
One aspect of our work will centre on “Thrive Outside”, and we have started our work on our ‘quiet area‘ near our equipment.
Many years ago (and before my time at the school), the Parsons family helped create the space, and it is now in need of some development.

Some established trees have been vying for sun and grown at angles that, if left unattended, could be dangerous in the near future. Off-shoots have also grown in the space that are causing issues for the rubber matting near our climbing equipment and vegetation has encroached onto walking areas, making it muddy in places. So, we are:
– Clearing the fencing to gain access to the space as a whole.
– Taking down the trees growing at dangerous angles and maintain the healthy tree for its glory and shade.
– Taking away the roots causing overall issues to the rubber matting.
– Clearing away the vegetation and mud encroaching onto the playground (and therefore maximising space).
– Gently sloping the area, allowing for full, safe access for pupils.
– Putting down effective flooring that will allow pupils happy all-year access to the space.
– Taking down the fence near the swimming pool to utilise the dead space and maximise our play zones.
– Re-installing the tables so pupils have somewhere to sit and talk.
– Re-installing the Parsons plaque in respect to the family that initially helped with the space.
– Re-roofing and felting the shed in the bottom corner, ready to house our PE equipment.
Whilst this exciting work goes ahead, I have asked all pupils to stay out of the zone and ask for you to help by not allowing siblings to cross the yellow markings at home-time etc!
This is the first stage of our ‘Thrive Outside‘ plans, as we next look at our outdoor education provision as a whole and creating more opportunities to weave it into the Thurlbear Curriculum offer, as well as linking to local wildlife and outdoor education experts.

Heights and Weights letters have gone out to Years 6 and Foundation Stage. If you wish to opt out, please return the attached form to the office.
Next week, we will finalise and publish the after school clubs for after half term, giving families plenty of time to organise and get a spot. As mentioned before, Values Team have helped guide us with our offers and we look to branch out a little more into our non-sport offers. Choir in Year 1 and 2 has been a massive success, for example!
LOOKING AHEAD at key dates: Friday April 4th will be a lovely day; our final day in school before Easter Break, as well as Easter Bonnet parade and our Key Stage 2 Easter Service in our hall, 2:30pm start.
Start February in style!
