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

• Attendance concerns and tips to resolve them

  Mon 18 Dec 2023 Mr Seargent

  School Attendance – Children who do not have good attendance do not meet their potential. FACT.

   

  The link between poor attendance and poor outcomes is striking; this is true nationally and at Ashgate Primary School.  Our own data over the last two years (as well as pre-pandemic) backs this up.  It is simple; children who do not attend school regularly predominantly underperform against their age-related expectations and SAT outcomes.

   

  Too many parents do not understand how absence impacts negatively on their children’s wellbeing, or fail to take their responsibilities seriously.

   

  We do have an attendance issue

  Sadly, absence at Ashgate Primary School remains in the highest 20% of schools nationally (IDSR 2023) which is a great concern.  During the recent Ofsted inspection (June 2023) the limiting factor to the school not being graded as outstanding for Personal Development was the level of persistent absenteeism.  

                                              

  Nationally, there has been an increase in absence since the Covid pandemic.  The reasons for this are unclear at this time, but there is a sad irony after recognising the positive impact schools have on children, families and their community, too many are not engaging with them now.

   

  Do not let your child become a statistic of poor attendance.  Please ensure that you take all steps to allow your child to attend school.

   

  Here are some tips to help you or someone you know achieve and sustain good attendance:

  1. Establish a routine and stick to it:

  • Set the expectation that school will be attended and is not optional.
    • Whist it is often good to discuss and explain expectations in the home, it is also good to establish that some things are not negotiable.
    • Set a consistent daily routine that includes a regular bedtime and wake-up time (earlier if you find yourself late regularly).
    • Plan specific times for homework, extracurricular activities, and relaxation.
    • Some children benefit from pre warnings, “tablet away in 10 minutes, in bed in 30 minutes”.

  1. Get organized:
     • Prepare any school uniform and pack your bag the night before to avoid morning rushes.
  2. Stay healthy:
     • Prioritise physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise.
     • Practice good hygiene to prevent illnesses and ensure well-being.
     • Promote sleep hygiene – remove electronic items (including phones!) at a given time and reduce the risk of distractions.
  3. Communicate:
     • Inform teachers or school staff about any challenges affecting attendance.
  4. Understand the importance of attending school:
     • Recognise the long-term benefits of education and how attendance contributes to personal and professional success.
  5. Address challenges early:
     • If facing difficulties, seek help from teachers, or other support services as soon as possible.
     • Addressing challenges early can prevent them from becoming major obstacles.
  6. Celebrate achievements:
     • Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, whether big or small.
     • Positive reinforcement can help maintain motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
  7. Stay positive:
     • Maintain a positive attitude towards school and learning.
     • Focus on the opportunities for growth and development that education provides.

  Remember that consistent attendance is a key factor in academic success. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters regular school attendance.

• Late arrivals update

  Mon 18 Dec 2023 Mr Seargent

  Thank you to all the parents for their support in ensuring that the system for school arrival works effectively and keeps children safe.

   

  Late arrivals in reception area

  I noted today that there were many late arrivals to school, which seems to be a rising pattern.  Parents and carers are reminded that school starts promptly at 0845. 

   

  Arriving on time will save you a significant amount of time. For some frustration at a delay is self inflicted or due to too many parents and carers not promptly bringing their children to school

   

  Please be aware: Only 2 staff members are working at the reception area at school, answering calls, managing safe access to the school, dealing with parent questions and taking late children to and from their classes. Your arriving late hinders the support they can provide for others as well increasing the risk of your child missing valuable education time.

   

  Many thanks for your cooperation.

• Respectful communication

  Thu 14 Dec 2023 Mr Seargent

  Dear Parents and carers,

   

  As we continue to work together to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for our pupils, I would like to take a moment to address an important aspect of our school community - the interactions between visiting adults and my dedicated and hardworking staff.

   

  My teachers and support staff put in tireless efforts to ensure the success and well-being of each child at Ashgate Primary School. Their commitment to providing quality education and a safe, respectful atmosphere is truly commendable and it was wonderful to have this evidenced in our recent Ofsted inspection.

   

  To maintain a positive school culture and foster an effective learning environment, I kindly request that all parents and carers extend courtesy and respect to staff members.

   

  To support this, I advise parents of the following strategies:

  Respectful Communication: 

  • Be mindful of what is said in front of your child as your actions model how you wish your child to face their challenges and communicate with staff.
  • Approaching staff positively and seeking to provide solutions is the most effective way to resolve any issue.
  • Use of foul language will not be tolerated, nor will aggressive tone or demeanour. 

