Dear Parents / Carers

We have a number of updates for you as we approach the final two weeks of this half-term.

The spring half-term holiday is rapidly approaching, and school will finish to children at the usual time on Friday 13 February 2026.  Children return to school on Tuesday 24 February 2026 following the staff training day on Monday 23 February 2026. 

We are very excited to be taking part in this annual event whereby we celebrate our love of reading with the children.  The day takes place on Thursday 5 March 2026 and I am sure you have received information via Miss Wesson who has a range of exciting activities taking place during the day.  We want the children to come dressed as their favourite book character or wear their comfiest clothes for cosy reading activities during the day.  The Reading Ambassadors would like children to bring their favourite book with them too.  Please contact your child’s class teacher if you have any questions regarding this day.

Following our recent ballot for the position of Parent Governor, I am delighted to inform you that Dr Kate Lowe and Mrs Eleanor Haynes were duly elected to the position of Parent Governor.  Thank you for taking the time to send your nominations through.  We are pleased to announce that we now have a full complement of Governors at The Ridge.  With much to do at the school, I look forward to working with them to continue our pursuit of excellence for all.

We are beginning to roll out the new scheme of Read, Write, Inc. Children in reception, Year 1 and 2 will be starting this new approach immediately and we are already seeing an improved motivation and enjoyment in their reading lessons.  We will be arranging two parent workshops during the next half-term to discuss the new approach to phonics.  We will provide one afternoon session and one early evening session to hopefully accommodate all the parents who are interested in learning how to best support and encourage the phonics scheme and the reading approach now at The Ridge.  Dates and times will follow in due course.

We look forward to welcoming those of you who have booked to attend our first parent information workshop on SEND which takes place tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday 3 February at 2.30 pm in the school hall. There are plenty of spaces should you wish to attend.

I am sorry to inform you that we have had to stop visitors using the toilets in school and in the bungalow due to the spaces being used as classrooms with children in and around the areas.  Children needing to use the toilet at the end of the day are allowed to come back into school and use the associated pupil toilet as required.

As we continue to adhere to the highest levels of safeguarding in school, please can I remind you not to prop open the pedestrian gate either before, during or after school.  We must not hold the door open for any other adults as each adult must be given permission to enter the site at any time of the day.  Please also ensure you are selecting the correct area of school for admittance/release; there are separate options for School, Pre-School and OSCAR and it is important that the correct option is selected. Your patience and support is very much appreciated in this matter.

Thank you to all families who have supported us in our ambition to send Amelia as many birthday cards as possible.  The deadline for sending a card in to school is Thursday 5^th February and I am grateful for the parents and members of staff who have offered and agreed to hand deliver them to the family.

Finally, I will be sending out a termly Safeguarding Briefing email with useful updates and information which I hope you find informative.

I hope you have an enjoyable week.

Kind regards

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.

We’ve got a fun-filled term ahead and can’t wait to share what’s coming up with you and the children:

💖 Valentine’s Disco – Thursday 12th February

Reception & KS1 Disco: 4:45pm – 5:45pm

KS2 Disco: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Get ready for dancing, music and lots of themed fun. Please note – we desperately need volunteers, especially for the Reception & KS1 disco, to make this event possible.

🍫 Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket Week – Week commencing 2nd March
Keep your eyes peeled…Find a Golden Ticket and win a special treat. A little magic to brighten the school week.

👕 Mufti Day for Chocolate Donations – Friday 13th March
Children can come to school in their own clothes in exchange for a chocolate donation to help support our upcoming event.

🎉 Chocolate Bingo – Friday 20th March | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
A school favourite and always great fun. Join us for a night of bingo with a chocolatey twist. Prizes, laughs and plenty of chances to win. (More information and ticket prices will be sent out).

⚠️ URGENT - Volunteers Needed – Please Read

We really need your help. Volunteer numbers are currently very low, especially for the Reception & KS1 disco, and without enough support we simply cannot run these events.

We completely understand that everyone is busy, but even a small amount of time makes a huge difference. Helping set up,  supervise, or tidy away at events. If we don’t get more volunteers, there is a real risk that some events won’t be able to go ahead, and that’s the last thing we want for the children.