Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Helping manage conflict in school - Why 'jumping in' is not always helpful.

  Wed 04 Jun 2025 Mr Seargent

  Dear Parents/Guardians,

   

  At Ashgate Primary School, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and positive learning environment for all our pupils. A key part of this commitment is our zero-tolerance approach to bullying.  It is important however to make a clear distinction between bullying and childhood friendship development/conflict.

   

  What is Bullying?

   

  To be clear, we define bullying as 'repeated aggressive behaviour that is intended to cause harm or distress to another person, and involves an imbalance of power'. This can take many forms, including:

  • Physical bullying: Hitting, kicking, pushing, or any other physical contact.
  • Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, taunting, threats, or offensive remarks.
  • Social/Emotional bullying: Excluding someone, spreading rumours, damaging reputations, or manipulating friendships.
  • Cyberbullying: Using electronic communication to bully, such as sending hurtful messages or sharing embarrassing content.

   

  Ofsted commented in our report in 2023 'Behaviour is as a strength with bullying rare and children have confidence and trust in their teachers to support their wellbeing.'

   

  We want to assure you that any reported incidents of bullying are taken very seriously and addressed promptly and effectively in line with our school's anti-bullying policy.

  ---

  Helping Children Manage Childhood Friendships: Non bullying incidents

  While we are unwavering in our stance against bullying, it's also important to acknowledge that children, as they develop and form relationships, will occasionally experience minor disagreements and fallouts. These are a normal and often valuable part of growing up and learning to navigate social interactions.

   

  Children will, and need to experience childhood confrontation in order to be successful in building and managing relationships.  This is not the same as condoning or encouraging it; but the skills needed to manage these must be nurtured.

   

  Examples of these minor and intermittent fallouts might include:

  • Disagreements over games or toys.
  • Arguments about who gets to go first.
  • Temporary exclusions from a group.
  • Brief moments of frustration or unkind words exchanged in the heat of the moment.

   

  Although it can be hard, it is not always helpful for a parent or other adult to rush or jump in to assist or view/inform every fall out as an act of bullying.

   

  Our approach to these situations is to support our children in managing them independently, where appropriate. This means we will:

  • Listen to their concerns.
  • Help them articulate their feelings.
  • Guide them in finding solutions.
  • Encourage them to develop empathy and understanding.

   

  We believe that by providing guidance and encouragement during these minor disagreements, we are equipping your children with essential life skills. Learning to resolve conflicts, compromise, and communicate effectively are crucial for developing healthy relationships, building resilience, and managing challenges throughout their lives.

   

  We appreciate your partnership in fostering a supportive and understanding school community. If you have any concerns about your child's well-being at school, please do not hesitate to contact their class teacher.

   

• Sudbury cancellation - questions answered

  Fri 23 May 2025 Mr Seargent

  Sudbury Hall Trip Cancellation: Your Questions Answered

   

  We understand some parents have valid questions regarding the cancellation of the Sudbury Hall trip. We sincerely apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this has caused, but I wish to answer those questions that have been shared.  Should after this point parents have further questions, I will be happy to discuss them individually.

   

  Why Was the Trip Cancelled Before the Payment Deadline Next Week?

  Coach companies set strict payment deadlines for bookings. If these deadlines aren't met, the school is still liable for a time specific incremental coach cost. It's actually not uncommon for the coach deadline to fall before the final payment date so as to provide as much time as possible for parents to contribute, and usually we can absorb the risk of some non-payments to ensure the trip goes ahead. However, for this particular trip, the unpaid amount was substantial, totalling hundreds of pounds, and sadly was too excessive in the time scale.

   

  Had we not cancelled when we did, the school would have still been liable for this significant cost, and unfortunately, parents who had already paid would not have been eligible for a full refund. This is why we sent out reminders early this week; we were attempting to gather enough payments to meet the coach company's deadline and prevent cancellation.

   

  Because of the decision being made today, all those who have paid will get a full refund. Had we waited until next week, this would not have been the case.  Parents would have paid, no or limited refund would be offered and the children would still not have had a trip.  This would have not been palatable for anyone.

   

  Why Can't Children Whose Parents Have Paid Still Go?

  Department for Education policies on charges and remissions prevent schools from excluding a child from a curriculum-linked trip due to financial reasons. To do so would be discriminatory. Simply put, for curriculum-related trips like Sudbury Hall, it's either all eligible children are offered a place, or none are. The only exception is for trips not linked to the curriculum, such as a pantomime or circus.

   

  Could a Fund Be Created to Offset Costs for Parents Who Can't Pay in the Future?

