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Wed 27 Mar 2024 -
Headteacher Update 29th November 2021
Mon 29 Nov 2021Dear Parents/Carers,
I hope you had an enjoyable weekend and enjoyed the weather ! The roof works are progressing well and we will be looking for Years R and 1 to move into other classrooms (ICT room/Year 2 classroom) within the school building within a week or so as the roofers move around the building.
Year 2 will remain in the Parish Hall as they are used to it and it works, a big 'thank you' to the children, staff and parents/carers in Year 2 for being so sensible and understanding.
1. Covid update and the road ahead
The weekend was also full of new Covid news, our approach has always been to be sensible and cautious so we will see what the next few weeks bring. Masks in school are for high schools and we see no need at the current time as we are still in class groups inside and mixing more outside (if children want to wear a mask in class then we allow them to). Assemblies are distanced anyway.
We ask you to be extra cautious and vigilant and regularly test.
Year 5 and 6 now have 'posh' toilets on site with heating and all other classes have inside toilets, they are expected to use them perfectly as it is a personal favour for our school to have them (the cost has been reduced and they are only hired on the understanding that we will use them correctly). We do not receive any additional funding for this or other Covid measures we still have in place.
Ventilation is still vital and the children need layers on during the cold weather. We sometimes put the heating on for a booster but we can't get to the boiler house due to the roof works (we can still access it in an emergency).
2. Eco Christmas - no cards (one to the class)
It is a good time to remind people that we do not have post boxes in classes or encourage the children to send individual cards to people. We would prefer that the children invest the time in one card for the class if they want to send one.
3. Christmas Parties etc
As stated before we will have Christmas parties but, as last year, they will be at forest school and outside. Some classes may stay up there a bit longer until it gets dark. More details will be sent soon.
Details for Year R and 1 will be sent shortly as they will have theirs in school.
4. Nativity and whole school Christmas
Despite some very unhelpful information from the DFE about nativities and Christmas celebrations it is the schools choice to decide what does and doesn't happen in relation to their own situations and infections.
Year R and Year 1 will have an afternoon Nativity (parents/carers are invited) in Madley Church (we are just checking it is free). We will be asking parents/carers to wear masks and to be seated socially distanced.
There will NOT be a whole school Christmas Church celebration this year.
5. National Tree Week
This week is National Tree Week and I have attached a picture related to the importance of trees. It also links forest school at school to eco schools to a wider understanding of the World.
I have no doubt there will be more Covid news as the weeks progress (here we go again !! Not that it was over anyway......).
Regards
Mr Batstone
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Headteacher Update 26th November 2021
Fri 26 Nov 2021A short update of attendance and sickness for this week. Attendance is good and we have low levels of sickness/bugs in school (long may it continue !).
We have one confirmed Covid case in Year 4 so we would ask parents/carers to be very aware, test regularly and do not come to school if you or your child display any symptoms (the list is long). Our ventilation in schools is good and we are still giving children plenty of time outside (coats and wellies are crucial pieces of clothing for school).
This week we have 'opened' more things up with assemblies, breaktimes etc and we would like to keep that going and not have to reverse and 'bubble' again. From Monday we are 'double bubbling' year groups for indoor/heated toilets and we need to be extra cautious and aware.
Thank you to everyone for the donations for the PTA hampers.
Overall attendance this week = 95.3%
Group Presents Possible % Attend RECEPTION 94.5 100.0 94.5 CLASS 1 99.7 100.0 99.7 CLASS 2 95.9 100.0 95.9 CLASS 3 91.5 100.0 93.2 CLASS 4 92.5 100.0 93.4 CLASS 5 96.2 100.0 96.2 CLASS 6 93.9 100.0 93.9 Totals 95.0 100.0 95.3 -
Headteacher Update 25th November 2021
Thu 25 Nov 2021Hello everyone,
The roof works continue well (Year 2 will be in the Parish Hall until further notice) and hopefully the weather forecast for the weekend will be kind.
1. PTA hamper event details
Non uniform this Friday (TOMORROW) in return for donations for the PTA Christmas Hamper event. A separate Parentmail was sent last week.
