990323

SCHOOL NEWS - 23rd MARCH 1999

For Parents and Friends,

Ofsted Inspection
You will know that last week the school was inspected by the Office of Standards in Education (Ofsted). I am pleased to report that initial verbal feedback has been most encouraging. We now await receiving a draft report which will be considered by the school's management team and governors prior to its final version being published. This is likely to be in the third week of April and then the school has 40 working days to draw up an action plan to address the key issues raised in it. We are not allowed to comment on the content of the report until it is published although I feel able to say that we expect it to be very positive about the school.

Staff News
At the end of this week Mrs. Doreen Sinclair (affectionately known as ‘Nanny'), one of our mid-day supervisors, reluctantly retires after just over six years of caring for the children at lunch-times. She will be missed by us all and I'm sure you would wish to join me in thanking her for her contribution to school life and to wish her a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Another of our mid-day supervisors, Mrs. Sue Mottram, is currently unwell in hospital. She and her family are in our thoughts and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.

Booster Classes
You may be aware, through the media, of the Government's injection of extra funding to support schools in their efforts to help as many children as possible achieve ‘Level 4' in the SAT's tests which all Year 6 children will be taking in May. Schools are required to target those children who might otherwise just miss reaching Level 4 and provide them with some form of enhanced opportunity to reach this level. We have started a series of Maths and English ‘booster' classes after school for these children but have also extended the scheme to include those who probably won't achieve a ‘4' anyway, believing that they should be given the opportunity of deriving some benefit by attending the sessions. The parents of children invited to participate have been contacted. We have followed guidelines in the selection process but parents who have not been contacted should not assume their Year 6 child is guaranteed a Level 4 in the tests. We may only reasonably assume it if they work to their maximum capacity in the weeks ahead. We have set ourselves challenging targets for the forthcoming SAT's but we believe that with full commitment they are achievable. Your continuing support of the school and the children is greatly appreciated.

Make it, Bake it!
Congratulations are due to Chloe Winney for her entry which was short-listed for the final round of judging in the Stork Make it, Bake it! competition. We were pleased to be able to present Chloe with a certificate in a recent assembly. Well done, Chloe.

Sports fixtures
A full programme of football and netball fixtures is underway, and results are very encouraging. We have recently had two netball home wins, a draw and a victory in football and a creditable fourth place in an area football tournament last week. The children are also to be complimented on the sporting way in which they participate. We can feel proud of them all. Thanks are also due to the parents (and others) who are helping Mrs. Smaje with the coaching.

The Five Term Year
Again through the media you are probably aware of the County Council's intention to consult widely on the proposal to review the current organisation of the school year. I have enclosed a leaflet from the County Council outlining its proposal to change the terms from 2000.
All East Sussex schools have been asked to organise a meeting for parents on this matter in order to get further information and encourage a debate about the issues before you are asked to register your views in May. The County Council will make its final decision in June after it has heard what people think. You are therefore invited to school on Wednesday, 14th April at 7.00 and we hope you are able to join us to discuss this important proposal. Please note you will not be expected to give your final view on the proposal until you receive a form in May to do so.

Lost Property
We have a huge bin-liner full of un-named lost property. We don't intend to store it forever so please see Mrs. Gurney if you think some might be yours.

Easter Holiday
Finally - a reminder that we break-up on Friday and that school resumes for the children on Tuesday, 13th April. I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a happy and peaceful Easter.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. P.R.Fleming
Headteacher

Use the BACK button on your browser to return to newsletter index