Newsletter 1st December 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

From December 1st the school has started to feel a little bit Christmassy! Shared areas between classrooms are being decorated, the glitter is starting to make an appearance, children are practicing Christmas songs for the carol concerts and there is excitement in the air. Christmas at Mousehold is always very special. We do try and pace ourselves though so children aren’t exhausted by the time we break up at the end of term!

Christmas Tree Competition Winner

I am delighted to announce that our school is one of the lucky winners of a 6 ft Christmas tree.

Below is the wonderful masterpiece by Rosa Unstead-Bouttell that won the Christmas Tree for Schools campaign. Well done Rosa we are very proud of you!

Christmas Raffle

Thank you for bringing in raffle prizes for the Friends Christmas Raffle. We are still looking for more donations for raffle prizes. Hampers will be made, tickets are being sold and all money raised will go directly towards your children.

Christmas Dinner

Wednesday 13th December – Christmas jumpers or hats can be worn. – Please don’t forget to order on WEDUC by 6th December. Thanks

Children can wear Christmas jumpers, hats or anything festive to school this day. The Christmas dinner day is always fun and we encourage lots of children and staff to enjoy the Christmas Dinner together.

George White Junior School Christmas Fayre

There will be a Christmas Fayre at GWJS on Thursday 14th December between 3.20 and 4.20pm

Last day of term Wednesday 20th December – non- uniform just for fun.

On the last day of term children can wear non-uniform and/or Christmas themed clothes – just for fun.

Sugar for Shelters Collection

Many thanks for the generous donations. This is being collected on 13th December. We have a lot of bags of sugar and this will help so many people who are struggling at this time of the year. If you still have sugar to donate, please bring it to the school office next week. Thanks

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%. Current whole school attendance is 95.5%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Swift class with 97.27%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Greenfinch class with 96.82%.      

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Safeguarding   

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Week commencing 4th December – Final week for any After School Clubs that your child may be attending. NB:- This does NOT include Acorns at GWJS which will run to the end of the term.

Tuesday 5th December – 3:30pm – Open Day at GWJS for parents of our Year 2 children

Tuesday 12th December – Flu vaccine team returning to school – more details to follow.

Tuesday 12th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Reception Christmas Performance

Wednesday 13th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Year 2 Christmas Performance

Wednesday 13th December – School Christmas Lunch – Please order using the Form on WEDUC

Thursday 14th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Year 1 Christmas Performance

Wednesday 20th December – Last day of Autumn Term

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours faithfully
Mr Ian Tolson
Head of School

Newsletter 24th November 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a lovely week we’ve had at Mousehold. Year 2 spent time exploring Mousehold Heath. The children are learning how to identify different trees and plants and get very excited when they see trees they recognise. The children are making excellent progress with their phonics, reading and writing. There have been several High Five letters for good progress this week.

Children in Need fundraising

Thank you for your generous donations last Friday. We raised £280.42 for the charity.

Sugar for Shelters

We will be collecting sugar in school for a local charity who support homeless or hungry people, families in crisis and those fleeing domestic violence. We have attached some details on Weduc regarding the charity and the work they do. If you are able to help, please bring in a sugar donation to school, by the 13th December. Thanks very much.

High Five letters

Our High Five is Respect, Help, Learn, Enjoy, Achieve.

We continue to celebrate children’s achievements in and out of school. I have written letters to children this week for:

  • Learning to ride their bike.
  • Learning about the rainforest at home.
  • Being kind and respectful to others.
  • Helping Mummy wash up at home .
  • Making good progress in phonics and using that learning in other subjects.
  • Enjoying Rainbows and joining in well

Please let your child’s class teacher know if you feel your child deserves a High Five letter for something they have achieved out of school. We celebrate all achievements.

All children who have received a High Five letter stand up in a Friday Zoom assembly and the whole school clap them and say well done.

Punctuality

Just a reminder that children should be in school for 08:40 each day. This allows time for the teachers to get their registers done and the children settled, prior to starting daily learning, promptly, at 08:50.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%. Current whole school attendance is 95.5%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Sparrow class with 99.57%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Goldfinch class with 93.64%.

