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14/03/24

This week, Year 5 have been researching different topics in the Anglo-Saxon period to create their very own non-chronological reports, in readiness for our Anglo-Saxon experience day on Monday pic.twitter.com/mooj9n3Gg9— VIPS () March 14, 2024

11/03/24

Year 5 and 6 had a fascinating journalism workshop led by BBC reporter Ian Sherwood. The children learnt how Ian first got into the world of journalism and the truly incredible story of Ian reporting of President Obama’s election back in 2008. pic.twitter.com/lyVvDPMXLx— VIPS () March 11, 2024

07/03/24

Turtles showed brilliant resilience and teamwork whilst at Bowles this week! Their effect was fantastic, despite the weather, and we are very grateful to all staff and helpers that joined us too. pic.twitter.com/fJklf105oe— VIPS () March 7, 2024

07/03/24

Seal class created their own bookmarks based on their favourite authors and books. They shared the reasons why it was their favourite with their peers and then used the iPADS to look up more books from the authors so they could read some more in the future! pic.twitter.com/zA7TMfDJDZ— VIPS () March 7, 2024

05/03/24

Seal Class had a fabulous Stone Age workshop! They made their own hammers by splitting wood and tying stones, made their own clay pots and had a go at guessing the names of different stones that were used during the Stone Age. The children all had a great day! pic.twitter.com/v5uObK4KM1— VIPS () March 5, 2024

04/03/24

Turtles have had great fun being creative with their animations! We have learnt what frames are and how we can compile them to create a moving image! pic.twitter.com/PzqXZTCgmz— VIPS () March 4, 2024

29/02/24

We would like to say a huge thanks to our amazing Governors on Governor Awareness Day! pic.twitter.com/u7t4ORkAiP— VIPS () February 29, 2024

28/02/24

Turtles have had a brilliant time using oil pastels in their Art this morning! Last week, we sketched our waves and looked at the shapes that the contours create, so today we have used oil pastels to add colour and shading to make our pictures look even more fantastic! pic.twitter.com/7qZIaosBXa— VIPS () February 28, 2024

23/02/24

This week, Dolphin class are showcasing some of their amazing work they completed last half term! Check out these incredible animal conservation posters! pic.twitter.com/C6zbQ4Cnru— VIPS () February 23, 2024

23/02/24

Seals class have been writing their own version of the Iron Man opening. They created their own story maps and then tried to include similes, metaphors and ellipsis in their own writing. Mrs Covey was really impressed with their work! https://t.co/B1j2BaI3oa— VIPS () February 23, 2024

22/02/24

Turtles have been doing some brilliant work on their times tables this week and recapping their prior knowledge! pic.twitter.com/Nf5Jrsjqt1— VIPS () February 22, 2024

08/02/24

As part of the children have been taking part in different activities at lunchtime including Obstacle course, Lego and trains and The Big Treasure Hunt and drawing! pic.twitter.com/JGwUN1PbkD— VIPS () February 8, 2024

07/02/24

Last Friday, as part of our NSPCC maths day, Year 5 used the Fibonacci number sequence to create some spiral art, incorporating the ‘Golden Ratio! pic.twitter.com/qHVOakAxI9— VIPS () February 7, 2024

31/01/24

This week in art, Year 5 experimented with oil pastels to recreate an image of a sunset over Westminster Bridge. Some amazing work- well done, Year 5! pic.twitter.com/r3BSgRGkHJ— VIPS () January 31, 2024

31/01/24

Whale class have been working hard on their Monet masterpieces, they completed their art work by adding small elements of green by working ‘wet into wet’ as Monet did. pic.twitter.com/n1mD6MXKAI— VIPS () January 31, 2024

26/01/24

Stingray Class have been researching and writing information texts based on the Northern Lights. Mr Littleton is incredibly proud of the high quality work that the children have produced! pic.twitter.com/YLjnC5gPAy— VIPS () January 26, 2024

24/01/24

Shark Class have been revising our learning on money and coins and practicing number and letter formation. In our Art this week, we have learned the skill of weaving and produced some beautiful pieces of artwork! pic.twitter.com/IqEH2cO173— VIPS () January 24, 2024

24/01/24

Whale Class have been busy adding lilies to their Waterlilies paintings pic.twitter.com/OpYqSVI5YE— VIPS () January 24, 2024

24/01/24

This week, Year 5 have been sketching the Gherkin from memory, in homage of this term’s artist, Stephen Wiltshire pic.twitter.com/TeMvkvKbwS— VIPS () January 24, 2024

24/01/24

Year 3 have been learning how to use persuasion in English this week. They have been writing adverts to sell Grandma’s house from our class book: ‘The Building Boy’. pic.twitter.com/6IxVwVgBON— VIPS () January 24, 2024

24/01/24

Turtles Class couldn’t wait to read the next part of their text this term, ‘The Land of Roar’! pic.twitter.com/MHm6MTosRg— VIPS () January 24, 2024

19/01/24

Stingray class have been busy creating coffee portrait masterpieces this week! The children were focusing on their use of tone to bring their portraits to life! pic.twitter.com/yATurjILGD— VIPS () January 19, 2024

18/01/24

This week, Year 5 have been perfecting their drawing skills, copying the artist Stephen Wiltshire. First we drew Tower Bridge from memory, and then from a photo! pic.twitter.com/jnHQwcdDwc— VIPS () January 18, 2024

16/01/24

Seals enjoyed using the gymnastic equipment to complete some indoor agility in our PE lesson today! pic.twitter.com/j2gwbxDJv9— VIPS () January 16, 2024

15/01/24

This morning, Turtles Class have been working hard on their dictionary skills! pic.twitter.com/yDGZTRxClH— VIPS () January 15, 2024

Safeguarding

Safeguarding – Keeping children safe in education

We place the highest importance on the safeguarding of all members of our school community. This covers the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone.

