Friday Update 16.01.2025
Posted 16th January 2026
Miss McNamara's Message
As you know our school has undergone an Ofsted inspection this week, under the revised inspection framework.
As you may be aware, there are strict guidelines around the inspection process, which mean that we are unable to share the inspection outcomes or gradings at this stage. This also applies to discussions beyond what Ofsted permits, including with staff. We appreciate your understanding and patience while the process is completed.
What I can say, without hesitation, is how incredibly proud I am of our whole school community.
Our pupils were, quite simply, amazing. They spoke with confidence, kindness and pride about their learning, our school and each other. They demonstrated wonderful attitudes to learning and behaviour that reflects our school values. They were a credit to you and to everyone who works with them every day.
I would also like to recognise the dedication, professionalism and teamwork shown by our staff. The inspection process is intense, and staff approached it with calm, integrity and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right for children. Their hard work and passion for our school shone through. Staff were in school late, regardless of their personal circumstances (including birthdays!), to make sure we show cased everything we do.
We are pleased that our wonderful school has been recognised through this process under the revised inspection framework. The inspection provided an opportunity to reflect on our journey and celebrate all that we do well.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support, trust and partnership and for your parent survey responses. As soon as we are able to share further information, we will do so. Please see the information below from Ofsted, about the new inspection report cards.
Changes to the inspection report card
You may have seen in the news that the way Ofsted reports the findings of our inspections is changing. Our new-look report cards have been designed with you in mind and will give you a clearer picture of what is working well and where there are areas for improvement. The inspection will no longer result in a one-word judgement, such as 'good' or 'outstanding'. Instead, the report card that we publish will show colour-coded grades for a number of different areas - so you can see how we have graded the areas that matter most to you. These are new grades and should not be compared to what you might have seen on earlier inspection reports.
You can view a short video about Ofsted's new report cards at:
Fruitful Updates 🍎🍏
We’ve had a generous donation of apples from Tesco! They’re stored in the Hub—please help yourself. A big thank you to Tesco for supporting our school!
Get into Scouting
Message from our local Scout Group:
'We are a local Scout Group providing fun, safe and inclusive activities for children aged 5–8 (Beavers) and 8–10½ (Cubs). Our programme helps young people develop confidence, teamwork and practical life skills through games, outdoor activities, badges and community involvement.
Our group meets at Fountains Avenue in Bilton and we have two Beaver and two Cubs groups running on different days at various times. We welcome children from all backgrounds and abilities. We are run entirely by trained volunteers and follow the Scouts UK safeguarding policies.'
Email 3rdharrogategsl@gmail.com for more information.
⭐Highlights for next week!⭐
- Apple Class will be using the claves to create some Samba beats. 🎵 And in maths they will be taking our learning outside to explore factor pairs!
- Beech class are going on their Geography fieldwork and continuing lots of outdoor fun in Forest School.
-
Ash are continuing exploration of Maria Andrade through the use of clay and doing their first science experiment of the year!
-
Sycamore Class will continue their DT projects and discover the bold and exciting architecture of Zaha Hadid, using her ideas to inspire their own designs.
Spring 1 Menu - Week 3
Winter Activity: Easy Pinecone Bird Feeder
- Winter can be challenging for birds, so give them a boost!
- Tie string to a pinecone, cover it in peanut butter, roll it in birdseed, and hang it outside.
- Place it where you can see it from a window—then enjoy spotting and recording the birds that visit!
⭐ Attendance ⭐
Class |
% |
|
Oak |
96.7% |
|
Beech |
95.3% |
|
Ash |
98.9% |
|
Sycamore |
100%
⭐ |
|
Apple |
96.3% |
|
Chestnut |
92.1% |
|
Willow |
93.2% |
|
Whole School |
96.1% |
Wellbeing Corner - Support with Fuel Vouchers
Unity in Community are able to support households with fuel vouchers.
Help Available - Gas & Electric: Unity in Community will be providing vouchers to help towards paying for gas and electricity.
To qualify you must pay for your energy through a prepayment meter and have not received energy vouchers from Unity in Community within the past 12 months.
This is in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis and beneficiaries can be working, unemployed, self-employed or retired.
For more information and to register, call 01482 420836, Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm – if busy, please keep trying.
Spring 1 Dates
Tuesday 20 January - Family Breakfast
Friday 6 February - Walk to School Day
Tuesday 10 February - Oak Class - St Wilfred's Church Visit
Tuesday 10 February - Safer Internet Day
Wednesday 11 February - Young Voices Concert
Friday 13 February - School Closes for Half Term
Spring 2 Dates
Monday 23 February - School Opens
Monday 9 March - Oak and Sycamore - Hinduism Workshop
Friday 13 March - Walk to School Day
Tuesday 17 March - Family Breakfast
Tuesday 24 March - Apple Class Harrogate Synagogue Visit
Thursday 26 March - PTFA Sponsored Bounce
Friday 27 March - School Closes for Easter Holiday