  We already have a system in place to subsidise trip costs for parents, and this has amounted to thousands of pounds over recent years. Any requested contributions from parents are already heavily subsidised by the school; you never pay the full cost – sometimes less than 50% of the true cost.   However, on this occasion, the outstanding unpaid amount was too significant for the school to cover in addition to the existing subsidies.  Simply put, we already have a fund that we set aside, but the extent of non-payment meant it was far from enough.

   

  Future actions

  This is the first time that it has been necessary to enact a trip cancellation.  This is despite subsidies and providing payment plans and ample notice.  In the future, it will be necessary to assume the school cannot absorb late payments again before the deadline set by coach companies.  Sadly, this will result in payment being required earlier than normally asked.  We will however continue to offer payment plans and subsidies for all families.

   

  We share your disappointment regarding this cancellation and are already looking into alternative, related events to hold on the school site for the next half term. Thank you for your understanding

• Sudbury Hall trip cancelled

  Fri 23 May 2025 Mr Seargent

  Dear Year 1 and 2 Parents,

   

  It is with considerable regret that I am writing to inform you that the upcoming Year 1 and 2 trip to Sudbury Hall has been cancelled owing to lack of parental contributions..

   

  Unfortunately, despite significant school subsidies and the option of payment plans, we have not received sufficient funds to cover the costs of this trip.

   

  We understand that contributing to school trips can be a challenge for some families, and we always strive to provide reduced charges and extended payment opportunities. However, on this occasion, the outstanding costs are too great for the school to cover.

   

  We are truly sorry for any disappointment this may cause your children. We know how much they look forward to these experiences.

   

  Please be assured that anyone who has already made a payment for the Sudbury Hall trip will receive a full refund in due course.

   

  At this time, this cancellation only impacts the Year 1 and 2 trip to Sudbury Hall. However, we will need to give careful consideration to future trips if similar circumstances arise.

   

  Thank you for your understanding.

• Notice to Parents: Change to 'Meet the Teacher' Transition Day

  Mon 19 May 2025 Mrs Forte

  Notice to Parents: Change to 'Meet the Teacher' Transition Day

  Dear Parents/Carers,

  We are writing to inform you of a change to our usual 'Meet the Teacher' transition day arrangements. This year, to coincide with the secondary schools' transition days, we will be holding our transition activities over three days:

  • Tuesday, 1st July 2025

  • Wednesday, 2nd July 2025

  • Thursday, 3rd July 2025

  During these three days, all children in EYFS and Years 1 to 5 will come to school as normal, but they will be spending the day with their new class and teacher for the 2025/2026 academic year. This will provide an opportunity for them to:

  • Meet their new teacher.

  • Become familiar with their new classroom environment.

  • Begin to build relationships with their new classmates.

  Please note that school will run as normal on these days, with the usual start and finish times. There will be no changes to current dinner arrangements.

  We understand that this is a change to our usual practice, but we believe that aligning with the secondary school transition days will provide a more cohesive transition period for all pupils and help to prepare them for the start of the new school year in September.

  How can parents support their child with this transition?

  • Talk positively about the move to a new class and the opportunities it brings.

  • Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and any worries they may have.

  • Reassure your child that their teachers will be there to support them.

  • Help your child to prepare for the day by ensuring they have everything they need.

     

  Thank you for your continued support.

  Mrs Forte - Co-Headteacher

• Armed Forces Personnel Support

  Fri 16 May 2025 Mr Seargent

  Friday, 16 May 2025

  Dear parents and carers

  Armed Forces Personnel:  Children Support

   

  Do any of the following apply to you?

  • Are you serving/have you served in the armed forces (UK or international) in the last 6 years?

  and

  • Was your child born in that period and registered as a ‘service child’?

   

  or

   

  • Did your child suffer the loss of a parent whilst in service and you receive a related war pension?

  I am writing to inform you of potential additional support available to your child through the Government Pupil Premium grant for parents who have served in the Armed Forces.

   

  Eligibility can include military personnel in non-UK armed forces, for example the Afghan National Army who served alongside NATO/ISAF, or other overseas forces (including conscripted personnel).

   

  The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided to schools to support eligible pupils. For children of service personnel, this funding aims to help mitigate any challenges they may face due to their parents' military commitments, current or past. This can include, but is not limited to:

  • Academic Support: Providing extra tuition or resources to help children who may have experienced disruption to their education due to family mobility.
  • Pastoral Care: Offering support for the emotional and social well-being of children who may have experienced frequent school transitions or parental deployment.
  • Enrichment Activities: Funding opportunities for children to participate in a wider range of school activities, such as clubs, trips, and cultural experiences.
  • Addressing Specific Needs: Tailored support to address any particular educational or well-being needs your child may have.

