Newsletters

Dear INMAT Community,

I want to start this newsletter with a huge thank you. The achievements we are celebrating this term are the direct result of the incredible hard work and dedication of our teachers and all support staff, who show up every day to do their best for our children.

Throughout the last few weeks, we have seen Nativities and Christmas events taking place across our schools (I think Father Christmas may have been spotted too!) Again, a massive ‘thank you’ to the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure these events could happen. I also want to say ‘thank you’ to the parents, grandparents, and family members who were able to attend. Having an audience is vital; even if the experience feels overwhelming for some children in the moment, the pride and the memories will linger much longer than the nerves.

In line with this hard work, we saw two wonderful recognitions of our success at the recent Northamptonshire Education Awards. Standens Barn was nominated for their contribution to STEM (specifically for their Formula 1 club) and Liam Cox was nominated for Headteacher of the Year. This really is the culmination of the day-to-day work that goes on in our schools to give our children a strong primary education.

Additionally, as I have been around our schools, I have seen a willingness to help others less fortunate. There have been wish trees, support for food banks, and community support projects set up in each school – thank you again to those who have helped with these.

As we head into the festive break, I want to pause and reflect on something just as important as the hard work, and that is the connection and relationships we have within our schools. We know that having positive relationships with children makes a big difference to their time in school, and it is something worth thinking about at home at this time of year, too.

We often feel the pressure to find the perfect gift, but I’d like to remind us all that being present is just as important as buying presents. Recent research suggests that it takes just 8 minutes of focused, genuine interaction to make someone feel truly connected. We don’t need grand gestures; we just need to take the time to be really present for someone.

We live in a world where social media feeds are filled with "holiday perfection," but that is not reality. The truth is, a great break will likely involve mistakes, frustration, and things not going to plan. Real resilience is about cherishing those messy moments, picking ourselves up when things go wrong, and going again.

Finally, a special thought: as mentioned in the last newsletter, our dear colleague Renuka passed away in October. Her family have asked if we can mention the four charities they are raising money for. These charities were a great help to them, and they would like to give something back. If you feel able to support them, please see the details below headed 'Christmas Kindness'.

I hope you all have a restful break filled with those "8-minute moments" of real connection.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas,

Simon Blight

INMAT School Improvement Lead (SIL)

Ghana Week and Miss Lambert’s Visit

Pupils and families at the Abbey Primary School took part in activities to learn about Ghana’s culture, raise awareness about life in different parts of the world, and support a school community in Mankwadze village, Ghana. Throughout the week, children enjoyed a range of fundraising events, including cake sales and a mufti day in Ghanaian colours, and even made personalised bracelets to send to pupils in Ghana. These activities helped pupils see beyond their everyday experiences and understand the importance of global connection and compassion. 

Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm and generosity, an impressive £1,300 was raised. These funds will support resources and improvements in the village school, helping children there access better educational opportunities. 

We are also delighted to report that Miss Nicole Lambert – Key Stage One lead at The Abbey – has flown to Ghana to spend time at the partner school until early December. Miss Lambert was invited as part of a group of five UK teachers to help support the school and share educational ideas and cultural learning. While there, she is working with the staff and pupils, strengthening the connections started during Ghana Week and helping to build lasting links between the two school communities. 

Miss Lambert’s experience highlights the impact that curiosity, kindness and global awareness can have on our pupils. The hope is that this partnership will continue when she returns, with regular updates helping The Abbey community stay connected with their friends in Ghana.

This project is a wonderful example of global citizenship in action - showing our pupils that learning and kindness extend far beyond the classroom walls.

Learn more here - Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Standens Barn Primary School – STEM Award Finalists

We are incredibly proud of Standens Barn Primary School, which was named a finalist in the STEM category at the Northamptonshire Education Awards for the second year running!

Although the school didn’t take home the award this time, we celebrate the outstanding work of Mr High and Miss Haines, whose leadership of the F1 Club has inspired pupils to explore science, technology, engineering, and maths in fun and engaging ways.

It was a fantastic evening filled with recognition, excitement, and celebration of STEM achievements – and we’re already looking forward to next year’s awards!

The festive season is a wonderful time to share kindness and support with those in our local communities. If you would like to donate coats, gifts, or food, or if your family is in need of coats, gifts, or food parcels, there are several local opportunities to give or receive support:

Coats & Clothing

• Coat Rack of Kindness (West Northamptonshire) 

Food Donations & Support

• Northamptonshire Food Banks

Toy & Gift Donations

• Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal – Drop off new, unwrapped gifts at Kettering, Wellingborough, or Northampton branches. More info

• McDonalds – Accepting gift and toy donations at the tills

 

Finally, a special thought: as mentioned in our last newsletter, our dear colleague Renuka passed away in October. Her family have asked if we can highlight the four charities they are raising money for, which were a great support to them. If you feel able to contribute, please see the details here: Renuka’s Family Charity

Let’s take this opportunity to spread kindness, generosity, and community spirit this Christmas!

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

St James Infant & Pre-School – Elfridge’s Christmas Shop

Children at St James Infant & Pre-School enjoyed a magical visit to Elfridge’s Christmas Shop, where they carefully chose gifts for their families. They showed real thoughtfulness as they considered who each present was for, before wrapping them and writing personalised gift tags – helping children understand the joy of giving while creating lasting festive memories.

Wollaston Primary School – Christmas Craft Day

Wollaston Primary School’s Christmas Craft Day brought pupils, families, and staff together to celebrate creativity and learning. From handmade lamps and festive cards to storytelling and sensory activities, the day was filled with imagination and shared experiences. Events like this reflect the value of involvement, strengthening school–family partnerships and creating meaningful learning opportunities for pupils.

