Principal Update
Message from Vicky Ross, Principal
Parents, Friends and Carers
Can you believe that Easter is nearly here? I can't. This term seems to have disappeared quickly. With the prospect of warmer weather, Easter eggs and hopefully a little bit of relaxation over the holiday, it is time to reflect on the events of this term.
This term has been packed full of work - and also progress has been accelerating. We are well on track for the highest academic results that the school has had for several years - testament to the relentless drive of the staff, children and supportive families and friends. We hope to surpass national expectations in EYFS Good Level of Development and Year 1 Phonics, and our KS2 outcomes should increase by 20-30% on previous years. What an achievement that will be!
The children have also had many opportunities to have fun, and experience a range of enrichment activities, including World Book Day, poetry competitions, performing at the Opera, and the usual chance to join in with a wealth of sporting experiences.
Unfortunately, the biggest challenge we still face is to increase our overall attendance. As the children say, 'If you are not here, you can't learn!' The emotional impact of pupils getting behind cannnot be underestimated - it affects children's perception of themselves as learners. 80% attendance sounds alright... but this is the equivalent of 1 day off per week and completely impacts on the efficiency of learning on other 4 days too!
Next term, the academy will also have a brand new Principal - as I will start April with my last few days at The Richmond School - I plan to squeeze in a final newsletter before I go on Wednesday 30th April - expect an emotional one!
Mrs Ross and The Richmond Team
Term Dates
Term 3: Monday 6th January 2025 - Friday 14th February 2025
Term 4: Monday 24th February 2025 - Friday 4th April 2025
Term 5: Tuesday 22nd April 2025 - Friday 23rd May 2025 (Bank Holiday: Monday 5th May)
Term 6: Monday 2nd June 2025 - Friday 18th July 2025
Communications
A reminder that we are communicating via:
Email - enquiries@richmondprimary.co.uk
Academy News
Trust and Academy News
This term has continued with a packed programme of sporting events: gymnastics, football, netball competitions and festivals to name just a few. Congratulations to our older players who secured a third place medal against other trust schools in the Primary Cup North.
In school, we have had a focus on reading! Miss Green deserves a special mention as she has juggled intense Year 6 teaching with: organising a poetry competition; running a weekly reading club; setting up an outdoor reading area; putting a huge amount of effort into World Book Day - including running a sculpture competition and after-school presentation; distributing over 100 world book day costumes (obtained through the ongoing efforts by the PFA); creating two reading displays in school, and also distributing hundreds of new books. What a Herculean effort!
As mentioned above, outcomes are improving across the school. All the staff and children are seeing a shift in the reading, writing and maths ability of our children. Here is some of the writing from Year 1...Wow!
Our children continue to have opportunities to be educated off-site. Year 4 have been mastering swimming, Year 1 have been to the farm and Year 5 have had an amazing opportunity to showcase their opera singing during their performance of 'The Magic Flute' at Grimsby Auditorium. I couldn't have been a prouder headteacher when I saw the courage and confidence with which Year 5 performed. I know there were some very proud parents too.
Check out tonnes of other trust news here…David Ross Education Trust
Staff Spotlight
Looking to the future, sadly, we will be saying goodbye to some well-loved staff members, and welcoming others. We have three staff leaving us this term - all off to exciting new opportunities. Join me in saying farewell to.....
...Mrs Lake...
Mrs Lake has been a vital member of the academy as both a teacher, and an Assistant Principal. She has devoted so much of her time and energy to the education of the youngest pupils - in EYFS and Year 1. Mrs Lake has worked hard for all the pupils and staff as a member of the Senior Leadership team- We wish her all the luck in the world.
Year 1 will be getting a new teacher, Miss Johnson, next term.
...Miss Newson....
Miss Newson took on the extremely challenging role of SENDCo in 2023 and has made significant changes for SEN children since her arrival. Her relationships with the families and children of The Richmond have enabled her to have a positive impact. I know many of you are very sad to say goodbye.
Mrs Harmer will be joining us next term to take on the role of SENDCo.
...Mrs Jacklin....
Mrs Jacklin has performed many roles across the years: teacher, teaching assistant, mental health practitioner, librarian, and pretty much anything else thrown at her. Mrs Jacklin is moving to another trust school and we will miss her terribly! Hopefully she will keep popping in.
Mrs King will continue to support Year 3 alongside Mrs Goodrick.
Community News
Road Safety - PFA style!
Our PFA never stop! I mentioned traffic cones and the next thing I knew, they had organised for cones, warning signs (in the shape of children) and somehow managed to get the road markings repainted too! The safety of the children is so important! Thank you to them and their contacts!
The PFA also continue to raise funds for the school - with the ever-popular Easter disco on the horizon. Thank you to the members of the PFA and the families that support them. If you would like to support, please leave your name at the office and we will pass it on.
Bread news! Unfortunately, Tesco - who have been providing the school with reduced rate bread for our daily toast - are shutting their bakery. We are trying to find a reasonably priced source (preferably that can deliver) of our daily 12-15 loaves of bread so that we can continue to feed all the children toast every day. If you know anyone that can help, please let the office know.
Mental Health or Wellbeing Support?
What if I need urgent help now?
If your mental health deteriorates and you feel unsafe, distressed or worried, call 111 and select the mental health option. A mental health professional will answer your call. If you are unable to call, someone can call on your behalf.
Emotional support can be found by calling the mental health helpline 0800 001 4331.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people can be accessed by ringing Lincolnshire Here4You on 0800 234 6342.
If you cannot call, text SHOUT on 85258 to start a conversation
Community News
Contextual Safeguarding is combatting the risks to children that are presented by their location - part of which is the community they live in. At the Richmond Primary Academy, we have identified that our Primary Contextual Safeguarding Concerns fall into the following three categories:
Risk/Harm caused by inappropriate supervision of children
The proximity of water (sea and waterways), the railway, busy roads and dangers caused by the influence of drugs, alcohol and gangs, means that children who are alone - or poorly supervised in the home and community are at risk - we aim to support parents with increased knowledge and access to local/national agencies. In this way we will minimise these risks and educate our children in navigating these dangers.
Risk/Harm caused by anti-social and/or criminal behaviour in the community
Domestic and sexual violence, gang crime, shop-lifting, arson and anti-social behaviour are prevalent in the area of Skegness. We are making links with the community services to support our families. Children, through PSHE and values education, will have the right character to resist these dangers.
Risk/Harm caused by exposure to inappropriate content
TV, media - including social media, streaming, and online gaming are conduits for children to access the dangers of grooming, self-harm images, explicit images and extremist views. Our PSHE and parental engagement programme will be developed to support parents in reducing the risks of exposure to these and to build digital resilience in children.