Dear Parents/ Carers,

I wrote to you recently with reference to the decision to change our current phonics scheme of ‘Sounds Write’.  I can now confirm that we will be moving to the Ruth Miskin Literacy scheme entitled ‘Read, Write, Inc.’  We will be doing that with immediate effect and will use the calendared staff training day of 23 February 2026 to complete the necessary staff training for all colleagues.  As per the new scheme, there are two full-day compulsory training sessions for staff.  Governors have approved an additional training day and this has been confirmed by Ruth Miskin Training as Monday 19 January 2026.  This date was confirmed yesterday and so I wanted to let you know as soon as possible.  Following the staff training days there will be further workshop sessions for leaders and teachers and support staff.  There are also parent workshops to fully explain the scheme and to provide parents with the necessary information to support the development of phonics with children at home.  Further information will be provided for you in the new year.  I very much appreciate your support in this additional staff training day and can assure you of the importance of the move away from the existing scheme to the new scheme which is a well-respected and highly effective whole school approach to literacy to get every child reading, writing and talking irrespective of their starting points. If you do have any questions, please do email me.

I would like to introduce the new House Captains from Year 6 who support the Prefects in their leadership work.

Senior House Captains – Jake and George

Diamond House Captain – Flynn

Emerald House Captain – Marnie

Ruby House Captain – Henry

Sapphire House Captain – Elijah

We will outline the inter-house competitions to you in the new year.

Christmas has certainly landed at The Ridge.  The fantastic Christmas performances have showcased the excellence in your children and our staff.  Thank you for your support in attending the various performances and for your patience in the many events happening next week.

I would also like to thank you for the incredible support at the Christmas Fayre last week.  The RFA will provide a full report next week to outline the monies raised and the plans for projects moving forward.

As the weather continues to test us, please can I ask again for your support in regards to the parking situation on Gregory Road. I am receiving repeated complaints and concerns for the safety of children, parents and residents as some parking is not appropriate.  Please do not park in the turnaround area at the top of the road.  This has happened repeatedly in the recent weeks and an emergency vehicle could not get to the resident who required it.  The council are also receiving complaints and are looking at solutions.  Your support is much appreciated.

Thank you to those parents who have already provided feedback on the parent survey sent to you at the beginning of the week.  The survey will remain open until Friday 19th December and I hope you are all able to find some time to provide feedback for us, it is all appreciated.

The school finishes to all children on Friday 19 December at 2.00 pm.  Pre-school closes to children at the end of the school day Thursday 18 December 2025.

I will write to you again next week with final updates for the spring term.

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

Yours sincerely

Mrs C Gilbert

Headteacher

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Mrs Gilbert is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and any concerns should be shared with her or the Deputy Safeguarding Leads – Mrs Hadley and Mrs Morley.  Where child protection concerns are raised, the school has a statutory duty to refer these concerns to children’s social care.