Friday 31st January

Friday 31^st January 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We’ve had a fantastic week at school, filled with exciting activities. I can’t believe we’re already at the end of January! With just two weeks to go until half-term, time is flying by.

We’re also thrilled to see an increase in attendance. A huge well done to all the families who ensure their child is in school regularly, your commitment makes a real difference. Our current attendance stands at 95%, which is above the national average. Let’s keep up the great work!

Important Reminder for Parents/Carers of Year 5 & 6 Students

At Wilbury, children in Years 5 and 6 can walk to and from school independently with written permission. However, we have received increasing concerns from parents/carers regarding unsafe and discourteous behaviour by some of our students as they leave school.

Once children leave school premises, they are under parental responsibility. We kindly ask parents/carers to remind their children of the importance of walking home safely and respectfully. Please take the time to discuss appropriate behaviour and model responsible walking habits.

If reports of antisocial behaviour continue, we may need to review individual permissions and may require certain children to be dropped off and collected by an adult.

Additionally, we have noticed that many children are bringing money to school to spend at Tesco after dismissal. We kindly ask that no money be brought into school.

I appreciate your support in ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.

Behaviour & Consequences – Parent/Carer Input Needed

At Wilbury, we follow a therapeutic Behaviour policy that is mainly effective in supporting positive behaviour across the school. We also recognise that some children with SEND require additional support, and we are committed to meeting their needs.

However, we are increasingly concerned about a small number of children who repeatedly damage or deface school property and do not follow the rules despite the use of rewards and encouragement. As a school, we are now reviewing our approach to consequences to help children develop a sense of responsibility, respect for others, and care for their environment.

Children displaying unsafe or unkind behaviour may lose their lunchtime or playtime. However, we are considering additional consequences for those who persistently disrupt the school community. One approach we are exploring is community service-style actions, where children take responsibility for their actions by contributing positively—for example, litter picking, assisting with clearing up after lunch or repairing the damage they have caused.

We value our school community and would love your thoughts and suggestions on this approach. Please email me if you have any ideas on how we can support children in understanding that such behaviour is unacceptable while encouraging responsibility. head@wilbury.herts.sch.uk

Agora Learning Partnership

As you know, we are part of the Agora Learning Partnership Multi-Academy Trust, which consists of 10 primary schools across Hertfordshire. We collaborate closely to enhance opportunities for all children within the trust.

Each term, we take part in a review alongside other schools to share best practices and drive continuous improvement. I am pleased to share that this term’s review was highly positive, focusing on Writing, Geography, History, and Inclusion.

We remain committed to providing our students with the best possible education and will continue working together to build on these successes.

Dates For Your Diary

• Monday 17^th - Friday 21^st February - Half-Term
• Tuesday 25^th - Friday 28^th February - Science Week
• Monday 3^rd March - Class Photos
• Friday 7^th March - World Book Day
• Thursday 20^th March - Jungle Book Production for All Years
• Friday 4^th April - End of Term - School closes at 1:30 pm