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North Tawton Community Primary School and Nursery
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  • About
    • North Tawton Primary School
    • Our Staff
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    • Our Structure >
      • Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust
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  • School News
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    • Sycamore Class
    • Hazel Class
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    • Beech Class
    • Chestnut Class
    • Oak Class
    • Acorn Class
    • Three Hares Governors Updates
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    • All Policies
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    • Request for copies
  • Key Information
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    • Curriculum >
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      • Design and Technology
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      • Modern Foreign Languages
      • Music
    • Data Protection
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  • Parents
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    • Calendar
    • Term Dates
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School News

Happy Summer Holidays!

22/7/2022

 
​Dear North Tawton Friends and Families,
 
Here we are at the end of an amazing year!
In assembly I asked the children what their highlights have been, two of our year six pupils wrote down everything they said:
Picture

y highlights have been the last few weeks when we have had parents in for our wonderful music concert, sports day, EYFS learning celebrations, Y6 leavers assembly and of course our amazing Summer Fair. It has been so lovely to have families in and feel part of the wider North Tawton community.
Following on from Nick Bryant’s message last week about the North Tawton Community event at the Town Hall, I was delighted to receive an email from the organiser Billie Burnett at West Devon Community and Voluntary Services together with Julie Matthews of Navigate Charity, as partners within the Transitions Project thanking Miss Boyce.
…our huge thanks and appreciation for everything you did to make our event in North Tawton so successful. We thought the children were simply outstanding, so proud and keen in showing their work and so curious and interested in the other stallholders’ displays and games (and very skilful in those!) The choir’s performance was just fantastic and clearly enjoyed by everyone in the Hall. Altogether the children gave us hope and inspiration for the future - they are a great credit to you and all the staff at the school.
  
Well done to Miss Boyce, our music tutors, school choir and Year 4, this is a well deserved compliment!
 
I am very much looking forward to next year and lots more community events and involvement.
 
OFSTED Report
I was really hoping I’d be able to share the Ofsted report before the end of term. Unfortunately, the draft has not yet been published so I am not able to.  We should have it for the new school year.  
  
Final Farewells
We had a lovely farewell assembly and cream tea with Year Six and their families this morning.  We all wish our Year Six pupils all the very best at college and their exciting futures ahead. Brian came from the British Legion and told us about his role and presented the prestigious awards.  It is lovely for me to learn about the traditions of North Tawton and honour these.  It is so important for us all to know who and what has gone before us, paving the way and making the world the place it is today.
Yesterday we bid Mrs Jelley and Mrs Squires our farewells, both of whom have given above and beyond of their time, expertise and kindness to our school for many years. Mrs Jelley and Mrs Squires have taught many parents and staff too, they are fountains of local knowledge and are valued and valuable to our community. They are our colleagues and friends, don’t worry, we won’t let them become strangers! We wish them both a very exciting and fulfilling retirement, focusing on family, hobbies and new adventures.
We also bid farewell to Miss Prince who has been teaching reception class and leading on developing our outdoor learning environment.  Over the year she has worked with all classes developing their skills through forest school activities. We wish her all the best in her new school.
We also say Farewell (sort of) to Emma Neath.  She has been the Chair of our Governors / Local Stakeholder Board since the Three Hares were formed. She was a local governor before then, and is now going to become a Trustee for the Trust.  I am delighted that she has been recruited for this this very important position as she will still be with the Trust, just in a very different role, however I will miss her as our chair hugely.
She has been of great support to the Three Hares Schools, doing lots of behind the scenes work. She is incredibly knowledgeable about school policy, finance and HR and has played the leadership role of a ‘critical friend’ by holding the Three Hares Principals to account, while also being hugely supportive. She has been extremely generous of her time, supporting the three schools with our recruitment, Ofsted preparations and during the pandemic with all of the additional policy and risk assessments we needed to do.  She has aided us in gathering parent and pupil views to inform our priorities and progress.
I am sure you join me in thanking her for her dedication to our school and wish her all the best in her new role.
 
