Headteacher blog 1/4/2021

We have reached the end of a tough term. The debacle of the start of the term in early January seems such a long time ago and it has been a difficult time. Staff have worked hard to try to maintain as close to normal as possible, but school isn’t quite the same in these circumstances. We can only hope that better, sunnier times lie ahead.

The pandemic is clearly still with us. In March, we had more confirmed cases in school than the rest of the year put together: all staff in early years. I also hear of a number of cases amongst parents. This is hard to reconcile with reports of very low cases across the country. On Monday we had 15 members of staff unavailable, almost all directly or indirectly related to COVID. That is tough to manage, even with one less class in school. I am looking forward to the Easter break.

Next term, we have much to look forward to: the return of most shielding staff, some school trips slowly starting, maybe some competitive sports, a Y6 residential and – I am confident – a full uninterrupted term of learning. We will hopefully have our new, PTA-funded all-weather play area outside the Woodlands Room ready for the first day back. In April and May, we will plant a further 100+ trees and plant large areas of wild flowers across the grounds. Also in the summer term, most year groups will be having their Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) lessons: some of which has been carried over from last year. This content would not have been the easiest to deliver remotely. The new RSE policy has been consulted upon and agreed by governors and can be found on the school website.

I am sure that it is going to be a glorious summer – and that’s not an April Fool’s joke!