Headteacher Newsletter Issue 4
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 4: 23.10.26
Dear Parents
We wish you all a great half term. Thank you for all your support since our return. It has been a very productive start to the term including an OFSTED inspection, that went incredibly well. The children have settled back into school, and in some cases, joining us for the first time, and we have already had many trips and school events take place. We have also had great sporting success and children visiting the Houses of Parliament. We are looking forward to our return and the lead up to Christmas.
Staff Structure
We sadly have to say goodbye and thank you to Jo White in the kitchen. She will be leaving us officially today but will support for a short while after half term. We wish her well.
I am pleased to announce that Sophie MacLean will be joining us as a Kitchen Assistant in due course
Year 3 Egyptian Day
Year 3 were transported back to 1332BC to the ancient city of Akhetaten for their Egyptian Day on Wednesday. We arrived in the hall to discover Pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife, Queen Nefertiti were preparing to appoint a new High Priestess. Dressed as everyday Egyptians, we got to try all sorts of activities to help prepare for the big ceremony. We had a go at making ink and writing in hieroglyphics, making bread, cross-stitching, painting tombs, mummification and creating our own lucky charm amulets. Along the way, we solved the crime of who stole a bag of grain from the sacrificial temple – it was our very own Mrs Hemsopatra! In the afternoon, the fun continued as we watched and performed in the royal celebrations. And once the royal food taster had given it the all-clear, we sat down to enjoy our very own Egyptian feast of bread, cheese and “wine”.
We had a really great time fully immersing ourselves into our Egyptian adventure. We loved dressing up, trying out the different activities and getting involved in the performances.
“I made an amulet using clay and moulded it into scarab beetles.” (Jack)
“I made bread by mixing yeast and flour and salt to make a dough texture then made it into a twirled shape.” (Mya)
“Cross stitching was my favourite activity because it was really fun!” (Orla)
“My favourite was the tomb painting. I tried to draw the River Nile. It was so much fun.” (Izzy)
“I liked ink making and hieroglyphics. First, we smashed charcoal then we added gum powder and mixed it together. Then we added some water, and it made ink. I wrote ‘Sir R’ in hieroglyphics.” (Artie)
“I enjoyed mummification. You mixed seeds with some cream and stuck it on a body (a peg) and wrapped bandages around it.” (Edward)
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Year 4 Saffron Walden Museum
As part of our Victorians topic, Year 4 visited Saffron Walden Museum this week to take part in an exciting workshop called ‘Sweep to Scholar’.
The focus of the day was to explore how childhood changed throughout the Victorian period and learn about the Acts of Parliament introduced to protect children and improve their access to education.
The children began by examining and handling a range of Victorian artefacts, discussing whether each item would have been used by a rich or poor person. They then discovered how children’s lives changed throughout the Victorian era, learning about the challenges faced by children from different backgrounds and how new laws gradually improved their lives.
Next, the children explored school rules from the 19th century, comparing them with those we have today, before trying their hand at copying Victorian copperplate handwriting.
After lunch, the class watched a demonstration of how Victorians washed their clothes and even had a go themselves using a posser! To finish the day, the children made their own thaumatropes, a popular Victorian toy that creates an optical illusion when spun.
It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to bring their learning to life, deepen their historical understanding and experience some of the activities that would have been part of everyday Victorian life. A wonderful day was had by all!
Year 6 Dodgeball
| Class 6 went to JFAN to take part in the Dodgeball competition this Wednesday. Three other schools took part in the competition and we entered three teams. One team came third in their group, another came second and our other team came first in their group. The team that came first will be progressing to the next round. All the children represented Clavering in a fantastic manner and showing great sportsmanship. Thank you to Mr Jones for coming and helping at the event and all the parents’ providing lifts. Miss Morton and Mr Snelling are exceptionally proud of the whole of Class 6 – Well Done!
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Years 1 and 2 History Workshop
Year 1 enjoyed a special Great Fire of London workshop. They went back in time to 1666 and pretended to be living during The Great Fire of London.
Children enjoyed pretending to be different characters including Samuel Pepys and Thomas Farriner. They pretended to bake in the bakery, run from the fire and buried their special belongings just like Samuel Pepys did back then.
They made noises like the fire and worked in groups to stretched up high to look like tall buildings.
We had a lot of fun!
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Harvest Assembly
The whole school celebrated harvest in a special assembly. Each class shared work connected to harvest. There was a wide range of work on show – many poignant readings, artwork and songs. We sang two popular Autumn songs – Conkers and The Paintbox Song and we gave thanks for our food and the farming community for their hard work.