Breakfast Club and After School Club
In follow up to our discussions and survey, I have been in negotiations regarding how to provide the right wrap around care for the right cost and quality of provision.  I am hoping we will be able to set up provision for after October half term. Watch this space…
 
Kids Eat Free
Here is a list of places children can eat free, or for just £1 this summer:
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And here's a great reminder of top tips for healthy eating at home: top_tips_for_kids_leaflet_2018.pdf
​
Thank Yous!
As always, there are so many thank yous to say! 
Thank you to FONTS for raising an amazing £2,169.52 at our Summer Fair! That's an amazing amount of money and will be spent wisely. Thank you to all parents for their support over this year, to the amazing staff team who go above and beyond every day for our children, and to the children themselves for always striving to 'be the best they can be.' The children here make me feel very proud and privileged to be their principal. 

I hope you all have a wonderful summer holiday, have fun, keep safe and make lots of precious memories.  
​
School starts again on Wednesday 7th September at 8.45am
 With very best wishes
Tara Penny
Principal 

School News 15th July 2022

15/7/2022

 
​Dear North Tawton Friends and Families,
 
And so we reach the end of our penultimate week of the school year! Do have a look at Dojo and the class blogs to find out about some prickly visitors, a trip to Rosemoor and meet our local celebrity; Waddle! 
 
Reports
Parents should have received their child’s report this afternoon. If you have not, please let us know. We have included the attendance certificates for the year. Attendance this year has been very low. While a lot of it is due to Covid and other unavoidable illness, we do have some children with sporadic attendance and some families taking holidays during term time. Holidays are not authorised absences. We do ask families to fill out an absence request from for appointments and any planned time off so that we know where you are and do not become concerned for the safeguarding of the children. When pupils have more than ten sessions of unauthorised absence, I am required to contact families to let them know that attendance has fallen below the required level. When necessary, I may request the involvement of an education welfare officer to support improved attendance.  Fines can be issues if attendance does not improve.  Next year we are aiming for at least 95% attendance.
 
Year Six SATs
We finally got the results of our Year Six SATs papers! Unlike the assessments we do in other year groups which we mark ourselves, Year Six papers are sent off to be graded by external markers. You many have read in the press that many papers were not marked in time.  We did not have all of ours returned by the deadline last week, but we did just in time for the reports! We are very proud of our Year Six results, well done! Each child has met their target, and some have exceeded. We are proud of their achievements and hope they continue to work hard into Year 7 and beyond.
  
Hot Weather Warning!
Please remember that all children need to come to school with a water bottle, hat and applied sunscreen. Please send them with cream to apply at playtimes if they need it.  If it is too hot, we will keep the children in at playtimes or go out in small groups to the shaded areas only. Children can wear PE kits of they will would prefer. Children are not to wear jumpers! I have been encouraging a few today to take them off, and keep them off. We know some children are body conscious, and we are sensitive to this, but wearing jumpers in this hear is really not healthy.
 
Class Photos
On Monday we have class photos kindly organised by FONTS.  Children will need to come to school in uniform so they look smart for the photos, but can then all change into PE kits so they are cooler once they have been photographed. We will do the photos straight away, so they are done before it gets too hot.
  
A message from Nick Bryant – Music Tutor
 
On Monday 11th July, the school choir gave a performance at the Town Hall at a community event to raise awareness of Wellbeing in the community. We walked down together after a warm up in the school hall and made our way onto the stage for our second performance in four days. As choir leader, I have been blown away by the enthusiasm and hard work of our 20-strong singers of all ages. After their performance I was approached by many locals in the audience who were delighted and thrilled that we had shared our music with them and it was clear we had reached many people who would not normally have the opportunity to hear the school choir sing. 
 
Every member should feel very proud of their contribution. I'd like to especially recognise our soloists Grayson, Jade, Mia, Lily-Rose and Sophie and our reception singers Louie and Ruben, but a huge well done to everyone who took part. Thank you too to Juliet and our volunteer helpers.
 
This Monday was the last choir of the term, but I'm very much looking forward to restarting next term and welcoming any newcomers who want to give it a try. More information to follow.
 
Nick Bryant - strings, piano and singing teacher.
  
Uniform
During the colder months, we were allowing children to wear warm clothes as windows were open to reduce covid spread.  Since then, uniform has got very lax here! In September we are going to be focusing on this and cracking down! I am forewarning parents now, so you have time to get organised for September.
 
