Headteacher Newsletter Issue 7
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 7: 9.12.22
Dear Parents
This is the last newsletter of the term with our Friday Focus, an insight into our learning, next week. We are looking forward to sharing our Christmas productions with you next week. The children will have a fun packed week to round off the term, with Christmas plays on Wednesday and Thursday next week, The Friends of Clavering Christmas shopping morning on Monday 19th December and then a Christmas assembly and lunch followed by Calamity Clown on the last day of term. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and to wish you all and your families a special Christmas.
Audley End Railway trip
Reception class had a fantastic trip to see Father Christmas and his elves on the Audley End Train. The parents were so helpful transporting the children to and from Audley End. We were all so excited to board the train and spot all the exciting things related to The Twelve Days of Christmas. Then we pulled into Santa’s grotto. It was wonderful – Santa spoke to all the children and they were very polite in response. Afterwards we enjoyed some time in the playground and posted our letters.
The Snowman at Saffron Hall
All the children in KS1 were incredibly fortunate to watch a special viewing of The Snowman. The concert took place at Saffron Hall organised by Essex Music Services and performed by the amazing Essex Youth Orchestra. We were introduced to all the sections of the orchestra alphabetically and each section played their part from the film soundtrack for us to listen out for. We sang We’re Walking in the Air and learned the Snowman party dance – beating out the rhythm with different actions. Then we were treated to watching the full film with live orchestral accompaniment. The timing was impeccable. The children were really inspired by watching the live instruments and then knowing that these were children playing – wow! What a treat. Our children were fantastic. Thank you to all the adult helpers who came along to support us.
Ms Dunlop – PE
Last week Ms Dunlop visited from JFAN to deliver PE lessons to classes 2 and 6. Class 2 worked on their ball skills and co-ordination, throwing and catching tennis balls. Year 6 had a tag rugby session, refreshing their knowledge for the rules and practicing their dodging. Both classes enjoyed their sessions and are looking forward to her coming back soon!
Students
Class 1 have enjoyed having two visiting teachers from Homerton College with us this week. Miss Pavey and Miss Cho have been getting to know the class before they join us for the first half of the Spring term. The children have enjoyed meeting them!
| Magistrate visit -Year 6
On Thursday 1st December Mrs Terry a local Magistrate visited Year 6 and told them all about her role as a magistrate. We learnt about the two types of court: a Magistrates Court and a Crown Court and what types of offences each dealt with. Mrs Terry also told us about the different punishments that can be given by a Magistrates Court such as fines, community service or up to 12 months imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the crime committed. The talk was very interesting and informative, we all learnt a lot about how the Courts work in England. We are very thankful to Mrs Terry for giving up her time to visit us.
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Clavering Choir perform at The Spirit of Christmas Concert
Our talented school choir were an absolute credit to the school performing in the Spirit of Christmas choral concert at St. Mary’s Church, Saffron Walden on Saturday. They were impeccably behaved throughout, supportive of all the other choirs and sang beautifully. They sang their solo piece The Holly and Mistletoe with an angelic solo from Ava in the stunning surroundings and acoustics. They were fortunate to listen to the adult choral society choir, the church organ, town band and other schools. Everyone came together at the end to sing two pieces. A huge well done to all the children and families who gave up their Saturday to take part and to Mrs Course for organising the event, Mrs Thomas, Janet Wheeler for accompanying and to Mrs Bond for stepping in to help. What a wonderful start to the festive period.
| NSPCC
Classes 5 and 6 had a talk from NSPCC representatives Andy and Karen who spoke to the classes about the ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ campaign for primary aged children. They discussed different scenarios with each class and the children shared ideas as to how they could stay safe and who they could talk to if needed. They were very useful and interesting sessions.
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Lost property
Please could we make sure all uniform is named so that we can return misplaced items. Lost items will be on display during the last week of term, then they will be recycled.
COVID and Flu
Unfortunately we are getting cases of COVID in school. Even though there is no requirement now to test or isolate we are recommending medical advice with a known positive case of 5 days isolation for adults and 3 for children in order to reduce the spread.
The UKHSA and the NHS are encouraging everyone who is eligible to book their Covid-19 and flu vaccines as they are the best defence against both viruses. Flu has started circulating at low levels, mainly in children and younger people at the moment.
StrepA/Scarlet Fever
You will have heard that there is an increase in scarlet fever in school age children in England. The Local Authority sent through some useful information and resources this morning. Please see below –
A fact sheet that covers what scarlet fever is and other frequently asked questions: Factsheet (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Scarlet guidance on symptoms, diagnosis on treatment: Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This gives the initial symptoms of scarlet fever as a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, which is followed after after 12 to 48 hours by a characteristic fine red rash develops. Typically, the rash first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. On more darkly-pigmented skin, the rash may be harder to spot, although a ‘sandpaper’ feel to the rash should be present.
It also makes it clear that anyone with symptoms should seek a consultation with a GP. If the GP thinks it is scarlet fever the GP will prescribe appropriate antibiotics. The individual will need to be away from school for 24 hours after starting the antibiotic (or until fully recovered if not accepting antibiotics).
We will be increasing our hand washing message across the school and we will be monitoring this.
Please contact your GP if your child has symptoms so antibiotics can be given.
Lateness
School starts at 8.50 a.m. We have noticed several children are consistently arriving late for school – ‘late’ is defined by not being within the school gates by 8.50 a.m. Please make every effort to be at school on time and if you know that your journey will be disrupted by road works, do allow time for this.