2. School lunchboxes/snacks and children's health
Part of our eco schools work is about healthy living as well as plastic packaging and one of the aims of the children for this year is to reduce the use of single use plastic. We have a number of children who appear to have everything in a packet that they cannot open independently. The sugar content of some foods in packets is also enormous. We are asking for parents/carers to look carefully at what is provided for packed lunches.
Healthy snacks - a piece of fruit or a healthy snack has always been part of our culture. Years R,1 and 2 receive free fruit through school.
Lunchboxes - parents/carers are responsible for ensuring that your child has a nutritious, balanced and healthy lunchbox.
3. Staffing news
Mr John Cotterell will start work as our new caretaker/site manager in a few weeks. Mr Cotterell joins us with a wealth of experience in grounds maintenance, working with contractors and with a drive to make our school environment the 'best it can be.'
Miss Elizabeth Marlow joins us as an LSA (Learning Support Assistant) in Year 1 in 2 weeks time to replace Miss Cooke. She is a qualified teacher, Forest School leader and has a wide range of skills that will benefit the children.
Mr Quinlan Lacey has been working with us for a few months to help fill some gaps in both the classroom and MASC. He is waiting to join the Navy and officer training and has been an absolute 'star' with everything he has done. He understands the values, culture and approach of the school (he was a pupil here) and, hopefully, this experience will help him on the ships/submarines of the future !
4. Children In Need
We all had a great time dressing up on Friday and everyone put a lot of effort in. We raised £263.69
5. Independence
Small things matter and make a massive difference -
Please let them carry their own book bags etc into school.
Please expect them to be able to do things for themselves (as they do it everyday here).
6. Covid free means ....
- we have joined together some classes for assemblies (3 classes for each assembly).
- Children have been able to mix at break and lunchtimes (THEY ARE STILL GETTING USED TO THIS).
- children are able to use more of the school grounds.
- we are 'double bubbling' toilets and the portaloos will disappear for the winter. Year 5 and 6 will have some posh, heated toilets on the patio outside their room. Year 3 and 4 will share the inside toilets. Year R and 1 already share the infant toilets. Year 2 are in the Parish Hall so have toilets anyway (they will have a portaloo for break/lunchtimes and when they are on-site for forest school etc). MASC use the Junior toilets now after school.
Toilets are still a great expense to the school as we do not receive additional funding for this (any help/donations/business sponsorship would be greatly appreciated).
Covid situations can and will change rapidly (there are schools in Herefordshire closed at the moment) and we need people to be aware, testing and keeping everyone safe.
7. Madley Culture (attached)
All of the staff at Madley were asked for key words to describe their connection with school. The result is attached.
An update of attendance, Covid etc will follow tomorrow.
Regards
Mr Batstone
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Headteacher Update 19th November 2021
Fri 19 Nov 2021Dear Parents/Carers,
This week has been extremely busy but positive week with on-going roof works, some staff sickness (NOT Covid), using the village hall (well done Year 2), Parent's Evening (lovely to see people in school) and everything else in between. Our focus on Friendship as part of a national 'anti-bullying' week has been very positive (see attached photos of the array of socks on show !). Fancy dress day today in support of Children In Need was excellent with a wide range of costumes.
The weather has been kind allowing the roof works to really get going.
1. Comet's Meadow update
- Mrs Crowther has secured a grant of £3000 towards the project. This means we can purchase storage for the £1000 of equipment we have had donated by a local company.
- Madley Charities are securing the water being established and paying for installation.
- We have various promises of labour, materials, expertise and time to set the garden/areas up.
We will press the accelerator and really get going in the spring term........
2. Parking/walking bus
Parking issues - it seems to be a bit better. Could we ask that people do not park across drives or on the white lines outside of houses (we have a number of repeat offenders and I have the registration numbers).
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT BREAKFAST CLUB/MASC PARENTS SHOULD NOT USE THE CAR PARK WHILST THE ROOF WORKS ARE TAKING PLACE.
Walking bus - this is a great asset and it is lovely to see the children enjoying a walk to school together. It is free, helps with parking and traffic around school and is run by volunteers and parents. It leaves from the Tennis Club/Park car park at 8:40 am and can be used everyday or when you need it. Thank you to the volunteers who make it all work.
