Thanks to everyone who completed the annual survey. We’ll review the results and update you soon.

Dates for your diary

Here’s an example of how we’ve previously acted on your feedback… In previous annual surveys, you’ve said the earlier you know dates, the better. That’s why we’re busy adding dates for next year into our calendar.

Most of the 2026-27 dates are already there. On rare occasions, we sometimes have to change a date. For next year, we’ve had to move a training day due to a clash out of our control. The training days when school is closed are now:

• Tuesday 01 September 2026 – straight after the summer holiday
• Friday 02 October
• Friday 23 October – just before the October half-term break
• Monday 07 December
• Monday 07 June – just after the Summer half-term

There’s a lot going on as we approach the end of the school year. Please check our calendar for what’s going on.

And don’t forget the school photographer is in next Friday to take class pics.

Uniform update

Another thing we’ve done based on feedback in previous annual surveys… Around this time of year, we review and update our Uniform Policy. This is so you’ve plenty of time to start thinking about any changes ready for September. Please read our updated policy.

The main points haven’t changed:

• Pupils should dress appropriately and respectfully for school (including on non-uniform days)
• All clothing should be clearly labelled
• Avoid expensive items – we don’t accept responsibility for any loss or damage to an individual’s property

Staffing update

We’ll soon be letting you know the class teachers for next year. In the meantime, we’ve a couple of updates…

We’re saying goodbye to Miss Gilliland who’ll be leaving the UK in a few months to go and teach abroad. We’re so thankful for all her hard work at St James’ CE Primary and we wish her all the best with her new adventures. Last week, we successfully recruited a new teacher, Miss Hopper, who will join us in September.

Mrs Bye, who teaches two days a week in Year 2, will be going on maternity leave in the Autumn term. (Some of you might have started to expect this news!) Congratulations to Mrs Bye. We’re currently in the process of recruiting a teacher to cover Mrs Bye.

SEND inspection

Yesterday, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission published their Area SEND Inspection report for Leeds. Its inspection outcome is:

There are widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), which the local area partnership must address urgently.

The local authority fully accept the findings and welcome the report as ‘an important and independent assessment of our services and a clear starting point for the next stage of improvement’.

The report identifies areas where the wider system must improve. It does also recognise that important steps are already being taken to strengthen leadership, governance and partnership working.

We know that some parents are unhappy with the support that we’ve provided for their child with SEND. We hope you recognise we’re working in a very challenging context. Locally and nationally, we’re told systems and support will improve.

Summer savings

The Great British Summer Savings scheme starts next week. Running from 25 June to 01 September 2026, its aim is to help families feel a bit less squeezed this summer.

The scheme includes reduced VAT on days out, including tickets at attractions like soft play, adventure centres and theme parks, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas, and children’s meals in restaurants. Children aged 5 to 15 in England will also be able to travel free on local bus services throughout August.

Finally this week…

Some of our Year 6 children led a collective worship based on David and Goliath this week. They focussed on our Christian value of courage. Throughout the assembly, they spoke clearly, displaying oracy skills they have developed this year. They invited the rest of the school to reflect on the ‘giants’ in their own lives. This could be worrying about SATS, feeling lonely or being afraid to try something new. Finally, children were sent away from the hall with something to remember:

Whatever your giant is, take one small brave step, just as David did.

Have a happy and healthy weekend.