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Safeguarding   

Internet matters .org

https://www.internetmatters.org/

Internet Matters supports parents and professionals with comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help them navigate the ever-changing world of child internet safety.

How we support children’s online safety

Find information and safety settings for your child’s devices and apps, along with guidance to tackle online issues they may face.


Learn about online safety

Children’s experiences online are unique and constantly changing. So, it can be hard to keep up.

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

https://www.mouseholdinfants.com/safeguarding/

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Week commencing 4th December – Final week for any After School Clubs that your child may be attending. NB:- This does NOT include Acorns at GWJS which will run to the end of the term.

Tuesday 5th December – 3:30pm – Open Day at GWJS for parents of our Year 2 children

Tuesday 12th December – Flu vaccine team returning to school – more details to follow nearer the time.

Tuesday 12th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Reception Christmas Performance

Wednesday 13th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Year 2 Christmas Performance

Wednesday 13th December – School Christmas Lunch – Please order using the Form on WEDUC

Thursday 14th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Year 1 Christmas Performance

Wednesday 20th December – Last day of Autumn Term

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours faithfully

Mr Ian Tolson

Head of School

Newsletter 17th November 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a lovely week at Mousehold with lots of Autumn leaves to have fun with, particularly in the Secret Garden. We are making good use of our outdoor learning environments whatever the weather, so please ensure your children come to school wrapped up warm during the winter months.

We have really noticed an improvement with traffic outside school at the start of each day. There are still some occasions when there are dangerous manoeuvres in the middle of the road directly outside school, but on the whole, most parents are showing a lot of respect and considering the safety of children and adults. Thank you for your cooperation.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%. Current whole school attendance is 95.5%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Raven class with 98.52%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Greenfinch class with 89.55%.      

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Children in Need

Happy Children in Need Day!  As a school we have enjoyed supporting this worthwhile charity wearing spots today and having fun learning about the children our money will support

George White Junior School

The junior school are holding an Open Day for parents and year 2 pupils, on Tuesday 5th December at 3.30pm. Please call George White School Office on 01603 425515 to book. Thanks.

Safeguarding   

Talk PANTS

With the help of our friendly dinosaur Pantosaurus, Talk PANTS is a simple conversation to help keep your child safe from sexual abuse.

Celebrating 10 years of Talk PANTS!

Pantosaurus has helped 1.5 million parents Talk PANTS and keep their children safe from sexual abuse.

Developed in consultation with children, parents, carers and teachers, Talk PANTS is here to help children understand their body belongs to them, and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

Tips and advice to help keep your kids safe

Talk PANTS is here to help children understand that they have a right to say no and if they need to speak out about something, someone will listen.

We know that a simple conversation can make a BIG difference, and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about. To help you get the conversation started, we’ll send you helpful tips, advice and materials by email

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When’s the right time to talk PANTS?

Every family is different, and when and where you have these conversations may depend on your child’s age, or how grown up they are – it’s all about whatever feels natural for you and them.

Some examples of times you can talk PANTS are:

  • After school – If they’ve had a lesson on personal relationships or Talk PANTS at school, ask them what they remember when they get home.
  • Bathtime – you could start a conversation when you’re running your child’s bath or helping them get dressed.
  • Car journeys – this can be a great time to talk, and your child will have plenty of time to ask questions if they need.
  • Reading our new PANTS storybook together.
  • Singing – Sing along to our PANTS song with Pantosaurus!
  • Swimming – A great time to say that what’s covered by swimwear is private.
  • Walking – Walking home from school, or a weekend walk to the shops can help you both feel more at ease as you stroll and chat.
  • Watching TV – If a TV show features a sensitive storyline, you can encourage them to talk about anything that upsets them.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Week commencing 4th December – Final week for any After School Clubs that your child may be attending. NB:- This does NOT include Acorns at GWJS which will run to the end of the term.

Tuesday 5th December – 3:30pm – Open Day at GWJS for parents of our Year 2 children

Tuesday 12th December – Flu vaccine team returning to school – more details to follow nearer the time.

