Welcome to QRA Weekly 🗞️
Good afternoon all,
It's great to be back! In my first assembly I spoke to the children about how much I love it here and how proud I am to serve this community, and I meant every word of it. Queens Road is a special place; we're lucky to have the children we do, and we don't take it for granted!
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer holiday, and enjoyed some family time. The children certainly seemed ready to be back. School has been notably calm, and children really seem to be enjoying their new classes.
Needless to say, we've hit the ground running and are straight back in to the action. We have been teaching and learning as usual, straight back in to the swing of things with Maths, Reading, Writing and the wider curriculum. Every second counts in school, so there's been no wasted any time in this regard.
There are a couple of news items for you this week below. Please read on for important updates regarding the change over to HCAT and our NEW school website.
Have a great weekend.
Mr Smith
As of Monday 1st September, Queens Road Academy has joined HCAT. HCAT is a well-established multi-academy trust with an excellent track record of helping schools raise standards and improve outcomes for children. HCAT's mission closely reflects that of Queens Road Academy: to provide high-quality teaching, a broad and balanced curriculum, and the best opportunities for every child to succeed academically and personally.
More information can be found on our school website under 'letters and newsletters'. You will also have received an email with communication regarding this change.
Of course, any uniform etc that has the old badge on it is still more than fine to wear for school. We will, however, be updating our uniform suppliers so that the new badge can be embroidered on to any purchases made for those of you who would like to do so. There is no obligation, however - plain navy jumpers are just as good!
I am pleased to share our new website with you.
It can be found at the same address as our old website - queensroad.org.uk
Our new website comes with class blogs that will be updated with relevant information about the class.
Within the next few days, we will update each class blog with a brief overview of what the children will be learning in Autumn term for your information.
An example for Year 5 can be seen below. Please check back over the next few days - this may be useful in supporting your children with their learning!
Thank you very much for adhering to our new uniform policy. The children look lovely and smart, and tell me that they feel much more comfortable in their polo shirts!
If you have any concerns around the uniform for your child, please do not hesitate to contact our PSA, Mrs Blackwell, who will be happy to offer support and guidance.
Our remaining INSET days for 2025/2026 are as follows:
23rd October 2025
24th October 2025
23rd January 2026
3rd July 2026
20th July 2026
Please remember as well that lateness is a vital part of attendance.
Last year, a total of 15,664 minutes of learning were lost due to lateness. This equates to 261 hours, or 43 school days of learning. This is more than 8 full weeks. Much of this time was during reading and phonics, which is a vital focus and indeed underpins all learning.
Remember, when it comes to attendance, every minute counts. If you feel you need support in getting children to school on time, please get in touch.
Our current school attendance rate sits at 96.3% for the year.
Attendance across school this week has been 96.3%
OUR ATTENDANCE WINNERS THIS WEEK ARE Year 3, with A PERFECT 100% - WELL DONE!
Remember to please schedule non-urgent appointments outside school hours when possible.
If you're facing any challenges that are affecting your child's attendance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you and can offer guidance or connect you with helpful resources.
Credits:
Created with images by Louis-Photo - "education and school concept little student girl studying at school" • hd3dsh - "Yellow backpack with alarm clock and school equipment. Back to school concept on green background 3D Rendering, 3D Illustration " • tiero - "interior of a traditional school classroom with wooden floor and furniture." • 영인 진 - "Row of nurse uniform' hanging" • EtiAmmos - "Light Bulbs Concept" • Anastasiia - "3D hourglass symbolizes modern business timekeeping for appointments schedules and deadlines. Concept Time Management, Business Tools, Modern Technology"