It is with great pleasure that we write to you this time in conjunction with Jenny Marshall and the rest of school to introduce some really exciting developments within school and step together into a new phase of South Endowed CofE Primary school life.

As you will know, governors, staff and pupils have recently been looking at our mission and school vision. From this collaborative work a new school ‘motto’ has been devised.

Various phrases have been considered with contributions from staff, parents and pupils with the aim that a new motto can be built on our existing mission statement. It is important that the motto is a memorable and child friendly phrase to which all our pupils can relate. This was reflected in pupils’ feedback when working on this development together, along with a desire for something that offers excitement, takes on a global perspective and connects with being a Church of England school.

Following these discussion with key stakeholders there is a new school motto, which we will use a ‘strap-line’ to sum up the exciting and empowering potential of South Wilford pupils now, and as they grow into adults of the future.

The new motto will be: Spark the flame, light up the world!

This gives a striking visual reference that reflects our combined urgency and passion to inspire and impassion young minds academically, spiritually and socially; and then to make a difference in the world using unique skills, character and abilities. It encapsulates the Christian Distinctiveness of our school: hope, perseverance, courage, generosity and joy radiate from the motto, with a desire that we strive to give back to the world responsibly with service and love having faith in our future.

Over the coming term we will be introducing this phrase to the school community ready for a full launch in September 2019. Building on our existing mission it will underpin our approach to teaching and learning, curriculum development and organisation of the school, to spark the flames of learning and passion, so that our children can light up the world with their burgeoning potential.

The children have been invited to enter a competition to design a new school logo to go alongside our new motto. The competition will run over the half-term break and we hope that families will engage in this together.

Good luck and happy designing!!!

We are aware that many of you may be concerned about the financial impact this may have on you if we amend the school uniform with a new logo. Please be assured that any new uniform will be introduced on a phased basis with no insistence upon new uniform being required. We still have stocks of the existing uniform and these will be available until replaced by any new designs. School colours will NOT change.

PARENT VIEWS Parent Surveys will be making their way to you over the next few weeks and we would encourage you to complete these fully and return to school so that valuable feedback can be gathered and taken on board in time for the new school year in September. Our Parent Governors, Marie Dancer and Emily Pope, will be working with school to look at the questions we ask and the best format for the questionnaire to take so that we can be as effective as possible in gathering your views. Your views, and those of your children, are very important to us.

I said, in our previous newsletter, that we would update you on our continuing talks with following enquiries by our parents relating to their Admissions Policy and the ambiguities around whether children from Wilford would be allocated a place.

I can confirm that we have met with The West Bridgford School on a couple of occasions and explored the options with them to address our concerns. West Bridgford School have confirmed they are not in a position to amend their current Admissions Policy in such a way that would ensure a guaranteed place at their school for a child living in Wilford. They were also keen to point out that no place is ever ‘guaranteed’ for any application regardless of priority within the Admissions Policy. They have assured us, however, that children attending South Wilford Endowed Primary School and living in Wilford are still included within their current Admissions Policy and, as such, will remain to be considered upon application for a school place. I can also tell you that 12 children who attended our school this year were allocated a place at The West Bridgford School and 2 further children who appealed succeeded in securing a place.

It is also worth noting that a number of children, living in West Bridgford and attending West Bridgford primary schools (including feeder schools) do NOT secure a place at The West Bridgford School each year as they are often over-subscribed.

In addition, their normal, cyclical Admissions Policy review / consultation date is due in 2021 When they will be able to make changes to their policy as they determine necessary. This is a matter for their own Governing Body in tandem with County Council.

I can assure you that we will continue to work with The West Bridgford School to explore transition opportunities and to work closely with them wherever possible. I can also assure you that discussions are underway between our school and Emmanuel to strengthen our relationship there and identify opportunities for shared experiences to benefit our pupils further.

Children from South Wilford Endowed Primary go on to attend a number of Secondary Schools each year as parents and pupils alike consider what the best school is for their individual child given all the contributing factors from both a school and child perspective. I would therefore encourage parents to attend the open evenings offered by all the local secondary schools and explore their similarities and differences especially in a time where all our local secondary schools (both county or city) are over subscribed.

At South Wilford Endowed Primary School we are keen to ensure that all children who attend our school have a fulfilling and rich experience both academically and holistically and believe that, wherever they go on to attend as a secondary school, college, university or work placements, that their time here will give them the best start to their life ahead of them. As such I would encourage you to read about the exciting developments within school and the vision we have for South Wilford Endowed Primary over the coming months and years to appreciate the value that a broad, fulfilling, inclusive and diverse Primary education can have for your child. Governing Body Update We have been really lucky to find an outstanding member of the teaching profession to add to our Local Governing Body as our Community Governor. Alison Hallam will start in September with us and help to strengthen our existing board with her knowledge of Secondary School settings and all that life beyond Primary school requires of our children. Alison looks forward to introducing herself to you formally in September when she joins us.

For I know the plans I have for you…Plans to give your Hope and a Future Jeremiah 29:11