This is our uniform policy (taken from the website)
 
UNIFORM
We want children to feel proud of their school and wear our school uniform as it helps to give a sense of identity.
Children can wear: a white or green polo shirt, a green sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo, with grey or black trousers, or grey or black shorts. A grey skirt or pinafore dress or green and white check dress. Grey or white socks or tights with black shoes.  Black, low-heeled boots may also be worn in Winter/adverse weather conditions.  Green baseball caps with our school logo on are also available from the office.
The school keeps a stock of sweatshirts in various sizes and these can be obtained from the school office. New parents will receive a copy of the current uniform requirements with prices attached. Further copies are available from the office.


PE Kit
The PE kit is a white T shirt, black or navy shorts, white sports socks, and trainers or pumps. You can purchase a t shirt in the colour of the house they are in.
KS2 children will have swimming lessons at the pool in Okehampton. For this they also require a swimming costume and hat. We would prefer these to be a one – piece swimsuit for girls and trunks or swimming shorts of a sensible length for boys. Swimming hats can be purchased from the school office.

Please ensure that all your child’s school uniform is labelled with their  name.


Jewellery/Hair styles/Fashion
In the interests of safety, we do not allow children to wear jewellery in school. If ears have been pierced, studs may be worn. These should be removed/taped over before swimming. We encourage children to be independent individuals, however we request parents to consider the impact of fashion on their child’s learning and social development and ask parents to ensure their children do not wear inappropriate hairstyles or fashion items to school. Long hair should be tied back for both safety and hygiene reasons.

 
Farewells and celebrations
Next week will be a busy and emotional one. We have lots of farewells to say next week, but also celebrations too! Please support us to keep our children calm and balanced. The hot weather and building emotions of moving on to new classes and new schools can be unsettling for adults and children.  Please don’t let tempers get frayed - if there is an issue, please talk to us so we can sort it out together.
​
Wishing you a great weekend,
Keep hydrated!
 
Tara Penny
Principal 

North Tawton Summer Fair

10/7/2022

 
A fantastic day was had by all! A huge thank you to FONTS for organising the fair, to our local businesses who donated prizes and to all the parents and staff who made it a tremendous success. 

School News 8.7.22

8/7/2022

 
Dear North Tawton Friends and Families,
​

We have waited for so long to get together as a community, and like buses (a very London term!) they all come at once!   
Thank you to all who have support us by organising and attending our Sports Day and our Music Concert this week. The children have been superb and a credit to us all. It was lovely to share with you their sporting prowess and their musical talents.  And thank you for your generosity today, we raised £95.71 to go towards tuning our piano!
 Please look at class blogs and Dojo for lots of photos. 
Tomorrow we have the Summer Fair and we really need lots of help to run stalls, games and particularly the BBQ and refreshments.
Please email  friendsofnorthtawton@gmail.com if you can help.
See you tomorrow!
 
With very best wishes,
Tara Penny 

FONTS update

1/7/2022

 
☀️☀️Summer Fair ☀️☀️
Saturday 9th July 11am-2pm


We have lots of exciting things for all the family… inflatables, local craft stalls, face painting, BBQ and refreshments, cakes, seed swap, Paint pots Of Devon, pre-loved uniform, 100 club, ice lollies, sweets, hampers and games galore!!
 
🤩 Everyone should have received a letter about the raffle. We have the most amazing prizes this year and they could be yours for just £1 a ticket!! Pre order your tickets by returning your slip to school or buy some on the day.
 
This is our biggest event of the year and, after the last couple of years of restrictions, we really want it to be a huge success so we can continue to help fund things for the children, including school trips, theatre visits, and equipment that a school budget doesn’t allow for. But, we do need your help, we can’t do it without your support. If you can spare just half an hour at the summer fair to enable another parent/carer/teacher to go and have a look around or get a cup of tea please do let us know, sign up on the board (on the drive) or just ask on the day. It really is appreciated.
 
🧁🍰🍪🍩 We would like to ask for donations of some cakes and bakes to sell at the summer fair. Could we have a list of allergens/ingredients for home baked goodies please. Shop bought items also very welcome. Any donations can be brought into school on Friday 8th July at the end of the day or on Saturday 9th July in the morning. Thank you in advance.
 
