Head Teacher Blog: Friday 21st June 2024

Date: 20th Jun 2024 @ 1:33pm

This week saw the publication to parents of our Ofsted report, following on from our inspection in May. I would like to reiterate what I said in my e mail home yesterday that I am sure that when you read our fabulous report, you will agree with just how wonderful our pupils, staff, governors, parents and community are. As a school, we have always been graded at least ‘good’ since Ofsted inspections began, just over 30 years ago, and I am very proud that this tradition continues as we move ever forward, with the pupils of our school at the heart of all we do.

This Week's Attendance

Well done to Oakmere with their fantastic attendance this week.

Hatchmere: 93.33%

Sandymere: 97.00%

Delamere: 91.58%

Oakmere: 99.17%

Linmere: 88.75%

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 co-operation with this.

#WakeUpWednesday

A recent Sport England study found that less than half (47%) of children in the UK currently meet the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity a day. While this figure may see a rise during the Euros, taking this chance to get children and young people engaged in regular exercise could cement the increase in a more permanent way. However, it can be tricky to know where to start or how best to encourage young people to stay active – so, this week’s Wake up Wednesday guide is here to offer some tips. This week, they’re sharing expert advice on how to promote exercise and the importance of physical wellbeing for the younger generation. 

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 1

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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