Important Information

• Dyslexia friendly learning environments - clutter has been removed, classroom displays have been streamlined and labelling of resources has been adapted so they are accessible to all;

• Awareness of the needs of children with neurodivergence - a big focus has been on supporting children with dyslexia, ADHD and ASD and staff have undertaken training to support their identification and techniques to support;

• Parent interactions - all parents of children on the SEN register were invited to attend three PINS coffee mornings and these will continue next term;

• SEN parent What's-App group - in response to parent feedback, we have facilitated a parent/carer What's-App group for children with additional needs. This is parent-led and staff from TC are not involved, however it has proven invaluable to so many of our families in the early stages. Please contact the office if your child has additional needs and you wish to be added;

• Use of technology - we have incorporated an increased use of technology to support our learners, including speech-to-text software, Dictaphones, Immersive Reader and Microsoft Lens;

• Resources to support sensory needs - we have further added to our calm room and sensory circuits which both provide useful support to many of our learners. 

• Pastoral support in school - we are very fortunate to have Mrs Ratcliffe, our pastoral support lead, at TC. Many children work with her each week, either in individual sessions, as part of a small group or the soft start provision before school each day. Mrs Ratcliffe also supports children at break and lunch times.

Here is the link to the PINS parent carer survey which the PINS project leads would appreciate parents completing. This will also provide useful feedback as to how we are doing as a school and next steps for development. 

Eco Council News

We have some exciting news for you! We are taking part in Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting challenge. We will take part from the 24th to the 28th of March. It is free to take part and we would love everyone to be involved. The Eco Council will be collecting responses and logging them during the week. 

On each day of the challenge, schools compete to see who can record the greatest number of pupils walking or wheeling to school. All schools will be entered into daily prize draws for rewards if over 15% of the school takes part. Prizes up for grabs include accessories and equipment to help your school travel actively.

What do you need to do?

Encourage your child or children to walk, scoot or cycle to school on as many days as possible during the week. We appreciate that this presents challenges for some families, so you might want to park and stride, if you live a long way from the school.

Why we are taking part

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is a great opportunity to build physical activity into children’s daily routines, something that is important for both their physical health and mental wellbeing. Active school runs also help to reduce congestion and air pollution outside the school gate. A 2021 YouGov study showed nearly half of UK children worry about air pollution near their school.

Thank you for supporting this sustainable travel initiative.

Staff from school will be at the finish line to collect in the place cards the children will be handed. Please can children wear their school PE top, with layers underneath if needed. 

Community Information

London Marathon
We are aware that lots of members of the Thomas Coram Family are running the London Marathon. If you have a just giving link that you would like us to share then please send us your link before Friday 28th March and we will include it in our Marathon poster. 

Madagascar - Winnie, Eden, Ellia and Arthur - For their confidence and group work when performing their poetry in oracy week

South Africa - Alan - For making a massive improvement to his handwriting and for always trying his best.

Gambia - Leti - For working hard all week and contributing thoughtful ideas in class discussions. Well done Leti! 

Finland - Avantika - For a great first week at Thomas Coram and settling in to her new class so well.

Norway - Lillie S -  For amazing ideas to put into her writing this week. 

Croatia - Leena - For her fantastic writing in English this week. Well done Leena!

China - Archie - For hard work and resilience in English this week. 

Borneo - All of Borneo - For showing what wonderful young people they are, working together to write and produce an amazing assembly of their own!

India - Adam - For fantastic work on percentages in Maths. 

Brazil - Wilf - For his resilience in redrafting and improving his fairy tale and generally being a pleasure to have in class.

Mexico - Barnaby  - For his renewed resilience and focus in lessons, enabling him to show the best of is ability at all times.

Peru - Isabella - For her excellent attitude to learning, particularly in her fantastic geography work on Biomes.

                                        A full calendar is available here   

Information attached this week

Flyers/ Links

Rocksteady - join the band!