3. Playground marquee
We have had a good response and some very generous parents stepping forward to help. Anyone else who may be able to assist we would welcome more. It may be that we hire a marquee with a view to raising the money to purchase it.
Benefits
- no more wet breaks.
- extra indoor/outdoor space for PE.
- space for events for the PTA and school.
- outdoor/indoor space for Madley After School Club/holiday club.
- covered space in the winter/sun shade in the summer (we still have the field/small woods/tipi/Exploration Garden as a range of outdoor/indoor spaces).
There are lots more benefits that I think of every time I think of the space......
4. Hamper PTA event -
News to follow on Monday but a donation in return for non-uniform next Friday. PTA events are limited at the moment so we need everyone's support to make events a success as they benefit every child.
5. Staff protocols
All staff at Madley (teaching and non teaching) have protocols set and professional expectations. School staff have the right to use social media like everyone else but they are much more guarded and aware. Please respect the standards that are set and not request staff to be 'friends' on Facebook or any other platform unless they are a personal friend (even then we have strict protocols and expectations of our staff concerning confidentiality, professional standards and our school values). Thank you for your awareness, respect and understanding.
6. Attendance/Covid
Overall = 97.4 % (Years 1,2 and 5 had 99.7%)
We have no confirmed Covid case this week (one PCR test being undertaken)
Covid nationally - last week the age group with the biggest rate of infection was in children aged 5 to 9. Thankfully serious illness (and even symptoms) are often rare. Not to scare anyone but just to raise awareness.
Next steps -
If we are Covid free then we can mix again at breaktimes/lunchtimes, open up more opportunities for all of the children and reinstate some sharing events we haven't done for nearly two years. We need your help to stay Covid free by being aware, making sensible decisions about what you do, testing regularly and getting tested if you have any symptoms.
Every bit helps......... (and then some luck as well !).
Have a lovely weekend.
Kind regards
Mr Batstone
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Headteacher Update 17th November 2021
Wed 17 Nov 2021Dear Parents/Carers,
We really enjoyed welcoming people safely back into school. Your positivity and reconnection was amazing and the books going home for a longer sharing session (with family and your child) is something I think we will do again each time (on the understanding they come back the next day).
A special mention to Year 2 who have started their time in the Parish Hall next door. It may seem disruptive but how many primary school classes have their own stage, own attached hall, luxury toilets and a whole building to themselves ?!!
The roof works are going well, we need a run of dry weather to help the project run smoothly. We are looking at approximately eight weeks if the weather is kind.
1. Christmas events this year
We hope to have all of the following events in the run up to Christmas providing it is safe and our Covid cases are extremely low (or non-existent !).
Reception/Year 1 will perform a nativity based short production in the last week of term (it will be an afternoon) in Madley Church as we can space out and it is like being outdoors in terms of temperature !
All classes will have a Christmas party (most classes will do theirs at forest school as it worked well last year). Year R and 1 will have one in the school hall.
Talent show - we do this every year and it will either be in class groups or we will host it across the school on Teams for the classes to share.
Christmas dinner will take place.
Other events such as the PTA Christmas Fayre, Christmas disco and our whole school church event won't happen this year but there will be a time when it all returns (please see the next item as you may be able to help, find sponsorship or contribute in some way ?)
2. Marquee to cover the playground !
It has always been an ambition to have a structure over the playground so we never have a wet break again, have a space for clubs whatever the weather and give scope for other fund raising events (maybe even an outdoor disco !). I have got prices for hiring a marquee and the company have also found a good quality second hand structure (with a price for a new cover). We are looking at a 12m by 25m structure that would be bolted to the floor and we could leave up all year for around £15,000. We would need assistance to raise this amount quickly (we did it a while ago when we purchased the original mini-buses). If you can help in any way or know any good contacts for sponsorship please let the office know. Ideally we want to hire or buy something for the winter months.
The Exploration Garden will also see a new structure soon as a traditional Native American Sioux tipi will be installed giving us an extra covered space for classes with a fire in the middle for warmth. This addition also adds to our history curriculum, in particular a Year 5 theme.
