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

• Parent Safeguard Fact Sheets

  Thu 27 Apr 2023

  Parent Safeguarding Fact Sheets

   

  Earlier last year a series of fact sheets were added to the school's Safeguarding Pages to support parents with common occurrences and concerns.

   

  I re post a direct link to these today and this can be found below.  The fact sheets include definitions, signs and support which are quick and easy to read.  These are updated regularly or when guidance changes.

   

  (Click to link to visit our safeguarding pages)
  Parent Safeguarding Guidance.

   

• Support for families - risks of self harm

  Wed 26 Apr 2023 Mr Seargent

  National increases in 'self harm' amongst children (NSPCC)

  A recent study and report by the NSPCC identified that nationally 'self harm' accounted for 5% of all referrals made to them for help.  This is a sharp increase to that seen in the past.  

   

  Whilst it has traditionally been identified within teenage children some reports of increased awareness of the action, particularly through social media websites and blogs, has meant that younger children are now more commonly using self harm as a means of managing their emotions.

   

  With this in mind, I include a link below to the NSPCC website.  This will support parents in their vigilance and knows;edge regarding the matter.

   

  NSPCC Self Harm - Parental information  (Click for link)

   

  If you are worried your child may be self-harming you should speak to your GP or another agency such as school who may be able to signpost support.

   

  Here are some things to look out for:

  • unexplained cuts, burns, bite marks, bruises or bald patches
  • keeping themselves covered, for example wearing long sleeves or trousers even during hot weather, not wanting to change clothes around others or avoiding activities like swimming
  • bloody tissues in waste bins
  • seeming low or depressed, for example withdrawing from friends and family
  • blaming themselves for problems or expressing feelings of failure, uselessness or hopelessness
  • outbursts of anger or argumentativeness

   

• Parent Governor Vacancies: Two vacancies available

  Tue 25 Apr 2023 Mr Seargent

  WANTED – Parent Governors (2 vacancies)

   

  Interested?

  Email clerk@ashgate.derby.sch.uk

   

   

  Our school Governing Body is made up of Governors from all walks of life and many come to us through a variety of routes and with a range of different backgrounds, skills and experiences, but they are all volunteers who work together for the benefit of the school and are the link between the school and the community it serves.

   

  We want you - 

  We are currently looking for two new Parent Governors and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has: 

  • An interest in the strategic direction of the school and wider education matters.
  • A desire to contribute and represent the community.
  • A commitment to support staff in a range of matters
  • The ability to make informed judgements on a wide spectrum of education and / or administrative matters.
  • The ability to work in a solution-based team
  • Confidence to ask questions constructively and make valued contributions

   

  If you feel you match the above description, you may be the very person to
  become a governor at Ashgate Primary School. Everyone has something to offer and we want people from as many backgrounds and with as wide a range of interests as possible.   

   

  What can we offer? 

  • A chance to develop skills in strategic management.
  • The opportunity to work with our team of governors and staff in improving our school.
  • The pleasure of helping students reach their potential.
  • A sense of achievement and civic duty.
  •  

  Why have a Governing Body and a Headteacher? 

  The Headteacher is responsible for management of the school, ensuring that strategic plans are implemented, the curriculum is delivered effectively and that the policies of the school are acted upon. He or she makes the ‘chalk-face’ decisions to ensure that children are cared for, socially, emotionally and academically on a day-to-day basis, in line with the school’s policies. 

   

  The Governing Body provides the strategic management and long- term direction for the school; it acts as a ‘critical friend’ to ensure that standards are high and maintained. Governors act, not as individuals, but as a group to support the work of the Headteacher, staff and pupils. School Governing Bodies are the largest voluntary group in the United Kingdom. They are unpaid and give up their time freely. 

   

  What is the composition of our Governing Body? 

  The Governing Body of Ashgate Primary School is led by Mr D Kearney (Chair), elected by the Governing Body from within its membership. Staff members, including the Headteacher, cannot be elected to this office. 

   

  Governing bodies are made up of key stakeholders:

  
  Parents - Parent Governors are elected by other parents at the school.
  Staff - including the Headteacher - Staff Governors (teaching and non-teaching) are elected by the school staff.
  The Local Community - the Governing Body appoints Community Governors i.e. members of the local community.
  The Local Authority (LA) - appoints one or more Authority Governors. 

   

  Governors meet as a 'Full Governing Body' up to 6 times per year plus occasional sub committee meetings as and when needed.

   

  What do governors do and how did they attain this role? 

  Great emphasis is given to recruiting governors who can bring professional skills to their work on the various committees, so that we are qualified to conduct the school in line with our statutory duties. These include promoting high standards of educational achievement, acting in a strategic manner to help the development of the school through effective management of resources and working closely with the School Senior Leadership Team to create and promote the school's values.

   

  Interested?

  Email clerk@ashgate.derby.sch.uk