Old Mill Primary

Old Mill Primary School Station Road, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, LE9 6PT

Tel: 01455 284191 Fax: 01455 286874 Email: [email protected] Website: www.oldmill.leics.sch.uk Headteacher: Miss A Smith

Dear Parents and carers,

Welcome back everyone to a new school year and a new Headteacher!

My name is Alison Smith, and I’m delighted to have accepted the position as the new Headteacher of Old Mill Primary. Prior to starting at Old Mill, I have worked in a number of schools across Leicestershire: in Oadby as a class teacher and senior leader; in Leicester Forest East as an Assistant Headteacher and most recently in Birstall as a Deputy Headteacher.

I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone who is involved in the school – pupils, staff, parents and friends. You will see me around school at the start of the day for the first week, so that my face will become recognisable and I will endeavour to make myself known to as many parents as possible so that I can get to know you and your children. Please remember that as a school, our door will always be open, and either the staff or I will be happy to see you about your child – no issue is too small or unimportant.

As the new Headteacher, I will ensure the school maintains the standards of behaviour, attainment and extra-curricular opportunities already established, but I will also build and improve upon other aspects of the school such as Teaching and Learning, the school’s SATs results at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and the Ofsted grading. My vision for Old Mill is to be ‘Outstanding’, so that pupils at Old Mill are given the best possible start in life. I’m sure that you will support the staff team at Old Mill in our journey to that end goal.

I have many new and innovative ideas that in time, I would like to bring to the school – many of which I know are important to you as parents and carers. I want to develop the current themed curriculum, so that the use of new technology is embedded within that curriculum and learning is personalised for each child. I want to ensure that all pupils are challenged to achieve the best they can. I want to ensure that

our school remains a happy, safe and thriving learning environment, which values each child as an individual.

Mrs Beeson informed me that she worked hard to develop and build good relationships with parents and provided many opportunities for parents to be involved in school life. This is a tradition I very much wish to continue and develop even further. Dates have already been set for open mornings when you will be able to come into school and join in Maths and Literacy lessons with your child (dates to follow) and I am already looking forward to the year group performances that parents are invited to throughout the year! In addition, in order to support the development of the school, I will be keen to get your views on school life and will be undertaking parental questionnaires on an annual basis. I will be launching a revitalised monthly newsletter in September and following the first edition, I would appreciate any comments on how it might be developed even more to keep you as parents informed about life at Old Mill.

As a runner myself, one of the many attractions of Old Mill was the variety of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities that were provided by the school and other organisations. Extra-curricular opportunities are essential in every child’s education, so that we develop the whole child, not just the academic side and I am keen for Old Mill to extend the variety and quantity of clubs already on offer. I know that the school does not have a football team, so this is something I would like to see set up. Perhaps we have one or two willing volunteers out there amongst our parents?? After the inspirational London Olympics this summer, as a school we have a responsibility to continue that sporting legacy and Mr Davies (our Assistant Head and P.E. leader) and I have already spoken about how we can continue the legacy of London 2012 in school.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Mrs Heasman, who was appointed by the Governing Body and myself as the school’s new Deputy Headteacher at the end of last Summer term and welcome Mrs Butcher to Year 6, as full time maternity cover for Miss Addison. Another congratulation must be given to Mrs Peckover our Maths leader, who recently completed her Maths Specialist Teacher training and we also say goodbye to Miss Addison, who leaves on Friday to start her maternity leave. We wish her all the best.

Once again, I am delighted to be writing to you as your child’s new Headteacher and I look forward to working with you all in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Miss A. Smith

Headteacher