Building Works – We Finally Got There!
After six summers of building and renovation work, we have finally got there!
Every classroom, hall space, corridor, toilet, office area, staff room and library space has now been renovated. It has certainly been a battle at times, and when I think back to 2022 and the struggle we had simply to get some of the work started, it is quite incredible to see how far we have come.
We now have a beautiful-looking school that our children, staff and families can be really proud of. The transformation across the site has been enormous and it is lovely to see the building looking so fresh, welcoming and cared for.
And we are not quite finished yet!
I met with Greenfields yesterday to discuss the next phase of our playground improvements, and we are hopeful that work will begin during the October half-term holiday.
The PTA are very generously funding three 6ft planters with integrated benches, which will run alongside the basketball and football pitch. These will provide much-needed additional seating and, once planted with tall bamboo, will also create a natural barrier between the seating area and the pitch.
Alongside these, we are planning to plant two new trees, with soft, recycled flooring underneath and circular seating around them. This should create another attractive and practical space for children to sit, talk and enjoy the playground.
I genuinely cannot wait to see this next phase completed. After so many years of work inside the building, it feels wonderful to now be able to focus even more on improving our outdoor spaces too.
A huge thank you, as always, to our PTA and our families for helping us continue to make Naunton Park such a fantastic environment for our children.
Our Annual Portrait Project 🎨
Our annual Portrait Project is already underway! It was particularly lovely this week to see some of our Year 5 children taking time to look back through their art portfolios and finding the portraits they created when they were in Key Stage 1. It is such a wonderful way for them to see how their skills have developed over time.
Over the coming weeks, the children will produce a number of drafts of their portrait before completing their final piece. Their best portrait will then be framed and available for families to purchase for £5.
All the money raised will go straight back into school to purchase lovely new art equipment for every class, helping us to continue developing the children's creativity and enjoyment of art.
Brain Matters Becomes PEACE Groups
We have lots of exciting new ventures planned for this academic year. One of our big developments is the evolution of our Brain Matters Groups into PEACE Groups.
The important learning from Brain Matters will very much continue. Children will recap their knowledge of the brain, emotions and regulation, but we will now build upon this with a greater focus on relational and restorative practice.
Throughout the year, children will explore what peace really means and consider how we can build peaceful, positive relationships into our everyday lives – in our classrooms, across our school, within our local community and in the wider world.
This feels like a natural next step for our children and links closely with our school values of Peace, Trust, Pride, Kindness, Empathy and Curiosity.
Our Charity for 2026–27: UNICEF
Linking closely with our PEACE Groups, I am delighted that our chosen charity this year will be UNICEF.
Over the past few years, our school community has achieved some amazing things through fundraising. Our Lions project raised a fantastic amount of money to support the NHS within our local community. We have also raised money for our own school and supported mental health charities.
This year, we wanted our fundraising to reach even further and to support children both here in the UK and internationally. UNICEF's work makes this a particularly meaningful charity for our children to learn about and support.
Before the summer holidays, I spoke with Mr Greed about how we could make this year's fundraising really special, and we have an exciting plan...
NPPS Soccer Aid! ⚽
Next year, we are going to host our very own NPPS Soccer Aid!
We are going to need the support – and perhaps the footballing skills – of our families to help make this happen. So, if you are a football mum, dad or carer, watch this space... we may well be in touch!
There will be lots more information to follow as our plans develop, with opportunities for children to take a lead in fundraising and raising awareness.
Year 4 – Condover Hall
Finally, a quick update for our Year 4 families. We are delighted to have booked Condover Hall again for our Year 4 residential.
We know what a fantastic experience this is for the children, providing opportunities to develop independence, confidence, teamwork and, of course, to make some wonderful memories with their friends.
We will be in touch next week with further information, including details about giving consent and paying deposits.
It has been a fantastic first few days back. Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We have lots to look forward to this year and I am really excited to see what we can achieve together.
Mrs Fletcher
Headteacher
