Heads Up
Friday 22nd May 2026
CEO’s Welcome
Dear Colleagues,
This week I’m writing to you from 37,000 feet in the air, on my way to Rome as I support Clara Grant with their Turing trip.
Over the next few days, we’ll be visiting some incredible places, including the Colosseum and the Vatican. It’s a real privilege to be part of this visit and to see first-hand the excitement and curiosity that opportunities like this bring out in our children.
Trips like these can be genuinely life-changing. Whether it’s Clara Grant travelling to Rome, Tollgate visiting South Africa, or Monega going to Trento, these experiences give our pupils something that can’t always be captured in a classroom. They see new places, hear different languages, experience different cultures, and begin to understand a little more about the wider world and their place in it.
For many of the communities we serve, visits like this really matter. They’re about more than travel. They’re about giving children opportunities, memories and confidence.
I’m very grateful to all the colleagues who make trips like this happen. I know how much work goes on behind the scenes, from planning and paperwork to the care and responsibility that staff carry throughout the visit. It makes a real difference, and it’s appreciated.
Well, I’d better stop there as we’re about to land. I wish you all a restful and safe half-term next week, and I look forward to seeing many of you in Summer 2.
Warm wishes,
Sarah Lack CEO Designate
Sarah Lack
Attendance
Attendance Data
Below is the attendance and persistent absence data from across the Trust for the period of 23 Mar 2026 and 17 Apr 2026
The Pirates Are Coming
Semi-formal learners in in Pathway 2 enjoyed a range of pirate-themed activities linked to The Pirates Are Coming They used real treasure coins to practise counting and solve problems, such as working out how many coins were needed to sink a boat Tug-of-war games helped develop teamwork, turn-taking, and social skills
A visit from a “real” pirate inspired imaginative role play, building the pupils’ confidence, creativity, and communication
Exploring Colours Through Interactive Play
This week, our pre-formal learners explored colours through a range of exciting activities. Pupils sorted and matched colourful objects, helping them recognise and group colours. They also enjoyed parking coloured cars into matching garages, supporting communication and problem-solving.
Pupils played Pop-Up Pirate, using the core board to choose coloured swords, which helped develop communication and choice-making in an enjoyable way.
As part of sensory learning, pupils took part in a Skittles experiment with water, watching the colours spread and create a bright rainbow effect.
Year 4 Art
Year 4 created a fantastic cityscape inspired by the artist Andy Burgess. Using cardboard relief techniques, pupils designed and built their own detailed structures while developing teamwork skills.
Year 5 Art
Year 5 explored the artwork of Robin Brooks and created their own natureinspired string relief paintings Using string, pupils designed textured 3D pictures that added depth and dimension to their artwork They carefully blended colours and experimented with different textures and effects to bring natural elements such as flowers, leaves and landscapes to life in the style of Robin Brooks
Reception Learning
In Reception, we have been enjoying reading the story The Pirates Are Coming! The children loved role-playing the story with adults and using lots of new vocabulary linked to pirates and ships. They also had great fun creating their very own boats and ships using different food items. The children carefully chose which foods to use for different parts of their boat and enjoyed putting their creations together creatively.
Year 6 SATs
Well done to our fantastic Year 6 pupils who have completed SATs week this week They approached each test with focus, resilience and a positive attitude, and we are incredibly proud of the effort they showed throughout
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROU GH’S 100th BIRTHDAY
Pupils across the school enjoyed a fantastic day of learning and celebration last Friday as we all marked the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough Pupils showed their creativity by designing and making birthday cards, while others wrote thoughtful letters thanking him for inspiring generations to care for the natural world These activities encouraged children to reflect on the importance of protecting our planet and the role we all play in looking after it
We were also thrilled to welcome ITV News into school to film some of our activities It was an exciting experience for pupils to share their learning on camera, and we featured on the television last Friday, here is the link for you to see it ADD LINK
We reflected on the profound impact Sir David Attenborough has had on us all, celebrating his extraordinary life’s work and his enduring passion for protecting the planet he has taught us to cherish https://www youtube com/watch?v=MHtSWVXXLl0
Year 4 Swimming Success!
