Firstly, I would like to formally welcome our new families that have joined over the last two weeks. We hope that you have been made to feel welcome and that your children are beginning to settle into their new class and our daily routines.
A special mention to our new Goslings who have joined us in small groups over the last two weeks. They have done so well, settling into their new classroom, making new friends and getting used to being in a much bigger learning environment.
What do we aim to achieve this year?
Like New Year resolutions in January, at the beginning of a new school year we look at what we want to achieve over the academic year to make Rodings even better. In discussions with staff, governors and children we have put together our new School Development Plan (SDP) for 2026/27. The full document can be found on our website along with our three year Road Map. However, I thought I would include a summary of our goals here. Our aims are themed into four areas.
- Review and update our behaviour management policy to reflect latest research and make sure there is consistency of approach across the school.
- Review how the Senior Leadership Team can work more effectively and efficiently to improve the outcome of the school.
- Create new procedures for SEND and intervention delivery as demand increases to make sure it is as effective as possible with the resources we have.
- Review how support staff are deployed to deliver support and interventions to improve children’s outcomes and wellbeing.
- Review the curriculum to make sure it meets the needs of all learners.
- Create a lunchtime environment that is stimulating and promotes physical and creative development
- Support staff wellbeing through training and wellbeing packages.
- Develop a new sensory and nurture space for children to access.
- Continue our creative and Artsmark journey, working collaboratively with other local schools.
- Write a new action plan to achieve Platinum Artsmark
- Enhance pupil wellbeing by providing more enrichment opportunities, particularly after-school clubs.
- Expand the use of Forest School outside of Key Stage 1
Reading
Reading is also going to be a big push across the school this year too. We need your help with this!
To be a good primary school reader and achieve the expected standard for their age, it takes about 120 to 180 hours of targeted practice per year (roughly 15 to 20 minutes a day at home, plus school phonics and guided reading).
Research shows that 20 minutes of daily reading exposes a child to about 1.8 million words a year and places them in the top 10% of standardised reading achievement.
Reading and listening to books at home is also very important!
Core Benefits:
- Academic Growth: Boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and cross-subject performance in school.
- Emotional Resilience: Helps children process feelings, build empathy, and understand different viewpoints.
- Better Wellbeing: Improves attention spans, reduces stress, and supports healthier sleep patterns.
- Connection: Creates warm, low-pressure sharing time that turns books into a joy rather than a chore.
How to Make It Work:
- Keep it short: 10 to 15 minutes a day matters more than a long, rare session.
- Follow interest: Let children pick graphic novels, catalogues, funny stories, or audiobooks.
- Talk about it: Ask simple questions like "What do you think happens next?" or "How would you feel?"
- Read together: Take turns reading pages or chat about the pictures.
Reading Crew
We are lucky to have a fantastic group of 'Reading Crew' helpers who come in weekly to support reading at Rodings. They work across all classes to hear the children read and play a big part in developing the children's skills and enjoyment of reading. We would love to expand our team this year. If you would like to get involved, contact Mr Jinkerson and he will put our timetable together over the next couple of weeks.
Join us to make a big difference to reading at Rodings.
Have a lovely weekend!
Mr Raraty