Tuesday 12th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Reception Christmas Performance

Wednesday 13th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Year 2 Christmas Performance

Wednesday 13th December – School Christmas Lunch – Please order using the Form on WEDUC

Thursday 14th December – 9:15 to 9:45 – Year 1 Christmas Performance

Wednesday 20th December – Last day of Autumn Term

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours faithfully
Mr Ian Tolson
Head of School

Newsletter 10th November 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

I had the pleasure of spending time in every classroom this week, observing the children learning, looking in their books, the learning environments and talking to the children. I saw an enriched curriculum where every child was enjoying their learning. It really struck me how the children have formed such positive relationships with staff and with each other and are very familiar with the daily routines of school. Our youngest children in Nursery were accessing many sensory experiences such as cutting, mixing water and clay and exploring the willow tunnels in the outdoor learning environment. Our Reception children were role playing traditional tales on their obstacle course outside. Our Year 1 children were confidently playing the ukulele and also enjoying Phonics lessons. Our Year 2 children were Samba drumming and reading with fluency and confidence in classrooms enriched with their clay sculpture Art work.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%. Current whole school attendance is 95.8%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Raven class with 98.52%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Goldfinch class with 95.45%.

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Friendship Week: W/b 13/11/23

To start of Friendship Week we would like the children to wear odd socks for Odd Socks Day on Monday 13th November.

Children in Need

School Council are writing to tell you about Children in Need on Friday 17th November 2023.

We would like to tell you about how we are going to celebrate this in School. This year will be a spotacular fun day! We want everyone to wear clothes that make them happy. You could wear spotty clothes or spotty PJ’s or paint your face with spots. We will be having lots of spotty fun in school. Please bring a donation if you can. We look forward to celebrating this important event for charity with you.

Thank you for your support!

The School Council

Baby Bank Norfolk

Baby Bank Norfolk is a volunteer-run group passing on baby items to people in Norfolk to help alleviate child poverty and support families during times of financial and emotional stress, whilst reducing waste and promoting reuse of items.

We collect donations of baby equipment, clothes, toys and other baby essentials and check that they are clean and meet current UK safety standards.

We receive requests from local professionals (Health Visitors, Midwives, Social Workers, Children’s Centres, Teachers etc) on behalf of families in need in Norfolk.

We then try to meet the request from the items we have in stock or put a call out to our supporters via our Facebook & Twitter pages.

Baby Bank Norfolk supports families experiencing hardship in the Norfolk area. We work in partnership with support services such as children’s centres, health visitors, GPs, teachers, social service agencies. All suitable donations go directly to the families in need locally.

We do not support individuals or families directly. If you’re expecting a baby or have young children and need help now, you can ask your health visitor, midwife, GP or social worker to contact us on your behalf.

Home

Safeguarding   

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

https://www.mouseholdinfants.com/safeguarding/

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Monday 13th November – Wear Odd Socks to school for Odd Socks Day.

Friday 17th November – Children in Need Spotacular!

Tuesday 12th December – Flu vaccine team returning to school – more details to follow nearer the time.

Wednesday 20th December – Last day of Autumn Term

Thank you for your continued support

Yours faithfully

Mr Ian Tolson

Head of School

Newsletter 3rd November 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you all had an enjoyable half-term. We have had a busy first week back at school, the children have particularly enjoyed the clubs such as Capoeira, Samba and ukulele. The teachers enjoyed meeting with you for parents evenings. You should all be very proud of how your children have settled into the new academic year. It has been wonderful seeing new friendships forming and more established friendships between children in different classes still strong.

Open Days for September 2024 intake for Nursery and Reception

We have open days next week. Please contact the school office if you would like to attend:

Tuesday 7th November 9.15am and 2.15pm

Thursday 9th November 9.15am and 2.15pm

Open Day for Parents of (current) Year 2 pupils

George White Junior School are holding an Open Morning for parents of (current) Year 2 children, preparing for Year 3 in September 2024.

Thursday 9th November at 9am.

Please call the office at GWJS on 01603 425515 to let them know you will be attending.

 Friendship Week: W/b 13/11/23

To start off Friendship Week, we would like the children to wear odd socks for Odd Socks Day on Monday 13th November.

