Newsletters

Dear all,

As the leaves turn red and the skies grow darker, I reflect on the first term of the school year. All schools have returned with renewed vigour after the summer break and continue to provide quality education for our pupils. We are excited to further develop the quality of teaching and learning, ensuring our pupils learn more about the world they live in and discover their strengths and interests. My recent visits to schools have shown me once again what innovative, welcoming, and inspiring places they are.

We are looking forward to Rothwell Victoria Infant and Rothwell Junior Schools joining us after the half-term break. We have already spent considerable time working with the schools, and staff have begun networking with others across the trust. We know that their uniqueness will contribute to what makes INMAT special, with each of our schools thriving while maintaining their own character.

We sadly lost two incredible members of the INMAT team. Aimee Saving was a dedicated teaching assistant at Little Harrowden. Everyone knew Aimee, and all the children were touched by her during their time at the school. Her manner when teaching phonics, delivering support programmes, or simply talking to children made her a very special part of the team. She will be deeply missed.

Renuka Popat was an INMAT headteacher and School Improvement Leader. She touched all our schools in some way during her time with us and, over her career, impacted the lives of thousands of children. She always listened when you needed an ear and helped you get back on track. She has left a huge hole in our lives.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of Aimee and Renuka. Their kindness and dedication will not be forgotten.

Helen Williams

INMAT CEO

This section amplifies pupil voices - sharing their ideas, reflections, and experiences of school life.

Celebrating Our New House Captains & Councils

This term across the trust, pupils have been embracing exciting leadership opportunities as votes opened for House Captains and Student Council representatives. Children have been preparing speeches, sharing their ideas, and giving their peers the chance to vote for who they believe will best represent their voices - demonstrating confidence, responsibility, and a true spirit of democracy.

At Hall Meadow Primary, Year 6 pupils stepped up to showcase their leadership skills through inspiring speeches about why they would make great House Captains. Pupils wrote speeches and created digital presentations, highlighting the thought and care put into their performance - a wonderful reflection of dedication and commitment.

In a brilliant display of pupil democracy, every child in the school voted for who they felt would best represent their house. During Friday’s assembly, the top two scorers from each house were proudly crowned as House Captains.

A huge congratulations to all newly appointed House Captains and School Councillors across the trust! We can’t wait to see them lead with confidence, inspire their peers, and guide their houses to achieve great things.

Highlighting the inspiring learning happening every day in each of our schools -from creative teaching to memorable classroom moments.

St James Infant & Pre-School Explore Colour

Reception at St James Infant & Pre-School have been busy discovering the three primary colours — blue, yellow, and red. They’ve learned that these colours are extra special because when you mix them, they create new ones!

Through hands-on experiments, the children made purple, orange, and green, enjoying a fantastic week full of creativity, discovery, and colourful fun.

Wollaston Primary School Celebrates Harvest

Pupils at Wollaston Primary School had a fantastic time celebrating Harvest by creating an amazing cereal box domino run — all using boxes kindly donated by families.

Every box will now go to the local food bank, helping others in our community. What a brilliant way to share, learn, and have fun!

Watch the domino run here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JZfSRnB19/

Golden Ticket Winners at Ashby Fields Primary!

A huge congratulations to this term's Golden Ticket winners at Ashby Fields Primary School! These lucky pupils enjoyed a special treat with Miss Broad to celebrate their hard work and fantastic attitude.

With the colder weather arriving, the children were thrilled to be back to the classic hot chocolate and marshmallows - the perfect cosy reward for their achievements! 

The Abbey Primary Learn About Local History

As part of their history topic, the children enjoyed a walk to the Queen Eleanor Cross, where they discovered more about Queen Eleanor’s fascinating story and how she influenced history and helped shape the world we live in today.

Pupils reflected on what they had learned and created some beautiful artwork inspired by the Queen Eleanor Cross - a wonderful way to connect creativity with historical learning!

Falconer's Hill Infant School Autumn Poets

Year 2 have been busy showing off their creativity in English by writing beautiful Autumn acrostic poems. The children thought carefully about what it’s like to attend FHIS during the Autumn term, describing the changing seasons, exciting school events, and all the things they enjoy about learning and playing together.

Their poems are full of vivid vocabulary, imagination, and pride in our school - a wonderful celebration of both Autumn and life at FHIS! 

