What a super start to spring we have seen this week. Sunny days and children already asking me when they can play on the grass, let us hope that this continues.
I am writing my blog on a Thursday this week as I am once again missing from school tomorrow. I have missed a few gold books this term, which is a real shame, as they really are my favourite time of the week. I do always read their certificates and I always have a smile at their photographs! On the 3rdMarch, Mrs Bates and I were speaking at the NEC, sharing our good practice with other schools across the country. It is great to be able to support children, who we have never even met. Last week I was attending the Head Teacher’s conference with other Nottinghamshire Head Teachers. It was an excellent conference, giving me the opportunity to talk to other heads about what works well in their schools and listening to important changes to expectations and requirements. I have returned to school with some super ideas, which will inform staff meetings in the summer term. This week I am out of school with my ‘Ofsted’ hat on!
Last night we had our school disco and it was totally brilliant! For the first time we split the children into two groups. This meant that the evening started with early years and years 1 and 2 in the hall, being entertained by our resident party host (and site manager) Chris Buck. It was great. After 50 minutes, the older children were in the hall whilst the younger ones were able to access the different activities, including cake decorating, art and crafts, dancing room and chill out room. Dismissing children from their own classrooms at the end of the day made a big difference too! A huge thanks to Mrs Sandra Tantum and the parent helper team. These events simply would not happen without them. Having a great time is an important aspect of our school discos but raising over £700 is a bonus!
Also this week, I have spent time in every class doing my termly observations. I have been focussing on specific groups during my time in the classroom. This has included; watching how the teacher interacts with the different groups, the work set for them, the progress in their books and also speaking to children about their learning. It has been a really positive picture and I feel really proud to lead such a great team of teachers. I have had some magical moments too when asking the children about their learning – they are funny!
I hope you all enjoy a super weekend and I will see you all on Monday.