12 Jun 2009 - Arrangements for 2009/2010

Dear Parents

I wish to inform you of arrangements for the Autumn Term at Whiteshill Primary School.

Firstly, we wish two members of staff all the best in their new posts that they take up in September.  Ms Ashworth, who is currently on a year's secondment to the local authority, will be taking a permanent position within the County Literacy Team and will not be returning next term.  Having completed his teaching qualification earlier this year, we also wish Mr Pritchard all the best as he begins a teaching post at Field Court Infants.

Due to the recent fall in pupil numbers at Whiteshill, and the departure of a large Year 6 group, it has become necessary to review staffing levels in light of funding based on pupil numbers.  After careful consideration and detailed consultation with the Governing Body, it has been decided that we will run four classes in the morning and three each afternoon.  We will be adjusting the internal timings of the day and so from September lunchtime will still remain at an hour, but will start at 12:30 pm each day.

Morning classes will be structured as at present, with class teachers remaining as they are now.  Ms Bowmont will continue as teacher for Class One until a permanent appointement is made later in the year.  Forest School will continue, but now on a Friday morning for Reception and Years One and Two, run by Mr Kempner.

Years Five and Six will remain together in the afternoon taught by Mrs Bainbridge and Miss Johnson as at present.  Years Two, Three and Four will be taught as a class by Miss Johnson, Mrs Balfour and by Mrs Fry, who will deliver French.  Reception and Year One will be taught by Mrs Fry, with Ms Bomont continuing to run the current reading time with parents and carers each Wednesday afternoon.

We are very confident that our current curriculum organisation and the robust tracking and assessment procedures that we have in place will ensure that all the children will receive the highest possible education and that all pupils' individual needs will be met.  If you have any questions or queries about the organisation for the new term please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours faithfully

Robert Kempner