We are delighted to welcome everyone back to Abbeys for an exciting new school year, and extend a special welcome to our new families who are joining our community for the first time. At Abbeys, our shared motto – Aim, Aspire, Achieve – guides everything we do. Together, we aim high, aspire to be our very best, and achieve great things through determination, creativity, and teamwork.

This year promises to be filled with new opportunities for learning, growth, and success. By working in close partnership with families, we know we can provide the best possible outcomes for every child. We look forward to celebrating achievements, nurturing talents, and building a strong, supportive community where everyone can thrive. I know that the start of the year can be overwhelming. We try to communicate as quickly and as easily as we can with parents/ carers. The office is open every day from 8.30am until 4pm. Please come and ask if you have any questions or queries. 

The safety and wellbeing of every child is at the heart of everything we do. Safeguarding simply means protecting children from harm, keeping them safe, and supporting them to grow and thrive. This includes:

Making sure children are safe in school and online

Supporting their emotional and mental wellbeing

Helping them feel confident to speak up if something worries them

Working together with families and outside agencies when needed

I, Mrs Jess Fellowes, am the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Mrs Louis White is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. A part of our role is to make sure that any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing are taken seriously and dealt with quickly and appropriately.

Please know that we are here to help. If you ever have concerns about your child, or about another child in our school community, you can speak to us in confidence. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and by working together we can make sure all our children are safe, happy, and ready to learn.

As much as possible, I have an open-door policy. I am happy to give out my direct email address so that parent/ carers can contact me directly. If you would like to meet with me, you can arrange this via email or via the office.

Jfellowes@abbeysprimary.org

The Importance of High-Quality SEN Provision

Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, thrive, and feel valued in school. For children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the right support can make all the difference—not only in their learning, but in their confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging. High-quality SEN provision ensures that barriers to learning are removed and that every child can access the curriculum at a level that is right for them. We have a high proportion of SEN pupils here at Abbeys- just over 30%. With our greatest area of need being Autism- social communication and interaction. 

Wetry to make our school a place where-

• Children feel safe, understood, and respected.

• Learning is adapted to meet individual needs, helping children achieve their best.

• Teachers, support staff, and parents/ carers work as a team, ensuring consistency between home and school.

• The whole school community benefits from a culture of empathy, understanding, and inclusion.

Inclusion at Abbeys

At Abbeys, we are proud to be an inclusive school. We believe every child, whatever their needs, brings unique strengths to our community. Our approach is:

• Child-centred – putting the needs, aspirations, and well-being of each child first.

• Flexible and supportive – adapting teaching and resources so that children can fully participate in lessons.

• Collaborative – working closely with families and outside agencies to provide the best possible support.

• Community-focused – promoting kindness, respect, and acceptance amongst pupils, so everyone feels they belong.

Inclusion is not just about what happens in the classroom; it is woven into our school culture, values, and everyday interactions. Mrs Louis - White is the Inclusion Lead at Abbeys. She is a fountain of knowledge. If you need to make contact, please email her or the office. 

How Parents Can Support One Another

Parents play a vital role in building a strong, supportive community. By working together, you can:

• Share experiences – talking with other parents can provide reassurance, practical advice, and encouragement.

• Celebrate differences – helping children understand that everyone learns in different ways nurtures empathy and acceptance.

• Offer support – small acts, like listening or sharing resources, can make a big difference to another family.

• Get involved – joining parent groups, workshops, or volunteering in school helps strengthen connections.

Together, we can ensure that every child at Abbeys feels valued and included, and that every parent feels supported. Every term, Jo Hammett [PTA] arranges a coffee morning for parents/ carers to come along and share their experiences. We will let you know when the first one is going to be.