Autumn 1 Newsletter (2)
23rd October, 2025
Wow, what a packed half term this has been! I am sure all of the children are ready for the break.
Following valuable feedback from parents, we will primarily share updates via Dojo. As per request, we have uploaded all the dates we have for the diary up until the summer. Please note, these may be subject to change, and we will notify you of any changes on Dojo.
In our newsletters, we will focus on celebrating our children's achievements, providing short updates on their fabulous work in school, and including a short governor section to engage you with our governance. We’ll also include the usual attendance data.
We’re excited to announce that governors will be assigned to each class on Class Dojo to observe the wonderful work underway. If you have any concerns, please notify the office by Monday 3rd November.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Mrs Rawes and Mrs Batty
Meet our new SENCO
We are delighted to welcome Mrs Carpenter back to our team. Mrs Carpenter has previously worked on supply at Pollington-Balne. She is.....
Meet the Governors and SLT
Following on from our 1st meet the Governor and SLT session, please find below our response to the question, ‘What quantifiable …. Have been made since the last Ofsted?’
English: Our consistent approach to reading has been significantly strengthened through further training of the read write inc. (RWInc) phonics programme leading to consistency of approach and improved outcomes / accelerated progress for all pupils. Weakest readers receive targeted catch-up phonics sessions and one-to-one tutoring.
Mathematics: The introduction of the number sense fluency programme has greatly enhanced pupils' recall of number facts and operations. This has resulted in improved outcomes in the year 4 multiplication tables check (MTC) and an increase in pupils attaining greater depth in year 6. The use of times tables rock stars (TTRS) has further encouraged fluency practice at home.
Our curriculum: Further developed within a two-year cycle to engage and enthuse. There is a new structure with subject leaders and deputies across the federation giving greater autonomy and accountability. A rigorous monitoring and evaluation schedule has been developed, encompassing lesson observations, planning scrutiny, and pupil voice activities, along with successful moderation of work to ensure we hold ourselves to the highest standards of teaching and learning.
SEND: The appointment of a newly qualified special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) with extensive send expertise has bolstered our support systems. Staff have undergone training in social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs and adaptive learning strategies, ensuring early identification of needs and effective interventions. Regular reviews and collaboration with external agencies further enhance our support framework.
Our next session will take place on 27th January, 2026 at 9:45am.
Attendance
Our Attendance to date is: 95.5%
Authorised Absence: 4.5%
Uauthorised Absence: 0%
Oak Class
Oak class have had a fantastic start to this new year. They have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know their environment both indoors and out. The Year One children have taken part in Forest School where they have taken their Science learning outdoors. The reception children have also enjoyed creating Autumn Wands out of leaves and twigs as part of their Knowledge and Understanding of the World work. They have observed seasonal change and used some fantastic vocabulary to describe what they have found.
Thank you for your support.
Mrs Batty & Mrs Bodle
Maple Class
Year 4 have built upon their knowledge of animals from last year and listened to the story Promenade de M. Gentil — a tale about M. Gentil, who goes out for a boat trip and meets children and animals who all want to join him. However, the boat gets so full that it all ends in disaster! The story helped reinforce language for greetings, animals, and negatives.
The Year 3 children have also enjoyed learning about greetings, classroom instructions and animals. The children have especially enjoyed playing Jacques a dit (Jacques Says) to practise their new phrases, as well as a lively game of pairs to match animals with their French names — such as un tortue!
It’s been wonderful to see everyone growing in confidence and enthusiasm as we explore the French language together.
Mrs Blades, Miss Yates and Mrs Firth
Ash Class
Ash class have embraced the Autumn season by creating beautiful collages and observational drawings. We've transformed our outdoor area into a welcoming habitat for bugs and worms. The highlight was making our very own Pollington scarecrow to keep the birds away—an exciting, creative way to celebrate nature!
Mrs de Bethel and Mrs Poskitt
Willow Class
This week the children have worked exceptionally well together in pairs, thoughtfully marking their peers’ extended pieces of writing on the Miners’ Strike. They engaged in meaningful discussions about each other’s work, offering constructive feedback and identifying clear areas for improvement. Throughout the activity, pupils demonstrated excellent collaboration skills, listening carefully to their partners’ ideas and suggestions while sharing their own with confidence and respect. Their ability to reflect on both the content and structure of the writing showed a strong understanding of the topic and the features of effective written communication.
Mrs Jones and Mrs Burton
Student Council
The votes are in!! A massive well done to all of the children who ran for student council. The representatives in each class are:
EYFS - Alfie and Reya
Y1 - Spencer, Gracie and Oscar
Y2 - Joseph and Zara
Y3 - Reeva and Jack
Y4 - Hilda, Teddy and Amelie
Y5 - Georgia
Y6 - Jessica
Some of our representatives have completed their first responsible job, showing prospective parents and families around school on Open Day. They did a fantastic job and we are very proud of them all.
Sports
Children have already represnted our school in a number of fixtures....
Bench ball
Cross Country
Football to name a few.
Thank you to all the staff and parents who have given their time to ensure that the children can participate. A special thank you to Mrs de Bethel who has coordinated all of the events.
Birch Class
In Birch Class we have been extending our ukulele skills by moving between a wide range of chords. This has enabled us to learn so many exciting new songs that we can play and sing along with!
In Science we have been taking our learning outdoors to investigate micro-organisms and understand the conditions that they thrive under. This has helped us to understand the discovery of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming and why microbes are an essential part of our environment.
We have also been celebrating diversity by revisiting our knowledge of Black History through performance poetry and celebrating National Dyslexia Week.
Mrs Habbishaw and Mrs Firth
Schools & Communities
Hi, my name is Lottie, I am your new Family Help School and Community Practitioner, I am here to offer advice and signposting to families in the area. It was great to drop into Pollington-Balne school this morning and meet some of the parents. I will be dropping in to school after Christmas - dates and times to be confirmed - and look forward to meeting you. If you have any questions in the meantime, please direct your questions to school and I will get back to you. Thank you.
Upcoming Events
Autumn Term
24/10 - Training Day - school closed
3/11 - Parents Evening
4/11 - Parents Evening
10/11 - Remembrance Service
11/11 - 50/51 Squadran grand opening of Pollington village memorial
2/12 - 2:10pm Willow Class Stay and Read followed by Class Worship in school
5/12 - 6pm Christmas tree switch on in the village
10/12 - 1.30pm Oak / Ash Christmas Performance in Church
11/12 - 2:30pm Christingle Service - all welcome in Church
12/12 - Pantomime Trip (Oh, yes it is!)
16/12 - Maple / Willow / Birch Christmas Performance in Church
18/12 - Christmas Dinner
Reminders
Please make sure your child has their winter coats as the weather turns colder.