We are still exploring more comfortable outside toilets for classes for the winter months.
3. Reception class 2022 !
As it says on the banner at the front we do allow prospective parents to visit and get a 'feel' for our school. We won't be holding an open evening/morning as we will it is better to see us working and in full flow (whatever is happening) as it shows what life is like here everyday, we want it to be 'real.' Please tell anyone who may not be sure about a potential visit to contact the school office and we don't mind when as Friday afternoon won't be any different to any other time, every minute of everyday should be about learning in some form.
4. Mr Richards
Construction teaching for Year 5 and 6 is a big part of our school and Mr Richards has been a great ambassador and leading figure in that. Next week will be Mr Richards last week with us as he has secured a full time teaching post at the post 16 special school in Hereford. He will be sorely missed and we wish him every success for the future. 'Thank you' Mr Richards for having a positive impact on so many children.
Construction teaching will continue and we have plans already to continue Mr Richard's legacy.
5. Absence - I have attached a useful 'should my child be off school ?' chart for information.
Kind regards
Mr Batstone
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Headteacher Update 15th November 2021
Mon 15 Nov 2021Dear Parents/Carers,
Every week is a busy week but this week is particularly busy with the roof works starting, Year 2 working in the Parish Hall and the 'normal' work/experiences that classes have. This week forest school will mainly be on-site as it is my leadership focus week (I will be doing Year 2 forest school tomorrow all day for reasons below).
Our new word for this week is 'eucatastrophe' - a sudden and favourable resolution of events in a story, a happy ending.
Everything is working well but it all feels a bit chaotic ! Thank you for adjusting and making entry/exit run smoothly.
Final parent's evening is tomorrow (Tuesday) and phone calls will/have started for some already (if you didn't want. couldn't make a face to face).
1. Breakfast Club/MASC parent parking
Please DO NOT use the car park for drop off or pick up until further notice (while the roof works are happening).
2. Year 2 Parent's Evening (Tuesday) - POSTPONED AS MRS CUNNINGHAM IS ILL (Mrs Baker is teaching Year 2 today and it is forest school tomorrow).
Mrs Cunningham has suggested next Tuesday with the same times. If this is an issue please contact the school office.
3. Clubs
There won't be any clubs until the new year. Teachers have a very, very busy day with minimal break times and a club after school would be a step too far !
4. Road safety/road awareness
Not many children have to cross roads at our school but people do get into cars on the road side and walk along narrow pavements. The attached picture is one to raise awareness (there is a child in both photographs !). As the evenings draw in it is worth reminding the children about road safety, clothing and awareness.
5. Anti-bullying week/friendship focus
'Odd socks' are a visual way for children to reinforce what we have talked about in assembly and the classroom. Our discussions in school are based around our values and how we treat other people. Children need to learn to deal with conflict and resolution as part of normal life and we have discussed what 'bullying' actually is. Everyone has the right to feel safe.
6. Year 2 entry and exit from the Parish Hall
Polite reminder that Year 2 are in the Parish Hall everyday until further notice as the roof above their classroom is worked on.
Entry everyday is via the side door (an adult will let them in).
Exit = Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday will be from the Parish Hall side door.
ONLY THURSDAY WILL BE FROM THE NORMAL SCHOOL EXIT GATE (where it is normally).
More updates as the week progresses.......
Kind regards
Mr Batstone
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Headteacher Update 12th November 2021
Fri 12 Nov 2021Dear Parents/Carers,
Thank you for your patience, kind words and awareness with everything that is happening/has happened this week. We have enjoyed welcoming people back into school for Parent's Evenings, thank you for following the expectations and returning the books as requested.
Values at Madley
Attached is a document that exemplifies how people who work at Madley Primary feel about values, their connection to children and learning. It is a privilege to work alongside people so dedicated to the children, opportunities and constant development.
Roof works - as you can see it has all started and this week has been extremely busy. Thank you to parents/carers in Class R and 1 who have adjusted quickly and made coming in/going out work. The actual roofing work starts on Monday and will move around the school roof from the ICT room and Year 2 to Year 1 and Reception to Year 4 ! It is all being paid for by the Local Authority as it is their school building.
From Monday Year 2 and the ICT room will be out of action as we cannot be in a room with heat and work happening above. A separate e-mail for arrangements will be sent to Year 2 parents/carers as they will be using the Parish Hall next door (this will also apply to Year R and Year 1 in a few weeks and then Year 4 after that).
We need to have the roof fixed as water pours in when it rains, if we waited until next Summer it would be too disruptive and not safe. We are taking the disruption now so we can have a dry future !
The generator will not be running whilst you drop off or pick up as the exhaust points towards the children and you !
All of this happens whilst the school still functions and alongside everything else.........
Children In Need - Friday 19th November will be 'Fancy Dress Day' and the challenge is not to buy anything new but use what you have or make/borrow/swap. There is no theme except to dress up and bring a donation of at least £1 for Children In Need.
Remembrance
Year 6 were amazing at forest school around the fire as they stopped for the two minute silence. They were so respectful and thoughtful.
The rest of the school also displayed great respect and thoughtfulness by forming a huge circle and holding the two minute silence together outside.
Forest School reflections (all of the following happened this week !).
This week Reception and Year 1 displayed how safe they can be around the fire.
Year 2 did some amazing map reading and tracked deer using our story maps.
Year 6 classified leaves and also reflected on remembrance and conflict around the fire. They also saw 12 deer (including 2 stags) moving across the forest school area.
Year 4 completed their Young Foresters Award with Tim from The Royal Forestry Society.
Year 5 were on-site this week but produced some amazing, natural North American head-dresses using leaves to represent feathers and they were only allowed to use natural materials (no glue, sellotape or anything artificial !). They also produced some amazing leaf art and took the attached photos themselves (focussing on form, composition and light).
There are photos of examples of all of the above on Twitter (@MadleyPrimarySc).
Attendance/Covid/sickness
WE ARE COVID FREE ! (that's done it !!). If we have another 'free' week then we can mix at breaktimes/lunchtimes and open up some more things.
As you can see below attendance is good and rates of sickness etc are low.
Friday 8th November 2021
Sickness
Coughs/other
Positive PCR
Waiting for PCR
Going for PCR
Isolating and doing daily LFT
YR
2
Y1
Y2
1
Y3
Y4
Y5
Y6
1
Total
0
3
0
0
0
0
Group
% Attend
RECEPTION
94.8
CLASS 1
98.0
CLASS 2
95.6
CLASS 3
98.3
CLASS 4
95.0
CLASS 5
97.2
CLASS 6
97.8
OVERALL
96.6
Have a good weekend, roof works start properly on Monday.
kind regards
Mr Batstone
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Headteacher Update 10th November 2021
Wed 10 Nov 2021Dear all,
Thank you for the excellent adherence to everything we asked for at Parent's Evening last night, it was lovely to welcome people back into school. We look forward to seeing more of you this week and next Tuesday. If you requested a telephone conversation it will happen in the next few weeks.
Parent evening reminders
- only one parent to attend. No children. (If you are struggling for child care then it is ok to bring your child (ren) and 'thank you' to those who have asked already).
- You must wear a mask unless you are medically exempt. Teachers may remove theirs and allow you to remove yours once you are seated.
- Books will go home (there won't be any books out on the evening) and MUST BE BACK THE FOLLOWING DAY (as your child will need them). This is something that gives more time for you to share but it is based on the understanding that we need the books the following day. If it is successful then it is something we could continue for future Parent's Evenings.
Please arrive just before your appointment time and someone will help you to find the correct classroom (as you may not have been into school for a while).
Roof works - scaffolding and welfare units are going in as we speak. By the end of today an area will be cordoned off for materials and the worker's van. There will be a slight change to the Year R and Year 1 entrance and exit due to some scaffolding and safety. A separate e-mail will be sent to Year R and 1 shortly. I will share where and what is happening later in the week.
Tyres request - we have had an amazing response, thank you. Please 'hold fire' with anymore at the moment and we will be in touch once we have looked at the structure needed. As always an amazing response from parents/carers.
MASC - please remember that everyday is collection via the front door using the radio.
Children In Need - Friday 19th November will be fancy dress day (this can include children who go to forest school and people doing PE, they just need to 'tweak' any costumes to fit what is happening). Don't order anything new or spend a fortune, in fact link with with 're-use, recycle etc' and swap, borrow, adjust and be imaginative. There is no theme just fancy dress or 'dress up' for the day and bring a donation for Children In Need (£1 minimum please).
Future events
IF Covid cases are very low or non-existent in year groups we aim to 'open' more opportunities up for the children and families (the responsibility lies with the whole school community).
Potential events :
- mix the children at break and lunchtimes outside again.
- depending on cost (you might be able to help) we are looking at a marquee to cover the playground so we can hold an outside disco, have PE lessons under cover and potentially more..... it all depends on cost and availability.
- have some face to face assemblies (a few classes at a time to start).
- hold a Christmas Nativity for Year R and Year 1 in Madley Church (we probably won't do the whole school church event this year).
More news to follow later in the week......
regards
Mr Batstone
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Headteacher Update 8th November 2021
Mon 08 Nov 2021Dear Parents/Carers,
Hopefully everyone had an enjoyable weekend and bonfires/fireworks if you attended some. The Madley fireworks looked amazing. This week we look forward to welcoming parents/carers back into school, exciting times.
1. Parent's evenings (important)
- Entry and exit
Year 4 only = Year 4 parents/carers can come in via the wooden gate next to the front door (your child's normal entrance/exit).
Other classes = you enter and exit via the front door only. Please use the hand sanitiser by the door (foot pump and watch it squirts out !).
Our expectations of you
You will wear a mask unless you are medically exempt. Individual teachers will decide if mask can be removed once you are seated.
One parent/carer attends and no children.
Please arrive just before your appointment time and teachers will be very strict on the 10 minutes (not our normal approach but it is not normal times yet !).
Appointments will be in your child's classroom (as some of you will never have seen the inside of the school) and there will be a map as you come in to help you.
Toilets - if you are desperate then you can use the staff toilets (it happens).
You may take the books home to share BUT THEY MUST BE RETURNED THE NEXT DAY. It is a nice thing to share with your child and as a family.
Telephone conversations/can't make the dates - please e-mail the office and a mutually convenient time will be arranged with the class teacher in the next few weeks. We can also send books/Learning Journeys home (as long as they come back the next day).
Madley After School Club (MASC)
This will be in the Cabin and ICT room. Your child must be collected using the radio at the front door in the normal way and they will be brought to you. No parents/carers should be in the ICT room or the Cabin.
2. MASC (Madley After School Club)
Everyday will now be in the Cabin or ICT room (or outside sometimes) and collection will always be via the front door using the radio (Thursday is a front door collection as well please). Please make sure you tell anyone else who collects and remember to communicate if it is a different person collecting ('if we don't know they won't go !').
3. Covid and on-going issues
If numbers remain low and under control (only 1 confirmed case and one PCR test last week, but it was after half term) then we can start to mix children outside again at breaks/lunchtimes as well as assemblies and other opportunities (clubs in January etc) but it is very dependent on you !
As a school we keep people safe whilst keeping everything else going but we rely heavily on parents/carers to share that responsibility. We do what we feel is best and not what other schools do (in fact our school and its' approach has been praised by external agencies for it's care, safety and values).
It is cold ! We still need to ventilate and we go to forest school so please ensure your child is dressed correctly and layers are better on (then removed) than not at all ! Hats and gloves and a warm coat is needed for forest school, both on-site and off site. We don't always have hot chocolate as that is a treat not an expectation !
We are exploring a number of options, such as a marquee over the playground, to give us more scope for outdoor events before and after Christmas. This is obviously VERY dependent on cost (as our budgets are very tight and we do not get additional funding for on-going Covid expenses).
Roofing works - it may be a busy week as the contractors begin to move kit on-site and start work. There should be minimal disruption to parents/carers and the children.
This is going to be a very busy week and we look forward to welcoming many of you into the school building again.
Regards
Mr Batstone