A couple of Reminders

Special Bonfire Lunch on Monday 6th November. Standard Pizza meal to be replaced with “Catherine Wheel” – Cheese and Tomato Pizza Pinwheel, served with chips, beans and tomato sauce. Order the main meal option, as usual, via the APP (Lunch ordering is now available – Please use this to pre-book lunches. Thanks)

Please make sure you have ordered any school photos by Tuesday 7th November, in order to receive free delivery to school.

Next week, sample Christmas cards, (if a design was submitted prior to the deadline set), will be coming home in book bags. Again, for delivery in time for Christmas, you will need to order these promptly please, so that the Friends of Mousehold School can process these. Please make sure that orders and correct monies are in a secure envelope. Cheques must be made payable to The Friends of Mousehold School.

Food vouchers

Changes in the price of fuel, food and paid employment may have left many of us feeling like our money isn’t stretching as far as it used to.  If you are finding things challenging in this area, we do have Foodbank vouchers available.  Please see the School office or chat with our Parent Support Advisor, Mrs Derer.  In Norwich, we also have a number of social supermarkets that have been set up where affordable good quality groceries are offered enabling people to continue to eat well at a lower cost than many other supermarkets.  Foodbank vouchers are not needed for these supermarkets, and you can purchase food as often as is necessary.  Follow the links and find out more.

Social Supermarket

You can experience a new, more affordable, way of grocery shopping thanks to the introduction of social supermarkets in the city.

Social supermarkets are run by voluntary organisations, working with local food producers and suppliers to provide products at a lower cost than traditional supermarkets. These shops are aimed at anyone who is struggling to afford food, but there are no specific criteria for who can become a member.

Find a social supermarket:

  • ENYP – Russell Street Community Centre, 53 Russell Street, NR2 4QT 
  • The Feed – 65 Hall Road, NR1 3HL 
  • SOUL Foundation – 4 Mason Road, Norwich NR6 6RF

Each supermarket has its own approach to pricing and membership, and may stock a different range of goods, but share the same aim – communities working together to tackle food poverty.

The need for social supermarkets was first identified through an action plan developed by the Food Alliance and members of The Norwich Food Network, community groups working together to alleviate food insecurity. This network was originally set up by the city council who continue to facilitate its vital work.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%. Current whole school attendance is 95.9%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Barn Owl class with 96%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Chaffinch class with 97%.      

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Safeguarding   

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Monday 6th November – Bonfire Lunch in school

Tuesday 7th November – Open Morning (9:15am) and Open Afternoon (2:15pm) for prospective parents of 2024 intake – Nursery and Reception

Thursday 9th November – Open Morning (9:15am) and Open Afternoon (2:15pm) for prospective parents of 2024 intake – Nursery and Reception

Thursday 9th November – Open Morning (9:00am) at George White Junior School for prospective parents of next September’s Year 3

Monday 13th November – Wear Odd Socks to school for the beginning of Friendship Week

Thank you for your continued support

Yours faithfully

Mr Ian Tolson

Head of School

Newsletter 20.10.23

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have reached the end of the first half of the Autumn Term. Next week is half-term and school is closed. We have really seen the children thrive this term and so much progress can be seen in all aspects of learning. We have seen children grow in confidence and self-esteem and really strong friendships are now established. The progress in writing, reading, phonics and maths is really evident and the learning in all subjects is becoming embedded. We look forward to the second half of this term.

Thank you to staff

Behind the scenes at Mousehold this term has been challenging at times. The staff have gone the extra mile and been very adaptable, moved between classes and always without complaint. The children have continued to have the support they need and deserve. We have a very resilient, strong staff team and I’m very grateful and proud of all of them. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Mousehold.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Skylark class with 98%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Goldfinch class with 98%.      

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Help and support with living costs

Client Hardship Service – CHS (formerly known as Norfolk Assistance Scheme) can help you get support and financial assistance for food, energy, water, and other household essentials including white goods. You can apply yourself or a support organisation, such as Age UK Norfolk or Citizens Advice can apply on your behalf. The fastest way is to apply online www.norfolk.gov.uk/chs. If you do not have internet access call 0344 800 8020. (see attached leaflet)

Struggling to afford food

Short term / emergency food help Foodbanks can provide short-term help if you are struggling to afford to buy food. To find a foodbank near to you search for food banks or supermarkets at https://communitydirectory.norfolk.gov.uk or call Trussell Trust Tel: 01722 580180. (see attached leaflet)

For further support with money management and budgeting etc please see the attached leaflet.