A huge thank you to all those who generously donated food for the Uttlesford Food Bank. We are very grateful
Cross Country
Last Wednesday 14th,October, Key Stage 2 went to Cross Country at Chrishall School. Around 48 children took part from Clavering and showed team spirit and unity cheering one another on. Twelve children finished in a medal position progressing to the next round at Carver Barracks. Thank you to all the parents and staff who supported this event.
Year 3 and 4 Archery
On Wednesday 14th October, some of the children in Years 3 and 4 got to channel their inner Robin Hoods and try out archery! Everyone had a great time and we even got an “arrow” suckered to year 3’s classroom door!
| “I really liked it, I’ve never done archery before.” (Max)
“It was hard at first but I really enjoyed it.” (Vihana). “I got a bullseye on the 10 point target!” (Alba) “I really liked it because it was fun.” (Monty) “I tried my best and scored 5 points!” (Sonny). “It was really fun.” (Violet).
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“The archery was super fun and I got a high score” (Chantelle)
“The archery was fun and cool!” (Isabel) “The archery was outstanding and new to me! I got 5 points on my first try” (Amelia) “It was fun and hard work!” (Fletcher) “The archery was fun and I enjoyed it very much!“(Fabian) “It was hard but so much fun” (Bella) |
Parliament
Well done to Cameron (Year 4) and Jasper (Year 3) who were elected to represent the school as our MPs in the first Children’s Parliament, taking place in the Houses of Parliament in London last Thursday. The children were invited to participate in a debate about support for children with disabilities in schools and were two of approximately 100 children from schools across the UK taking part.
After admiring the architecture, sculptures and paintings in Westminster Hall and St Stephen’s Hall, the children were directed to Committee Room 14 for their debate where they were greeted by the Speaker of the House of Lords before receiving instructions on how to follow the debating formalities in the chamber. Children showed that they wished to speak by ‘bobbing’ out of their seats and were invited to address the room by the speaker. A range of wonderful suggestions were made about how better to support children with disabilities in our schools and children shared their own experiences as well as those of friends and family to support their arguments.
The event concluded with a vote in the room, the children supporting the motion calling ‘aye’, and the Speaker closed with thanks to all for attending and a reminder that the Children’s Parliament was the brainchild of the late Sir David Amess. The children then met up again with parents and were photographed in Westminster Hall before leaving Parliament under darkening skies for their journeys home.
Jasper and Cameron were excellent representatives of Clavering School and ended the day enthused by the processes and possibilities represented by Parliament. They have shared their thoughts on the day below:
| Cameron, Y4
I really enjoyed the day. We went into Committee Room 14, which had really comfy chairs, not benches, and there were big paintings of famous people. I wish we had been able to move around the room more to look at everything. I found it funny when everyone did bobbing to show they wanted to speak and saying ‘Thank you, Lord Speaker’ before we were allowed to talk. Some children had really good ideas and I thought it was good that they said disabled children should have a voice the same as everyone else. It felt sad that David Amess wasn’t there but I think he would have been really happy that we did the day. My favourite bit of the day was getting into the Houses of Parliament because it was super cool and not everyone gets to do that.
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| Jasper, Y3
I enjoyed sitting in the top seats in Committee Room 14 in the Houses of Parliament because it was very fancy and I had an important job looking after people’s bags at the end of the row. The building was bigger than I thought. I liked talking in the debate, holding the microphone and speaking about how we can help people with disabilities. I also liked bobbing up and down. There were lots of children speakers and a picture of David Amess. I loved the whole day.
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Mental Health Specialist Team
As you may be aware we are fortunate to have an Educational Mental Health Practitioner work with us. Last year it was Lily but, unfortunately, she has relocated. Holly Brown has taken over her position, and I have met with her a couple of times already this term to plan her involvement across the year. She will continue Lily’s work, working with whole classes around key themes, supporting families and children and she will also attend our Inclusion Coffee Mornings presenting a key theme.
After half term year one will have the opportunity to work with Holly for an hour a week for 6 weeks on ‘Emotion Explorers’. This is linked to the Zones of Regulation work we do as a school and put in place last year.
Our Inclusion Coffee morning will take place on Thursday 26th November 2.30pm. Holly will be leading a presentation on anxiety. If you would like to attend, please contact the office so we have an idea of numbers.
