Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
What a fast first week of the Summer Term! The teachers were chatting about how long ago the Spring Term seems already - testament to how everyone has "hit the ground running" after Easter.
Our new gates and fencing on Nelson Lane were completed over the break so we are now safe and secure. Many parents have commented how it looks much nicer than they'd expected; I have to say that I like how it still feels "open" due to the width of the meshing.
At the start of the week, I met with all of the teachers individually to talk about their children's progress last term. The overall picture is looking really strong and teachers are talking to me in real depth about the next steps in learning for individuals and groups within their classes.
On Tuesday we interviewed six candidates for the Business Manager position which becomes vacant when Mrs Barrowclough retires at the end of this half term. Mrs Angela Adams will join us next month and brings with her a strong industry background, as well as having worked in a similar role at the National College for Teaching and Leadership. Mrs Crossland and I were relieved to finally be able to tell you of our appointments too - a great relief as it was a secret we had had to "sit on" for a while! Next week we will be interviewing for a Senior Teacher to replace Mrs Power and will let you know the outcomes as soon as we are able.
On Wednesday, Classes 5 and 6 started their preparations for their end of year performance. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" (The Lavignasse-Booth version) will be performed on the evening of Wednesday July 1st.
Miss Lavignasse spent Thursday afternoon with other local Year 6 teachers at Tuxford Academy. As well as a lovely lunch, she began the preparation work for the Transition Week where our Year 6's will get a taste of their own future as Year 7s. We are lucky that Tuxford Academy make such an effort to get to know their new students in such detail from a relatively early point in the term.
Lastly, following Mrs Power's departure, I must say "Well done" to Class 4. Mrs Robinson and Mrs Hill have been delighted with you this week; you've really impressed them both with your attitude and effort.
Dear Parents and Carers,
Re: School Leadership
I am writing to inform you of three leadership appointments which have been made since the end of the Spring Term.
Head Teacher
I am delighted to inform you that Mr Russell Gray has agreed to stay with us as Head Teacher until the end of the Summer Term 2017. Mr Gray will be continuing the “ambitious and effective” work identified by HMI inspectors last month with the vision of securing a “good” grading for the school in the near future. His extended commitment to our school community will bring us much-needed consistency and security as the school continues on its journey of rapid improvement.
Deputy Head Teacher
Also with an arrangement until the end of the Summer Term 2017, Mrs Amanda Crossland will be continuing in post as Deputy Head Teacher. Alongside her highly-regarded expertise in the classroom, her “able support” to the Head Teacher identified by HMI inspectors last month is a skill we are very pleased to have secured.
School Business Manager
Next month we will welcome our new, permanent School Business Manager, Mrs Angela Adams. In the new leadership structure, Mrs Adams will be taking responsibility for the financial and administrative aspects of school life as well as managing our Information Systems and Human Resources processes.
School Support Update
During the summer term, Ms Digges will continue to support the school 1 day per week in the role of Executive Head Teacher. During this time, school leaders will be working closely with the Local Authority to consider the most appropriate partnership support for the school from September. Once this has been agreed we will update you further.
I look forward to seeing you at 6pm on Wednesday 29th April for the Parent Meeting with Mr John Slater, Nottinghamshire County Council Service Director Education Standards and Inclusion.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Richard Bourne Chair of Governors