This week, our Year 4 pupils made a fantastic start to their swimming lessons. We are delighted to share that all children thoroughly enjoyed their time in the pool, showing great enthusiasm and confidence as they developed their skills. It was wonderful to see such positive attitudes and teamwork on display. We look forward to continuing their lessons next week, where they will build on everything they have already achieved. Well done, Year 4!
OUR EYFS
Our Early Years setting continues to thrive through high-quality continuous provision, where children are empowered to explore, create, and learn in meaningful and engaging ways Carefully planned indoor and outdoor environments offer rich opportunities that build independence, curiosity, and resilience across all areas of learning By following children’s interests and supporting their play, we nurture confident, motivated learners who are excited to discover the world around them every day
Staff Accolade – Year 6 Team
A huge well done and heartfelt thank you to our incredible Year 6 teachers, Mr Sumpter, Mr Ahmed and Ms Amarasinghe, for their dedication, commitment, and hard work in preparing pupils for this year ’ s SATs Your tireless efforts, careful planning, and unwavering support have ensured that every child has felt confident, ready, and encouraged to do their very best
You have gone above and beyond to provide high-quality teaching, targeted support, and reassurance during what can be a challenging time for pupils Your passion and professionalism have made a real difference, and it has not gone unnoticed
We are incredibly proud of both our pupils and the exceptional staff who have guided them every step of the way—thank you for all that you do!
EYFS Drama Workshop
On Tuesday 19 May, the Early Years children participated in an energetic and interactive workshop with Drama4All The children experienced the timeless story of Peter Pan through drama, movement and storytelling Professionally trained actors appeared in the character of Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinker Bell and even the mischievous Captain Hook to guide the pupils through a magical adventure in Neverland They explored themes such as friendship, courage and imagination The workshop encouraged pupils to engage with a classic narrative, develop confidence through role-play, and take part in activities that support key learning outcomes in English, PSHE, Expressive Arts and Physical Development th
Year 6 SATs Week
Last week, our Year 6s showed their incredible commitment, resilience and determination in completing their SATs week This was the culmination of all their hard work throughout primary school and we are so proud of them None of this would be possible without the dedication of all staff members at New City and especially the Year 6 teachers who have worked diligently to help them achieve the best they could during last week Throughout the week, pupils were energised and supported through a breakfast provided by our amazing pastoral team for which we, and the pupils, are incredibly grateful
To celebrate this achievement, our Year 6s had a trip to the park which was thoroughly deserved
Following on from this, the hard work for our Year 6s does not stop as they must continue to progress their learning in preparation for secondary school and for their writing assessments However, amongst that hard work, pupils will be beginning their rehearsals for the end of school play; taking a trip to Stubbers Adventure Centre and enjoying an end of year disco and graduation ceremony and we can't wait to see them celebrating all of their incredible achievements
Ben Kinsella Workshop
This week, Year 5 visited Barking to explore the Ben Kinsella Exhibition, a powerful learning experience focused on knife crime awareness During the visit, pupils engaged with interactive displays and discussions that highlighted the serious consequences of carrying a knife They learned about the impact of knife crime on individuals, families, and communities, and were encouraged to reflect on making safe and responsible choices The exhibition also created space for thoughtful discussion, allowing children to share their views and ask questions It was an informative and impactful visit that supported their understanding of personal safety and responsibility
Inclusion at New City
At New City Primary School, inclusion is a nonnegotiable right, embedded in every aspect of school life
Staff expertise is continually developed, including training delivered by our Boleyn Trust SEND Lead, Martin Stanley This included a practical workshop on using Education, Health and Care Plans effectively to inform planning and adapt teaching within lessons
Our Pre-Formal Pathways pupils begin each day with Get Set for Learning sessions, providing a consistent and supportive routine before moving into English-based learning in class
Our Semi-Formal Pathways pupils engage in multisensory learning experiences designed to capture their interests and support learning through structured turn-taking opportunities Adults remain highly attentive and responsive to pupils’ subtle communication cues, as well as their energy levels and emotional states Provision and resources are carefully adapted to reflect individual sensory preferences and sensitivities
We are proud to provide enriching experiences for our pupils, including a range of school trips A particular highlight was our Formal Pathway Learners attending a live circus performance, creating a lasting and meaningful memories for the children
Science Lesson – Year 5
Year 5 have been dissecting a flowering plant and learning the parts of the flower involved in reproduction
Gamelan – Year 2
Year 2 have been taking part in Gamelan lessons this term. The children have really enjoyed learning to play the instruments and using the puppets to create a show that was enjoyed by the whole school.