Ashby Fields Primary – Year 6 Christmas Carols

Our Year 6 pupils spent a morning at Astley Care Home in Daventry, singing Christmas carols to the residents. It was a beautiful experience that brought joy to the residents, as pupils connected meaningfully with the wider community beyond their school.

The Abbey Primary School – School Council Highlights

The School Council met with Headteacher Mrs Killick for a special gathering, enjoying hot chocolates while sharing what they love most about The Abbey Primary School. From favourite lessons to the school’s strong sense of community, pupils had lots to celebrate – and shared new ideas to help make the school even better, showing initiative in shaping their learning environment.

Falconer’s Hill Infant School – Festive Christingle Celebration

Families joined pupils at Falconer’s Hill Infant School to create beautiful Christingles, sharing in this special festive tradition. It was wonderful to see parents, carers, and children working together and involved in a meaningful, hands-on activity, bringing the school community closer and celebrating the season.

Kingsley Primary School – Sporting Achievements

This term, pupils at Kingsley Primary School took part in Northampton School Sports’ Cross Country Run at Abington Park. In preparation, Mrs Driscoll led lunchtime training sessions to help the children get ready for the big day. Additionally, Year 5 participated in a multi-sports festival at Northampton School for Girls, demonstrating fantastic teamwork and dedication.

Kettering Park Junior Academy – Exploring Forces in Science

Pupils at Kettering Park Junior Academy investigated push and pull forces and gravity by observing how a ball moved around the classroom. They further explored friction using wooden planks with different surfaces, testing how objects moved and how this affected the time taken. This hands-on investigation encouraged initiative, as students applied scientific thinking to explore and understand how forces influence movement.

Kettering Park Infant Academy – Remembrance Day

This term, pupils and staff observed a two-minute silence to mark Remembrance Day. The school gates feature beautiful displays to honour and remember those who served, reflecting the community’s respect and integrity in remembering important moments in history.

Hall Meadow Primary – Festive Fun with a Snow Machine

The amazing Mr Wilton, Site Supervisor at HMPS, kindly bought the school a snow machine for Christmas! It created a magic winter atmosphere for Christmas jumper day, Christmas lunch, and Elfridges day. The children even enjoyed a snowy test run on the playground at break - a festive highlight that brought the school community together.

Little Harrowden Primary – Christmas Fair

The Little Harrowden Christmas Fair was a fantastic success! Thanks to the initiative and dedication of Mrs Roe, the PTA, and all our volunteers, pupils, parents, and carers, the event raised an incredible £1,100 for the school. This shows the integrity of our community in coming together to support children’s learning.

Rothwell Schools – Year 4 Brass Lessons

Pupils at Rothwell Schools have completed their NMPAT brass lessons over the Autumn term. Taking their instruments home encouraged initiative as they practised independently, and last week they performed a concert for parents, sharing their achievements and inspiring others with their progress.

Keeping Children Safe This Christmas

The Christmas period is a wonderful time for family, celebrations, and fun. But for some children, the festive season can also bring challenges. At INMAT, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always our priority, so here are some practical ways parents can help children stay safe this Christmas:

Top Safeguarding Tips for Parents

1. Keep routines consistent where you can
Children thrive on routine, and the festive period can be disruptive. Try to keep regular meal and sleep times, and make sure children know what to expect each day – this helps them feel secure and reduces anxiety.

2. Supervise Online Activity
Many children will enjoy games, videos, or messaging apps over the holidays, and it's important that parents guide and monitor screen time. Encourage activities in shared spaces, use parental controls, and discuss online safety.

3. Talk about safety with family, friends, and at events
During Christmas gatherings and outings, children may spend more time with relatives, family friends, or in crowded settings. Encourage open conversations with your child about personal boundaries – for example, they can say “no” if something feels uncomfortable and should always tell a trusted adult if anyone makes them feel unsafe. Simple messages like “stay with a grown-up you trust” and “speak up if something doesn’t feel right” help children feel confident and supported.

4. Keep children safe at home
With decorations, candles, and festive lights, there are more potential hazards at home. Supervise children around candles, small decorations, batteries, and electrical items. 

5. Recognise and manage emotions
The excitement of gifts, family visits, and celebrations can be overwhelming. Be patient, offer reassurance, and check in regularly to see how your child is feeling. Encourage talking about worries or disappointments as well as joys.

6. Know where to get help
If you have concerns about your child’s safety, wellbeing, or behaviour, support is available. It’s always okay to ask for help.

Support Services in Northamptonshire

Child Welfare Concerns

• Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (MASH)
  📞 0300 126 7000
  🌐 Report a concern

Domestic Abuse Support (for families)

• Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS) – 0300 0120 154

Emergency Contacts

• Emergency: 999

• Non-Emergency Police: 101

Helpful links:

Oneplusone – This is where you can access online courses from the relationship experts at OnePlusOne. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, these courses will help you learn how to cope with stress and communicate better.

Children’s resources, tips and advice hub | NHFT – Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust have amazing resources covering important milestones from prenatal support through to the teen years. 

Parents’ Toolkit – BBC Bitesize – BBC Bitesize Parents’ Toolkit is the place for mums, dads, carers, and the whole parenting community to find stories, expert advice and fun activities that will help you support your child in a changing world

Support for parents | NSPCC – The NSPCC have some great parenting resources to help you manage family life, behaviour, friends, relationships and their safety in an ever-changing world.

A Message from INMAT

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By keeping routines, supervising activities, and talking openly with children, we can help ensure the holidays remain a happy and safe time. We are always here to support - safeguarding@inmat.org.uk

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

We also want to celebrate Louisa Broad at Ashby Fields for successfully completing her NPQSL and Sophie Hume at Ashby Fields for completing her NPQH. Both are fantastic achievements and well-deserved recognition of their dedication, hard work, and commitment to leadership development. Congratulations to both!