Safeguarding   

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Week commencing 23rd October – Half Term Holiday – School Closed

Monday 30th October – Back to school for second Autumn half term

Thank you for your continued support

Yours faithfully

Mr Ian Tolson

Head of School

Newsletter 13th October 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a lovely week in school with capoeira lessons, as well as forest school and school photos.

Please take a look at our website and in particular the section on Curriculum. We have updated this recently and you will see lots of information and photos explaining what we teach, how we teach and why we teach certain lessons, and how each lesson forms part of a sequence of lessons.

Introduction to your Link Trustee

Hi, I would like to introduce myself as the Trustee who is linked with Mousehold Infant and Nursery School and George White Junior School.

My name is Neil Park and I have been a Trustee at Inclusive Schools Trust (IST) since 2020.  IST is the multi academy trust which also includes both Lionwood schools and Drayton and Taverham infant schools.  Our aim is to support the schools to be the best they can be and our vision is to improve outcomes and increase life chances for children.  We have a CEO, Mrs Sawyer who works closely with the Heads and there are 8 Trustees who provide oversight, challenge and support.  It is the Trust’s responsibility to ensure that the CEO is held to account, sets the strategic direction for the Trust and oversee the trust’s financial performance.

As Link Trustee for GWJS and MIANS it is my role to champion our schools at Trust meetings and provide challenge and support to Mr Tolson and Mrs Petchey.  I regularly visit the school and I am also a parent of two children who have been through Mousehold and are now at George White.  I have enjoyed being a Trustee as I feel that I am giving back to the schools, helping the children and our amazing staff and learning new skills which help me in my job.

I proudly live in NR3, work at Jarrold, love to keep fit and I also play guitar.  If you would like to get in touch please email npark@istnorfolk.co.uk.  I would also recommend that you visit www.inclusiveschoolstrust.co.uk to learn more about the Trust.

A reminder about collection from school

If someone else is collecting your child can you please let your child’s class teacher know that morning.

If you need to change your plans during the school day and someone else will be collecting your child at short notice, please ring the office and they will pass the message on. This is really important to ensure we send children home safely.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Sparrow class with 98.7%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Goldfinch class with 98.33%.      

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Safeguarding   

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Week commencing 16th October – Teacher Parent meetings

Week commencing 16th October – Stay and Play sessions in Nursery from 08:30 to 09:00 and from 12:00 to 12:30 – You should have been asked to book a session with the Nursery teachers.

Thursday 19th October at 08:50am and 2:45pm (Repeat) – Phonics Talk for parents in the school hall

Week commencing 23rd October – Half Term Holiday

Thank you for your continued support

Thank you for your continued support

Yours faithfully

Mr Ian Tolson

Head of School

Newsletter 6th October 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been great getting to know more of you when I’ve been on the playground before and after school. I am always happy to talk to you if you have any questions and I’ll try and answer them for you. I have noticed how settled the children are when coming into school. The children who found this difficult at the start of term have really grown in confidence and have done a brilliant job in separating from parents and carers.

A reminder

Your child should have brought home this week, a sheet of paper on which they can design a Christmas Card. These designs need to be back in school by Monday 9th October at the latest please, so get your child designing this weekend!

Message from our Mental Health Champions:

Autumn reflections…

As the leaves begin to fall and the weather changes, it can be a time for us all to reflect. Our wellbeing is so important, is there anything we need to change to support our own wellbeing? 

