Weekly Update-Friday 26th June

Well, this week has certainly not been without its challenges—both as a headteacher and as a school community.

It has been a truly history-making week, with record-breaking June temperatures. I found myself reflecting on the great heatwave of 1976, when I was in Year 1. I can still remember my friends and I pressing objects into the melting tarmac outside my house—we were amazed that it was melting and changed shape (I don't think my mam appreciated the tar all over my clothes though!).

This week, we received three messages from parents thanking us for how we managed the heat, alongside three complaints. In many ways, this perfectly captures the reality of leading a school—you cannot please everyone, however hard you try.

I never imagined I would be leading a school during a red weather warning during my headship. Despite delays in the delivery of fans, staff worked tirelessly to plan and adapt using the information available, whilst continually assessing risks. We monitored classroom temperatures carefully and ensured no child was working in a room exceeding 30 degrees. Throughout, the safety and wellbeing of both children and staff remained our top priority, while also being mindful of families who rely on school being open due to work commitments.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we are expecting a return to more typical summer weather.

We will continue allowing children to wear PE kits until the end of term, as this has helped them stay cooler. Children are also welcome to wear summer dresses, polo shirts, or shorts, provided they are in school colours. We feel that relaxing the uniform expectations slightly will support comfort during warmer days, and this will certainly give us food for thought when planning summer uniform in future years.

School Highlights

• New Year R Stay & Play Sessions:
  We welcomed our new Reception children for four “Stay and Play” sessions this week. Despite the heat, they had a wonderful time enjoying shaded activities alongside our current Year R children.

• Year R Trip to Staunton Farm:
  Our Year R children had a fantastic visit to Staunton Farm and returned full of enthusiasm and fascinating facts about the animals.
  Lizzie from Staunton Country Park wrote to say:
  “They were an absolute delight—so curious, enthusiastic, and a joy to spend time with!”
  A big well done to the children, staff, helpers, and the Staunton team for making this such a memorable experience.

• Year 2 Assembly Preparations:
  Year 2 have been busy rehearsing for their end-of-year assembly. Pirate songs and cheerful “Ahoy Mateys!” can be heard echoing through the corridors!
  The assembly is currently planned for 1:45pm on Thursday 16th July for Year 2 parents. We will keep an eye on the weather forecast and inform you at the start of that week if any changes need to be made.

Thank You

A big thank you to Claire, Kath and the PTA for organising the ice cream sale this week. We also let all of the children and staff who were in school this afternoon have an icy treat thank you very much- it was appreciated by all!

Transition Morning

Next week, we will be holding our transition morning, when children will visit their new classrooms and meet their new teachers.

A letter will be sent home at the end of Thursday confirming classes and teachers (our current Year 2 children have already received this information).

Social Media

Please can all parents be mindful that we have a school social media policy. Social media has a great many benefits, but it can also have drawbacks. As a school, we try not to overload parents with endless messages. If any parent would like further information about anything, you are very welcome to drop us a line.  

Ofsted Winners

Lastly we would like to congratulate Mr Campbell and his team for surviving an Ofsted inspection during a red warning heatwave. If there was a medal for endurance, BWJS certainly would win it this week. It will be a while until results are published, but we are sure it was a great success. Well done to you, your staff, children and governors!

Wishing everyone a relaxing—and cooler—weekend!

Best wishes

Mrs Riches

Headteacher