Dear Parents and Carers

I hope that you have all had a good weekend. After a busy few days last week, I know that all the staff in school welcomed the chance to recharge! Thank you to everyone who sent in good wishes during our inspection; the children were a real credit to you all. The process was rigorous, as you would expect, but our inspector welcomed dialogue and the whole process was constructive and developmental. We look forward to sharing the outcomes with you, once the report is ready to be published.

Aside from the inspection, last week saw us host ‘Blast Off’ – an interactive performance and workshops from Saltmine Theatre Company, focusing on internet safety. Their actors commented in a card they left for us after the show that ‘it was our absolute pleasure to perform for such a wonderful, interactive and perceptive audience’. They also commended Key Stage 2 pupils on their concentration and contributions during the workshops. On Thursday Years 1 and 2 went to The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton to hear author and illustrator Benji Davies. They enjoyed watching Benji create his amazing pictures and also being in such a beautiful venue. Thank you to the staff who organised these great enrichment experiences.

It has been wonderful to share our Harvest Celebrations with you. Thank you too for your generous donations for the Black Country foodbank. The food will not be collected until later in the week so it is not too late if you still want to make a contribution. In the meantime, I hope that you have a good week.

Kind regards

Mrs D Hudson

Headteacher

On Tuesday 10^th October, here at The Ridge, we are proud to be participating in World Mental Health Day. 

For this year's World Mental Health Day, ITV’s Britain Get Talking and YoungMinds’ #HelloYellow are collaborating to help children across the country talk about their feelings.

Together with teachers and a clinical psychologist, they have created a valuable piece of homework, which is a conversation starter for children to take home. This is designed to help them talk about the hardest subjects on their minds, with their parents or trusted adults. This also translates a deeper message, in that sharing worries can help ease stress and reduce anxiety.

The children will be coming home on Tuesday with a simple task to complete, linking to mental health. Please join in with them! 

For further information, please visit: https://www.itv.com/britaingettalking/schools.html

Thank you to you all for your amazing effort to ensure that our uptake of meals (and hence our budget share) was the best that it could be. It probably helped that the children were all having a packed lunch because of their visit to the theatre but nevertheless, we are very grateful for all your support.  The figures are averaged out over the Autumn and Spring Census so we will be asking for your help again in January. We will let you know the date nearer the time.

Sadly, we have not had any nominations for the Parent Governor vacancy. The governing body will reflect on this and will let you know when we decide to invite nominations again.  However, in the meantime, if you feel able to support the work of the school in this important way – please speak to Mrs Hudson.

We are currently recruiting for a cleaner to work at The Ridge. Please make this vacancy known to anyone that you are aware of who might be interested; family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.

https://www.wmjobs.co.uk/job/174129/cleaner/

Sadly, over recent weeks we have received a number of complaints about parking, from residents of Gregory Road. This is a persistent problem and we share the frustration of our neighbours. Inconsiderate parking is not only an inconvenience but is hazardous to pedestrians and can also hinder access for emergency vehicles.

• Please avoid double parking along the length of Gregory Road and obstructing the driveways of our neighbours. (Marked out with the white I-------I)
• Do not park on the yellow’ Keep Clear Zig Zags’ or in the turning circle in Gregory Road.
• Please do not park or turn round in the school car park.

Last Weeks attendance 

Whole School - 96.32%

Reception - 98.67%

Year 1 – 98.62%

Year 2 – 96.99%

Year 3 – 93.00%

Year 4 – 95.00%

Year 5 – 92.62%

Year 6 – 99.33%

Well done Year 6!

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 Gledhill.  Where child protection concerns are raised, the school has a statutory duty to refer these concerns to children’s social care.

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