Food Play
During Food Fun, we explored different textures and smells They made jelly and cream pancakes, using our senses to explore taste, smell and touch and sometimes tasting!
Sports Day
This Monday started our week of Sports Day events There were lots of shouts of encouragement from staff, pupils and parents alike and plenty of team spirit and good sportsmanship on show Our Year 6 pupils were on hand as sports leaders to help the younger pupils with each activity, showing their growing maturity
It wasn’t just the children that were enjoying themselves but also the parents taking part in their own races which, as always, was very competitive!
Staff Accolade
Jemma has been the fantastic Head Cook at Ravenscroft for just over a year
She is committed to producing excellent food for our children every day Coming in early and leaving late, Jemma runs her kitchen team effectively – leading by example
Jemma is friendly and approachable; she makes sure that all of the children have a lovely lunchtime meal and experience!
Jemma Elliott
Geography
Year 5 have been busy investigating why volcanoes erupt as part of their Geography learning To bring this to life, the children carried out an exciting experiment using vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to model a volcanic eruption, helping them understand the build-up and release of pressure beneath the Earth’s surface Building on this, the children have begun creating informative and engaging infographics to explain how and why volcanoes erupt, where they are located around the world, and the impact they have on local communities and tourism We look forward to seeing their finished pieces in the next lesson - here are some fantastic examples of their work so far!
Vincent Van Gogh
This week in Reception, we have been learning about the artist Vincent Van Gogh apart of our Expressive Art and Design lesson. We explored some of his beautiful still life paintings and talked about what we could see, including colours, shapes, and textures. The children were especially interested in his flowers artwork and enjoyed sharing their thoughts about what they noticed and liked.
Using this interest as inspiration, we created our very own still life pieces. We placed a vase with flowers in the centre of the classroom and spent time carefully observing it, just like real artists. The children discussed the different parts of the flowers and thought about how they could represent them in their drawings. Using pencils, the children practised making different types of strokes to add detail to their work. They also began experimenting with shading, learning how to press more lightly or more firmly to create different tones and effects. It was wonderful to see them concentrating so carefully and taking their time to improve their drawings.
We were incredibly impressed with the children’s creativity, effort, and enthusiasm throughout the activity. They showed great focus and pride in their work.
Chicks
Reception had a very exciting experience as we welcomed an incubator and eggs into the classroom The children were fascinated to learn about the life cycle of chicks and eagerly observed the eggs each day, waiting patiently for them to hatch We were delighted when the chicks finally began to hatch before our eyes! The children watched with great excitement and curiosity as the chicks emerged from their shells This hands-on experience provided many wonderful opportunities for learning, discussion and questioning Throughout the week, the children showed great care and responsibility while helping to look after the chicks They learned about the importance of being gentle, calm and respectful towards animals and thoroughly enjoyed observing the chicks grow stronger and more active each day
It has been a memorable experience for the children and a fantastic opportunity to support their understanding of the world through real-life learning
Music Lessons
Year 3 have continued to make strong progress in their music lessons this year They are now playing the ukulele with increasing confidence, demonstrating secure chord changes, steady rhythm, and improved coordination when performing together Alongside this, the children have been learning to sing a range of cultural songs in Bengali, showing growing accuracy in pronunciation and a clear appreciation for the language and its musicality It has been excellent to see their focus, teamwork, and pride in their learning during each session
Zoolabs
Zoolab visited Year 1s to show us a variety of animals and teach us about their habitats, while sharing many interesting facts. The children were very excited, and some were even brave enough to hold the animals, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
Pathway Rooms
During the session, the children engaged in an interactive storytelling activity, where they explored the story through a range of sensory experiences. This included visual prompts and tactile elements allowing the children to actively participate and enjoy.
Road Safety
On Tuesday afternoon, representatives from Newham council road safety team came down to Shaftesbury to give an interactive assembly on using our busy streets safely. Our students continue to have a strong understand on roadside behaviour and continue to learn road safety lessons to take into their adult lives.
