NEWSLETTER

May 2015Cheshire Academies

‘Together Everyone Achieves More’

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHERWelcome to the May edition of our newsletter. There is lots of information to pass on as we have been extremely busy since the start of term!

As we enter into our fifth month of working in partnership as Cheshire Academies Trust we are delighted to be able to share with you an update as to how the Trust is progressing and the work that is planned or has already taken place.

As Heads of School we meet regularly to plan cross-Trust initiatives and provide inter-school support. Such activities include;

Each school agreed a shared school improvement priority ‘To collaborate with MAT schools to forge personnel links, developing protocols and procedures to ensure efficient and effective working practices in all 3 schools (management of the academy status)’

School Self Evaluation summaries and School Development Plans have been shared to ensure a unified approach to school evaluation and improvement

The Cheshire Academies Trust website is currently being designed and will be in operation at the end of May

Cheshire Academies Trust staff have provided school to school support. This includes Jon Clayton from Kelsall who has provided staff and pupil art workshops for Boughton Heath.

The Heads of Schools have met to agree a format for assessing the ‘curriculum without levels’

A document outlining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned to the Ofsted framework has been written by the Head at Mill View Primary School to ensure accountability in all schools by local governors and the Trustees

The Trust Board have met twice to formulate cross-Trust policy. The Heads of each school have met regularly to agree how we can work together to raise standards across our schools. At the last meeting the following actions were agreed

Each ‘Head of School’ will undertake a review of lunchtime provision at another CAT school. The reviews will take place week beginning 01 June 2015. Later in the summer term Steve Ellis will be arranging external training for Year 5 to become Junior Playground Leaders

Each Head of School will be supporting another CAT schools subject leader in observing the quality of teaching mathematics in the Autumn term 2015

The Principal at Kelsall School will be working with PE subject leaders to develop inter-CAT sports tournaments for every year group in 2015-2016

The Principal at Boughton Heath Academy will be working with an external provider to develop public speaking coaching for pupils at each CAT school with the opportunity for those who wish to sit public speaking exams to do so. We believe public speaking is an important life skill that all pupils should have access to. We look forward to being able to organise our own debating teams within our school and inter-CAT debates in 2015-2016.

On 7 May representatives from each School Council met at Kelsall School to share their thoughts on the 11 by 11 experiences we want each child to have in a Cheshire Academies Trust school.

Cheshire Academies Trust Limited trading as Boughton Heath Academy. Registered in England and Wales 08108086. Registered office Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0PU.

On 9 July the SENCo (Special Educational Needs) from each school will be meeting at Boughton Heath. The focus of the day will be to review our school policies and practices around SEND and to complete a CAT Special Educational Needs policy to ensure we are working to the highest possible standards across all three schools.

As three outstanding schools working closely together we have agreed that moderating across our CAT schools will be our priority of work within our individual cluster of schools. Our focus in the Autumn term will be Maths and Literacy. Time will be provided for subject leaders to work together. Heads of School will be responsible for the following subject areas across CAT:1. David Wearing, Principal Kelsall Primary School – Science2. Steve Ellis, Principal Boughton Heath Academy – English3. Susan Walters, Headteacher at Mill View Primary School – Mathematics

One staff meeting per term will be dedicated to cross individual year groups across our CAT schools working together to look at assessment without levels

Working closely with representatives from CAT, Kelsall and Mill View, Andy Lucas, Vice Principal at Boughton Heath Academy, is going to lead our Trust application for the Investors in People Gold Plus Award. This will allow us to ensure Trust CPD systems are rigorous and provide robust external validation of our practices. We will be able to engage in collaborative partnerships which will specifically impact on our CPD plans and to engage with business representatives to get new perspective on staff development. Most importantly we believe this award will ensure professional development in our Trust improves the quality of teaching and therefore impacts on outcomes for our children

Finally, for us, our most exciting development we are able to share with you are our plans for our first whole Trust INSET day on 01 September 2015. The main purpose of the day is to develop ‘11 by 11’.

‘11 by 11’ is our list of 11 activities or experiences every child who attends a CAT school will have partaken in by the age of 11. Work on ‘11 by 11’ will start on Thursday 07 May when representatives from each school’s Student Council will meet at Kelsall Primary School to share their ideas for the 11 activities. Later this term we will give parents/carers the opportunity to contribute their thoughts also. It is our plan to take approximately 60 possible activities/experiences to our day at the racecourse and work together to reduce them down to 20. Representatives from each school will work together later in September to decide and share our final list of 11.

