Headteacher Newsletter Issue 19
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 19: 18.7.25
As we approach the end of term and the academic year, I want to thank everyone for making it such a successful and productive one, the children for all their achievements, the staff for their relentless hard work and for all the support from the parents. The children have continued to embrace challenges in their learning and enjoy all the opportunities that they are offered. This last fortnight is just a summary illustrating exactly that: The year 6 SATs results were a great achievement, the children that went all the way to the 3 Tees Final in Colchester, just missing the top position by 1 run and the school choir for producing a beautiful rendition of A Million Dreams, at the recording studio last weekend, is to name just a few. I am proud of each and every one of our pupils. They make us smile each day.
We will be very sad to say goodbye to our amazing year 6 next week, but we are looking forward to their Leavers’ Assembly on Monday.
A Special Assembly
Today we had a special assembly to say thank you to Mrs Gilbertson for her hard work supporting the kitchen team for 35 years. We could not say goodbye properly to Mrs Gilbertson when she left us officially at the beginning of the year, as she was unwell but we invited her back today to say thank you. Mr and Mrs Docking and Mrs Coy also attended. Mrs Gilbertson also had a very special message from Jamie Oliver during the assembly who wanted to say thank you for her hard work over the years, especially since she was at Clavering Primary when he was a pupil at the school!
Message from the School Governors
As we approach the end of term and the end of the school year, we have been given the wonderful opportunity to reflect on what has been another incredible year for Clavering school and to pass on many, many thanks.
Firstly I would like to take the opportunity to wish all of the year six cohort all the very best of luck, whichever school you are joining in September will be lucky to have you, you have been the most remarkable asset to our school and we would like to thank you for everything you have all done during your time at Clavering.
The end of the summer term also means SATs results time, I am delighted to be able to share that the 2025 SATs results are comfortably above national average in every category so, well done to all who worked so hard for their test and a special mention to Miss Morton and her team for phenomenal preparation in class and all the support and learning passed onto the students.
It has been another year full of opportunity for the students, and not just in the classroom! There are too many trips and events to list, but, from residential trips, to outdoor activity days in Harlow, Rounders tournaments and trips to Duxford Imperial War Museum, it has been wonderful to see school trips and outings becoming more frequent and enjoyed by both teachers and students alike
Thank you to the Friends of Clavering, who have once again put on a number of events this term to successfully raise funds for the school and various projects within.
Thank you to all the staff, we have an exceptional group of teachers, LSAs, support staff, office staff, catering staff and of course Headteacher, you are the ones who make such a difference to our children’s education, days and overall happiness.
Thank you to you, the parents, without the support of the parents our school would not be the community that it is, the unwavering support shown makes so many events as successful as they are.
And finally, thank you to the heartbeat of our school, the pupils, the smiles on faces, the desire to learn, the determination to succeed in seemingly everything you do, is inspirational.
Have an incredible summer, every single one of you, you all deserve it.
Chris Peters
Summer Fete
Thank you to Jenny, Jackie and the Friends of Clavering team for an excellent Summer Fete. Everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time working around all the stalls and activities. We are in the process of calculating how much we have raised.
Reports
Your child’s annual school report was shared with you last week. This is in addition to the new Interim Report that was circulated earlier in the year. I hope you find them useful and an informative summary of your child’s progress during the current academic year, as well as information as to how they are performing against the national expectations.
2025 KS2 SATs Results
Well done year 6 and the team for the excellent SATs results, which exceeded National Expectations in all areas:
SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) 86% of the children attained the expected standard (National 73%). 39% of the children attained greater depth
Reading 89% attained the expected standard (National 75%). 36% of the children attained greater depth
Maths 89% of the children attained the expected standard (National 74%). 21% of the children attained greater depth
Writing (Teacher Assessment) 89% attained the expected standard (National 72%). 11% of the children attained greater depth.
English and Maths combined 82% (National 62%)
Harlow Outdoors
Year 5 had an amazing day at Harlow Outdoor Centre, pushing themselves to face challenges such as rock climbing, canoeing and raft-building in teams. This is a great experience and the children did themselves and their school proud, earning praise from the Harlow team for their behaviour and their enthusiasm.
A buzzing bee keeper visit for Reception class
What a fabulous morning! Jeff Miles, a local bee keeper visited the class to tell them all about his bees, hives and the importance of bees. We learned so much. Highlights were the worker bee dance (when they tell the other bees that there are lovely flowers), learning that honey is the only food in the world with enough nutrients to sustain life, five-thousand year old honey found in Egyptian tombs is still edible and a worker bee only lives for six weeks.
Jeff also show us the wax he had collected from his five hives and melted down – it smelled of honey! We were allowed to try two different types of honey – a set honey from rape seed plants and a runny honey from blackberry. It was yummy!
EYFS and KS1 Athletics
Last week, the children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 (who weren’t at the cricket finals) went to JFAN for a friendly Athletics event with four other schools. Miss Dunlop and the Year 9 Sports leaders, some of whom were ex-Clavering pupils, led the event. We were impressed by the size of the sports fields!!! The children took part in a number of field events such as throwing, jumping and speed bounce. Then there were some races on the track. The children were fantastic and worked really hard at the different events. We definitely have some future Olympians!!!
