it is always best to arrange these outside of school hours or in the school holidays. If your child needs to attend a medical appointment during the school day, we will require proof of the appointment, such as a letter or text message, otherwise we will no longer be able to authorise these.

Please may I remind everyone of the importance of arriving on time to school as we are seeing an increasing number of children arriving late through the front door. The gate opens at 8.35am and closes just before 8.45am with the register being taken in class at 8.45am prompt. The whole school go straight into Collective Worship and any children who are late have to walk into a full and silent hall where all the children can see them, which may cause them some anxiety. Please may we make sure that we are in school, on time and ready to learn. Thank you for your so-operation with this.

#WakeUpWednesday

According to Statistics, 69% of children currently engage in competitive sport, either in or out of school. Thanks to the Euros, it’s very possible that percentage will see an uptick in the coming weeks. Enjoying sport and revelling in healthy competition can have a fantastic impact on children’s development – but when presented with the idea of a winning side, emotions can sometimes run high and feelings can be hurt.

 A healthy approach to any kind of game or contest, not just the sporting variety, is an important quality to teach to children and young people; and this week’s #WakeupWednesday guide can help you to do that. The list of expert tips explains how to emphasise the value of playing fair and dealing with both victory and defeat in a reasonable, mature manner.

Lion Salt Works Events

Salty Saturday STEM Club

We have received some information that some children might be interested in with regards to a new club focussing on science, technology, engineering and maths at the Lion Salt Works, Marston, Northwich on Saturday mornings. There is a small cost for this club and I have included the flyer below for you to see further details.

Free Family Show

Lion Salt Works are also hosting a free (subject to small booking fee) family show presented by Northwich born TV presenter Mary-Ann Ochota and story-teller Jason Buck called Rings, Wings and Spindle Whorls. The show is suitable for children aged 8 plus, tickets are subject to a small booking fee and can be booked by clicking on the following:   https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/westcheshiremuseums/t-gamxddv

I have attached the flyer below for more details.

School Dinners

School dinners cost £3 per day, £15 per week. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive free meals as part of the government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) scheme.  Dinner money must be paid in advance via School Spider.

If you are in receipt of benefits and think that you may be entitled to free school meals, please click here for more information and support and how to apply. It is very important to apply for free schools meals whatever year your child is in, even if you receive the UIFSM in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, as the school receives a sum of extra money to further help support your child and their education.

Confirmed Dates for the Spring Term 2024 – new dates highlighted

Dinner Week 3

Wednesday 10^th July: Year 6 Leaver’s Service at Chester Cathedral (children only)

Thursday 18^th July: Year 6 Leaver’s performance at The Untied Reformed Church. 4pm – 5.15pm (tickets only)

Friday 19^th July: Leaver’s Service in St. John’s Church at 9.15am. All welcome.

 

Have a lovely weekend.

 

Take care,

Mrs E Snowdon

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