Well that’s not how we expected our week to begin!

We knew that our Ofsted inspection was well overdue (by about a year and a half) and that they could visit any day now. And yet.... when the phone rings and the lead inspector is on the other end of the line, it is a complete shock and totally unexpected!

It has been a packed couple of days with 3 inspectors travelling frantically across both sites for numerous meetings, chats with our learners, lesson drop-ins and conversations with our parents. For the latter, I thank you for your support and overwhelmingly positive comments.

Working in education is not just about imparting knowledge and skills. There is so much more to it than that. Staff at Penshurst come to work because they are passionate about providing the best possible care and education for your child. Although an inspection is stressful, it is a great opportunity to demonstrate what a school does so well, which is exactly what we did this week. I am incredibly proud of the Penshurst community (staff, learners, parents and governors) for pulling together and supporting one-another practically and emotionally over the last few days.

One of my highlights was speaking to a learner in Reception who asked me ‘When are the people coming to talk to me?’ I was so tempted to take him to the final feedback meeting with me!

Unfortunately, we must now wait for the report to be written and agreed before we can share any information about the outcome. But for now, I would once again, on behalf of myself and my colleagues, like to thank you for your continued support.

Other news:

This week, our budding Year 5/6 girl's footballers played a home game against Westfield. Although we were defeated, we ‘put up a fight’ and both sides played fantastically.

We have had reported cases of headlice in Years 1 and 4. Please check your child if you suspect they may be affected and treat if necessary. Thank you.

Once again, we have had reports of children scooting and biking on the site and someone almost being knocked over. Try as we might, we cannot man every part of the site and must enlist your support. Please ensure your child is walking with their transport when they are on the site.

Should this continue, we will refer to CCTV footage and ban repeat offenders from bringing scooters, bikes or balance bikes on site, where necessary.

Thank you.

Enjoy the bank holiday weekend! See you on Tuesday!

Mrs Preston

Head of School