Updates from Mrs Norden

Another busy half term has come to an end and the news articles below highlight some of the activities the children have been doing and the successes they have had.

The Octagon Cluster and St Ives Rotary competitions were celebrated two weeks ago with all the school phase winning entrants attending a special event at Swavesey Village College.  At this the winners of the cluster phase group in each category, and the Rotary district entrants from these were announced.  

A huge well done to all our children who entered, the calibre of art, photography and writing across all schools was incredible.  We were thrilled that George, Clovis, Jake and Agnes were judged within the top three of their entered category, with George going forward as the Rotary entrant for the district art competition and Clovis for the photography. A great accolade for their work to representing the St Ives area - well done to you both. An article with photos of the event will go onto the website shortly.

During today's assembly we celebrated even more, especially the successes of children across the term in their learning, as well as the sporting arena.  We also celebrated some school success in the Reed Education World Book Day art competition. We were visited by Justin and Rae, from Reed, who came to present the overall competitor winner Eneyan with his prize.  His gorgeous 'Tiger who came to tea' character drawing won the hearts of the judges.

We also said 'au revoir', and good luck, to Mrs Seaden today as she starts her maternity leave.  Exciting adventures are ahead, and we have sent her into the Easter holidays with our best wishes and the hope she manages some time for a rest first.

In amongst the busyness, we also need to thank you to lots of people.  Our PTA for all their fundraising activities, from which valuable funds have been gained to support the school.  To Ralph Percival (of Ralph Designs) and Ben Davis (of Ben Davis Photographs) for their support in our headteacher recruitment publication, with Ben's incredible photos then being used to update our website. To our staff for all their continued hard work, our families for their support and our children for their engagement in all that is on offer - as seen through these many celebrations.

We hope you have a wonderful Easter holiday break and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 22nd April for our first day back to start the summer term.

                                                                                                                               _{Anna-Claire Norden}

_Headteacher

New Summer Lunch Menu - click here for the new menu

Community

Fen Drayton Tennis Club - Lessons will be on Wednesday and Friday afternoons during summer term, booking information can be found at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/FenDraytonTennisClub/Coaching

Help crochet the BIGGEST Tea Cosy A Community Record breaking challenge - My name is Elise, and I lead the Polygon Cares charity initiative at Polygon UK. Based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, we specialise in restoring properties affected by fire and flood. This year, we’re on a mission to raise £5000 for The Fire Fighters Charity, supporting their incredible work in helping firefighters and their families.

To make an unforgettable impact, we’re attempting an "unofficial" world record—crocheting the BIGGEST tea cosy EVER, large enough to cover a fire engine! But we need your help to make it happen!

We’re inviting schools, colleges, care homes, craft groups, and individuals of all ages to take part. Whether you’re 8 or 80, every square matters! This is a fantastic way for children, students, and the elderly to get involved in a meaningful, creative community project. It’s also a wonderful activity for care homes and schools—bringing people together, sparking conversations, and sharing skills across generations.

How can you help?
🧶 Crochet a 12 x 12-inch square (or more!)
💌 Include a message of kindness for our firefighters
📅 Send your squares by 1st July 2025

We need 3,000 squares, so every contribution counts! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this is a chance to be part of something truly special.

Click here for further details. Click here for a learn to crochet information sheet.

Grafham Water Easter Egg Hunt Saturday 12 to Monday 21 April 10am to 4pm daily - click here for details

SEND, Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Links

SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) information can be accessed through our SEND website pages here

Safeguarding Information - please click here for our Safeguarding page especially should you have concerns relating to the safeguarding of our children and families.  Please click here to go directly to our Safeguarding policy.

Attendance Policy - please click here for the school's attendance policy. It is vitally important parents and carers are aware of their responsibilities and the formal processes for attendance matters.  The NHS have created a useful webpage to support decision-making when children are unwell - you can click here for the link.

SEMH (Social Emotional Mental Health) resources for parents - Please click here to access an overview sheet with signposted resources for you to use at home to support your children.  The overview sheet can also be found at the bottom of the SEND page on our website here.  

H.A.Y Cambridgeshire Community Wellbeing support -  How Are You South Cambs? | Home (haysouthcambs.co.uk)

NHS Mental Health Services - www.keep-your-head.com and SHOUT - a new Text service on 85258 which provides real-time support to people of all ages who are struggling with their mental health (text the word HEAR to 85258).

Chat Health is a NHS confidential NHS service for help and advice. It’s safe and easy for you to speak to a qualified health professional. Just send a message, you don’t have to give your name. Discreet and quick. It only takes one message to start making a difference. You’ll get confidential advice from trained health staff in your area. Click here to access the site to start a web chat today.

NHS Pharmacy First Service - the NHS Pharmacy First Service enables children and adults to get convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment where appropriate, for seven common conditions without the potential delay of having to wait for a GP appointment. There is no need to make an appointment; parents or carers can pop into their local Boots pharmacy with their child and ask for help under the service.

Support for the following conditions can be accessed under the service, free of charge (unless NHS prescription charges apply):

To find out about Pupil premium and Free school meals, please visit our Pupil Premium page by clicking here. 

Links to each Phase page under the Curriculum tab on our website.

                                Reception    Yr1/2    Yr3/4    Yr5/6

Access SCOPay Parent Information here and EYandP Fees and Funding Page here