Headteacher Message

Hello all,

The hustings have taken place, and the votes have been cast. The winner is... actually, at the moment, we don’t know! What we do know is that democracy is alive and well at Darell School today. Any child from Year 1-6 who wanted to stand as a school councillor has delivered their speech and is on the ballot. I have just acted as an election officer with Year 4, who were quite surprised when they were asked for the name of the street they live on! I wanted to make it as realistic as possible, and having a sturdy ballot box has really helped with the process.

I have been incredibly impressed with the quality of the speeches I’ve heard—realistic and sensible suggestions. I have also been impressed by our pupils' understanding of the process. They realize it’s important not to vote for someone just because they’re your friend, but because you believe they are the best person to represent your voice.

On the subject of having a voice, I wanted to inform you about a very kind parent who has agreed to act as a parent advocate for families who have children with additional needs. I am acutely aware that it can be daunting and challenging to navigate the system when you have a child with additional needs. I'd like to share a message I received from Al, the mother of a child who attends the SRP:

“Whilst I’m obviously not a professional in any of these areas, these are some of the things I might be able to offer support with/signpost after having navigated them thoroughly myself over the past few years.

• EHCPs (applying for them, and also who to contact or what to do when provisions or areas aren’t being met)
• Signposting to local SEN and family-focused charities, local playgroups, sessions and activities, courses, discounts for carers, and registering as an unpaid carer
• Assistance or advice with form-filling and applications for things such as Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance, Blue Badge applications
• I’m here to listen. I’m happy and comfortable talking about any worries people may have or things that are difficult at the moment. Life as an SEN parent or carer can be challenging and unpredictable, and sometimes it helps to have a casual chat with others going through similar things.
• Coffee mornings or meetups, loosely related to a specific topic each time, or occasionally with a speaker, local charity, or service, etc.”.

This is such a generous offer and reflects how our community grows closer every week. However, I must add a caveat. Al is not a professional. She is a working mum with limited time, so there needs to be an understanding that this support is voluntary and may not be immediately accessible. It’s also important that this forum is not used to criticise professionals. It will be solution-focused support.

In the first instance, we have set up an email address where you can contact Al. It is: sendparentssupport@darell.richmonmd.sch.uk

Thank you all for your time, and have a lovely weekend!

The Reading Corner

Welcome to our weekly section of the newsletter all about reading. Every week, we will share a question (or two) with you about the book your child is reading in school. Please use these questions to help you find out a little more about what your child has been reading in school and continue to develop their love of reading.

Wonder - Why does Mr Big feel 'small' inside? (he doesn't have friends, he feels alone) Does Mr Big still feel this way at the end of the story? How do you know? (He is a pianist in a band, he has lots of friends and fans, he is smiling)

Peake - Why do you think the bear in the story is called the Everywhere Bear? Can you remember some of the places the Everywhere Bear went on his journey? (down the drain, into the sea, fishing net, fish shop, skip, lorry, tip, over the treetops, library, school)

Weir - We have read three books by Bethan Woollvin: Little Red, Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel. Which of these books do you like the best and why?

Walker - Can you remember who came to visit the baby, in our story So Much? 

Newton - What was your favourite of the Victorian toys you played with at the museum this week?

Thunberg - Which poem from 'Marshmallow Clouds' have you enjoyed most so far? Why? 

Darwin - What is your favourite poem? Do you know any by heart?

Attenborough - What do you think will happen next in Girl of Ink and Stars? Where should the search party go first on their quest to find Lupe?

Parks - ‘Street Child’ – Why did Mrs Jarvis leave Lizzie and Emily at the big house with her friend Rosie? What happened to Mrs Jarvis and Jim soon after they left?