I would like to start this week by flagging a great resource our Home School Link Worker and SEND team have put together for parents concerned about the wellbeing or mental health of themselves or their children. It explains what you can do to get support from us - including who to contact - and summarises the help we can offer in school or signpost you towards. We are calling this the Yattendon Early Help offer. Please have a look at the new page on our website:
https://www.yattendon.org/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

This week’s focus on anti-bullying has given us a chance to remind children about the importance of ‘telling’ and not being a silent bystander. It is possible that this focus may have given some children more confidence to speak up and we would obviously encourage parents to come forward if their child is experiencing bullying themselves. The children were very insightful in the discussion work, recognising that bullies may have their own problems, but this doesn’t make their behaviour acceptable.

Next week is also ‘Anti-Bullying Week’. The week starts with ‘Odd Socks Day’. The children are invited to think about respect for individuality by wearing odd socks (the more colourful the better) on Monday 15th November. This is completely optional, of course, but will support our   discussion in our launch assemblies.  
On Friday 19th we are supporting Children in Need by asking the children to wear something spotty for a £1.00 donation. There will be a prize for the spottiest in each class! If children normally have PE on Friday, they will need to be wearing something  suitable for physical activity. Children in Need merchandise may also be worn on this day of course. 
 

Please note that we are selling poppies from next week. Please remind your children to bring in some money to purchase one if they would like to support the Remembrance Appeal. The school will be holding two minutes’ silence on the 11th.