⛺️ We also need to borrow some gazebos for the summer fair, if anyone has a gazebo they could please lend us, that would be great. Please message FONTS or speak to one of the team.
 
We hope you can all make it next Saturday
Thank you for your continued support
FONTS committee.         
Email friendsofnorthtawton@gmail.com
Or message FONTS on Class Dojo

School News 1.7.22

1/7/2022

 
​Dear North Tawton Friends and Families,

Thank you to all who were able to come to the Community Forum on Tuesday. Please find the minutes here.

While we still have three weeks until the end of term we are looking towards the new year and planning ahead. You will have received an email this week about staffing.

This term we sadly say farewell to Mrs Squires and Mrs Jelley.  Both have worked at the school for many years supporting children with their learning.  They have both decided it is now time for them to spend more time with their families and focusing on other things. We will say our goodbyes properly later this term. We also say goodbye to Miss Prince who has covered maternity leave in reception class and provided lots of outdoor adventures for children across the whole school. We wish her all the best in her future career ahead.

Our staffing plan for September:
Nursery
Mrs Karen Tingle, Miss Lucy Lamb, Mrs Sophie Maxam
Reception
Mrs Jess Nuthall, Mrs Emma MacDonald, Mrs Rachel Grant
Year 1
Mrs Becky Budiman, Miss Abbie Luxton, Miss Lauren Bond, Mrs Gemma Cooper
Year 2
Mrs Hannah Ahmad, Mrs Natasha Birnie, Mrs Verity Moffatt
Year 3
Mrs Sarah Keen, Miss Juliet Boyce, Miss Jessica Westcott
Year 4
Miss Beth Radbourne, Miss Kerry Davies, Mrs Penny Bowles
Year 5
Mr Jason Foreman, Mrs Danielle Day
Year 6
Mrs Jo Ware, Miss Gina Ruby, Mrs Nicola Shaw
 
We have spoken with children about staffing for next year and started the transition process so the children are ready for the new year.
Mrs MacDonald and Mrs Nuthall were planning together this week and were able to say hello to many parents at the end of the day.  Our Year Six children who are going to Okehampton College went to visit on Thursday.   Thursday 14th July will be Move Up morning so the children get to spend time in their new rooms with their staff.
 
Rainbow day
It was great to see so many children wearing bright colours for Rainbow Day today. For me, any excuse to wear my rainbow skirt and pink wig! The children have been learning about inclusion and why bullying is not OK in our school or society. I am very proud of how thoughtful and mature they have been.

Quad Kids
Our team of 16 went to Tavistock Arena today to take part in the final! They competed in long jump, vortex (throwing a torpedo), a sprint and cross country run. We are waiting for the results. Mrs Ware and Mrs Jelley said they were a pleasure to be with and represented our school brilliantly. Well done Team NT - we are proud of you!
 
Next week
Thursday 7th July Sports Day - KS2 in the morning, KS1 in the afternoon
Friday 8th July - Music Concert at 1.45pm
Saturday 9th July - Summer Fayre
 
Please keep an eye on Dojo for timings and details.
 
With very best wishes,
Tara Penny 

School News - 24th June 2022

24/6/2022

 
​Dear North Tawton Friends and Families,
 
As you will be aware, we had our Ofsted inspection this week. Our inspector was an HMI (Her Majesty’s Inspector) who, over the two days, observed lessons and playtimes, scrutinised pupil’s work, analysed Parent View and our policies.  She met with pupils, staff, Curriculum Leaders, SENDCO, Trust leaders, Trustees and Governors   She fed back her report to the Trust leaders at the end of the day.  The outcomes remain confidential until the report is published, but I can tell you that it was a robust and fair process. 
 
Year Six Activity week
While Ofsted was happening in school, our Year six were enjoying their activity week! On Monday they went to Go Ape in Exeter, Tuesday surfing in Bude and Wednesday a trip Woodlands in Totnes.  On Thursday the class had a whole day of forest school led by Miss Prince. After school, they had a movie night and ate fish and chips. Today they went on a walk in our beautiful North Tawton landscape and had a picnic.  A HUGE thank you to Mrs Ware and Miss Ruby for organising all of the activities.
 
