Sandiway Primary School Newsletter
Newsletter 23 Wednesday 12th May 2021 Summer Term 2021
www.sandiway.cheshire.sch.uk admin@sandiway.cheshire.sch.uk
The Hidden Curriculum
In my assembly message for the children this week, I
explained about what some schools call their ‘hidden
curriculum’ – in our school, I think about it as the ‘ethos of
the school’ – they are the attributes that make our children
ready for their future and what give the school the feeling it
has. Each year group has a set of objectives that we aim to
cover each year with overlaps between personal, social and
health education (PSHE), online/computing safety,
equality/diversity and aspects of the RE curriculum.
As we have come out of a lockdown and are all back in
school, we can finally reconnect with each other and realise
what it is like to be ‘social creatures’ again. We are talking to
the children about the importance of friendship, the way we
can make each other feel good (and bad), how we can help
each other out, how we can resolve any
differences, etc. The children are, or
course, very keen to tell us what they
should be doing – but staff are also
there to help the children when the
theory doesn’t quite work out and
fallouts happen – all needed to gain the
skills of life.
As a staff, we are working through relationship education
training materials to support the children to ensure our
school continues to be the friendly place it is…and to equip
each child with skills for their future. We remind the children
to be polite, courteous and have respect for others. We have
reassured the children about knowing that they can go to a
‘trusted adult;’ if they need help. I would be grateful if these
messages continue to be reinforced at home too.
All of the above will help to contribute to the well-being and
positive mental health of all members of the school;
something which is very much on our mind and can be seen
in the media. I also share a common belief that positive
mental health is also connected to routine, having clear
boundaries and a firm/fair approach in school – something
we instil every day in school.
Chickens
When I was Headteacher in my last school, I introduced the
wonderful world of chickens to the children. I have always
wanted to have chickens at Sandiway Primary School, but I
have always needed help to look after them. Imagine my
delight when Becky Penney spoke to me the other week
asking if we can have chickens in school…and she would help
look after them!
Whilst a slightly random newsletter article, please bear
with me: I am looking to have a small group of chickens in
their own coup in our school grounds. I would like the
children (and their families) to take ownership of looking
after them on a daily basis and use the experience as a great
introduction to caring for animals. Interestingly, they also
really add value to well-being. The PTA are also keen on the
idea and would like to contribute some money towards the
set up. Since starting to think about this, Becky and I have
developed our ideas a little: we would like a slightly larger
(fox-proof) coup as in the image and to create a fenced off
area in our grounds. We think that a lot of our families would
really like to get involved by looking after the chickens at the
weekends and during the school holidays. At my last school, I
had a waiting list of families wanting to call into school,
change the water, top up the food…and most exciting – look
for eggs. As payment, any eggs that have been laid can be
taken home and eaten. Any eggs collected during the school
day, would be available for sale.
We have
some funds
available, but
I am hoping
that parents/
businesses
may like to
contribute
financially
(sponsor a chicken!) and also offer their help with creating a
chicken area, looking after the chickens or offering any
further expertise. Please get in touch with me if you can
help.
Half Term Holiday Club
If you are interested in holiday club in the coming half term,
please contact Smallworld – they are collecting interest at
this stage and will confirm their intentions as soon as
possible. They can be contacted by email at
sandiway@smallworldpreschool.co.uk
Parent LAB member
Thank you to Clare Mackin who has put her name forward to
continue her role on the Local Academy Board. She now
continues this role with no other nominations being
received.
COVID measures
It feels exciting to have some of the freedoms we previous
took for granted being returned to us, with Monday being
the next stage. This week, it was announced that face
coverings on secondary schools won’t be expected to be
worn, but I understand that some Headteachers will still be
making their own decisions based on their own school. As a
primary school, we are maintaining our measures in school; I
am awaiting further guidance about any relaxation of these
measures, including adults wearing face coverings at drop
off/collection and in school where distancing is more
difficult. Please continue with the measures we have in place
until you hear differently – they are helping to ensure that
our school stays safe for all, minimising any disruptions for
the children.
Chris Priddey