Dear All, I hope this finds everyone safe and well and enjoying the sunshine! The DfE have announced that from September we are to do away with class bubbles and rely on Covid -19 testing more heavily. Closing class bubbles as a result of positive PCR tests is also to end from the start of new school year. We are monitoring the situation very closely and we will keep parents updated about any further changes in good time for the new school year.

Our sports days went ahead thanks to favourable weather and lots of hard work by EBPS staff and the children really enjoyed these. I am sure that we have some budding Olympians among our children.

I was really proud to get very positive feedback from Wicksteed Park staff about the conduct of our children who attended earlier this week as part of their week’s special activity timetable. Staff from the park rang me to tell me that EBPS were the best behaved that they have hosted this year. On a similar vein I was told about some of our Year 6 children helping younger children at the skate park on the recreation ground. It is at time like these when I am reminded what a lovely school EBPS is and how wonderful our children are!

The results from our recent parent survey were helpful and positive with 94% of respondents saying that they would recommend EBPS to another parent and 98% telling us that they felt their children are happy and safe in school. A large sample of children from across the school were asked similar questions and I am delighted to report that 100% of them told us that they felt safe in school and they all knew who to talk to if they were worried about something.

Year 2 enjoyed a visit from ‘History off the page’ and judging by the smiles and engagement the children really enjoyed their work. I also know that Years 3 and 4 have enjoyed their treat too. They convinced me, by the power of their persuasive writing, to go to the recreation ground for games and a picnic with their teachers and support staff. It has been a real joy to see the children out and about and enjoying each other’s company after such a trying year.

Plans are well underway to advance the children’s learning about the ‘Walk with Amal’ https://www.walkwithamal.org/ which is a truly and inspiring epic voyage based around a young refugee girl. The children are being prepared to learn about Little Amal’s amazing journey and I know that they are going take away some great learning experiences and positive memories.

We held our transition day outside as per DfE guidance and the children were able to meet their new class teacher and some new class mates too. The day was really successful and the children completed some lovely work ranging from art, writing and team work activities. It was great to see our two new teachers attending (Mrs Rees and Miss Luca). All of the children were able to see Mrs Lally who will be my successor as the new Head Teacher from next year.

In closing I would like to say that I have absolutely loved my time as Head Teacher of Earls Barton Primary school. Working alongside so many incredibly committed and dedicated staff has been a pleasure. I will really miss the children but I know that they are in really good hands!

Very best wishes and I hope you all have a great summer holiday.

Mr. D. Ribbins Head Teacher.