Refugee Awareness Week
 This week in assembly we thought about what it means to be a refugee.  Year 4 have learnt a lot about migration this year and were able to explain that a refugee is a person who has needed to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.  We found out about some famous refugees and listened to the story of a man who  who came from Afghanistan on his own to the UK as a child and has been granted right to remain.
 
Here is a thought-provoking poem written by one of my favourite modern poets.  
 
Refugees
by Brian Bilston
They have no need of our help
So do not tell me
These haggard faces could belong to you or me
Should life have dealt a different hand
We need to see them for who they really are
Chancers and scroungers
Layabouts and loungers
With bombs up their sleeves
Cut-throats and thieves
They are not
Welcome here
We should make them
Go back to where they came from
They cannot
Share our food
Share our homes
Share our countries
Instead let us
Build a wall to keep them out
It is not okay to say
These are people just like us
A place should only belong to those who are born there
Do not be so stupid to think that
The world can be looked at another way

(now read from bottom to top)
 
Rainbow Day
Next Friday is our Trust Rainbow Day. We are encouraging our children to wear their favourite colours to celebrate. This is an opportunity for us to reflect upon our similarities and differences so that all of our children learn to understand that there are people in the community and wider world with characteristics similar and different to their own. It is a day steeped in respect and inclusion.
 
We call it Rainbow Day as the rainbow is a Christian symbol of God’s love for us all.  The rainbow flag is steeped in history from a symbol of maritime peace, the cooperative movement, LGBT equality and more recently, support for the NHS.  The colours of the rainbow are different but come together to make something beautiful. 
 
We will be asking children to think about equality and when people may be treated unfavourable. We anticipate they will think about people with different physical abilities, cultures, religions and families. We are careful to talk in an age appropriate way and give children space to explore questions and develop their own thinking.
 
Children who have PE on Friday, or are taking part in Quad Kids can change in school. 
 
Cost of Living
The government has now announced ‘cost of living support’ and any families struggling can contact their relevant LA. Parents and families can see what support is available, including information on the HAF programme, on the link that can be found here
 
Community Forum
Tuesday 28th June 5pm – 6pm
This will be an opportunity for you to hear about our progress on our school development plans including:
  • Our new curriculum
  • Our grounds
  • Update regarding Breakfast Club and After School Clubs
  • Our volunteer Programme
  • SEND
Please come to the hall, we will also provide a link if you would prefer to join from home
 
Summer Fair
On Wednesday morning, parents met to plan the Summer Fair. We really do need lots of help to make this a fantastic event. Please contact our FONTS leaders or class reps if you can help. We need people to set up in the morning and tidy at the end, run stalls, lead activities, serve refreshments and BBQ sausages and burgers. After so long without a Summer Fair, we really want this to be a success so please do help in what ever way you can.  Thank you. 
​
 Dates
Thursday 30th June - Y6 induction day at Okehampton College
Friday 1st July - Rainbow Day – a celebration of inclusion
Week of 4th July is our Festival of Hope which will be a week of curriculum activities with the theme of hope. This will include:
Monday 4th July French Theatre trip 
Tuesday 5th July Science Day
Wednesday 6th July Art Day
Thursday 7th July Sports Day
Friday 8th July Music Festival 
Saturday 9th July Summer Fayre
Friday 22nd July Farewell Assembly
We also have a number of class visits and visitors over the following weeks. 
 
Please keep an eye on Dojo for timings and details.
  
With very best wishes
Tara Penny 

School News 17th June 2022

17/6/2022

 
Dear North Tawton Friends and Families,
 
This week has been a bit of a hot and sweaty one! Please can we remind parents to send children to school with hats, water bottles and sun cream as it looks like summer is finally here!
  
Times tables
Across the country, Year Four children have been logging on to a portal to do a times tables assessment.  They all had 25 quick fire times tables which they typed in the answers to. There are modifications we can apply for to support children with SEND including extra time and a scribe, but they still need to know the answers to pass.
 
This is our first year doing this and we are looking forward to seeing how our children did, which we will share with them and their parents.
​
Parents of year two and three, please support your children by practicing at home as the expectation is that by year 4 they know them all!
 
 
Thank you to our volunteers
In assembly this week we learnt about the work of volunteers across the country, internationally and in our school.
 
