Caring Curious Courageous

Enabling all children to learn and grow

Dear Families,

The corridors are filled with the sounds of children practising for their Christmas events, which is always a joy to hear. I am very much looking forward to their performances. Please do check the dates listed below.

The last fortnight has been extremely busy with trips and tournaments. Year 1 have visited the Richmond Museum to explore toys through the ages and also been to St Matthias Church. Year 2 have visited the Gurdwara, Year 3 enjoyed a very popular trip to Buster Farm, Year 4 visited the Buddhapadipa Temple, Year 6 have been to the Bunker, and Reception have been to the theatre. These trips are all carefully planned and closely linked to the curriculum. They provide children with real-life experiences that help them retain and deepen the knowledge they have learnt. Thank you for all your contributions and for the time you spend volunteering. Your support is what allows these trips to happen.

Thank you to our PTA and volunteers for your hard work in organising a wonderful school fair on Sunday. It was fantastic to try something new, which is always a risk, but a risk that truly paid off. The school was full of happy, smiling children; you brought joy to every child that sunny afternoon. We are very grateful for your commitment and enthusiasm. Thank you!

A little heads-up that we will be checking school uniforms next week. Please remember that PE kit should only be worn on PE days or on days when children have a sports club.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Frances Bracegirdle

Headteacher - headteacher@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk

Teaching and Learning at The Vineyard

As part of the academisation process for joining Bourne Education Trust, we welcomed Clare Goldsmith, Education Director, to The Vineyard for a Quality of Education visit. Clare was incredibly impressed with the high level of engagement from the children, the consistent classroom environments and strong behaviour for learning. She also noted the following as key strengths of The Vineyard:

• Strong leadership at every level
• Consistent approach to behaviour for learning
• Consistent approach to teaching and learning
• Strong sense of inclusion
• Evidence of the teaching and learning model becoming practised in all classrooms
• Good balance between high expectations academically alongside nurture
• Individualised learning support in Gems with a calm and purposeful learning environment
• High engagement and purposeful independent learning in reception
• Well-thought-through approach to the core subjects tightly aligned to our teaching and learning model
• Strong evidence of excellent quality first teaching, which included effective scaffolding and modelling
• Children with SEND are well supported by TLSAs and teachers
• Books show high expectations
• Consistent feedback and marking
• Effective use of manipulatives

Clare’s final words summed up the visit perfectly: “It was a joy to visit!”

Ms Reilly and Mrs Dempster 

Assistant Headteachers for Teaching & Learning

Request for LEGO blocks!

We run Lego Therapy sessions in school to support children with their social and communication skills. To help us run these sessions successfully, we are kindly requesting donations of LEGO blocks—specifically the basic square and rectangular bricks (any colours are welcome!).  If you have any spare LEGO pieces at home that your child no longer uses, we would be incredibly grateful for your donations. Even small amounts will make a big difference.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

The SEN team