3 Tees Final
We are incredibly proud of our Year 2 cricket team who recently took part in the Essex Cricket Final in Colchester – the first time Clavering has ever competed at this level! After winning the Uttlesford final, they went on to represent the whole district as the only school from Uttlesford taking part. Their teamwork, focus and sportsmanship were truly outstanding as they represented our school with pride and enthusiasm. They played brilliantly throughout the competition and finished third overall in their group. In a nail-biting match, they narrowly missed out on a place in the final – losing by just one run! Despite the close result, their efforts, determination and positive attitude were a credit to themselves and the school. What an amazing achievement, we are so proud of everything they’ve accomplished.
Sport Ambassadors and Year 2
Five of our fantastic Year 6 Sports Ambassadors teamed up with nine enthusiastic Year 2 children for a fun-filled morning. The Sports Ambassadors took the lead, running a series of exciting games and skill building activities designed to develop teamwork, coordination and confidence. The highlight of the session was a small cricket tournament also led by the ambassadors, which took place at Joyce Frankland. It was a brilliant opportunity for the younger children to learn from their older peers – and for our ambassadors to shine as leaders!
Saffron Hall
Classes 3 and 4 had a fantastic time at the Jess Gillam ensemble concert at Saffron Hall.
We were lucky enough to hear many different instruments and even got the chance to join in and be part of the band! “It was amazing, I really enjoyed listening to the lady playing the saxophone!” Willa, Class 4.
Choir visit the Recording Studio
Twenty members of the school choir enjoyed their third session at the Three Circles recording studio in Wimbish in Saturday. They recorded four songs with lots of opportunities for solo singing.
The children were fantastic. A huge thank you to Mrs Thomas and Mrs O’Brien for giving up their Saturday to do this for the children.
French Day
Monday 14th July was Bastille Day (Juillet Quatorze) and we celebrated in school with a French day. All the children got involved with a mixture of learning songs, finding out about the history of the French Revolution and playing French playground games with buddies. Miss Hagger and Mrs Neal even wore very smart berets for the day! The younger children were excited at the opportunity to learn a little French and the older children enjoyed learning more about the culture of France. Having learnt the vocabulary for clothing this year, Year 5 were particularly interested to learn about ‘sans culottes’ which was the term used for the underclasses in France who were the driving force behind the revolution. Tres bien, Clavering, a super French Day had by all.
Class structure for 2025 – 2026
Miss Battrick will be on maternity leave next year. Mrs Webb will be covering.
Ms Crosby is reducing her role and time in school, so will be our SENCO for 3 days a week.
We have a new Senior Leadership Structure that will start in September: Rachel Morton will be our new Deputy Headteacher and Alison Course will be an Assistant Headteacher. I am looking forward to working with them as part of the leadership team.
Please see below the class structure for the next academic year.
| Year group | Class teacher | Learning Support Assistant |
| Reception | Mrs Course | Mrs Berrett
PPA Mrs Herd and Mrs Berrett |
| Class One (Year One)
|
Mrs Yildiz (Monday – Wednesday)
Mrs Webb (Wednesday – Friday) |
Mrs H Snelling
Mrs Gower PPA Mr Snelling and Mrs Elliston |
| Class Two (Year Two)
|
Miss Hagger | Mrs H Snelling
Mrs Elliston PPA Mr Snelling and Mrs Elliston |
| Class Three (Year Three)
|
Mrs Tokeley (Tuesday – Friday)
Mrs Rudkin (Monday)
(Maternity cover Mrs Rudkin Monday – Tuesday. Mrs Clutterbuck Wednesday – Friday. September – January) |
Ms Nash
Mrs Martin PPA Mr Snelling and Mrs Rudkin/Mrs Elliston |
| Class Four (Year Four)
|
Mrs Bond | Mrs H Thomas
Mrs Martin PPA Mr Snelling and Mrs Rudkin/Mrs Elliston |
| Class Five (Year Five)
|
Miss Ullmann (Monday – Thursday)
Mrs Herd (Friday)
|
Mr Snelling
Mrs Neal PPA Mr Snelling and Mrs Elliston |
| Class Six (Year Six)
|
Miss Morton
|
Mrs Martin
Mrs Elliston Mr Snelling PPA Mr Snelling and Mrs Rudkin |
The children, including our new starters, met their new teacher this week.
Summer Activity for Primary School Children
Story Garden, Summer Reading Challenge 2025, launches in all Essex Libraries on Saturday 19 July 2025 and runs until Saturday 6 September 2025. Children of all ages can join in, the challenge is to read six books or do reading-related activities and they’ll collect a sticker for each achievement. Children completing the activity also get a medal and certificate. As well as being great fun, it can also help prevent a reading dip over the long summer break.
Questionnaires
Thank you all for responding to the parent questionnaire. We will analyse the responses and share the findings with you next term. Actions will also inform our School Improvement Plan.
Dinner money reminder – Please ensure you have settled your accounts up to the end of the summer term, in particular those parents of children in Year 6. Thank you.
