Updates
We had a number of concerns raised around safety due to the amount of knife crime taking place nationally. Schools are expected to have a policy which directs children and adults to go to a safe place and wait quietly. This is similar to a fire drill, but we go into classrooms rather than leave the building. We call our policy 'code blue'. Some children may have shared that we have practised this recently. We discuss with the children the purpose in an age-appropriate way. For example, there is a dog on the premises, and we need to go inside so we can safely ensure it leaves the premises without getting hurt or scared. As with a fire drill, we will continue to trial the procedure to ensure that if we ever need to stay safe in the school, everyone can do this quickly and quietly.
Congratulations to Miss Ricketts, who has announced she is expecting her second baby in September. She will continue to teach her class until the end of the summer term.
Homework
Thank you to all of our families who have helped with learning at home. We are so proud of the number of children who are now reading regularly at home. This is having a wonderful impact on children's reading fluency and understanding. Most children are sharing and discussing a wider range of texts and more children are reading at an age-related level. Reading regularly at home is the homework expectation at Heathfields and Wilnecote. If you need support, please talk to the class teacher.
At Wilnecote, we also expect children to complete multiplication homework. The regular use of Times table Rock Stars (TTRS) is also having a positive impact on children's mathematical understanding. Counting and multiplication facts allow children to apply this knowledge to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions. We are extremely impressed with the high number of children achieving green heat maps. During the weekly round-ups we will be sharing workshops to invite parents to work with children on TTRS and how you can help at home. These will start in the summer term.
The Amazing Alfie Young
On the 24th April 2025, staff at Heathfields Infant and Wilnecote Junior Academy will remember Alfie Young. It will be 10 years since we had to say goodbye to one of our children for the last time. He was an amazing boy who will always be remembered by our community #alfie10 #alwaysinourhearts
Social Interactions
In our parent survey, some parents raised queries around social interactions and supporting emotions. In response to the feedback, we are starting to develop the play provision at both schools, so children can develop more skills for socialising and interacting at lunchtime. We hope that the children come home and share their new play experiences.
At Heathfields Infant and Wilnecote Junior Academy we are introducing a wider range of play activities so that children have alternative choices to the range of sports already available. This has ensured that all children are included and have activities that support their emotional and social development. The children have shared how their playtimes could be improved and each week we introduce an additional activity to support social interaction and engagement. This week, the infant children introduced music and 'it has been the best week ever'. The junior children have loved preparing the garden area, and they are looking forward to planning seeds and watching vegetables grow throughout the summer term.
If we have any parents in the building trade who can deliver and donate large cable wheels for the junior den building area, it would be very much appreciated by the staff and children. Please contact the office if you can help.