A few things to ponder…

  • Do you take short periods every day to do the things you love to do? Make a list of things that you love to do and work through them – it doesn’t have to be expensive – take a bubble bath, ring a friend, watch a favourite programme, make a cup of tea and sit down, read a chapter of your favourite book.  When you do something for yourself it can help you feel less resentful about the things you need to do each day.
  • Take time to exercise everyday – exercise doesn’t have to cost, consider taking a 5 minute brisk walk daily, try it for a week and see if you feel any different.   Walking releases happy feelings called endorphins.
  • Consider letting other people help you do things.  Many of us want things done our way or not at all.  It can mean we are constantly in a state of feeling overwhelmed.  
  • Do you get enough sleep every night?  It may be difficult due to young children’s sleep routines.  Try getting an early night, it may sound very obvious, but it helps make us feel more energised, helps our immune system and helps positive mood.  If you have a young baby try to take a nap when you can or some time for yourself when you can. 
  • Make sure you are staying hydrated and eating the right foods.  We can all be tempted to eat on the run or eat sugary snacks to keep ourselves going.  Try to eat food from all of the food groups, it will help maintain a positive mood and prevent a crash in energy.

A reminder about collection from school

If someone else is collecting your child can you please let your child’s class teacher know that morning.

If you need to change your plans during the school day and someone else will be collecting your child at short notice, please ring the office and they will pass the message on. This is really important to ensure we send children home safely.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Sparrow class with 99.13%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Goldfinch class with 98.33%.      

A group of colorful hands

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Safeguarding   

Safeguarding Hands

Your children will all have made a safeguarding hand in school. Ask them to tell you about it. On that hand there are 5 people who they have named who they know and trust to talk to. This might include school staff, family, friends and sometimes pets. We encourage children to use the safeguarding hand as a prompt for talking to someone if they are worried, upset or feel unsafe at any point.

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Thursday 12th October – School Photographer here

Week commencing 16th October – Teacher Parent meetings Please book your appointment using the link on WEDUC

Thursday 19th October at 08:50am and 2:45pm (Repeat) – Phonics Talk for parents in the school hall

Week commencing 23rd October – Half Term Holiday

Thank you for your continued support

Yours faithfully

Mr Ian Tolson

Head of School

Newsletter 29th September 2023

We have had a change of weather this week but it does feel that Autumn has arrived. The children are enjoying the changes of the seasons with time outdoors, in our Secret Garden, on our field and behind school in the outdoor learning areas. I enjoyed watching some of our Reception children exploring their outside learning environment.

I would like to share with you some information about our curriculum. You can see regular posts on our school Facebook page of some of the hands on, exciting learning taking place each day:

Our curriculum is built upon our context and culture of being in the heart of Norwich with wonderful children with roots from all over the world being at the centre of it. The curriculum makes learning fun, hands on and is stimulating by providing real life experiences so that all children learn from the same starting point regardless of their first language or ability. We provide a highly inclusive and creative curriculum which enables pupils to achieve in a happy and safe environment. The sequenced curriculum is rich, purposeful and challenging for all children. All children throughout their time with us experience well planned local visits, visiting authors, musicians and artists and a wide range of activities indoors and outdoors to enhance the curriculum. We focus on our locality and give children experiences of the wonderful architecture, history and culture right on our doorstep. This highly inclusive curriculum enables pupils to achieve and enjoy learning in a happy, fun and safe environment.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Greenfinch class with 100%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Raven class with 98%.

A group of colorful hands

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Change of opening times 2023/2024

Our Opening Times have changed. In line with government guidance, compulsory time spent in school at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School has now increased to 32.5 hours from September 2023. These changes do not affect our Nursery School, where a morning session remains as 08:30 to 11:30am and an afternoon session is 12 to 3pm. Here are our school opening times.

Reception

Opening times:
Morning session: 8:40 – 11:45am
Afternoon session: 12:45 – 3:10pm

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)

Opening times:
Morning session: 8:40 – 12:10am
Afternoon session: 1:10 – 3:10pm  
There is 15 minute break in the morning

The gates will close in the morning at 8.50am from September 2023. Pupils arriving after this time will need to sign in at the school office and your child will be marked as late.

Safeguarding   

Safeguarding Hands

Your children will all have made a safeguarding hand in school. Ask them to tell you about it. On that hand there are 5 people who they have named who they know and trust to talk to. This might include school staff, family, friends and sometimes pets. We encourage children to use the safeguarding hand as a prompt for talking to someone if they are worried, upset or feel unsafe at any point.

