New School Year 2024/25

A warm welcome back to all our Four Swannes community and in particular our new children and families. An exciting year is ahead where I have the privilege of being headteacher of such a wonderful school, with a dedicated team of people who are all focused on making your school a fun, safe and engaging place to be.

It has been a successful summer break in terms of works carried out to improve the EYFS provision for our youngest children. After some delays, the external area has been completely renewed with a high number of new learning areas for children. Our reception class and our nursery class have been fully redecorated to add a fresh new feel to the areas. A comprehensive plan to redecorate all areas of the school will continue throughout the year. 

I am happy to say that all our new staff have settled in well and it has been pleasing to see the relationships blossom between staff and children. With the continued work being carried out on our curriculum, I am confident that the children will receive many vibrant and engaging learning opportunities throughout the year. In particular, we are introducing a Maths Mastery approach to our KS1 children which will give an embedded understanding of number to support future learning, much like we did with the introduction of our phonics provision (Little Wandle) which has seen a marked improvement in our children's reading ability. 

There have been a number of key additions to the staffing structure and some internal changes to strengthen the leadership team. We have a wonderful new SENDCo, Mrs Sawyer, who is responsible for ensuring that our SEND provision is robust and that our children have the appropriate support and parent/carers receive the guidance required. Ms Steel is now fully engaged with the role of deputy head and has already been a valuable support to staff and our school community (it would take too long to list all of her responsibilities!). You may have noticed that last year we had two excellent SLT members in our early years setting which has resulted in that provision moved forward at pace. That expertise has now been split with Mrs Attridge now taking the role of KS2 phase leader and Mrs Byrne Brown taking the role of EYFS lead. This ensures that there is excellent leadership in all areas of the school ready for the challenges of the year ahead (and not forgetting Miss O'Connor who drives all other aspects of the school!).

There will be a continued focus on attendance this year. It is imperative that children attend 100% of sessions available to them to ensure they receive the best learning opportunities possible. I will not authorise any absence apart from medical appointments that cannot be attended outside of school hours. All other absences will be classified as unauthorised. Unfortunately, we have had quite a few families that have taken time out of school for vacations which will have a negative impact on the education of your children. Please ensure that holidays are taken during school breaks (half - term and full - term breaks). Much more information will be shared with you in the coming weeks and there will be a noticeable change as to how we approach attendance with our children and families. It is appropriate to point out that all schools are now under increased pressure from the Department for Education (DfE) and the local authority and must show that any poor attendance is addressed immediately. Thank you in advance for your support with ensuring that your children attend school as much as possible. 

As mentioned, there is a continuation of development of the school curriculum, with new schemes of work and differing approach to quality first teaching to support and accelerate the learning of all of our children. It is vital that children have opportunities outside of school to enhance this learning which will ensure that each individual child is able to work at the required standard and beyond. Parents/carers can find the detail of what your child is currently learning via the class curriculum maps and healthy daily conversations about your child's learning will help to embed the days knowledge and skills. Please ensure that you take the time to read daily with your children and practice times tables where possible. This continuation of learning outside of school will give your children the best opportunities for the future. 

Thank you for helping to make such a positive start to the school year and I look forward to sharing another year of developing and building an even better Four Swannes for the future.

Mr Moore