As you can see much has happened since we converted to Academy. Hopefully parents will notice the strong emphasis on improving the quality of teaching and learning for children through collaborative practices between schools and also the clear focus on linking staff together. This demonstrates, I believe ,our fundamental focus on children and getting it right for them on a daily basis!

My thanks go to all the staff for their continued hard work towards our pursuit of excellence for the children in our care. The work load of a teacher can sometimes be an all-consuming thing, but the teachers at Boughton Heath care passionately and without question, want the best for your children.

Please continue to give feedback to me and staff as we will move forward better together.

Steve Ellis

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS

It is a primary aim of our school that every member of the school community feels safe. The school e-Safety policy is therefore designed to support the way in which all members of the school community can use ICT and technology safely both at home and in school. It aims to promote an environment where everyone feels safe and secure including children and teachers.

Cheshire Academies Trust Limited trading as Boughton Heath Academy. Registered in England and Wales 08108086. Registered office Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0PU.

The primary aim of the e-Safety policy is to educate children and parents on how to use ICT safely and appropriately. In addition to the Internet, it also includes electronic communications such as mobile phones and wireless technology. It highlights the need to educate children and young people about the benefits and risks of using new technology and provides safeguards and awareness for users to enable them to control their online experiences. The school’s e-safety policy will operate in conjunction with other policies including those for Pupil Behaviour and anti-bullying.

Parents are reminded also that use of social media to air grievances publically about the school or specific members of school should not be done in any circumstance. The school has a complaints procedure which can be seen at any time on the school website. Most cases where parents wish to make a complaint should be done with the class teacher in the first instance and then if it has not been resolved meet with the Principal.

We appreciate parents support at all times and value honest thoughtful feedback which endeavours to improve our school positively.

ASPIRATIONS WEEK- 18th May 2015

Parents are reminded that there are still places available to come and speak to a class of children about your job. All parents, whatever they do are most welcome. Friday will see children being asked to dress up in uniform/dress of their desired job or vocation. We would ask that boys in particular should not wear football kits. As a school we have high aspirations for all children and although football may be a chosen ‘job’ for many boys we will be asking them to consider other options throughout the week to aspire towards when they leave school.

NEW RECEPTION APPOINTMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 2015

Form September 2015, Boughton Heath has recently appointed a new teacher for our Reception class. Miss Katrina Barlow comes from Westminster Primary School, as an outstanding class teacher. She has 8 years experience in Foundation Stage and Year 1. I am sure parents will welcome her to our TEAM. She will be in school working with the Reception teachers at Mill View and Kelsall to organise a coherent approach to all 3 Reception class across the Trust.

It is with regret that we therefore will be saying goodbye to Mrs Sharp. She has done a wonderful job within school taking over from Mrs Hughes. She has been a steady hand and very well organised, helping the school greatly to shape our new Reception environment. All of the staff, governors and children have appreciated her hard work and dedication to the school in the short time she has been with us.

Cheshire Academies Trust Limited trading as Boughton Heath Academy. Registered in England and Wales 08108086. Registered office Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0PU.

ONE WAY ROUTE DOWN BECKETTS LANE?

At Huntington School some of our parents have noticed that there is an ‘informal’ rule that parents drive past school in one direction. This stops a lot of congestion and potential health and safety issues because cars do not have to mount the curb. Therefore, we would like to adopt the same ‘informal’ rule by asking parents when dropping off to drive one way down Becketts Lane. Parents are asked to email the following address to determine which route they would prefer? A or B, or C (not to have a one way system). Please email school at oneway@boughtonheath.cheshire.sch.uk

NEW RECEPTION CLASSLook at our new Reception class. The renovation work has been completed.

Cheshire Academies Trust Limited trading as Boughton Heath Academy. Registered in England and Wales 08108086. Registered office Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0PU.

A

B

THE NATURAL VEG MEN AT BOUGHTON HEATH

EXCITING THINGS GOING ON!

Cheshire Academies Trust Limited trading as Boughton Heath Academy. Registered in England and Wales 08108086. Registered office Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0PU.