  • Our School’s Designated Safeguarding Leads: Steph Guthrie, Headteacher and Laura Hibberd, Deputy Headteacher
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Steve Martin, Assistant Headteacher, Siobhan Walls, SENCO, and Sarah Atkinson, Office Manager
  • Named LAC teacher: Steph Guthrie
  • Safeguarding Governors: Suzie Hammond and Chris Keone
  • LAC Governors: Laura Page and Kieran Found

In periods of time when the school is closed, you may find yourself in need of safeguarding advice. If you have an immediate safeguarding concern, please phone 999 in the first instance for support.

If the safeguarding advice that you require is not urgent, please draw on one or some of the services listed below. These services have been used by thousands of students and families and have a proven track record in offering support when it is most needed.

Kent Together helpline can be accessed 24 hours a day via their website and via the phone: 03000 41 92 92. This is a single point of urgent contact for anyone in Kent who is in serious need of help during the Coronavirus outbreak.

For any family or child is unsure what support they require, there is a central Single Point of Access phone number - 0300 123 4496 - which provides the opportunity to discuss the types of support that might be appropriate.  This is also the number to call if a child requires urgent mental health support.

A new text service has been introduced by ‘SHOUT’ and the Crisis Text Line, as part of the Kent and Medway “Release the Pressure” campaign.  Anyone, of any age, who requires immediate mental health support just needs to text the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258.  This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Kooth is a mental health and wellbeing online platform for young people aged between 10 and 16 years of age, across the whole of Kent. The service is free and can be accessed 24 hours a day. As well as being a source of information and support, young people can also chat to a friendly and fully-qualified counsellor during the following hours:

  • Monday to Friday, between 12.00 noon and 10.00pm;
  • Saturday and Sunday, between 6.00pm and 10.00pm.

Moodspark  and the Kent Resilience Hub are helpful websites in order to learn about mental health and find tips/resources for keeping emotionally healthy. Young people can also text ChatHealth via 07520 618850 between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday – this text service provides support for physical and mental health.

It is possible to self-refer to the Children and Young People’s Counselling Service, if you feel the need, by clicking here. Anonymous support for anyone at or over the age of 16 can be accessed via the Big White Wall.

You can also book an appointment through your GP to support with any mental health difficulties that your child may be experiencing. GPs will need to complete the Front Door referral form

Fearless is a website where young people can access non-judgemental information about advice about crime and criminality. You can also pass on information about crime 100% anonymously.

CEOP

If you have any concerns related to the online safety of your child, the designated team for Child Exploitation and Online Safety team (CEOP) is the best port of call.

Report abuse

Childline is a useful tool for providing support and advice on a range of topics, including online safety and issues surrounding COVID-19.

Report Harmful Content can be used in addition to the CEOP reporting tool to help report any harmful content across all online platforms. They offer advice for a range of different websites and applications and can support young people and parents through the process of reporting any problems. They also offer guidance on what is considered to be harmful content and the different types that young people may come across.

For more generalised support about keeping children safe and resources and advice, you can visit the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Report Abuse in Education helpline

The Department for Education has commissioned the NSPCC to establish a dedicated independent helpline for people who have experienced abuse in education. The Report Abuse in Education helpline comes after a high number of anonymous testimonials were submitted to the Everyone’s Invited website, documenting abuse in all types of schools, colleges, and universities.

The helpline went live on 1 April and will provide both children and adults who have experienced sexual abuse in schools with support and advice, including onward action such as contacting the police if they wish to. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals. Anyone who gets in touch through this dedicated helpline will also be signposted to other relevant support services available, including Childline, which provides ongoing support and counselling to children and young people. 

The dedicated and confidential NSPCC helpline – Report Abuse in Education can be reached on 0800 136 663 or by email at help@nspcc.org.uk.

The school has adopted the definition of the term ‘Safeguarding’ used in the Children Act 2004.

In summary this is:

  • protecting children from maltreatment;
  • preventing impairment of children’s health or development;
  • ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
  • undertaking that role so as to enable those children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully.

The school’s safeguarding arrangements cover all aspects of life at school, in particular addressing these issues:

  • health and safety;
  • bullying;
  • other harassment and discrimination, including racism;
  • physical intervention;
  • meeting the needs of pupils with medical conditions;
  • behaviour;
  • off-site visits;
  • intimate care;
  • internet and E-safety;
  • physical security of the school site;
  • recruitment and vetting of staff and visitors to the school site.

Keeping Children Safe in Education

Working Together to Safeguard Children

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (via Policy page)

Prevent Duty

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.

The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.

From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.  This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.

Prevent Strategy

FGM

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is illegal in England and Wales under the FGM Act 2003 (“the 2003 Act”). It is a form of child abuse and violence against women. FGM comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

Section 5B of the 2003 Act 1 introduces a mandatory reporting duty which requires regulated health and social care professionals and teachers in England and Wales to report ‘known’ cases of FGM in under 18s which they identify in the course of their professional work to the police.

FGM Information

Honour Based Violence

Honour based abuse does not have a basis in religion. It is related to culture, beliefs, customs and an expectation that people should behave in a certain way.

Not doing so can be seen as bringing ‘shame’ or ‘dishonour’ on individuals, a family or a community.

But there’s no honour in inflicting pain or hurt on anyone and no excuse for abuse or violence.
Acts carried out in the name of honour such as violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation are illegal in the UK and carry substantial prison sentences.

NSPCC Information

Useful Links