A reminder about collection from school

If someone else is collecting your child can you please let your child’s class teacher know that morning.

If you need to change your plans during the school day and someone else will be collecting your child at short notice, please ring the office and they will pass the message on. This is really important to ensure we send children home safely.

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

https://www.mouseholdinfants.com/safeguarding/

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Thursday 12th October – School Photographer here

Week commencing 16th October – Teacher Parent meetings – there will be details enabling you to book an appointment, from next week, via a link on WEDUC

Thursday 19th October at 08:50am and 2:45pm (Repeat) – Phonics Talk for parents in the school hall

Week commencing 23rd October – Half Term Holiday

Thank you for your continued support

Yours faithfully

Mr Ian Tolson

Head of School

Newsletter 22nd September 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

We come to the end of another busy week at Mousehold. The reception children have settled in so well and it’s hard to believe that they have just started with us. The year 1 children have really been enjoying the Capoeira and ukulele lessons and it has been lovely to see them so involved. The Year 2 children had their first Samba lesson with Jon this week in the hall and the excitement afterwards was lovely to see and hear.

Next week we start our after-school clubs. You will have received an email confirming which club your child has been allocated, based on the choices you made. Please note that all these clubs finish at 4pm and you must be available to collect your child at this time.

Attendance at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School

We have a celebration assembly each Friday afternoon where we share children’s achievements with everyone. As part of this assembly, we congratulate the class with the highest overall attendance for that week. The class with the highest attendance in Key Stage 1 receives ‘Top Dog’ to take to their classroom for the week. The class with the highest attendance in Reception receives ‘Top Cat’.

Our whole school attendance target is 96%.

Top Cat – this week the highest attendance for Reception goes to Goldfinch class with 96%.

Top Dog – this week the highest attendance for Key Stage 1 goes to Raven class with 99%.      

A group of colorful hands

Description automatically generated

Our Opening Times have changed

In line with government guidance, compulsory time spent in school at Mousehold Infant and Nursery School has now increased to 32.5 hours from September 2023. These changes do not affect our Nursery School, where a morning session remains as 08:30 to 11:30am and an afternoon session is 12 to 3pm. Here are our school opening times.

Reception

Opening times:
Morning session: 8:40 – 11:45am
Afternoon session: 12:45 – 3:10pm

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 &2)

Opening times:
Morning session: 8:40 – 12:10am
Afternoon session: 1:10 – 3:10pm  
There is 15 minute break in the morning

The gates will close in the morning at 8.50am from September 2023. Pupils arriving after this time will need to sign in at the school office and your child will be marked as late.

Parking and traffic outside school

This is a recurring issue and one that is difficult to resolve. It relies upon everyone showing respect and tolerance for others outside the school gates. We have had a few residents contact school to say their drives have been blocked and they couldn’t get out and this was a worry for them. We have also had incidents where cars are half parked on the verge, blocking the road and getting very close to pedestrians. This is particularly bad on wet days when more families drive to school. Please be very mindful of young children walking, cycling and in pushchairs and be tolerant of other drivers. We really do care about the safety of our children in school as well as out of school. If we all play our part in this, we can ensure everyone stays safe and well. Thank you to the majority who are tolerant and respectful.

Fun Links

You may find the following link useful as we head further into the autumn term. There are lots of good ideas here that you can do with your children over the autumn period!

https://magazines.raring2go.co.uk/norwich/autumn2022/

Safeguarding   

Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr Tolson, Mr Smith, Miss Balachandre, Mrs Greenwood and Miss Wood.

These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is:

CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020.

Dates for your Diary

Monday 25th September – Flu Vaccine Team in school

Week commencing Monday 25th September – After School Clubs begin and will run for 10 weeks

Thursday 12th October – School Photographer here

Thursday 19th October at 08:50am and 2:45pm (Repeat) – Phonics Talk for parents in the school hall

Week commencing 23rd October – Half Term Holiday

Thank you for your continued support

Yours faithfully

Mr Ian Tolson

Head of School

Mousehold Infant and Nursery School is part of Inclusive Schools Trust