Autumn 2 Newsletter

Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we move through late autumn, the beauty of our school grounds is truly a sight to behold. The trees around our site are adorned with vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange, creating a wonderful backdrop as they shed their leaves. This natural transformation reminds us that the festive season is just around the corner, and we are excitedly preparing for the many seasonal events that bring our community together.

Over the coming weeks, we look forward to welcoming you to our carol services, nativity performances, and, of course, our highly anticipated Christmas Bazaar. These events are always a highlight of the year and a testament to the joy and creativity of our pupils and staff. Keep an eye on the upcoming dates and details so you don’t miss out on these special moments.

As the days grow shorter and darker, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of road safety for all our pupils. Whether walking, cycling, or scooting, please ensure your children are visible to others by adding fluorescent strips to bags and coats. These small adjustments can make a big difference during darker mornings and evenings. For those who drive to school, please be extra vigilant for pupil crossing the road. 

With the colder weather settling in, please remember to send your child to school with a warm coat each day. A sturdy pair of gloves and a hat will also help keep them comfortable during playtimes and outdoor activities.

I’d also like to remind everyone of our school uniform policy. As always, we ask for your support in ensuring that pupils wear the correct uniform, including all-black shoes or trainers, and that no jewellery is worn except for stud earrings. This consistency helps foster a sense of pride and belonging within our school community.

Supporting School Trips

School trips are a wonderful way to enrich learning and create lasting memories. Many parents have told us they would like their children to go on more trips. However, they need funding, and we rely on families to help cover costs. While the school subsidises trips to keep them affordable, timely payments from parents are essential. Without your support, we may not be able to continue offering the same level of trips in the future.

This year, we have faced delays in payments, often having to chase them after trips. This is stressful and unsustainable. If you are having difficulties, please contact us to discuss payment options.

We will run the planned trips for the Autumn term as scheduled and then review our approach for the Spring term based on the support received.

Thank you for helping us provide these valuable experiences for our pupils. If you have any questions, please contact the school office or ask to meet with Mr Irvine.

Exciting News: Opening of a Specially Resourced Provision (SRP)

We are thrilled to announce that Honilands Primary School will be establishing a Specially Resourced Provision (SRP) for pupils with autism and complex needs, opening in February 2025. This provision will offer tailored support for up to 16 pupils, providing differentiated access to the curriculum and fostering greater inclusion within our school community.

This initiative aligns with the Council's SEND Strategy to identify needs early and provide the right support, ensuring every child receives an excellent education in the most suitable environment. The SRP will enhance parental choice and offer a valuable resource for our local community.

The representation period runs from November 25, 2024, to January 10, 2025. We encourage families and stakeholders to share their views via the provided consultation form or by email. For further details, please contact our school office.

Together, let’s create a supportive and inclusive future for all pupils!

Enfield HAF

Enfield are again offering holiday activities to families who qualify for free school meals. See the HAF details on the flier. Please note that the HAF code required for registration will be provided directly to schools and/or parents by the local authority soon. 

Attendance

At present, our whole school attendance is 93%, which is below where it needs to be. This figure places us in the lower half of primary schools in Enfield, and we know we can do better for our children. Regular attendance is crucial not only for academic success but also for building the routines and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives.

We want to thank the many families who make a consistent effort to have their children in school every day. Your dedication sets a fantastic example, and it is truly appreciated. However, ensuring good attendance is a whole community effort—we all need to work together to give every child the best possible start in life.

We would also like to clarify the difference between an L and a U code for lateness. Our school register is taken promptly at 8:50 a.m. If a child arrives after this time but before 9:20 a.m., they will be marked with an L code, indicating they were late but still attended the session. However, if a child arrives 30 minutes or more after the register closes (around 9:20 a.m.), they will be marked with a U code. This U code counts as half a day’s absence, which can significantly affect their overall attendance record. Please aim to have your child in school on time every day to avoid these issues.

Together, let’s make a concerted effort to improve our attendance and ensure every child gets the education they deserve.

Coffee Morning

We have another coffee morning coming up and we would love you to be there! The focus is on PE in our school, what we do and how it supports your children. 

We will also have Walkers After School Club in attendance so they can answer any questions about the After-School Provision.

Thank you to those who gave feedback on our Coffee Morning Webform. If you haven't yet replied, please take a look: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYUkPxHnrF9IiaGXZT0pnMaMkBKwJ2su7gJiFPXVqp_TbueQ/viewform?usp=sf_link 

Reading for Pleasure

Reading for pleasure is a cornerstone of your child’s learning journey, and as a school, we expect children to spend at least 15 minutes reading every day. For children currently following the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme, they should be bringing home an RWI reading book and an additional book for reading for pleasure. If your child has completed RWI phonics, they will bring home a book specifically chosen for reading for pleasure. Encouraging daily reading helps build concentration, fluency, and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Here are some simple ways to encourage reading for pleasure at home:

• Create a cosy and inviting space for your child to read.

• Read together as a family and discuss the books you enjoy.

• Celebrate reading milestones, such as finishing a book or discovering a new favourite author.
  

• Show interest in the books your child brings home from school.

At school, we are proud of our beautiful book corners and our amazing library, which is regularly updated with input from our pupils. These spaces are designed to inspire a love of reading, offering a wide range of books that cater to all interests. We encourage every child to borrow books and explore the joy of stories and new knowledge.

School Dinners

We would like to encourage families who currently send their children with packed lunches to consider taking advantage of our wonderful school dinners. These meals are provided at no cost to parents and are freshly prepared to a high standard. Many parents who joined us for parents’ evening had the opportunity to sample the food and shared positive feedback on the fantastic quality and variety. School dinners not only save you time but also ensure your child has a balanced and nutritious meal during the school day.

From December, we are pleased to announce the reintroduction of a daily sandwich option as part of our school lunch menu. This change comes in response to feedback from parents and pupils, offering even more variety and flexibility for lunchtime. We hope this addition will encourage more families to try our school meals and enjoy the benefits of this service.

Healthy Packed Lunches

For families who prefer to send their children with packed lunches, we encourage you to make these as healthy and balanced as possible. A nutritious packed lunch helps support your child’s concentration, energy levels, and overall well-being throughout the school day. Eating well is also linked to better focus in lessons, improved mood, and sustained energy for learning and play.

Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Include a variety of food groups: fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains.

• Limit sugary snacks: replace sweets and chocolate with fresh fruit, natural yoghurt, or a small handful of dried fruit.

• Avoid high-salt or processed foods: choose healthier alternatives like popcorn, wholegrain crackers, or lean proteins.

• Provide water instead of sugary drinks.

To ensure that packed lunches meet these healthy standards, we will be taking a supportive approach to reviewing them. Our aim is to work together to promote balanced and nutritious choices for all children. If we notice any areas for improvement, we will provide gentle, constructive feedback and suggestions to help you align with these guidelines.

Keep Your Child Safe Online

The internet is a big part of children’s lives in the UK, with children spending 2 to 5 hours online daily (OFCOM, 2024). It helps them make friends, learn, and be creative. However, the internet also has risks, such as exposure to harmful content and online abuse.

Enfield has provided guidance and support for parents on this incredibly important issue. Please read the poster below. 

You can find out even more by reading this guidance that has been put together to support parents: https://honilandsps.schoolzineplus.co.uk/_file/media/1606/keep_your_child_safe_online_guide_2024.pdf

Remaining Dates for this term

Return to School

We return to school on Monday 6th January at 10am. 

Have a good festive break.