The children have SPOKEN! Find out what the Tudorites think about THEIR school.
Newsletter 9
Dear Parents/Carers,
The children have SPOKEN!
We should feel proud of the Tudor community that we are all part of. All the staff in our school are determined for the school to be a vital part of the local area and there is a lot of evidence that our work goes way beyond the provision of academic learning. Whilst this can be incredibly challenging at times, it is those difficult moments that should give us all the most pride. Do be assured that we recognise that information we share or questions we raise are not always easy to deliver. It is because of such expectations that Tudor Primary continues to attract huge interest in applications as well as requests for support and intervention for other schools. It is this work in other schools (and situations) that give us a strong, broad evidence base to work from. Saying that, I do have to say that the views of one group of people should be regarded as more relevant that the others… and that is the views of the people that experience us the most: the children! Pupil voice activities are central to our school evaluation and they are certainly a key focus for advisors and inspectors when they visit the school. Using the questions adapted from the Ofsted framework, they have given us their personal views about things at school.
The LOWER the score, the BETTER! You can also check out the word cloud which has been created from the thing about Tudor they LOVE the MOST!
It is important for the children to know that their views will also be treated respectfully and they will not be challenged/ questioned about what they have said. In addition to the overall analysis, we are also able to filter the views for different groups (as well as classes) to deepen our understanding of how children in different situations view their school. I know our year 6 children will be looking forward to new adventures next year but it is incredibly pleasing to read how much they enjoy Tudor as well as how they feel safe and supported. In regards to staying safe, our approaches for enabling children to speak up and find someone supportive to talk to helps evidence our strong culture for safeguarding. To make sure that the children know that their view are valued, we shared the outcomes in a separate assembly and the Tudor Owls will be further tasked with ideas on how to keep the school tidier (and cleaner). After all, we are in this TOGETHER!
Be assured that our daily engagement with the children remains our core evidence base. In a school of over 440 children, 300 families and 60 staff, not everyone will be happy all the time- things can go wrong! It is the joint partnership between home and school that will make the difference and we remain delighted with the overall comments we receive from the parent community.
Another HUGE indicator of well-being (and the success of a school) is ATTENDANCE. The vast majority of our parent community know this: children only get one chance at an education.
Some days DO feel a little gloomier (or challenging- and it’s often a Monday!) but it is the duty of parents to ensure children receive a sustained and consistent experience of education. Children WILL occasionally rather be at home (wouldn’t we all?) but we do hope the right decisions are made. Children that attend well, achieve well- now AND in the future.
Inclusion at Tudor Primary- a message from Miss Reading- our Leader for Inclusion:
Delivering Special Provision Locally have recently published their latest newsletter. This newsletter provides information about a range of courses, support groups and organisations that can support parents and carers of children with additional needs. The newsletter also provides information about the next SEND Information Fayre which is a free event, taking place on the 5th March at Bennetts End Community Centre, for parents and carers of children with SEN or Disabilities. You can find the newsletter using our website link: https://www.tudor.herts.sch.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=4961&type=pdf Finally, on Wednesday 25th February Dacorum Family Services will be attending our next 'Tudor Coffee Morning' - all parents/carers are welcome to attend.
‘My child needs a one to one’ As a mainstream school, Tudor has a duty to offer reasonable (and appropriate) adjustments in place for children (and families) to flourish. Tudor is not alone in experiencing more and more ‘informal demands’ to provide 1:1 learning support for children. We are proud of what we are able to deliver in our school (and our success) but do recognise that such decisions can only be made in exceptional circumstances. Misinformation being spread (often online) about schools having to offer such provision does not help the situation. Do remember that our goal is for the children to be independent and ready for the challenges of the future. ALL mainstream primary schools have the same duty of care- irrespective of where they are and how many pupils they have.
Partnership with Parents! Our Spring Term consultation evenings will be taking place NEXT WEEK on Tuesday 10th February and Thursday 12th February for all classes from Nursery right through to Year 6. Whilst school is a vital part of any childhood, the influence and input of parents is what truly counts so do make sure your child is represented. Book via your Arbor app.
Hangout- our after-school provision is POPULAR- There are lots of well-planned activities and the feedback is SUPER. The special events have been incredibly well-received and the team will be offering a Mother’s Day Craft Afternoon on March 10th.
Do be quick to book a space if you want your child to take part.
Dates for your diary:
Class assemblies for the Spring term:
1O- Thurs 12th Feb,
2R- Thurs 12th March
1P- Thurs 19th March
Parent Consultation Evenings
Tues 10th Feb and Thurs 12th Feb
Future dates to be aware of:
Sports Day (R-Y6)- Mon 13th July,
Y6 Leavers’ Assembly- Mon 20th July (6pm)
Class assemblies for the Spring term (Thursdays):
Whilst schools are often graded on academic achievements, it is fair to say that the children will speak more about fun memories and the ‘extras’ they enjoy. Just this week, we saw more sporting success for the (undefeated) football team and the way the team represented themselves was as impressive as the 5-0 score-line.
The girls’ team is looking strong too and there are more fixtures for them in the near future.
The after-school clubs are also doing really well and the music lessons are of high quality- we really want the children to have a wide range of experiences. The Tudor Choir have also just returned from performing for Young Voices at Wembley Arena and they had the most wonderful time. They were excited to share how SPECIAL it was to be part of the event.
A HUGE thank you to all the teaching staff that go above and beyond to make such opportunities a reality. We have a few surprises lined up for the children in the near future…EVERY DAY counts at Tudor so let’s work in partnership so they can TRULY FLOURISH.