Farm Visit
1R visited Stepney City Farm, where they saw variety of animals including pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys and even baby lambs. The children were very brave and enjoyed feeding the goats too.
Pizza Parties
Congratulations to both 2M and 4M for winning a 'Pizza Party' for the Spring term! Due to their outstanding behaviour in and around the school, they were rewarded with a slice of pizza...or two!
Community Centre Project
The children in Year 4, 5 and 6 were selected to take part in a consultation session at The Katherine Road Community Centre. As the next generation to use the Community Hub, it was a fantastic opportunity for the children to share their ideas and opinions about what they would like to see in their local community.
They had the opportunity to share their own ideas about what they would like to see in the new Community Hub. The children came up with some fantastic ideas, ranging from children’s laptops, cinema clubs and themed book areas to ball pits, outdoor gardens, sensory areas and a music room. During the session, they had the opportunity to complete an Art and Design activity, designing their own library building and adding details of what they would like to see in the new Community Hub that is going to be set up in Queens Square on Green Street this year.
The children were able to take part in a VR experience using VR headsets. During the experience, they had the opportunity to see the magic of books come to life.
Year 1 Science
During our science lesson, 1R went to the Eco Garden to plant our class plants. We took our plants, dug holes using shovels, and watered them. We also discussed the importance of looking after plants.
Year 3 DT
Year 3 designed and made their very own weathervanes as part of their DT topic this half term. The children enjoyed drawing, colouring and cutting their weathervane topper and followed the steps to put their final product together. Everyone had a role and were excited to show off their designs.
Year 1 Temple Visit
Children in Year 1 went to visit the temple. They learnt about Hindu beliefs and different Gods and Goddesses who help answer prayers.
Shaftesbury Movie nights
Shaftesbury hosted their first movie nightwe had a cinema- like experience enjoying watching a film on the big screen and having snacks you would find in the cinema!
Staff AccoladeRazia PatelFamily Support Worker
Razia Patel, our Family Support Worker, consistently goes above and beyond to support the families in our school community She is relentless in seeking opportunities to help, regularly identifying grants, food banks, and external services to ensure families receive the support they need
Her dedication is evident in the tireless way she assists with attendance, application forms, and complex housing issues She approaches every situation with compassion, determination, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for our families
Her work makes a tangible difference every day, and her unwavering support is truly valued by both staff and the wider community
KS2 Sports Day at Mile End Stadium
Our KS2 Sports Day at Mile End Stadium was a fantastic day filled with energy, determination and excellent sportsmanship! The children had an amazing opportunity to compete on a real athletics track and field, making the event even more exciting and memorable.
For our Year 3 pupils, this was their very first experience taking part in a sports event on a proper athletics field, and they rose to the challenge brilliantly. Throughout the day, all children showed enthusiasm, resilience and team spirit as they competed in a variety of field and track events.
The field events included shot put, high jump, long jump and obstacle races, where children demonstrated impressive skill, determination and perseverance. On the track, pupils took part in thrilling sprint races and relays, cheering one another on every step of the way.
The atmosphere throughout the day was incredible, with children supporting their teammates and celebrating each other’s achievements. A particular highlight came at the end of the event when parents and teachers joined in the races themselves! This brought lots of laughter and excitement and was a wonderful way to model the importance of teamwork, participation and good sportsmanship to the children. A huge well done to all of our pupils for their fantastic behaviour and effort throughout the day, and thank you to all staff and families who helped make the event such a success. It was truly a day to remember!
Pupil Voice in Action: Our School Council Making a Difference!
Our School Council has continued to make a huge positive impact across the school through their leadership, teamwork and commitment to making Clara Grant an inclusive place for everyone. Recently, the council met to discuss the importance of anti-racism and inclusion and worked collaboratively to design a powerful poster reminding everyone that all members of our school community should be treated equally, respectfully and made to feel included. Following this, the School Council turned their attention to reviewing and creating our new playground rules, ensuring that children’s voices were at the heart of decisions that affect daily school life. Their thoughtful discussions highlighted the importance of fairness, kindness, and responsibility during playtimes.
