Welcome to our first Newsletter of the Autumn Term.

This term, there has been a variety of enriching activities and events planned that have inspired curiosity and creativity in our students. We started the term off with each class learning about a contemporary artist and exhibiting their work around the school (see pictures below). From engaging lessons in the classroom to fun-filled extracurriculars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We are particularly proud of all the clubs we have on offer this term, including Uno Club, Gymnastics, Arts & Crafts, Zumba, Phonics, Chess, Dodgeball and many more.

I encourage you to stay connected and involved in your child’s education. Your support makes a tremendous difference in their learning experience, and together, we can foster a positive and nurturing environment. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Here’s to a fantastic term ahead filled with new adventures and achievements!

Natalie Beere

Headteacher

Year Group News

Our students have had a fantastic start to the academic year here at Ascot Road. We have welcomed lots of new students across the school and we have of course welcomed a new cohort of Reception children who have settled in well and have very much enjoyed exploring their environment.

Everyone has been very busy, working hard on a school project which was to celebrate contemporary art. Each class chose their own artist to showcase, which all look amazing on our displays.

In Year 1 we chose to celebrate contemporary artists Victoria Villasana and Tracey White Fitzgerald.

In Year 2 we chose to celebrate contemporary artists Dorian Lynde and Yayoi Kusama.

In Year 3 we chose to celebrate contemporary artists Filthy Luker and Takashi Murakami.

In Year 4 Covent Garden chose to celebrate Paul Insect and King's Cross chose Charmaine Chanakira. Both classes explored the artist’s background, influence and techniques, which they later attempted to recreate.

In Year 5 the students created some excellent artwork influenced by their chosen contemporary artists. Camden Town focused on the work of Banksy whilst Golders Green were inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat.

In Year 6 we chose to celebrate contemporary artist Banksy.

Respect is our value of the month. Respect is all about being kind, listening to each other, and appreciating what everyone brings to the table. It’s about making sure everyone feels comfortable being themselves and sharing their ideas. When we show respect, we create a positive, supportive place where great teamwork happens. Let’s all make an effort to bring more respect into our daily interactions and keep building each other up!

Key Dates Coming Up

1st-31st Oct: Black History Month

7th-11th Oct: Harvest donations welcomed

10th Oct: World Mental Health Day

9th Oct: Year 1 Harvest Presentation 9am (NEW date)

22nd Oct: School Photos - Individual & Sibling

23rd Oct: Parents Evening - Virtual - 3.30pm - 5.30pm

24th Oct: Parents Evening - Face to face - 4.00pm - 6.00pm

25 Oct: End of term (3.15pm finish)

28th Oct-1st Nov: HALF TERM (School Closed)

Current Attendance 95.3%

The school's attendance stands at 95.3% While we are committed to providing a positive and engaging learning environment, it's crucial for us to collectively address this issue as our current attendance is below the national average, which is 95.8%.

Attendance Matters!

Every Student. Every day.

Is my child too ill for school? Please follow the link advice on whether your child is too ill for school.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

Keep Your Child Safe Online

We are aware that the majority of children have access to the internet. Many of the older children at Ascot Road also have their own mobile phones and use Social Media apps, messaging and websites on their devices.

We therefore wanted to share with you the age restrictions on the Social Media sites some of the children are using. You will notice that all of these ages are above Primary School age. Please ensure you are monitoring your children online and ensure they are not using any websites, apps and messaging which are below their age group.

You can find lots of useful information, resources and parental guides about online safety on the NSPCC website which can be found here:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

There are many parental control apps and services across the various operating systems to help your children use the internet safely and responsibly. We strongly encourage talking to your children so they understand the importance of online safety.

We would like to remind you that swimming is a statutory part of the National Curriculum and is therefore a compulsory activity for all students. Swimming is not only a vital life skill but also contributes significantly to a child's physical development, fitness, and overall confidence in the water. It is essential that every child gains experience and proficiency in swimming for their safety and well-being. As part of our curriculum, all children will participate in swimming lessons during school hours, and we appreciate your support in ensuring they attend prepared with the necessary swimwear and equipment.

Please ensure the food your child brings into school does not contain any nuts as we are a NUT FREE school.

A quick reminder to all parents to please follow the one-way system when dropping off and picking up your kids. This helps keep things safe and smooth for everyone. Sticking to the one-way route reduces congestion, keeps traffic flowing, and ensures the safety of all our students.

The PTA is recruiting! We’re looking for new members to join our amazing PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) team! Being part of the PTA is a great way to get involved in school life, meet other parents, and make a real difference in our school community. If you're interested, please reach out or come along to our next meeting to find out more. Let’s work together to make our school the best it can be!

Parent Governor wanted

If you are interested, please contact the school office.