Kingsley Primary School Reception Stars

Reception children at Kingsley Primary School started full-time from day one, and it was amazing to see how quickly they settled in. By the end of their first week, it already felt as though they’d been part of the school family for months!

It’s such a joy to watch their confidence, curiosity, and friendships grow fromthat first day.

A Magical Performance at Kettering Park Junior Academy

This term, pupils at Kettering Park Junior Academy were treated to a wonderful production of Beauty and the Beast performed by a visiting theatre group. The performance brought the classic story to life with music, laughter, and plenty of magic, captivating everyone from start to finish. It was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to experience the joy of live theatre and be inspired by the power of storytelling and performance.

Kettering Park Infant Academy visited by NMPAT Brass Band 

Pupils at Kettering Park Infant Academy had a fantastic time welcoming NMPAT’s Brass Band for a lively, interactive performance. The children absolutely loved joining in and experiencing the music up close.

A huge thank you to NMPAT for bringing so much fun, energy, and inspiration to KPIA!

Hall Meadow Primary School Residential Trip Fun

Hall Meadow Primary School had an action-packed start to the term in a residential trip of adventure and exploration! From navigating a pitch-black disused railway tunnel to sliding down rocks at the waterfalls and even crawling behind the cascading water, the children enjoyed non-stop thrills and unforgettable experiences. 

A Special Visitor at Little Harrowden Primary School

Pupils at Little Harrowden Primary were delighted to welcome Molly, the Therapy dog, into school this term. The children loved spending time with her - and there were smiles all around!

Molly will now be visiting every Friday afternoon, giving all children with permission the chance to meet her. We’re so excited for many more happy, tail-wagging visits ahead!

At INMAT, keeping children safe and happy is something we do together - staff, parents and carers, side by side. Here are some key themes and helpful support links from recent months that can help us all look after our children’s wellbeing and safety.

Pressures on Families

Many families are feeling the strain of day-to-day life - whether through rising costs, health worries or simply being busy. These challenges can affect how children feel and behave.

How we can help:

Please talk to us early if things feel tough - there’s no judgement and we’ll always listen. Little worries shared early often stop bigger problems later.

Support and information:

• Early Help Northamptonshire: northamptonshire.gov.uk/earlyhelp

• FamilyLine (Family Action): 0808 802 6666 – practical and emotional support for families.

• Young Minds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 – advice if you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing.

Keeping Children Safe in the Community and Online

Children and young people spend time in many different places - with friends, online, in clubs and groups. Most experiences are positive, but sometimes things can happen that make them uncomfortable or unsafe.

How we can help together:

Keep open conversations going about who your child spends time with and what they enjoy online. Encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right.

Support and information:

• CEOP: www.ceop.police.uk – report online worries.

• Thinkuknow: www.thinkuknow.co.uk – practical online-safety advice for families.

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 – free, confidential advice if you’re worried about a child.

Inclusion and Belonging

Every child deserves to feel seen, safe and valued for who they are. We’re committed to making sure our schools are inclusive places where identity, culture and background are celebrated.

If you ever feel your child isn’t being understood or supported, please come and talk to us - we’ll listen and work together to put things right.

Support and information:

• Childline: 0800 1111 – a safe place for children to talk.

• NSPCC Learning Hub: learning.nspcc.org.uk – resources for families and educators.

Wellbeing and Mental Health

Safeguarding and wellbeing go hand-in-hand. When families or children are struggling emotionally, gentle support and connection can make a big difference.

What helps:

Checking in regularly with your child - small chats build big trust.

Taking care of your own wellbeing too. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Support and information:

• Samaritans: 116 123 – for anyone who needs someone to listen.

• Mind: mind.org.uk – help for adult mental health and stress.

Staying Up to Date

Recent guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) reminds us that early help and good communication are key.

Our staff continue to receive regular training and we’re always here for a chat if you have questions or concerns.

Looking Ahead

This term, we’ll be focusing on online safety and wellbeing - sharing simple ways to support children’s digital lives with confidence. Our next newsletter will include tips and links for families to explore together.

If You Need Support

If something is worrying you - big or small - please reach out to your school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). In an emergency, always dial 999.

Together we can help every child in our schools feel safe, supported and understood - wherever they are and whatever they’re facing.

These shout-outs recognise the dedication, creativity, and care that make our schools such special places.