Dear Parents and Carers,

Another week has flown by in school! We started with odd socks for Anti-Bulling Week, and ended with spots for Children in Need. In between we have had an archery tournament, ‘Open The Book’ lead an assembly and we have begun our preparation for the Christmas productions by learning some new songs. There is never a dull week at The Ridge!

Behind the scenes we have been recruiting a teacher to cover Mrs Norgate’s forthcoming maternity leave (we will let Year 3 parents know of the arrangements very soon), and for staff to join our cleaning team. Mr Rowley has been busy as we have received new tables for our Year 3 and 4 classrooms, which have drawers underneath to make the most of the limited space in these classrooms. I am pleased to tell you that our old tables will be well used by schools in Africa, through our link with Project Gambia. We have also been able to use some specific funding to purchase new desktop computers for our classrooms and offices and Mrs Brown is busy getting them installed. It is lovely to be able to refresh these aspects of our provision because like everyone, schools too are being hit by increased costs. It was interesting to hear about the proposed additional money due to schools in the Autumn Statement yesterday, but we wait to hear the detail of what this will mean for us here at The Ridge.

Next week we have a major change in school as we move to online ordering and payment for school meals. Please take note of the item below and what this means for you and your child. Please be patient as we introduce this system and iron out all the inevitable teething issues.

Kind regards

Mrs D Hudson

Headteacher

Evolve Cashless Catering will go live in school next week on Thursday 24th November.

Thank you for registering (if you haven't already done this you will need to do so).

All meals, including those entitled to means tested free school meals and those provided to pupils in Reception and Key Stage 1 MUST be pre-ordered online 48 hours in advance (for example, Thursday's orders need to be placed by Tuesday at midday - after which time you will be unable to place an order).  As our meals are brought into school each day, if you haven't placed an order by the cut off time, we will NOT be able to provide a meal.

Lunch orders will no longer be taken in class daily, so it is essential that you either pre-order online or send your child into school with a packed lunch. If a meal has not been ordered for your child and they have not brought a packed lunch you will be contacted and asked to bring one up to school.

Meals will need to be paid for online where required and money will no longer be accepted in school for lunch. 

We are expecting the first few days to be a little chaotic; Evolve staff will be in school to help but please do ensure that you place your orders ASAP to avoid any further issues.

If you do have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your support for Children in Need today.

We have raised an amazing total of £215!

We are very conscious of the increasing cost of living pressures experienced by families and recognise that school events, fund raising and with Christmas approaching, there are lots of demands on people’s finances. We believe it important for our children’s personal and social development to support charities, and we need to continue with our school fundraising to help give the children the added extras that we want to, such as paying for our Choir and events such as Christmas parties. However we don’t want anyone to feel under pressure so please only contribute in whatever way you feel able. Please speak to us in confidence if you need some financial help: we are able to access some support for families who may be struggling.

On Monday afternoon, England will kick off their World Cup campaign with the first of their group stage matches against Iran. We propose to offer children in Key Stage 2 the option to watch the second half of the game in school. Those who want to watch the football can bring a football shirt to change in to after lunch if they wish.

Tuesday 3^rd January will be an INSET day so the children will return after the Christmas holiday on Wednesday 4^th January. On the Inset day staff will be continuing their professional development in teaching handwriting.  This leaves one further Inset day to be confirmed and we will let you know as soon as it has been agreed.

This Weeks attendance 

Reception - 95.33%

Year 1 – 93.00%

Year 2 – 91.00%

Year 3 – 93.93%

Year 4 – 95.58%

Year 5 – 94.46%

Year 6 – 93.67%

Well done Year 4!

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Mrs Hudson is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and any concerns should be shared with her or the Deputy Safeguarding Leads – Mrs Hadley, Miss Beddoes and Mrs Burley.

Parents and carers have been busy preparing for Christmas and we are so grateful for their hard work which help makes the festive season so special in school. They have been busy helping Father Christmas today by wrapping presents (Shhh…..don’t tell the children!)

Please can contributions of chocolate and bottles – especially those which contain alcohol! - be made in return for a non-uniform day. (Glass bottles should be brought into school by an adult, please.)

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