Year 5 making aquifers.

Year 2 day out at Caldy Valley

Year 1- Farm to Fork with Tesco

Year 4 - Class Assembly

Boughton Heath, Kelsall and Mill View school councillors discussing which activities they like for ’11 by 11’

Year 5 - Making unleavened bread for Passover

Year 2 - Art Day with Mrs Gell

Year 2 - Aboriginal Dance

Year 1 - Design Technology Day making flower climbers

VACANCIES AT BOUGHTON HEATH ACADEMY

Keyholer/General Maintenance Person

The governors of Boughton Heath Academy are seeking to recruit a Key Holder and General Maintenance Person to our professional and dedicated TEAM of staff.  The successful applicant

Cheshire Academies Trust Limited trading as Boughton Heath Academy. Registered in England and Wales 08108086. Registered office Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0PU.

will be hardworking and able to demonstrate experience in general maintenance tasks.  Previous experience of working in a school environment is also desirable.  

The hours of work are from 7.30am – 9.30am, Monday to Friday during term time. The post holder will also be required to work an additional 3 weeks per year during school holidays by arrangement. The rate of pay Grade 2 £13,614 (£7.05 per hour) to £14,075 (£7.29 per hour) with 25 days (pro-rata) paid holiday per year, rising to 30 days after five years service.

The governing body is absolutely committed to its responsibilities towards safeguarding children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before the appointment is confirmed. References will be sought prior to interview. Closing Date: Monday 1st June at 12pm

Midday Assistants Required (2)

Boughton Heath Academy requires two Midday Assistants to start straight away.  We are looking for a friendly, caring person with plenty of energy who can join our hardworking team in helping to make lunchtimes safe, fun and happy for our children. This role involves caring for and playing with children. The right person will be highly responsible and motivated. If you would like to know more about the post please contact Steve Ellis by either telephone, email or in person, who will be happy to expand on the brief details given. Times: Monday to Friday 11.55am – 1.10pm (6 ¼ Hours per week)                        38 weeks per year (term time)                        Grade 2 - £13,614 - £14,075 pro rata, per annum Boughton Heath Academy is wholly committed to the safety of its children.  Any appointment would be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formally CRB) and satisfactory references.Closing Date: Thursday, 21st May 2015.

DIARY DATES

Monday 18th May- Aspirations WeekMonday 18th May- Jon Clayton _ Kelsall teacher and artist working with Year 5Monday 18th May- Year 3 to Ness GardensWednesday 20th May- Reception Class to Space PortFriday 22nd May- Dress up for Aspirations Week and SHARE THE LEARNINGFriday 22nd May- School Closes for Half termMonday 1st June- School reopensMonday 1st June- In school ECO weekTuesday 2nd June- Year 6 residential meeting for parents 5.30pm.Thursday 4th June- New Reception Parents meeting 6.00pmFriday 5th June- Mid Summer Watch Chester Event – Art workshops in school Year 3 and Year 6Tuesday 9th June- Sport Day- INFANTS morning/JUNIOR afternoon- Picnic Lunch at 12.00-1.00Thursday 11th June- Year 1 Class AssemblyMonday 15th June- Year 5 Trip to Puleston Monday 15th June- Week long Year 1 phonic reading checkThursday 18th June- Reception class assemblyThursday 18th June- Athletics Competition at Stanney OaksFriday 19th June Year 6 Residential to Robin WoodTuesday 23rd June- Year 2 ResidentialThursday 25th June- Year 5 Playground leader trainingFriday 26th June- Year 4- Making robotics and coding day

Cheshire Academies Trust Limited trading as Boughton Heath Academy. Registered in England and Wales 08108086. Registered office Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0PU.

Thursday 2nd July- Year 2 Class AssemblyTuesday 7th July- Christleton High School transferring pupils to High School for the dayFriday 10th July- Annual Reports to parentsTuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th July- Year 6 Leavers Production Times TBCWednesday 15th July- OPEN EVENING FOR PARENTS 3.30-6.00pm.Tuesday 21st July- School closes for Summer HolidaysWednesday 2nd September- School reopens for Autumn Term

Cheshire Academies Trust Limited trading as Boughton Heath Academy. Registered in England and Wales 08108086. Registered office Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0PU.