   

  Please inform the school office if you have served within the last 6 years and believe that your child was known to / registered as a services child during your service.

  
  Peter Seargent  / Mrs Forte Co Headteacher

   

• CONFIRMED: INSET dates and holidays 2025/26

  Fri 16 May 2025 Mr Seargent

  INSET Days & School Holidays 2025/26 –

  Advanced Notice, get out your fridge magnets!

  INSET (IN-SErvice Training) days are dedicated periods within the academic year when schools are closed to pupils, and teaching and support staff engage in professional development activities. These days are a statutory requirement, with a minimum of five allocated annually, and are crucial for supporting school improvement initiatives.

   

  During INSET days, staff participate in various training and development opportunities tailored to the school's specific needs and priorities. These sessions aim to enhance teaching practices, update knowledge on educational policies, and foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement. While historically these days may have been less formally communicated, schools now routinely provide advance notice to parents.

   

  We understand the importance of these days for the ongoing development of our school and the positive impact they have on your children's education. To help you plan, we are providing the confirmed INSET days for the entire 2025/26 academic year well in advance. Additionally, we are sharing an outline of the anticipated development areas for these days, offering insight into how this time will be used to further support your children's learning journey.

   

  INSET days are planned as follows – school will be closed on:

   

  • School closed to pupils:  Thursday 4^th & Friday 5^th September 2025

  Curriculum adjustments / planning and preparation for intake.

  Statutory Level 2 Safeguarding training and updates from Derby City Safeguarding Children Board

   

  Pupils return to school on Monday 8^th September

   

  • School closed to pupils:  Friday 13^th February 2026

  Training to be confirmed

   

  Pupils return to school on Monday 23^rd February

   

  • School closed to pupils:  Monday 1^st June 2026

  Pupil Progress reviews / achievement recording / assessment training

   

  Pupils return to school on Tuesday 2^nd June 2020

   

  • School closed to pupils:  Friday 23^th July

  Review of impact of revised curriculum actions

   

   

  It is not anticipated that any of these dates will change; however, if there are any changes due to unforeseen circumstances you will be informed as soon as possible.

   

   

   

  

• School Uniform requirements (Tight fitting leggings/shorts)

  Wed 30 Apr 2025 Mr Seargent

  This is a reminder that our school uniform policy requires pupils to wear standard uniform at all times, except when participating in scheduled PE lessons or other designated activities.   Whilst the wearing of shorts is allowed and encouraged during hot weather, sports attire, such as tight-fitting cycle and running shorts, is not permitted outside of sports activities. Please refer to the school website for the complete uniform and code of dress policy.

   

  Uniform and Code of Dress Extract:

  "

  1. • navy blue sweat shirt/jumper/cardigan
     • blue or white polo shirt
     • grey/black school trousers/skirt/shorts or pinafore dress*
     • black, sturdy, flat soled ‘school specific’ shoes without ‘open toes’ and suitable for all weathers. (Trainers, crocs or other similar forms of footwear are not appropriate)

   

  *Skirts, shorts and dresses worn as school uniform must be of reasonable length and be no shorter in general, than mid-way between the knee upper leg.

   

  The wearing of sports attire, such as tight-fitting cycle or running shorts and logoed clothing, is not permitted unless actively participating in designated sports or physical activities (refer to the list below under Physical Education).

• Join our Parent Governors

  Tue 25 Feb 2025 Mrs Forte

  We are currently looking for a new parent governor to join our friendly governing body at Ashgate.

   

  Our governors come from a range of different backgrounds, skills and experience but all share a common interest of wanting the best possible education for the children at Ashgate Primary.

   

  We would be delighted to hear from anyone who:-

  · Is interested in children’s education and the performance of the school

  · Is community spirited and would like to represent the community

  · Has spare time and the energy for the role

  · Is able to work well as part of a team

  · Has an enquiring mind and the confidence to ask questions and debate issues that affect the school

  · Can consider matters objectively and make informed judgements

   

  If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Mrs Forte.

• Year 6 Health Questionnaire letter useful links

  Thu 16 Jan 2025

  Link for more information

  www.thelancastermodel.co.uk/parents-and-guardians/ 

  email to opt out dmh-tr.ChildFamily-Derby@nhs.net

• HAF code reminder - book your place!

  Thu 21 Nov 2024

  Places are still available for FREE holiday clubs during the winter holidays for children who receive Pupil Premium Free School Meals. Visit www.derby.gov.uk/derbyHAF for more information. If you have not got your Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) code to book your place, speak to school reception. Codes can only be issued by school during term time. If you do not have a code, you will not be able to book a place.