We would like to say a huge thank you to our Friends of North a Tawton FONTS who do a marvellous job at raising money for our school and planning events, they are currently working hard to plan a fabulous summer Fayre.  Do come in next Wednesday morning after drop off for a cuppa and a chat about how you can help.
 
Another big shout out to our local stake holders board, they do all sorts of work behind the scenes such as auditing safeguarding, reading policies and interviewing new staff. They are the voice of the community and contribute to our plans for the years ahead.  I am meeting with them next week to review the progress we are making.
 
We also have a board of trustees who are also volunteers, they hold the Trust to account legally and financially and support the long term strategic vision of the Dartmoor Trust.
 
I spoke to the children about the fact that they might not always see, or understand the roles of these people, we are grateful to them, as they give of their time, expertise and passion to help us be a great school.
 
On Thursday Mr Cutler spoke of the Bible stories about Timothy, a young boy who was passionate about volunteering and helping others. We also saw a film clip of a Thai man who does many thinks to support his local community.
 
Year Six Activity Week
Wishing year six, and their teachers, a fabulous week of activities.  Mrs Ware and Mrs Ruby have worked incredibly hard to plan an exciting week. The train strike has meant a last-minute change of plan, but I am know that the class will have a fabulous week surfing, Go Ape, Forest School, Movie Night, Camp fire, a trip to Woodlands and a picnic locally. They will have great experiences and memories to treasure.
 
Parent View
Your views are important to us. All staff want to do the best we can for our children and community. If you haven’t already, please sign up to Parent View.
We are expecting a visit from Ofsted this term and we would like your views of the school to be part of the evidence they collect. At the moment we do not have many, so please do spare some time this weekend to log on.
Give your views | Ofsted Parent View
As always, if you have a concern or suggestion, please talk to class teachers at the door, me at the gate, or contact me tpenny@dmatschools.org.uk or via the school office.
 
Gardening
Calling out for some help gardening! We really need some help to keep our garden areas weed free and tidy.  Are you available on Thursdays? Leanne (Lara’s mum) would love some help developing our garden area. Please speak to her, or to me and we will set up a planning meeting. Many thanks in advance!
 
Community Forum
Tuesday 28th June 5pm – 6pm
This will be an opportunity for you to hear about our progress on our school development plans including:
  • Our new curriculum
  • Our grounds
  • Update regarding Breakfast Club and After School Clubs
  • Our volunteer Programme
  • SEND
Please come to the hall, we will also provide a link if you would prefer to join from home
I will send a questionnaire on Monday so parents have the opportunity to ask questions and raise topics for the forum.
  
Dates
Week of 20th June Y6 Activity Week
Monday – Go Ape - Exeter
Tuesday – Surfing - Bude
Wednesday – Woodlands – Dartmouth
Thursday – Forest Day here (Bristol theatre trip cancelled due to train strike ☹)
Friday – Local Walk and Picnic
 Thursday 23rd – 6pm LSB meeting
Tuesday 28th June - 5 – 6pm Community Forum
Thursday 30th June Y6 induction day at Okehampton College
Friday 1st July Rainbow Day – a celebration of inclusion.
Week of 4th July Festival of Hope
Monday KS2 French show
Tuesday Science day
Wednesday Art Day and  Y5 Cricket at Chagford
Thursday Sports day
Saturday 9th July – School Fair
Wednesday 13th July Y3 and Y1 to Rosemoor
Tuesday 14th July Moving Up Day
Friday 22nd July Farewell Assembly

Please keep an eye on Dojo for details of all of these events 
 
With very best wishes
Tara Penny 

School News 10th June 2022

10/6/2022

 
​Dear North Tawton Friends and Families,
 
Welcome back to the final term of this year. The next seven weeks will be a roller coaster of learning experiences and fun, and hopefully good weather too! Brace yourselves!
​
Staffing News
A warm welcome to Lauren Bond who is joining our Early Years Team. We are really pleased to have her working with us.
 