We are looking forward to working with Holly this year.
Parking on Vassars Field – IMPORTANT UPDATE from the resident committee
“I’m writing to update you on the ongoing parking situation. Since the start of term in September, we’ve continued to see parents parking in areas that aren’t designated for use, which has been causing concern for residents.
We’ve now polled the residents on how to address this, and the majority have voted in favour of bringing in a parking company to issue fines for cars parked in non-designated spaces. I appreciate this may not be the outcome everyone hoped for, and I understand the pressures parents face at drop-off and pick-up times. That said, the decision has been made based on the residents’ vote, and we’ll be proceeding with it.
Once I have the go-live date, I’ll share a further update. In the meantime, I’d be grateful if this could be added to the newsletter, so parents are aware in advance.”
SAFEGUARDING – No Mobile Phones in School – updated DFE guidance and school policy
In line with new DFE guidance, mobile phones are not permitted in school. If a child needs a phone, as they are walking to and from school (years 5 and 6, as per our School Travel Plan) then it must be handed in to their class teacher upon arrival and collected before they leave school at the end of the day. Please note this has always been our policy, but it has now been released as an expectation by the DFE, which is active from September 2026.
Families are strongly encouraged to choose a non-smart (call/text) phone if a device is needed. The school is looking to join the Saffron Walden schools in becoming a Smartphone Free School due to the risks to mental health, sleep, attention, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and reduced play/social interaction among children. Families are encouraged to delay social media access until legal ages and to consider non-internet ‘retro’ phones if contact is essential for travel.
Staff, Parents, Governors and visitors can only use mobile phone(s) and other devices with camera functions in designated areas and never in front of the pupils. When not in a designated area, phones must be switched off and out of sight. Any exception must be pre-arranged.
Sickness
The school office should be notified on the first day of each absence before registration at 8.50am and this should be followed up in writing on the day of return.
If your child has been vomiting or had an upset stomach a 48-hour leave of absence from the last episode is required. For guidance on other illnesses please contact the School Office or refer to the document on the website in the ‘Attendance’ section – “Guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings”.
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
Secondary school places for September 2027
From 12 September 2026 you can apply online for your child’s school place https://www.essex.gov.uk/apply-for-a-secondary-school-place
You must submit an application by the national closing date of 31 October 2026. Applications received after this date will be considered late and you may reduce your chance of being offered a place at your preferred school.
Primary (Reception) places for September 2027
From 9 November 2026 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 2027. 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 Update – Criteria Change from September 2026
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free school meal. There will no longer be an income threshold of £7400 for the purposes of free school meals. Your child may, therefore, be eligible for free school meals if you receive certain benefits. In addition, eligibility may provide the school with extra funding (Pupil Premium) to support your child through initiatives such as additional teaching, tuition, or extracurricular activities.
The information provided will be used to assess eligibility for free school meals and may be shared with relevant Council departments to help identify other support you may be entitled to.
Please note, children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive free school meals, regardless of the earnings or benefit status of their household. However, we encourage you to still apply for benefits-based free school meals as, if eligible, the school could receive additional funding.
Please click on the link below to apply via Essex County Council.
Free school meals: Apply for free school meals | Essex County Council
Free October Half Term Clubs with Essex ActivAte Will Soon be Live to Book
Essex ActivAte half term programmes provide free, fun and engaging activities for eligible children and young people during the October half term break. From sports and crafts to outdoor adventures and more, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active, make friends and try something new, alongside receiving nutritious meals and snacks.
Spaces are limited and can be booked directly with local clubs when they go live, with no HolidayActivities voucher code or referral required.
