Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
Big Ambition Survey
We have been asked by Dame Rachel De Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, to share details of this survey with you which you may wish to complete with your child/ren:
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigambition.
Further resources are available on their website.
Message from Dame De Souza:
"It is really important that the pupils at Seaburn Dene Primary School participate in The Big Ambition survey and have their say.
I want to ensure that the voices of all children in Sunderland are fairly represented in the findings so that I can share their views with the most senior members of the country.
I must reiterate that it is vital that all children have their voice heard through this survey because, as Children’s Commissioner for England, I have a statutory duty to protect and promote the views and interests of children.
"The Big Ambition provides a much-needed opportunity for the children of England to tell political decision makers what is important to them ahead of the General Election. I will be sharing their responses with Government to ensure that children’s voices are heard."
A list of events for Christmas in school. Please look out for some additions, eg the choir and assemblies.
Odd Socks Day is happening on Monday, November 13th as school supports all the work of Anti-Bullying Week.
The theme this year is "Make A Noise About Bullying", which is about empowering children not to be silent when bullying is happening, either to them or others.
On Monday, we would encourage all our children to put on a pair of odd socks and join the 5 million children nationwide who participate in this event.
We have been recognised - for the fifth consecutive year - for our work in promoting sort and healthy lifestyles.
We received the Active Gold Award in recognition of the sporting opportunities we provide as well as our curriculum provision in promoting a culture of healthy eating and mental wellbeing.
The school was first given Sunderland's Active Gold Award in 2018-19 in recognition of the vast number of different sports children are given the opportunity to play including basketball, tennis, hockey and cricket. We have successfully been awarded this each year since then.
We are also an active participant in a number of inter-schools cluster tournaments to promote competitive sports including rugby, athletics, tennis and gymnastics.
PE lead Mr Ashton said: “It’s fantastic accolade to receive this award and we are determined to provide multiple opportunities for children to be engaged in sports and activity."
Wednesday, November 1st 2023
Dear Parents /Carers,
As you are aware, the school had a full Ofsted Inspection on the 3rd and 4th October 2023 and I am delighted to confirm that Seaburn Dene continues to be rated a GOOD school. I enclose a copy of the report for you.
Excerpts from Ofsted Inspection report: Seaburn Dene Primary School, 3rd and 4th October 2023.
"The school encourages pupils to ‘dream big, show determination and be respectful and kind’. They respond to this challenge. Pupils play and learn together in harmony. Disputes and fallings-out are rare. The school is typified by order and calm."
"Pupils talk about the fun they have in learning and how they are supported if they feel unsure about new knowledge.
Pupils’ needs lie at the heart of the school’s well-developed curriculum. The essential knowledge that pupils must learn and retain is crystal clear. This allows checks to be made on the knowledge pupils have acquired. Well-sequenced lessons build on the knowledge pupils have learned already."
"Pupils achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These pupils’ needs are identified early so that additional help is provided that is tailored to these needs."
"Reading has a high profile in school through class book areas and the library. Pupils love being read a story, irrespective of their age, because texts are carefully chosen to capture their interest."
"The school seeks to raise pupils’ aspirations and career goals through links to businesses, including car manufacturing, engineering, public transport and the construction industry. Visits, such as to the mayoral offices and places of worship for different faiths, broaden pupils’ understanding. Pupils experience the performing arts, such as working with two members of the Royal Northern Sinfonia and watching theatrical productions, including a French opera."
The summary evaluation of the inspection is as follows:
Overall effectiveness: Good
Quality of education: Good
Personal development: Good
Behaviours and Attitudes: Good
Leadership and Management: Good
Early Years Provision: Good
The report is certainly worth a more thorough read as it is overwhelmingly positive and reflects the progress we have made as a school since our last inspection in 2018.
We are particularly proud that pupils’ behaviour in and around school has been recognised as excellent. Ofsted wrote, "Pupils are polite and caring to each other, adults and visitors. They said that disputes and fallings-out were rare and when it does happen, that adults will listen and sort it out quickly and positively."
During the two days, extensive feedback was given which did not make the final report, but reflected positively on our school. My thanks go to the children, parents, carers, governors and all the staff for giving so much to our school.
As a school, we will continue to strive to improve
I know that I will have your support in the work we will be doing together to make Seaburn Dene Primary School exceptional for all our pupils.
Mr John Howe
Headteacher