Our School Council Chair has also begun leadership training and has reflected on how challenging — but equally rewarding — it can be to lead meetings and guide discussions effectively. This has been a fantastic opportunity to develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills for the future.
The School Council recently met with governors, who were full of praise for the children’s confidence, articulation and maturity. Governors commented on the clear impact the School Council has on school life and were incredibly impressed by the pupils’ ability to speak passionately about improving the school for everyone. We are extremely proud of our School Council and look forward to seeing what they achieve next!
Year 6 Take Italy by Storm!
Our Year 6 pupils have been having the experience of a lifetime on their trip to Italy and what an incredible journey it has been so far! For many of the children, this was their very first trip abroad, making the experience even more special and memorable
Throughout the trip, our pupils have represented Clara Grant Primary School exceptionally well, demonstrating exemplary behaviour, maturity and respect wherever they have gone Staff have been incredibly proud of the way the children have conducted themselves, truly keeping the school’s name held in high regard abroad
As well as having lots of fun, the children have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Rome They have visited famous landmarks that many people only ever hear about in conversations, documentaries, or books and now our pupils can proudly say they have seen them with their own eyes! From exploring the breathtaking Vatican City to visiting the world-famous Trevi Fountain, the iconic Spanish Steps and the magnificent Colosseum, the trip has provided unforgettable experiences and memories that will stay with them for years to come
This visit has been a fantastic opportunity to develop the children’s cultural capital, broadening their understanding of the world beyond the classroom and helping them make meaningful connections to history, geography, religion, and the arts We are incredibly proud of all the children and look forward to hearing even more about their adventures when they return!
Celebrating Ranjit’s Incredible Dedication
A huge well done and heartfelt thank you to Ranjit for the incredible dedication, commitment, and hard work she has shown in preparing our Year 6 pupils for their SATs this year. Over the past months, she has gone above and beyond to ensure the children felt supported, confident, and fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
From early mornings to extra interventions, endless encouragement and unwavering belief in the children, Ranjit has worked tirelessly to help every pupil achieve their very best. Her resilience and determination have had a huge impact. Thankfully, SATs are now finally over — and while everyone is ready for a well-deserved breather, we are incredibly excited and optimistic about the results to come. We are sure they will reflect the fantastic effort, care and dedication that Ranjit has invested every step of the way.
Thank you, Ranjit, for all that you do for our children and our school community. We are incredibly proud and grateful!
Year 6 Celebrations
Following a very successful week of testing and many weeks of revision in preparation, our pupils took part in a well-deserved celebration to recognise their hard work, resilience, and determination. The children approached the tests with maturity and positivity, giving their very best throughout.
The celebration provided an opportunity to relax, have fun, and reflect on their achievements together. It was a joyful occasion filled with laughter and a real sense of pride in all that they had accomplished.
We are incredibly proud of the children they were a true credit to themselves and their families, demonstrating excellent attitudes and behaviour every step of the way.
Parents Celebration
Our recent parents’ celebration was a wonderful event that brought the whole school community together focusing on the celebration of EID over half term. Families gathered to share stories, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with pride and positivity.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for parents and staff to connect, celebrate successes, and strengthen relationships. It was fantastic to see such strong community spirit, with everyone enjoying time together and supporting one another.
Overall, it was a joyful and memorable occasion that highlighted the importance of partnership between school and home and we aim to do mor of this in the future!
100% Attendance
To celebrate excellent attendance up until the end of the spring term, pupils in Key Stage 1 and Year 3 enjoyed a special reward trip where the school was transformed into our very own cinema experience.
The children created a fantastic cinema atmosphere, settling in to watch a film together.
Everyone was treated to delicious pizza, adding to the excitement and making the event feel extra special. The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and a real sense of celebration for their commitment to coming to school every day.
It was a fun and memorable experience for all involved, and the children should feel very proud of their achievement!
Year 6 History Museum Visit
Year 6 pupils had an engaging and educational visit to the National History Museum. The trip provided an opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life by exploring real artefacts and interactive exhibits.
During the visit, children took part in a guided tour, where they learned about different historical periods, including ancient civilisations and life in Britain during the past. Museum staff shared interesting facts and stories, helping pupils to better understand how people lived in different times.