To find a club near you, visit the Find Your Active Activity Finder on the Active Essex website. Simply select ‘Programmes’ to view the upcoming half term activities, enter your local area, and book directly with the club using the contact details provided.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
20th October Parents Evening
21st October Year 3 Egyptian Day
21st October Years 5 and 6 Dodgeball pm
21st October Parents Evening
23rd October Friends of Clavering Break The Rules Day
26th Oct – 30th Oct Half term
2nd November INSET day – school closed to pupils
4th November Years 5 and 6 Tag Rugby am
5th November Open Morning
9th November Flu Vaccine
9th, 11th and 23rd November SEN Learning Plan Meetings
11th November School Council Memorial visit
11th November Years 3 and 4 Dodgeball pm
12th November The Two Johns E-safety sessions for pupils, staff and parents
13th November Children in Need
20th November Sharing Assembly – Year 6 parents invited
20th November Year 6 Quiz
24th November Tray Day
25th November Years 3 and 4 Sports Hall Athletics pm
26th November Inclusion Coffee Morning
1st December Year 5 Parliament Trip
7th December Governor Focus Morning
14th December Friends of Clavering Christmas Shopping Morning
15th December KS2 dress rehearsal am, KS1 dress rehearsal, KS2 evening performance yrs and parents 6-7pm
16th December Christmas Lunch
17th December Reception Nativity am, KS1 performance pm, KS2 evening performance yrs 5 and 6 parents 6-7pm
18th December End of Term
CLUBS AUTUMN TERM 2026 (2nd half)
| MONDAY | |
| Early morning indoor cricket | Years 3-6 7.45 – to beginning of
school |
| Football | Years 4 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Drama – STING | Years 1- 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| TUESDAY | |
| Football | Years 1- 3 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Art | Years 4 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| WEDNESDAY | |
| Tag Rugby | Years 3 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Choir | Years 2 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Tennis | Years 2 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| THURSDAY | |
| Dodgeball | Years 3 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Art | Years 1 – 3 3.20 – 4.20 |
| FRIDAY | |
| Golf | Years 4 – 6 3.20 – 4.20 |
| Dodgeball | Years 1 – 2 3.20 – 4.20 |
Our School Lunch Menu is being updated, which has been shared with you. This will start after half term. Details are also on our school website.
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending 9th October 2026
Reception Bexley-Banks – trying new things in PE
Year One James – for fantastic attitude to learning and always trying his best
Year Two Lynette – trying her best in all areas and settling into our class so brilliantly
Year Three Max – a brilliant effort to make great choices this week and being ready to learn
Year Four Myles – enthusiastic participation and a positive attitude to learning, especially in Maths and English.
Year Five Thea – consistently working hard and showing a positive attitude in every lesson
Year Six Fraser B – fantastic hard work in all lessons especially English
Week ending 16th October 2026
Reception Percy – great effort in Phonics
Year One Emily – showing curiosity in our History lessons and engaging well with tasks
Year Two Indie – for always ‘doing the right thing’ and great effort in Maths this week
Year Three George – great determination, effort and resilience and a brilliant attitude at Cross Country
Year Four Bertie – enthusiastic and hugely considered contributions in lessons, especially during English
Year Five Rollo – for working hard during our Science experiment and demonstrating excellent
knowledge and understanding of thermal conductors and insulators.
Year Six Isaac – all round focus, hard work and helping others across the school
HEADTEACHER’S AWARD
For children who have achieved their personal best:
Reception:
Austin – great progress with his letter formation
Nebraska –brilliant phonics – spotting our new sounds everywhere
Year 1:
Eva – always setting an excellent example to others and being a great role model!
Albert – always trying his best, even when he finds something difficult. Keep up the great effort!
Year 2:
Ethan – a fantastic attitude to learning.
Henry – a great improvement in his writing.
Year 3:
Grace H – showing brilliant effort and challenging herself across all subjects, particularly in English and Maths.
Henry – fantastic progress in making positive choices and a brilliant effort at improving his presentation.
Year 4:
Julie – consistently demonstrating positive behaviour and a thoughtful approach to her learning.
Bertie – consistently demonstrates 100% commitment in all his lessons, showing great interest and an eagerness to learn.
Class 5:
Cruz – making excellent progress across all areas of learning, particularly in maths when applying new concepts, consistently presenting all work to a high standard and demonstrating an excellent understanding of grammar in writing.
Jude – making excellent progress in English through detailed and well-developed writing, improving spelling and literacy skills, and demonstrating outstanding progress and knowledge in science.
Class 6:
Delilah – fantastic progress with cohesion in writing and effort in maths with long division
Bodhi – always working hard in all lessons and making progress with maths particularly with calculations
Cartoon Attitude Learning Awards
We have our super-hero learning behaviours, which the children created in their house groups during a Friendship Week. This term the children worked hard on resilience, championed by “Resilieroo”. Two children from each class were nominated for a special award and will enjoy a hot chocolate treat with Miss Allsop.
Reception: Artie and Olive
Year 1: Matilda and Oscar
Year 2: Mollie and Ted
Year 3: Darcey B and Arthur A
Year 4: Amelia and George S
Year 5: Luna and Scarlett
Year 6: Alfie and Barney
If you have any questions at any time, then please feel free to make an appointment.
Have a great half term.
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher
