Latest News
Love Library
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Attendance
Mon 29 Jan 2024Monday 29th January 2024
Dear Parents/Carers,
RE: Attendance
At the start of this term we have seen an unprecedented increase in children’s absence from school. Most of the children off school have been unwell and we understand that winter viruses are very prevalent at the moment. If your child is genuinely unwell then they must be at home to recover. However, if your child is just a bit under the weather we want to encourage parents to still send your child to school.
We can administer Calpol with your permission and we will never keep a child in school for a whole day if they deteriorate, especially if they run a temperature.
It is vitally important for your child to be in school, even half a day can make a difference. Children who miss 10% or more of lessons quickly fall behind and their academic progress really suffers. If your child has a mild illness such as a cough or cold, please inform our office team who will monitor and take care of your child throughout the day.
I thank you for your support in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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Welcome Back to School
Mon 04 Sep 2023Welcome to the start of a new school year, especially to all our Year 3 children and parents. We hope everyone had a relaxing summer holiday.
We would also like to welcome two new members of staff to our team. Mrs Wheatland is our new teacher in Year 4. Mrs Etherington has joined us as a new Lunch Time Assistant.
School Uniform
All the children looked very smart at the start of the school year. We believe that wearing school colours helps children feel a sense of identity and encourages community spirit. Our school colour is navy blue. This is our uniform expectation:
- Navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan with the new Wootey badge.
- Grey trousers, skirt or shorts
- White shirt or polo shirt (optional to have this with a school badge)
- White or grey socks for girls or grey tights. Grey or black socks for boys.
- Option to wear navy blue and white gingham dresses in the summer. Separate gingham blouses or skirts are not permitted.
- Children can wear small hairclips or bows. However, large Jo-Jo bows are not acceptable.
- Black shoes or all black trainers (Trainers that contain large logos or alternative coloured soles are not acceptable.)
On P.E. days children can come to school in their P.E kit for the day.
Please can we remind parents that children cannot wear the following:
- Jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces. (Pupils with pierced ears may wear only small plain studs – one per ear. No other studs are permissible. Watches are also allowed.)
- Nail varnish or make-up.
- Large bows or headbands
- High heeled shoes, sling back or toeless shoes, sandals or flip-flops.
- Trainers, other than plain black, or fashion footwear.
- Leggings, footless or patterned tights.
- Boots.
- Extreme haircuts or unnatural hair colours.
Cost of Living Crisis
We are very aware of the financial pressures that families are experiencing at the moment. We know that the cost of school uniform can be a concern. We also know that affording food and paying energy bills is affecting many households too. Please do not hesitate to speak to our staff if you are ever worried. Mrs Slade, in the school office, can signpost help and contacts. We may also have some practical ways we can support you with second hand uniform, food and free school meals too.
Lockers
All children have lockers to keep their bags and equipment. Each locker has an approximate height and depth of 40cm x 40cm. We discourage children from having large rucksacks. Bags must fit in to this space or they will not be permitted in school.
School Collection
At the end of the school day, it is our expectation that all children in Years 3, 4 and 5 will be picked up by a parent or a responsible adult unless you inform us differently. We will keep children in school if no adult comes to collect them. Children can walk home by themselves but you must inform the school office. If you are making alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up, please contact the school office before 1pm. Late changes put pressure on our staff to pass on the information and can be unsettling for the children.
For children in Year 6, the expectation is that they will not need a direct handover to a parent or responsible adult unless you inform us. Please contact the school office if you have a particular arrangement.
Talking to us
If you have any questions about your child’s learning or how they are settling in to school at the start of this term, please let us know. A member of the senior leadership team is normally on gate duty from 8:45am to 9:00am in the morning. Class teachers are always available to speak to parents at 3:15pm. You can also find a wealth of information about our school and the curriculum on our website.
https://www.wootey-jun.hants.sch.uk/
We look forward to another great year ahead and we thank you in advance for your continued support.
Your sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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NEU Industrial Action
Fri 21 Apr 2023Friday 21st April 2023
Dear Parents/Carers,
RE: NEU Industrial Action
As you know the trade union NEU has asked its members to take industrial strike action on a number of days this term. This call for strike action only applies to staff who are members of the NEU. The next two strikes planned are on:
Thursday 27th April and Tuesday May 2nd
The NEU has posted a document for parents, carers and grandparents that explains their reasons for taking strike action. It can be found at https://neu.org.uk/media/24511/view if you wish to read it.
On Thursday 27th April the school will be closed to all children in Years 3, 4 and 5. The school will though remain open for all Year 6 children. We wish to avoid any disruption to Year 6 children’s learning prior to their SATs. It is important that our children are able to prepare in the right way for these tests.
As a Headteacher, I share the concerns raised by the NEU which have led to their call for strike action. As NEU members, and in solidarity with our teaching colleagues, the school leadership team will be taking industrial action on Tuesday May 2nd. The school will be open as usual for all children. However, the school will not respond to any parental queries or requests for parent meetings that day.
A national strike by teachers is very unusual. Taking strike action is not something that any teacher or school leader undertakes lightly. Those on strike will have thought long and hard about their decision and will also lose pay for the days that they are on strike.
If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the school office.
Yours sincerely.
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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NEU Industrial Action
Tue 14 Mar 2023Friday 10th March 2023
Dear Parents/Carers,
RE: NEU Industrial Action
As you know the trade union NEU has asked its members to take industrial strike action on a number of days this term. This call for strike action only applies to staff who are members of the NEU. The next two strikes planned are next week on:
Wednesday 15th March and Thursday 16th March
The NEU has posted a document for parents, carers and grandparents that explains their reasons for taking strike action. It can be found at https://neu.org.uk/media/24511/view if you wish to read it.
The school will be closed fully for all children on Wednesday 15th March. This includes our Early Bird Breakfast Club. School will then reopen for all children on Thursday 16th March.
However, please note that class closures could still take place at short notice on Thursday. Our staffing may also be affected by the closure of other local schools.
As a Headteacher, I share the concerns raised by the NEU which have led to their call for strike action. I also recognise the right to strike of any staff member who wishes to pursue these aims in line with their union’s advice. Clearly this is a difficult situation, which will cause some disruption. I would ask you, however, to be understanding. A national strike by teachers is very unusual. Taking strike action is not something that any teacher would undertake lightly. Those on strike will have thought long and hard about their decision and will also lose pay for the days that they are on strike.
If you have any queries or concerns please contact the school office.
Yours sincerely.
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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NEU Industrial Action
Fri 27 Jan 2023Thursday 26th January 2023
Dear Parents/Carers
RE: NEU Industrial Action
You will no doubt have heard in the news that the trade union NEU has asked its members to take industrial strike action on a number of days this term. This call for strike action only applies to staff who are members of the NEU. The potential dates which could affect our school and other local schools are as follows:
Wed 01 Feb ; Thurs 02 March ; Wed 15 March ; Thurs 16 March
On the Wednesday 1st February there are some classes which will be closed for the day or for part of the day. Lessons may also be taught by our support staff rather than qualified teachers too. These closures follow after the school has completed an extensive risk assessment process.
Class
Action
Year 3 Koala
Closed all day
Year 3 Panda
Closed all day
Year 4
Children in Pelican class need to be collected promptly at 1pm
(a further email will be sent confirming the class list)
Year 5 Elephant
Open all day
Year 5 Rhino
Children need to be collected promptly at 1pm
Year 6 Jaguar
Children need to be collected promptly at 1pm
Year 6 Tiger
Open all day
The Early Bird breakfast club will remain open as will the after school club at the Infants.
Please note that class closures may still be subject to change at short notice. Our staffing may be affected by the closure of other local schools.
As Headteacher, I share the concerns raised by the NEU which have led to their call for strike action. I also recognise the right to strike of any staff member who wishes to pursue these aims in line with their union’s advice. I appreciate this action causes inconvenience and disruption but trust that parents and our community will respect and support our teachers in exercising their right to strike too.
If you have any further queries please do make contact and someone from school will get back to you.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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NEU Industrial Action
Mon 23 Jan 2023Dear Parents and Carers,
As you may be aware the NEU teaching union is beginning a series of strikes. Their dispute is with the government about its overall funding of education in the long term and its below inflation pay award partially funded from existing school budgets instead of by the DfE. Their dispute is not with Wootey Junior School. The strike action is planned for 1st February, 2nd March (in our region), 15th March and 16th March.
We must anticipate the strike action causing disruption to the school’s provision of education as this is its intention. It is possible that a decision to partially close to some children or fully close to all can only be taken on the morning of each strike. Decisions about partial or full closure will be driven by the risk assessment of children i.e. whether we have sufficient staff to supervise children in all their lessons and at break and lunchtime.
We are aware of the uncertainty inevitably involved about what will happen on 1st February and will communicate updates as soon as possible this week.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation in these circumstances.
Best wishes,
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Christmas Activities
Thu 24 Nov 2022As we are approaching the rather busy festive period we wanted to outline all of the upcoming events to help you organise your diaries.
Christmas Carol Concert
All our children will perform in a Christmas Concert on Tuesday 13th December at 6:00pm at Eggars School. Tickets will be available from Monday 5th December. In order to maximise access to tickets there initially will be a limit of two per family.
Christmas Lunch
Christmas lunch will be served to the children on Thursday 15th December. This is a special event which promotes the school family feel so we would like as many children as possible to take part with a cooked meal on the day. Booking details to follow.
Christmas Post Box
If your child wishes to bring in cards for their friends and use the school Christmas post box, please ensure that the first name, surname and class are marked on the envelope for ease of delivery. The Christmas card post box will be found in the library and will begin deliveries from Monday 6th December.
PAWS Christmas Fair
The PTA Christmas fair will be on Friday 2nd December from 3:15pm to 4:45pm in the Junior school hall..
Children’s Christmas Disco
We are planning to hold a children’s Christmas disco after school on Monday 12th December. Tickets and further details to be announced
Rocksteady Concert
This will be held on Friday 9th December at 9.30am in the school hall. Please come along to support your child if they have been taking part this term.
Last day and School Uniform
Please note that school finishes at the normal time of 3:15pm on Friday 16th December. Children may wear Christmas jumpers on the final day. Please ensure children continue to wear school uniform until the last day of term.
Teachers will do their very best to encourage children to take all their belongings and PE kit home so that this can be washed over the Christmas period. We return to school on Tuesday 3rd January 2023.
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Welcome Back
Mon 05 Sep 2022Monday 5th September 2022
Dear Parents/Carers,
RE: Welcome back
Welcome to the start of a new school year, especially to all our Year 3 children and parents. We hope everyone had a relaxing summer holiday.
We would also like to welcome two new members of staff to our team. Mrs Jones is our new teacher in Year 5. She is joined by Mrs Robb who is our new Learning Support Assistant in the same year group.
School Uniform
All the children looked very smart at the start of the school year. We believe that wearing school colours helps children feel a sense of identity and encourages community spirit. Our school colour is navy blue. This is our uniform expectation:
- Navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan with the new Wootey badge.
- Grey trousers, skirt or shorts
- White shirt or polo shirt (optional to have this with a school badge)
- White or grey socks for girls or grey tights. Grey or black socks for boys.
- Option to wear navy blue and white gingham dresses in the summer. Separate gingham blouses or skirts are not permitted.
- Children can wear small hairclips or bows. However, large Jo-Jo bows are not acceptable.
- Black shoes or all black trainers (Trainers that contain large logos or alternative coloured soles are not acceptable.)
On P.E days children can come to school in their P.E kit for the day.
Cost of Living Crisis
We are very aware of the financial pressures that families are experiencing at the moment. We know that the cost of school uniform can be a concern. We also know that affording food and paying energy bills is affecting many households too. The government will undoubtedly be announcing help with the ‘cost of living crisis’ shortly. However, please do not hesitate to speak to our staff if you are ever worried. Mrs Slade, in the school office, can signpost help and contacts. We may also have some practical ways we can support you with second hand uniform, food and free school meals too.
Lockers
All children have lockers to keep their bags and equipment. Each locker has an approximate height and depth of 40cm x 40cm. We discourage children from having large rucksacks. Bags must fit in to this space or they will not be permitted in school.
School Collection
At the end of the school day, it is our expectation that all children in Years 3, 4 and 5 will be picked up by a parent or a responsible adult unless you inform us differently. We will keep children in school if no adult comes to collect them. Children can walk home by themselves but you must inform the school office. If you are making alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up, please contact the school office before 1pm. Late changes put pressure on our staff to pass on the information and can be unsettling for the children.
For children in Year 6, the expectation is that they will not need a direct handover to a parent or responsible adult unless you inform us. Please contact the school office if you have a particular arrangement.
Covid-19
If you child is unwell and is exhibiting Covid symptoms such as a high temperature, headache and continuous cough, please keep them at home and inform the school office. There is no requirement to test your child but if you do, please inform the school office of the test result. Test results help us to track potential infection and to put measures in place to limit the further spread of the disease. If your child does test positive the current guidance states they should stay at home for at least 3 days.
Talking to us
If you have any questions about your child’s learning or how they are settling in to school at the start of this term, please let us know. A member of the senior leadership team is normally on gate duty from 8:45am to 9:00am in the morning. Class teachers are always available to speak to parents at 3:15pm.
We look forward to another great year ahead and we thank you in advance for your continued support.
Your sincerely,
Mr O’Brien
Headteacher
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Ofsted Inspection- We are Good!
Fri 24 Jun 2022Friday 24th June 2022
Dear Parents/Carers,
RE: OFSTED report
I am pleased to announce the publication of our latest Ofsted report which follows our inspection on 4th and 5th May. The school remains a GOOD school.
We are delighted with this report which highlights our children’s happiness, how strong our curriculum is and how skilled and dedicated our teachers are.
“This is a happy school where pupils flourish. Pupils are eager to learn and enthusiastically contribute during lessons They are proud of their school.”- Ofsted May 2022
The report also makes it clear that our children are safe and that all staff take safeguarding extremely seriously. The provision for children with SEND is ambitious and these children make strong progress too.
Please do take the time read the report and to share it within the local community. This is a fabulous school and we all have the responsibility to blow our own trumpet and say how good we are!
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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Living with Covid-19
Mon 04 Apr 2022Monday 4th April 2022
Dear Parents,
RE: Living with Covid-19
Last week the government removed all laws regarding Covid-19 and published a document called ‘Living safely with respiratory infections including Covid-19.’
General guidance from the government remains:
- Get vaccinated (vaccinations are now available to primary aged children)
- Let fresh air in if meeting indoors
- Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where coming into contact with people you do not usually meet and when rates of transmission are high
- Wash your hands and following advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”
If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or a slight cough they should continue to come to school.
If your child has the symptoms of a respiratory infection especially a continuous cough, high temperature and severe headache they should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They should not return to school until feeling well.
Please also note there is no longer a requirement for you to test your child if they have symptoms of Covid-19.
If your child does have a test, and they are positive, the new recommendation is that your child stays off school for at least 3 days. If after 3 days they do feel well and do not have a temperature, they may return to school.
If your child is off school with a respiratory infection the school will not provide work for them to do at home.
As always, if you have any questions please contact the school office for advice.
Yours sincerely,
Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
