Caring Curious Courageous

Enabling all children to learn and grow

Dear Families,

Unbelievably, we’re already halfway through the academic year! The children have made remarkable progress, and there’s so much more to look forward to. We truly appreciate your continued support in helping ensure they are ready to learn each day—whether it’s by listening to them read, reading to them, or supporting their school experience in other ways.

Funding a State School

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our finance session last week, where we discussed the realities of funding at The Vineyard. For those who couldn’t join us, we’ll be holding an additional session after half-term, on Wednesday, 5th March, at 2 pm in the school hall. We will also host a Zoom session (date to be confirmed) to ensure everyone has the opportunity to stay informed.

During the session, we clarified some common misconceptions around ‘free’ state education. While government funding covers essential costs, our fixed budget is under significant strain. In fact, our per-pupil funding is lower than that of many local schools, leaving us with a shortfall of over £133k this year. Every contribution, whether through PTA fundraising, volunteering, or donations, plays a vital role in enriching our children’s education and supporting their school journey.

I’m also thrilled to announce the re-launch of our Friends of the Vineyard charity, a cornerstone of our school community that helps fund many of our unique initiatives. Please take a moment to look at the attached leaflet and letter (see links), which outline how your financial donations can have a lasting impact on the school. Your generosity will truly make a difference!

Please find the updated Significant Date document here.

I hope you all enjoy a well-deserved break over half-term. Hopefully, when we return, we’ll see the first signs of spring with daffodils starting to bloom!

Warm regards,

Frances Bracegirdle

Headteacher - headteacher@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk

Attendance

The attendance data is disappointing this week. I would like to say a huge congratulation to all the children who have achieved 96% attendance so far this year and who have been in school every day this week. 

Frances Bracegirdle - headteacher

Teaching and Learning at The Vineyard

Please find your child’s learning bulletin here. This bulletin outlines the topics your child will be studying next term and highlights the key learning objectives. We highly encourage families to print it out, if possible, and display it at home where you can easily refer to and discuss it together.

If a particular topic sparks your child’s interest, consider visiting the local library or using the school library to explore more books on the subject. Engaging in pre-learning with your child at home is a wonderful way to help them build confidence and a deeper understanding of their learning.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s class teacher via the year group inbox.

Ms Reilly and Mrs Dempster 

Assistant Headteachers for Teaching & Learning

Calling all children to celebrate a woman of their choice!

In recognition of International Women's Day, held every year on 8th March, we are pleased to announce a competition open to all children at The Vineyard. 

We invite submissions - in all media - to celebrate a woman from history, a woman from fiction, or a woman you know and admire personally. 

We would love to see children acknowledge and salute memorable women. The form that their tribute takes is deliberately open: whether Year 6 draw Lady Macbeth, Year 4 make a Lego Boudicca, or Year 2 submit a Fimo Mary Seacole, there are countless examples of memorable women that children have met through their learning. And of course, everyone has a family member or knows a woman who deserves to be celebrated. 

This is something for children to complete in their own time; any February half-term downtime could be turned to creative use.

Closing date is Monday 3rd March. Please hand entries to your child's class teacher. Winners from Reception and Key Stage One, plus Upper and Lower Key Stage Two will be announced in assembly that week.