As you are aware we were inspected under the new Ofsted inspection process at the beginning of March. We are due our report soon. Instead of single-word judgements like “Outstanding”  or “Good”, schools will now receive a five-point scale for each area:

Exceptional – Nationally exemplary practice

Strong Standard – Highly effective and consistent

Expected Standard – Meets all requirements

Needs Attention – Some weaknesses to address

Urgent Improvement – Serious concerns needing immediate action

All statements must now be met to achieve the above grading statements. It is now a secure fit system and not a best fit system as in the previous framework.

The graded areas are:

• Leadership & governance

• Curriculum & teaching

• Attendance & behaviour

• Achievement

• Personal development & well-being

• Inclusion

• Safeguarding will retain a simple Met/Not met grading

The children have loved our new OPAL areas- especially the digging area and mud kitchen. If anyone has any gardening trowels or forks that you could donate to school, they would be very much appreciated.

This week the children all saw the dress rehearsal for St. Stephen’s Got Talent, and last night all the finalists performed for their families. It was a fantastic show. We were treated to singing, dancing, comedy and music from children as young as Year 2. Well done everyone! You were all amazing! Thank you to our judges, Mrs Lowe and Mr Lawrenson, and a huge thank you to Miss Quinn for all your time in putting everything together. We really appreciate it.

On Wednesday we had 2 of our Year 6 pupils taking part in a spelling competition, and then later that day the reasoning group from Y6 were also out at their next session. Well done to you all.

Reception and Year 1 had a fabulous day out at Smithills Farm earlier in the week, and yesterday Y3 all looked fantastic for their Roman day.

Can I please ask everyone to be considerate in their use of the car park? Last night one of our families needed access to a disabled bay, and they were all in use. Please do not use the disabled bays unless required.

Next week we have a strange week with it being Bank Holiday Monday and the school is closed on Thursday for the local elections. On Tuesday all children must be in full school uniform (which is P.E. kit in nursery) for class photos please. On Friday 8^th May we are holding a non-uniform day, asking if the children can bring in an item for one of our tombola’s at the Summer Fair.

I mentioned to you recently about your child’s attendance record being sent to you digitally. It has been emailed to you this afternoon.