Inspectors praise Eastchurch Primary on the Isle of Sheppey Church of England education inspectors have given Eastchurch Church of England Primary School on the Isle of Sheppey a glowing report. Anglican and Methodist schools are inspected by both the Church of England and Ofsted. A Church of England inspection is called a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Report. Inspectors, who visited the school on 25 May, said staff, pupils and families “have the confidence to flourish educationally, socially and emotionally” and that the school is a “place where everyone values themselves and others”. “There is a determination in pupils to persevere and to aim for careers which are ambitious and help others,” they wrote in their report. “They know that their school value of courage helps them not to give up when learning is challenging.” The inspectors particularly praised the school’s “inspirational headteacher” and staff. “All leaders and staff serve and nurture their school community, including its wider families … Staff go well beyond what is expected of them.” The pastoral care and support given to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities were also singled out by inspectors. “Practical and emotional support are offered unconditionally to ensure that pupils love to come to school and are ready to learn,” they said. “Those who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) thrive and are well prepared for secondary school, as are all pupils.” Overall, inspectors described the school, which has 180 pupils and is part of Aquila, the Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust, as ‘good’. Naomi Ivory, the school’s Headteacher, said: “I am privileged to be able to come to school every day and spend time with the most incredible children and staff. We truly are a nurturing and inclusive community where everyone feels loved and valued.”  

National School Sport Week was created by the children's charity, the Youth Sport Trust. It began in 2008, and has run every year since. In 2020, the event became National School Sport Week at Home - encouraging children and their families to take part and be active while under lockdown restrictions. The week-long celebration will champion the return of youth sport and its power to bring people back together. This is done through sports days being held up and down the UK. In 2021, the theme was 'Together Again', and in 2023, the theme will be 'Belonging – a place in sport for every child'. The Youth Sport Trust are urging schools and families to get involved by holding sporting events throughout the week that showcase how inclusive sport can be. https://www.youthsporttrust.org

One week to go until national #ThankATeacherDay! Next Wednesday, the UK will be celebrating all those working in early years, schools and colleges across the country. Send your thanks to a staff member at the @ThankaTeacherUK website: https://thankateacher.co.uk/    

This #DiabetesWeek, let's remember that diabetes doesn't define us. Young or old, we're all so much more than our numbers.  Let's educate ourselves and support each other this week and every week! https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-week

11+ TESTS Registration for the Kent Test for children due to start secondary school in September 2024 opened on Thursday 1 June 2023 and will close at midnight on Monday 3 July 2023. Kent will not accept late registrations. Assessment is normally done through testing during the autumn term. This year, the tests are due to take place on Thursday 7 September 2023 for pupils in Kent primary schools, and on the weekend of Saturday 9 September 2023 for other pupils. Any reference to ‘Kent Test’ or ‘registration’ does not guarantee when or if testing will take place. The assessment results will be sent on Wednesday 18 October 2023 after 4pm.    

It’s not too late to take part in the NSPCC Childhood Day Mile if you want to join in the fun on Friday 9 June. Have fun, get active and raise money to help keep children safe. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/childhood-day/schools/

Anxiety is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem. Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. But anxiety can be made easier to manage. Focusing on anxiety for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change - making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole. To find out more information about anxiety please see link below: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/blogs/why-anxiety-theme-mental-health-awareness-week-2023

We are very excited to be welcoming top GB athlete Darran Challis to the school on Thursday, 18 May 2023.Darran will be leading a sponsored fitness circuit with all pupils and will follow-up with an inspirational assembly, and question and answer session. The aim of the event is to inspire the pupils to be more physically active, but just as importantly, encourage them to discover and pursue their passion in life.The event will both connect the pupils to an extraordinary athlete role model and raise money to improve physical activity in the school, while also supporting both athletes and para-athletes, so that they can continue to inspire the next generation.Attached is a sponsorship form for your child to use to help raise money for the event. You can also sponsor your child by visiting: www.sportsforschools.org and clicking on the button “Set up a Fundraiser Page”. Sponsorship money will go towards a sports equipment voucher for our PE department.

King Charles III has become the 40th Sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, with The Queen Consort crowned beside him. #GodSaveTheKing #BritishValues