Clubs
Thank you to those of you who completed the survey regarding breakfast club and after school club. If you haven’t – please do so by Friday 17th as I am looking at feasibility to start clubs in September. I will update parents and carers about this at the Community Forum on Tuesday 28th June.
​
This term we have: Choir Ukulele Running Club and Saints. Please see Gateway for more information
 
Ready, Respectful, Safe
This week in assembly, we reviewed our behaviour policy.  Children know that if they are being ‘ready, respectful and safe’ that they are meeting our expectations and keeping our school rules. Behaviour at our school is very good, staff rarely have an issue in the classroom, however, like in all good schools, we do have children who push the boundaries at times, particularly at play time, and some who find keeping the rules harder than others for a whole host of reasons. We have had lots of training around this, and our staff are very skilled in pre-empting issues.
In assembly I shared problem solving wheel. This is where children can make choices as how to best respond to an issue. 
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​On occasion, children do need the support of an adult to solve an issue and to restore peace – this is called restorative practice or sometimes called restorative justice.
These are the questions adults will ask the children involved in the issue. 
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​You will notice that the two resources encourage children to take responsibility for their actions and reflect upon their feelings and decisions.
 
Please do use these at home to support solving disputes!
 
Parent View
Your views are important to us. All staff want to do the best we can for our children and community. If you haven’t already, please sign up and add your views to the Parent View here
Give your views | Ofsted Parent View

As always, if you have a concern or suggestion, please talk to class teachers at the door, me at the gate, or contact me tpenny@dmatschools.org.uk or via the school office.
 
Curriculum Development
Today I am at a LYFTA training day with Mrs Underwood. We are looking at how we can further enrich our curriculum so that our children have the widest and deepest learning experiences. LYFTA is a resource which teachers have started to use this year.
Our vision at Lyfta is that by the time a child leaves school, they will have experienced and connected with a meaningful human story from every country in the world. In doing so, they will have experienced different cultures, different languages, different jobs and perspectives. They will have seen hundreds of positive human stories modelling resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, and many other critical skills, values and competencies. By the end of their schooling, they would understand for themselves how interconnected and interdependent we are, and would have gained a deep awareness of their power and role in the world. (From the LYFTA website)
I am looking forward to coming back to school on Monday with lots of new and exciting ways to use this platform across the year groups.
 
Gardening
Calling out for some help gardening! We really need some help to keep our garden areas weed free and tidy.  Are you available on Thursdays? Leanne (Lara’s mum) would love some help developing our garden area. Please speak to her, or to me and we will set up a planning meeting. Many thanks in advance!
 
Community Forum
Tuesday 28th June 5pm – 6pm
This will be an opportunity for you to hear about our progress on our school development plans including:
  • Our new curriculum
  • Our grounds
  • Update regarding Breakfast Club and After School Clubs
  • Our volunteer Programme
Please come to the hall, we will also provide a link if you would prefer to join from home
I will send a questionnaire on Monday 20th June so parents have the opportunity to ask questions and raise topics for the forum.
 
Staffing for next year
I am in consultation with staff regarding staffing for next year. After such a turbulent few years, we want to keep things as consistent as possible for our children and where there are changes, plenty of time for them to feel ready for September.
I will let children and parents know as soon as we have finalised our plans.
 
Dates
Week of 20th June Y6 Activity Week – an exciting week of adventurous and cultural activities
Tuesday 28th June 5 – 6pm Community Forum
Thursday 30th June Y6 induction day at Okehampton College
Friday 1st July Rainbow Day – a celebration of inclusion
Week of 4th July is our Festival of Hope which will be a week of curriculum activities with the theme of hope. This will include:
Monday 4th July French
Tuesday 5th July Science
Wednesday 6th July Art
Thursday 7th July Sports
Friday 8th July Music
Saturday 9th July Summer Fayre
Friday 22nd July Farewell Assembly
 
With very best wishes
Tara Penny 

Happy Jubilee Celebrations!

1/6/2022

 
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I hope you all have a fabulous extra long Bank Holiday Weekend! 

Have you found all of the lost corgis in North Tawton and returned them?
Don't forget the one outside school! 


Our Jubilee Quiz
How old is the Queen?
How many corgis has she owned?
How many Prime Ministers have we had during her reign?
How many countries have been in the Commonwealth?
Let Miss Penny know your answers on Tuesday.

We loved making bunting with Philippa Sims and Ruth Smith. Do have  look at it outside the church - it looks stunning! 
See you all on Tuesday 7th July at 8.45!
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North Tawton Primary School
Exeter Street, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2HB
​Tel: 01837 82284
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