Highlights of the School Year

As we reach the final half-term of another busy and successful year, we have been reflecting on how our children have grown, not just in their learning, but as confident, compassionate individuals. Our vision of “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” continues to shape every decision we make and this year we have seen that vision brought to life in meaningful and lasting ways across our school community.

Community Engagement

Throughout this academic year, we have strengthened our community links by organising additional performances for local audiences whenever pupils have taken part in a production. These audiences have included pre-school children from local nurseries, members of the St Peter’s Church congregation, and residents from two local nursing homes. Pupils have reflected on how meaningful and special it feels to perform for these members of the community, highlighting the value of these shared experiences.

Strengthening Teaching and Learning for Every Child

One of our key priorities this year has been ensuring that every child feels successful in their learning. By strengthening systems such as Pupil Progress Meetings and introducing a new system, Insight Tracker, we are better able to understand each child’s progress and respond swiftly when support is needed.

At the same time, staff training in writing, questioning, and trauma-informed approaches is making a real difference in classrooms. Children are growing in confidence, engaging more deeply in their learning, and feeling safe to take risks. As a result, they are not only making strong academic progress but also showing exceptional attitudes towards to learning. Strong Partnership with Families

None of this would be possible without the strong partnership we share with you. Your involvement, through parents’ evenings, open classrooms, curriculum support at home, and shared events, plays a vital role in your child’s success.

When children see that school and home are working together, they feel more confident, secure and proud of their achievements. This shared approach helps to create a consistent and positive experience which supports them to flourish.

A Community Living Its Values: SIAMS Inspection 2026

A particular highlight of the year was our SIAMS inspection in March. The recognition that we are “living up to our foundation as a Church school and enabling pupils and adults to flourish,” affirmed what we strive for each day.

The report’s emphasis on compassion, love, and kindness reflects the values we see lived out daily, in classrooms, on the playground, and in the way our children care for one another. This shared sense of purpose underpins everything we do.

Supporting Wellbeing and Belonging

We know that children learn best when they feel safe, understood, and supported. This year, we have continued to strengthen our provision for social, emotional, and mental health. Spaces such as Sidney’s House and the iQuad provide more than just intervention, they offer children a sense of belonging and reassurance.

Through the work of our Learning Mentors and Wellbeing Teaching Partners, alongside targeted programmes, pupils are developing resilience, confidence, and self-belief. This ensures that every child is supported to overcome challenges and thrive as an individual.

An Ambitious and Engaging Curriculum

Alongside this, we have continued to develop a curriculum that balances strong foundations with rich opportunities. A renewed focus on handwriting and spelling is helping children secure essential skills, while new developments, such as the Gloucestershire RE syllabus and the Purple Mash Computing Scheme, are broadening their experiences.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Learning at Leckhampton extends far beyond the classroom. This year, children have enjoyed a wide range of visits and experiences, from local festivals and community events to enriching days out at venues such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Slimbridge, and Perry Grove. The Year 6 residential trip to the Isle of Wight was, as always, a memorable milestone.

During the Spring term, we were delighted to welcome parents to our Forest School sessions as part of Wellbeing Week. One parent shared,

“Thank you for letting us in on your piece of magic!”

Another commented,

“It was wonderful to be invited in and experience some of the activities the children take part in. It was fantastic to watch them explore the environment and interact with it and their peers. My child was absolutely thrilled with his sunflower and has been taking great care of it, watching it grow and protecting it at every opportunity.”

These experiences do far more than enrich the curriculum; they bring learning to life, deepen understanding, and spark curiosity. They enable children to make meaningful connections between their learning and the wider world.

Developing Pupil Voice and Leadership

We are equally proud of the way our pupils are developing as leaders. Through our democratically elected Pupil Parliament and participation in initiatives such as the Agents of Change Awards, children are learning that their voices matter.

By visiting the Houses of Parliament, organising events and supporting local charities, pupils gain a genuine understanding of responsibility and community. These experiences help them to see themselves as active citizens who can make a positive difference.

Nurturing the Whole Child

Personal development remains at the heart of school life. Through pupil-led collective worship, inter-house events and a wide range of clubs, children are given many opportunities to grow in confidence, teamwork and empathy.

The reflections shared by parents remind us that these experiences often have a lasting impact, shaping not only how children learn, but how they see themselves and others. They leave us not just as successful learners, but as kind, thoughtful individuals.

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Please may remind all families that in school we have three senior leaders who are trained Designated Safeguarding Leads. If you have any concerns about the safety of any pupil in school, please contact Miss Porter in the first instance, by telephoning or visiting the school office. If Miss Porter is not available, please ask for Mrs Taylor or Miss Bird.

What is a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)?

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all pupils in school. They lead on safeguarding practice, support staff with any concerns, and work closely with families and external agencies to make sure children receive the help they need. The DSL also ensures that safeguarding policies are up to date and that all staff are trained and confident in keeping children safe.

If parents have any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, they can contact the school’s DSL, or seek advice directly from external services such as the Gloucestershire Front Door (MASH) on 01452 426565, the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or the Police.

Designated Safeguarding Lead - Miss Sam Porter

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