Please note that lateness is recorded on a per pupil basis.
Thank you.
Application for leave of absence for term time holidays
Guidance from the Local Authority:
“Leave of absence may only be granted by a person authorised in that behalf by the proprietor of the school. As from 1st September 2013, the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 amended Regulation 7 to prohibit the proprietor of a maintained school from granting leave of absence to a pupil, except where an advance application has been made by the parent with whom the pupil normally resides, and the proprietor considers that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application.
Taking your child out of school during term time could be detrimental to your child’s educational progress. There is no entitlement to parents to take their child out of school during term time, however, you may apply to the school for leave of absence if you believe there are exceptional circumstances.
If the absence is not authorised and the holiday is taken, the case will be referred to the Education Welfare Service who may issue a Penalty Notice for £120 (or £60 if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school.”
Please note occasional days for birthdays and treats cannot be authorised and cheaper prices cannot be considered to be a valid reason. No leave of absence will be granted during our assessment weeks or the first week of the Autumn term. Medical appointments, if at all possible should be made outside school hours. Siblings of children attending medical appointments should remain in school.
Cost of Living Support
We know that there are families across Essex who are currently struggling with the rise in the cost of living. Colleagues have pulled together a special newsletter which gives information on some of the support they may be eligible for. Please share onwards with parents and carers. You can also find out more about cost of living support on the Cost of Living web hub.
School Admissions – Primary and Secondary – Apply Now!!
To apply quickly and easily for primary and secondary school places go online to https://www.essex.gov.uk/admissions-to-essex-schools-for-the-next-school-year
Primary and junior school places for September 2023
From 7 November 2022 you can apply online for your child’s school place https://www.essex.gov.uk/apply-for-a-primary-school-place
You must submit an application by the national closing date of 15 January 2023. Applications received after this date are considered late and will reduce your chance of being offered a place at your preferred schools.
Free School Meals Funding
You can register for Free Schools Meals Funding if you meet the criteria below.
If you have a child in Key Stage One and are receiving the free meal, which is part of the universal offer, you could be missing out on this additional funding for the school, which will support your child with their learning, if you meet the criteria below. You have to apply for this funding. If you think you meet the criteria below then please follow the guidance below and contact the school office.
Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
How to apply –
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
Mobile Phones
This is a gentle reminder not to use mobile phones whilst on the school site.
This is part of our safe-guarding policy for all of our children.
Clubs – Spring Term 2023
All clubs will start the week beginning 9th January 2022 (except for Sting which will commence 16/01)
| Monday | |
| Football Club | Year 5 & 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Tennis Club | Year 1-6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Drama Club STING | Year 1-6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Tuesday | |
| Fitness Club | Year 1 & 2 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Wednesday | |
| Football club | Year 3 & 4 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Fitness club | Year 4 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Molton Wonky Glass Fusing workshop
Further information to follow |
TBC |
| Thursday | |
| Football club | Year 1 & 2 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Relax Kids | Year 1 – 3 3.20 – 4.20 |
Music Lessons
Mrs Thomas will continue with piano lessons in January.
Swimming
Swimming lessons will commence on Monday 9th January for Year 4.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
12.12.22 Tray Day
14.12.22 KS2 dress rehearsal am, KS1 dress rehearsal, KS2 evening performance
yrs 5 and 6 Parents
15.12.22 Reception Nativity am, KS1 performance pm, KS2 evening performance yrs
3 and 4 Parents
19.12.22 Friends of Clavering Christmas Shopping Morning
20.12.22 Church Service
20.12.22 Christmas lunch
20.12.22 End of term
5.1.23 New Spring term begins
ACHIEVEMENTS
Headteacher Awards for this term will be announced next week and shared in the next newsletter when we return.
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending 25th November
Reception Michaela – for fantastic writing and being a very kind friend
Year One Scarlett – for great understanding of number bonds within 10
Year Two Alfie – for fantastic effort in maths and writing this week. Well done!
Year Three Teddy – for fantastic effort and acting during our Egyptian day
Year Four Jemima – for working so hard to achieve her writing target
Year Five Darcie – for her great focus and motivation to learn
Year Six Hadley – for great effort and asking questions to further her own learning
Week ending 2nd December
Reception Luca – for his fantastic singing and acting. Well done!
Year One Alfie – for great work and effort adding numbers within 10!
Year Two Wilbur – for fantastic history work over the term
Year Three Harry – for super effort with dancing and singing for the play
Year Four Danny – for being adventurous and learning new skills at Forest School
Year Five Martha – for her fantastic work ethic and excellent listening skills
Year Six Robin – for being a kind and thoughtful friend
Writer of the week
w/e 25/11
R Quincey for writing neat and well-formed letters
1 Rollo fantastic effort with his handwriting when top copying his poem
2 Cecily for excellent independent writing
3 Harry for great effort with his presentation in maths
4 Ruby for a beautifully written ‘Winter’s child’ letter
5 Oscar for his effective note taking
6 Finlay working hard to use a variety of clauses in his writing
w/e 9/12/22
R Felix for trying really hard to write tricky words
1 Marnie for great independent topic writing
2 Reggie for fantastic independent letter writing
3 Dougray for improved writing fluency
4 Toben for improvement in handwriting and concentration
5 Max S for his detailed explanations on reversible and irreversible changes
6 Arlo for his description of Francis on the boat.
If you have any questions at any time then please feel free to make an appointment.
Have a lovely Christmas
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher
