Dear Parents/ Carers,

I am writing to you as the term rapidly approaches the Christmas holiday.  The energy and excitement in school is palpable and I cannot wait for the coming weeks as the children continue to work so hard towards their various performances.

I want to start by thanking you for your attendance at the recent Parent Consultation Evening.  We had an average of 93 % attendance on the evening with catch-up meetings taking place for those of you who could not attend on the evening.  It was lovely to hear the feedback and I thank you for your continued support as we move through an exciting time at The Ridge.

The festive period provides opportunity for you to come and celebrate with us as we showcase our singing and acting talents in the various performances we have for you.  I have taken the decision to change the evening performance for Key Stage 1 children to a morning performance, the various dates and start times are summarised below.  This was in response to very young children working hard all day at school, going home and then having to return to school for an evening performance which would mean a late finish and then being overtired the next day at home and school.  In the same light, the evening performance for Key Stage 2 children will be slightly earlier than usual with a 5.30 pm start.  This decision also relates to the points made previously.  I hope we are able to accommodate as many of you as possible through these events and have summarised them below.  Tickets will be available shortly for each performance.

The two afternoon performances have been planned to coincide with the end of the school day to avoid parents having to wait for a long period time in the main hall after the performance.

The RFA Christmas Fayre is happening Friday 5^th December 3.30 – 5.30 pm and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

The annual Christmas Jumper Day coincides with the school Christmas lunch.  Wednesday 17^th December is the day where children can choose to wear a Christmas jumper in place of their school uniform cardigan / jumper.  Reception and Key Stage 1 children have their class parties on this afternoon and can therefore wear a Christmas jumper with their party clothes if they wish.  Key Stage 2 class parties take place on the afternoon of Thursday 18^th December.

I want to update you with some further information in regard to the curriculum delivery at The Ridge.  I have spent the past 10 weeks reviewing provision and have taken the decision that we need to change our current Phonics Scheme.  I will let you know as soon as possible as to the next steps as I am keen to change the programme as soon as is possible.  Parent information workshops will be provided to ensure the children continue to have support with their reading development as they move through the school.  I am more than happy to listen to any feedback if you do not agree with the move away from Sounds Write and similarly to answer any questions you may have. As the new scheme will require all staff to be trained, the Governing Body have agreed to a sixth INSET day for this academic year.  I will let you know when this is as soon as possible and thank you again for your support as we move forward with our ambition for educational excellence.

I am delighted to announce the appointment of our Year 6 Prefects.  Following an appointment process, we are very fortunate to have the following children supporting our leadership journey.  So impressed were we with the applicants, we have appointed 2 Head Prefects and 6 Prefects.  We will also be appointing House Captains by the end of this week.  Our first house competition will be a Christmas Song sing-off!  The children are very excited and the competition is fierce as staff will be included within the given houses too!

Head Prefects for 2025-2026:  Gabriella and Sienna

Prefects: Elijah, Eva E, Harry, Isaac, Isla, Maisie, Ruby and Tilly

Finally, a parent survey will be sent to you next week and I hope you are able to find the time and provide feedback for us which will be a significant benefit in the improvement planning for the coming two terms and beyond.

A final reminder that the end of term is Friday, 19 December at 2.00 pm for all children.  We return to school Monday 5 January 2026.

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.