Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear Parents and carers,

 

In previous newsletters I have reflected on the positive changes that we have made in school over the last year and how they have led to improved outcomes and levels of service in the school. In short, pupil outcomes are up and getting better every year whilst parent feedback suggests that we are getting better at meeting needs and solving problems too. All good things to hear!  

 

In this final newsletter of the school year, I am drawn to write about changes and developments that are taking place in school so that we will be ready to meet the needs of our children and families in September.  These come in the form of a new Breakfast and After-School Club (new name to be decided) and the start of an additional SEND provision that will be targeted at our children who need a more bespoke offer to really flourish in school. The SEND offer will be based in the external building next to the Nursery and will be overseen by Miss Pendleton, our SENCo.  The wrap around care offer is coming together nicely. At the time of writing, the recruitment is almost complete and the IT support is taking shape too. In essence,  bookings and payments will take place through Arbor and the model will look similar to the previous Hilldale provision with respect to locations, timings and the general experience. The key differences will be the staffing and an overall reduced cost to parents. The finer detail on how to book will be released next week. Thank you for your understanding and support. 

 

I hope you all have a lovely summer.

Mr Hutchinson

 

Notifications/ Reminders:

 

Smartwatches - Please can we remind everyone that smart devices are not permitted in school, this includes smartwatches which can have functionality which could create a safeguarding issue. If children in Y6 need to bring a smart phone into school because they walk on their own, this continues to be ok as it is securely stored for the duration of the school day. 
 

Lost Property - we have a large amount of lost property.  This will be on a table outside near the school office Tuesday and Wednesday next week in the afternoon.  Anything that doesn’t get claimed will be given to the Friends.

 

Music Lesson Payments - if your child has music lessons, can you please ensure that all payments for the lessons for this term are made by Wednesday 15th July.  Many thanks.

 

Music Waiting List - if your child is currently on the waiting list, please check your emails as spaces have become available for music lessons and some children have been offered lessons from September.  Please email the school office to accept/decline the place as soon as possible if you haven’t already done so.  

 

Medical/Dietary Changes - if your child’s medical needs or dietary needs have changed, please let the office know who can send you the relevant form to complete.

 

Friends - Preloved Uniform sale - will be on the playground Friday 10th July @ from 3pm.  Class tea towels will be available to collect too.  

 

Orders For School Uniform will close on the 13th July to enable orders to be processed by the end of term.  Some items are currently out of stock but please keep checking as we are expecting a delivery of stock soon.  Uniform orders will be open again on 1st September.

 

Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge is a free activity for children aged 4-11 delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music UK. It's all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children's skills and confidence over the summer holiday. Children can pick up their Summer Reading Challenge pack and free magazine from their local library. More info here!
 

Family Voice Norfolk -  please click here to read June Newsletter 
 

Big Norfolk Holiday Fun: 20th July - 2nd September

Families can now book children on to Big Norfolk Holiday Fun Activities! Children aged 5-16 (or 4 if in Reception) receiving benefits-related free school meals can enjoy free activities including a free, nutritious lunch.       

 

Free School Meals - NCC has expanded the criteria to claim free school meals.

Have your family circumstances changed?  Not sure If you are eligible for free school meals?  Want to find more information on the changes being made to FSM in September 2026?  

You can find further information and apply via Norfolk County Council website https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/38166  or email  fsm@norfolk.gov.uk 

(paper copies of the NCC application form are also available from the school office)

 

Active Norfolk are spreading the word about Safe To Play  and are encouraging parents and carers to ask five simple safeguarding and welfare questions when choosing a sports club or activity for their child. These questions help families identify organisations that prioritise children's wellbeing and create opportunities for young people to learn, develop and enjoy being active in a safe environment. A parent information pack is available here:

https://email.activenorfolk.com/p/7L30-K19/safetoplay

 

 

 

Norwich Tutors - Miss Bates is offering private tuition in Norwich and online http://norwichtutors.co.uk/

 

Calm Cats -  you can book summer sessions via this link https://www.calm-cats.com/book-now

 

Premier Education - Summer Holiday Club, please click here for a flyer with further details.

 

The Big Norfolk Holiday Fun activity programme provides holiday activities for children and young people aged 5-16  throughout the holidays. Please click here for further information via the website. Bookings open on Sunday 21st June via booking system Eequ

Families who are eligible for free school meals can sign up for FREE.

 

FREE Summer Holiday Activities at the Norfolk Record Office - please click on the links below for further details Coded Kites & Flower Power

 

Holiday Camps - please click here  &  here  for details 

 

Strumpshaw Fen 2026 - please see flyer for details of activities this summer

 

Langley School  - Explorers Holiday Camp -  click here  for further information

 

National Trust Blickling Estate - has a number of family friendly events over the summer, check out their website for more information blickling@nationaltrust.org.uk

 

Thorpe St Andrew Community Garage sale - see flyer for details 

 

Norwich City Community Sports Foundation - Football Holiday Camps this summer! - click here for flyer and further information