I hope you all enjoyed a good half-term break with your families.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your kind supportive comments regarding my decision to retire at the end of the summer term. This was not an easy decision to make as Northmead has been a huge part of my life for many years. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in this happy, busy school and being part of the Stoughton community, supporting your children with their education and seeing them grow into confident, independent young people. I am confident this is the right time to move on as the school is in a strong place with a dedicated team of staff who will continue to move the school forward.

Reading fluency. This month, teaching staff have been focusing on how to develop children’s fluency skills when reading. Reading fluency is the ability to read easily, accurately, with proper expression and at a suitable pace. In order to understand what they read, children must be able to read fluently whether they are reading aloud or silently. Children who do not read fluently have to work hard on the mechanics of reading which means there’s no mental energy left to think about the meaning of what they are reading.

Happy New Year. We hope you were all able to enjoy a relaxing Christmas with your family and friends. The children and staff have all returned refreshed and enthusiastic to be back after a good length break.

As an exciting introduction to our learning about rainforests and plants, we have planned a trip to Wisley Gardens on 10^th January 2023. The trip will take place during school hours.

We have been asked to share with you, the following advice from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.