The pupils also participated in a hands-on workshop, where they handled replica artefacts and completed activities linked to their current topic. This helped to develop their enquiry skills and encouraged curiosity about history. Overall, the visit was enjoyable and informative. Pupils demonstrated excellent behaviour and enthusiasm throughout the day, making the most of the learning opportunities. The trip successfully deepened their understanding of history and supported their work back in the classroom.
Staff Accolade
Our Employee of the week is our wonderful PE teacher Mr Cabadak for his hard work over the year and ensuring the children receive excellent lessons daily.
LDE Trainee Teachers visit The Houses of Parliament
Every year as part of the LDE teacher training programme we take the trainees to visit The Houses of Parliament for the morning as part of their training.
The visit focuses on teaching the core British Values and leading educational visits - it is a really inspiring morning out for our trainees towards the end of their programme.
Careers Fair at Royal Liberty
As part of our constant recruitment drive to recruit more excellent Primary and Secondary trainees to our professions - we attend many varied recruitment events across the year.
This time Rosetta Robinson (Director of Teacher Training) was at Royal Liberty in Havering.
This is also where our Secondary Maths professional studies training takes place weekly, for those training to be secondary maths teachers with LDE.
THANK YOU to Rosetta and Elana for all they do to recruit new teachers across the whole teaching school hub area.
Primary Trainee Final Assessments
At the end of the LDE Teacher Training programme all trainees hoping to be awarded Qualified Teacher Status have to deliver a presentation to the assessment panel
These trainees have successfully delivered their presentations at Rosetta Primary School in The Boleyn Trust
Primary Trainee Final Assessments
More Primary trainees being signed off at the end of the LDE Teacher Training programme
These are Roding Primary in Barking & Dagenham and Ranelagh in Newham
Trainee Final Assessments and Ofsted!
Elana Roos O’Donoghue - Lead ITT Mentors was part of the assessment panel at one of our flagship partner schools: Hornchurch High in Havering.
These trainees have successfully delivered their presentations for QTS.
At the same time - Ofsted were inspecting the Ambition Institute ITT programme - so they were also visiting this school at the same time.
Elana and Rosetta led on the inspection activites for LDE and did really well.
Secondary Trainee Final Assessments at Hornchurch
High School
More trainees completing their final assessment at Hornchurch High.
Secondary Trainee Final Assessments and Ofsted!
More trainees completing their final assessment at Hornchurch High
The PE trainees were also observed by Ofsted iteaching in the pouring rain!
Secondary Trainee Final Assessments at Redden Court
More trainees completing their final assessment at Redden Court School in Havering
Secondary Trainee Final Assessments at Redden Court
More trainees completing their final assessment at Redden Court School in Havering
Train to teach?
If you know anyone with a degree who would be amazing as one our teachers of the future, then please ask them to come and talk to us about teacher training...
We also welcome school visits for potential trainees to any of our schools, so please get in touch.
Or contact our Director of Teacher Training directly:
rosetta.robinson@londondistricteast.org
National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Maths (NCETM) Strategic Boards Chairs Meeting
Jacqueline Buchan, Deputy Director of Teaching School Hub - as part of her role is also Vice Chair of our local Maths Hub.
The Strategic Chairs meet termly to form the future strategic direction of Maths Hubs under the guidance of the NCETM.
Part of the designation of the LDE Teaching School Hub is to work and collaborate with other DfE approved CPD Hubs and we are held accountable for this in our termly returns to the DfE.
Appropriate Body Fidelity Checks in Redbridge
Michelle Osborne - Senior AB Advisor at LDE attended at Woodbridge High School to undertake a ‘fidelity check’ of their school-designed ECT Programme.
Fidelity checks apply to schools that are designing and delivering their own induction programme in line with the ITT Early Career Framework (ITTECF).
The purpose of the fidelity check is to evaluate how the programme is being implemented in practice and to confirm that planned provision is being translated into actual delivery for ECTs.
NPQH at Tollgate
NPQ sessions are continuously happening across the terms - sometimes online and sometimes in person.
We tend to run all of the sessions for NPQH in person (which is why we have so many photos and why it features so much!).
We are now starting to recruit for all NPQs for November 2027 and all Head Teachers in the LDE area have been emailed the information to send to all staff,