   

  Communication channels:

  • Should you wish to speak to a member of staff face to face, the end of the school day is most suitable.  Please be aware that staff will be dismissing pupils and must do so safely.  This will be their priority and patience may be required.
  • If you wish to have a lengthier discussion with a staff member, please seek to schedule an appointment.

   

  Demands and challenges: 

  • Recognise that my staff members may face challenges in managing various responsibilities throughout the day. Your understanding and patience are greatly appreciated as they work diligently to meet the needs of all pupils.

   

  Take Positive feedback: 

  • Please take the opportunity to express gratitude and positive feedback to our staff members. Acknowledging their hard work and dedication can go a long way in boosting morale and motivation.

   

  By fostering an atmosphere of courtesy and respect, we contribute to a positive and collaborative school community that benefits everyone involved. Your cooperation in this matter is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

   

  Thank you for your ongoing support.  Together, we can ensure a positive and enriching experience for our pupils.

• Christmas Raffle Prize Hampers!

  Wed 13 Dec 2023

  Two children and four family prizes to be won!

  Raffle drawn around 4pm at the Christmas Fayre today!

  

• Elf Day Menu 14th December 2023

  Fri 08 Dec 2023
  

• Adverse Weather actions / notice

  Fri 01 Dec 2023 Mr Seargent

  ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITION ACTIONS

   

  It is the time of year to share with parents the actions that would be undertaken should there be a school closure for adverse weather conditions.  

   

  THIS IS NOT ANTICIPATED AT THIS TIME AND WILL ALWAYS BE A LAST RESORT, however, it is appropriate to share this with parents in advance.

   

  Parents and carers are to assume that, unless announced otherwise, the school will be open in adverse weather conditions, including snow.

  The school will only close if:

  • Advised to do so by the Local Authority.
  • Met Office warnings advise ‘non travel’/ concerning weather warnings in and around the immediate vicinity of the school.
  • Limited numbers of staff at school prevents ‘acceptable’ adult to pupil ratios.

   

  If school does close, you will be informed via the texting service, telephone, school website or local radio news station. Please avoid calling the school, as lines will be limited as we contact the appropriate authorities.

  Deciding to travel to school or take your child out of school, even if it is open.

  1. will be the responsibility of parents and carers to decide if it is safe for them to travel to school. The Headteacher cannot make such decisions on your behalf. In exceptional cases, the school can authorise absence as a result of problems caused by adverse conditions, such as road closures, traffic delays and similar. However, parents electing to take their child out of school when it is not closed should assume that absence is unauthorized unless told otherwise. Authorisation, in such cases, will be the decision of the Headteacher in consultation with the parent and if necessary the governing body.

  School should be informed if you deem it unsafe for you to travel.

  Limited staffing resulting from adverse conditions or ‘other school closures’

  Should the number of staff in school be reduced, ‘best fit’ actions may be taken to meet the needs of pupils, including; combining classes, ‘skeleton’ curriculum delivery or in extreme cases, some non-academic activities.

  Should a change of circumstance occur after school has started, we will inform you of this as soon as we can.

  I reiterate that parents are to assume that school is open unless informed otherwise.

  Suitable clothing

  In all circumstances children should arrive at school with clothing suited for outdoors, including:

   

  • Hat and gloves
  • Wellington boots (or similar) – named with a permanent marker or similar
  • A change of foot-wear

   

  A ‘common sense’ approach to snow

  Many schools are of the opinion that snow and children do not mix. I do not agree. Although I understand that children, like all of us, are more vulnerable to slips, trips and incoming snowballs at this time of year, I will not prevent children playing out, or in, the snow.

  Of course, careful consideration will take place prior to break times as to the conditions of the playground, snow and ice, in order to assess or reduce risk, however children should anticipate being outdoors.

  Snowballing

  When there is sufficient snow, designated areas will be provided in which the throwing of snowballs is allowed and areas will be chosen where snowballs are not allowed. This way children will be able to follow the ethos of the RESPECT agenda, making ‘clever choices’ and being ‘responsible’ for them, choosing where to play and what experience they want. Those entering areas designated for snowballing must accept that they are likely to be hit and that they take this risk by playing there.

  It may be useful to discuss and impart your wishes with your child regarding this matter, as they will be responsible for where and how they play.

  To summarise

  • The school will close only if there is no safe alternative.
  • Parents and carers should assume the school is open unless told otherwise (text, radio, website).
  • Children should come prepared to go outside, even in the snow.
  • Every opportunity will be provided for pupils to keep safe, whilst enjoying the conditions.
  • Working conditions may require adaptation if other schools close or staffing is restricted.

   

   

  Yours sincerely

   

   

  Peter Seargent

  Headteacher