Dear Parents and Carers,

Little did I know on Monday what a week this would turn out to be! I’ve chuckled with many of you about the timing of an Ofsted inspection, coming this late in the term with only a few days of my headship left!

The week began with the children being introduced to the colour of the week being gold – Kim and Lilja wearing their sparkliest of jackets, golden leggings and glittery hats were encouraging us all to be our best selves. Mr Bumble, our hilarious bee keeper visitor, then reminded the juniors that bees make delicious honey that we all share. He suggested that we live our lives similarly, making the world sweeter wherever we can. It was the perfect starting point for a week when the infant school was visited by two Ofsted inspectors!

Pewley hasn’t been inspected since 2012, and we knew that a full graded inspection was due. Two inspectors arrived early on Tuesday morning, after a 90-minute phone call on Monday planning their programme. They really enjoyed spending time at the school, getting to know our wonderful children, and seeing the impact of our school values on the children’s progress. They admired the response to the circumstances that we’ve all faced this year, with the infants busy learning in the cabins on the Holy Trinity playground! It took a bit of explaining! I’m so grateful to those of you that commented on the parent survey. 100% of the responses said that they would recommend the school to another family! And the inspector was a little overwhelmed by the number of positive comments that she heard at drop-off. Thank you so much! At the moment, the outcome is confidential but I’ll look forward to sharing the report with you when it’s published later in the summer, probably after the end of term. I’m so proud to be part of such a remarkable school community – and deeply grateful for the whole staff team. It’ll be so encouraging for everyone to read about the school’s successes.

Other activities this week continued as planned – what a relief that sports day had already happened! Children in Year 4 visited Dapdune Wharf a class at a time to learn about rivers, Year 6 have been excitedly preparing for today’s Trinity Trek, and Year 2 welcomed families for a tea party as part of their RE learning on giving to others. I was delighted to watch the children in Year R and Year 1 “move-up” into their new classes. They embraced the change so positively, looking so grown up as they met their new teachers and got to know their new classmates.

I’m looking forward to unwinding this weekend – with a lie in on Saturday morning, before looking ahead to my last full week at the school. We’ve still got so many things to look forward to, and we won’t be interrupted by Ofsted!

With much love, Clare

Thought of the week: Bee loving – how can you be your best self? Happy are those who follow the path God has planned for them.

Whole School

The Year 6 Entrepreneurs did an outstanding job at their sale yesterday lunch time, raising a whopping £589. The group who raised the most money will be announced next week and they will then choose a charity to donate our profits to.

Celebration Afternoon, Monday 22 July, 1.45pm

Parents are invited to a short concert on the pitch at 1.45pm. From 2.00pm (approximately) they can visit their child’s classroom to have a look at their work.

If your child attends after-school clubs, do check the notices below by clicking on the junior or infant section.

Early finish end of term on Tuesday 23 July:

• PD finishing at 1.30pm
• HT finishing at 1.45pm