Dear parents & carers,
Thank you all for another amazing year at Bushmead. This is not simply anecdotal, it is measured. Academically, this is through statutory and non-statutory testing and teacher assessment - our EYFS assessment, phonics screening and end-of-KS2 SATs - achieving higher than National averages.
We focus not only on reaching expected standards but also on our children with additional needs and those who excel academically. Our Special Needs audits by NASEN and the Local Authority have both shown that we provide excellent support for our children. Our level of challenge is demonstrated by almost 30% of children attaining `Greater Depth` in reading and mathematics at the end of KS2 - this is no mean feat!
Pupils and teachers should be congratulated for their hard work in achieving these standards.
Equally important is accreditation for our Arts Mark. Music and creative arts are so important for all children that we give them experiences working with the ENO & Royal Opera House, Create Day and being Culture Champions. Alongside our Platinum Award for PE & Sports, we strive for a balanced curriculum and experience for our pupils.
Pastoral care and teaching our pupils to be good people is also central. Our values are taught and celebrated. Mental Health & Well-being pupils surveys are completed, so we have an overview of how our children are feeling and there is a robust process and interventions to work with children who may be struggling.
We are actively planning for 2024/25........ always aiming for the very best.
We also need your help. Schools are under incredible scrutiny to improve attendance that has not recovered to pre-covid levels. The impact of absence, however small, per year adds up throughout their school life. It not only impacts young people academically but also emotionally seen here: RESEARCH
Please travel and take your holidays in the 13 weeks available to you.
A hugh thank you to those leaving us. Madame Till & Mrs Blee are retiring. Mr Cowburn & Ms Neher have completed their teacher training and have secured teaching positions. Ms Wells and Mrs Khanom are moving on to new schools and Ms Brittain takes up a position at a local authority! We would like to thank all of them for working so hard and contributing greatly to our school.
Due to teachers returning from maternity leave, we won't be taking on any new teaching staff. Miss Hilliard will join us as a trainee teacher and Mrs Jesson will be joining us in the office from September.
To all the children in Yr 6 and others moving to new schools at the end of this term, we wish you the very best!
Thank you to all our families for your continued support.
We have two staff training days at the beginning of September. Children return on Wednesday 4th September. We look forward to seeing you then.
Have a wonderful holiday.
Ms Travi
Headteacher