Safeguarding at the end of the day
We have had reports from members of the community driving past the school at the end of the day, that children are running into the road near moving cars. Children are also near the road unsupervised and some children are on scooters near moving traffic.
Please can we ensure our children are supervised at all times when they are near any roads.
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.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
30th June Tray Day
30th June School photos
1st– 3rd July Work experience students
2nd July Year 4 trip to Duxford
3rd July Sharing Assembly – Year 3 parents invited – 2.45pm (please note this is a Thursday)
4th July Year 1 trip to Stansted Castle
4th July Friends of Clavering Summer Fayre
7th July Harlow Outdoors
7th – 11th July Work experience student
9th July KS1 Athletics and EYFS am
10th July KS2 Sports Ambassadors
11th July Sharing Assembly – Year 4 parents invited – 2.45pm
14th July Class Swap 11 – 12
14th July French Day
17th July Year 2 trip to Aerozone
21st July Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly
22nd July Last day of term
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending 3rd July
Reception Heath -trying hard in all lessons and for always tidying! Thank you
Year One Matthew – trying hard with your writing, especially your Traction Man story! Well done.
Year Two Juliet – her insightful views in religious education and always working independently
Year Three Liza – working so well with her partner during computing, practising her tennis skills and while planting her runner beans
Year Four Cecily – great independence in English this week and for demonstrating a fantastic interest and understanding on our Duxford trip
Year Five Dougray – his fantastic writing
Year Six Romeo – being kind and helpful during our science/DT/Computer project
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending 10th July
Reception Primrose – her amazing drawings
Year One Sophie – her fantastic admirable work ethic. You should be very proud of yourself
Year Two Naomi – trying really hard with learning
Year Three Jakob F – writing a detailed diary entry in R.E.
Year Four Max – always having a fantastic attitude and amazing manners
Year Five Bella – helping others with their weaving and giving lots of tips
Year Six Ruby – being a fantastic role model at Sports Ambassadors
HEADTEACHER’S AWARD
For children who have achieved their personal best:
Reception
Finley – for his enquiring mind and always furthering his learning
Noah – for great progress in reading
Year One
Zara – for working hard and making excellent progress in her reading and writing.
Matthew – for always trying his best and for developing the confidence to ask for help when needed
Year Two
Griff Davies – for always showing exceptional enthusiasm and curiosity in his learning, consistently giving his best effort and making outstanding progress across the curriculum, especially in his writing and English work.
Bertie Greenhow- for his outstanding engagement in lessons, thoughtful questioning and impressive ability to bring prior knowledge into class discussions – alongside excellent progress in both the presentation and content of his writing.
Year Three
Henry.H – for taking pride in his work especially his writing.
Luna – for being a considerate and loyal friend and for always having a smile on her face.
Year Four
Torben – for a great improvement in his writing and the stamina of his work!
Jacob – for trying really hard to focus on himself over the past half term.
Year Five
Phoebe S – for consistently putting in extra effort and challenging herself to achieve her best
Yan – for consistently putting in extra effort and challenging himself to achieve his best
Year Six
Jemima – for consistent progress across all areas of the curriculum, building on advice given and exemplary presentation.
Elsa – for having a fantastic year 6, working hard and making consistent progress – always working to the best of her ability.
Cartoon Attitude Learning Awards
We have our super-hero learning behaviours, which the children created in their house groups during friendship week last year. This term the children worked hard on creativity, championed by “Cre-elephant”. Two children from each class were nominated for a special award and will enjoy a hot chocolate treat with Miss Allsop.
Reception: Mollie and Charlotte
Class 1: Violet and Max
Class 2: Juliet and Bella
Class 3: Flora and Henry.C
Class 4: Buddy and Barney
Class 5: Isabella and Dougray
Class 6: Romeo & Esme
Clubs Autumn Term 2025
After School Clubs will start the week commencing 8th September unless otherwise stated.
| MONDAY | |
| Football | Years 4,5,6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Drama Sting (start 15/09/25) | Years 1 -6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| TUESDAY | |
| Football | Years 1-3 3.20-4.20 |
| Golf | Year 4 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| WEDNESDAY | |
| Tag Rugby | Key Stage 2 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Choir | Year 2 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| THURSDAY | |
| Dodgeball | Year 4,5,6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Tennis | Years 1-3 3.20-4.20 |
Music Lessons
Mrs Thomas will continue with piano lessons, starting Tuesday 9th September.
Swimming
Swimming lessons will commence on Monday 8th September for Year 3. The cost will be £55.00 for 7 weeks lessons. This will be added to Scopay on the first week of the autumn term.
Healthy and Safety notice regarding the wearing of earrings during PE
Just as a reminder, The Primary Code states that all jewellery is to be removed for PE lessons and taping over earrings is not allowed. This means that if pupils cannot take their earrings out they will have to sit out of PE until a time that they can be removed. Schools have to comply with this guidance.
If your child is about to have their ears pierced it is advisable for it to take place over the summer so that the earrings can be removed for PE ready for the start of the Autumn term.
If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to make an appointment.
Wishing you all an enjoyable weekend and a great Summer holiday when term ends next Tuesday.
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher
