Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a lovely week. We hope you have too. On Monday, Roger Goula, one of our school parents, visited to speak to the children about his fascinating work as a film composer. Roger recently composed the music for the feature film Sense and Sensibility. He explained that his job is to draw inspiration from the images in a film and write music that complements what is seen on screen. The children asked some excellent questions, and it was wonderful for them to see how learning music can become part of a future career. A huge thank you to Roger, who shared this with us. It was impressive to listen to. I hope it encourages the children to play instruments and to recognise how important music is. If you would like to come in to talk to the children about your job, hobby or interest, please let us know. We love having visitors at assemblies.

We had an OPAL audit this week and received the highest reward – platinum. Well done to all our staff and the children, who showed how amazing our OPAL play is. Our playtime is joyful for children and staff, and our systems feel tight and sustainable. It was delightful to hear how many children said something along the lines of, "Well, it’s way funner because everyone gets to, like, explore and be creative. If we can’t think of games to play, like hide and seek, you have stuff to make." Importantly, when asked about dynamic risk assessment, the children all knew to check that they were keeping themselves and their friends safe enough, and many could articulate what they do to make potentially risky areas safer. The auditor particularly loved the canoes, den-making and the hammocks. They were also delighted that staff have so much more time to support the children who need it, instead of dealing with accidents or behaviour incidents. We achieved 91%, with the auditor marking quite hard on a number of points. They were delighted to say that we are officially in the top 1% of schools in the world for play. Well done to everyone involved, the donors and the supporters. It really makes a difference.

Emerald Class presented a fabulous assembly on the Stone Age. They were so confident and not only did they say their lines loudly and clearly, but they also acted, shared facts and information, and sang beautifully. Well done, Emerald Class. It was amazing.

On Tuesday, some of our children took part in a chess tournament. There were six schools, and we came second. Well done to all the children who took part. That is a great result.

It was lovely to see so many of you at our Parents’ evening last night. I hope you found the meeting useful and a good opportunity to see the wonderful work your child is doing. We are very proud of them. If you ever have any questions, please ask.

Next week is Anti-Bullying Week, and we will kick off with Odd Sock Day. This takes place on Monday, 16th November. We are asking the children to wear mismatched, bright, or "odd" socks to school. Odd socks symbolise that everyone is unique, different, and wonderful in their own way. It encourages kindness, inclusion, and standing up to bullying.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is the Tower Theatre’s Panto this year. Following a sell-out run in 2025, the Tower Theatre returns with another playful pantomime for all the family. Prepare for porridge fights, a rescue mission and one very impressive Dame on a tightrope. Join the all-singing, all-dancing Dame Bella’s Circus at the Tower this Christmas for belly laughs, festive cheer and a story about finding your courage. If you want to buy tickets, Betty Layward families can get discounted tickets by using this code: GOLDILOCKSCAST

https://www.towertheatre.org.uk/event/goldilocks-and-the-three-bears-6/

Have a lovely weekend,

Jessica

Headteacher