Newsletters

Dear INMAT Community,

It is fair to say that a great deal has happened in the wider world since the start of the year. News about conflict, rising inequality, the influence of social media, and the hidden risks our children may face online can feel impossible to avoid. Stories about the potential impact on young people have been particularly prominent. Regardless of our individual viewpoints, we want to assure you that these concerns are taken seriously across all INMAT schools.

Every school in our trust ensures that children have regular opportunities to talk about their worries, ask questions and share their experiences. Through our PSHE and No Outsiders curriculum, we help pupils understand the world they are growing up in; how to treat others with respect, how to be responsible citizens, and how to form strong, positive friendships.

Equally, we focus on the skills that build confidence and wellbeing. How to socialise, how to learn, how to play and how to feel comfortable in themselves. As life becomes increasingly digital, it is more important than ever for children to know how to thrive both online and offline. Anxiety and poor mental health can grow when we become isolated, so we work to ensure that children, families and staff have chances to step outside their comfort zones, strengthen resilience and build self-esteem.

Our schools are communities where everyone; pupils, parents, grandparents, staff and volunteers, can seek support. You will always find someone ready to listen, someone to connect with. At a time when many people feel more alone than ever, reaching out matters. It may not always feel easy, but you are never alone. Never without someone to talk to.

As Dumbledore wisely reminds us: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Helen Williams

INMAT CEO

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

St James Infant and Pre-School: Celebrating Holi

Pre-School children at St James Infant and Pre-School had a fantastic time learning all about Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival also known as the Festival of Colours and Festival of Spring. The children explored the traditions and meanings behind the celebration, including the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the joy of new life. They enjoyed celebrating alongside their friends, creating a colourful and lively atmosphere full of learning and fun.

Wollaston Primary School: Albie the Therapy Dog Visits

Pupils at Wollaston Primary School were delighted to welcome Albie, the therapy dog, into their classrooms. Albie has been helping children feel calm, supported, and confident while they learn. Visits with Albies give pupils a chance to read, share stories, and practice social skills in a friendly and encouraging environment. His presence has brought lots of smiles and wagging tails, creating a positive and comforting atmosphere across the school.

Ashby Fields Primary School: Celebrating Diversity on No Outsiders Day

For their most recent No Outsiders day, pupils at Ashby Fields Primary School explored the story Hair, a text that celebrates diversity and individuality within our communities. The children discussed how our differences make us unique while also recognising the importance of belonging and inclusion. They created portraits of themselves or their peers, reflecting on the features that make each person special, which sparked thoughtful conversations about identity, respect, and celebrating one another. The day concluded with a whole-school sharing session, highlighting that although we are all different, we are united as part of the Ashby Fields team.

The Abbey Primary School: Explore Spring Outdoors

Spring has sprung and The Abbey Primary School have been making the most of it! The children have loved getting outdoors and exploring all things nature. From creating floral drinks in the mud kitchen using rose petals, leaves, and daffodils, to making marks and patterns in the sand, their creativity has been blossoming. The highlight of their adventures was planting beautiful flowers in pots, putting their green fingers to work and applying everything they’ve learned about how plants grow. 

Falconers Hill Infant School: iRock Concert Rocks the School

A huge well done to all the children at Falconers Hill Infant School who performed in yesterday’s iRock concert. They’ve been practising week after week, building confidence, rhythm, and teamwork, and they proudly showed their friends and families just how far they’ve come. It was a wonderful way to celebrate their hard work and bring the school community together, with lots of smiles, music, and excitement.

Kingsley Primary School: British Science Week Comes to Life

On March 12th, Atomic Tom visited Kingsley Primary School as part of British Science Week. All the children enjoyed his exciting assemblies, and some classes took part in hands-on workshops that brought science to life. It was fantastic to see pupils engaged, curious, and inspired, with the whole school buzzing with excitement about the world of science.

Kettering Park Junior Academy: World Book Day Fun

Kettering Park Junior Academy had a fantastic time celebrating World Book Day! Pupils and staff took part in a variety of fun activities to celebrate their love of reading and favourite stories, culminating in a brilliant afternoon parade where everyone proudly showed off their imaginative costumes. The day was full of creativity and excitement, linking directly to the English curriculum by promoting reading, storytelling, and comprehension skills. A big thank you to parents and guardians for supporting the Book Fair, which continues with Year 6 until Monday and is also available online through Scholastic. The celebration was a wonderful way to inspire a lifelong love of books across the school community.

Kettering Park Infant Academy: Year 1 Easter Performance

Year 1 pupils at Kettering Park Infant Academy put on a fantastic Easter performance that had everyone smiling. The children sang with enthusiasm and confidence, filling the room with joy and festive spirit. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their talents, work together as a team, and enjoy a memorable celebration with their friends, teachers, and families. We are so proud of their big voices, bright smiles, and all the effort they put into making the event such a success.

Hall Meadow Primary School: A Visit from the Mayor Inspires 

Hall Meadow Primary School were thrilled to welcome the Mayor of Kettering to their assembly yesterday. Pupils learned all about the Mayor’s role and the importance of serving their local community, gaining a real-life insight into leadership and civic responsibility. He shared an inspiring message about how everyone can make a positive difference, embrace British values, and support those around them. This visit linked beautifully with the PSHE and Citizenship curriculum, helping pupils develop an understanding of their roles as responsible citizens, the value of community involvement, and the impact of their actions on others. It was a memorable opportunity to see learning come to life beyond the classroom.

Little Harrowden Primary School: Year 5 Residential Adventures

Year 5 at Little Harrowden Primary School have been enjoying an action-packed residential full of new challenges and adventures. The children took part in a wide range of activities, including bushcraft, low ropes, rifle shooting, fencing, aeroball, archery, and the blind trail, all while enjoying the sunshine and taking time for a well-earned lunch. After a busy day, they relaxed with bedtime stories and cookies before finishing their adventure around a campfire, singing songs, toasting marshmallows, and making delicious s’mores. It has been a fantastic opportunity for the children to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork while creating unforgettable memories.

Rothwell Schools: Letters on the Move!

Reception children at Rothwell Schools had a wonderful adventure as part of their Communication and Language and Understanding the World learning. They wrote letters to family members, practicing writing skills and expressing their ideas, before taking a sensible and enthusiastic walk to the local postbox to post them. This outing gave the children a hands-on experience of the postal system, helping them connect classroom learning with the world around them while developing confidence, independence, and a sense of community.

Quick Guide: Supporting Children’s Wellbeing

Children are growing up in a complex world. From news about global conflicts to the influence of online communities, it’s normal for them to feel worried or confused. Here’s how we can help them feel safe, supported, and confident.

Top Tips for Families

• Keep conversations open: Ask what they’ve seen or heard and listen without judgement.
• Reassure and explain: Give age-appropriate facts and remind them they’re safe.
• Monitor online activity: Guide children through safe use of apps, games, and social media.
• Promote kindness and respect: Model positive behaviours and challenge harmful ideas.
• Encourage trusted adults: Remind children they can always talk to school staff or family members.
• Speak with school about concerns: We are here to support. It takes a village!

Local Support in Northamptonshire

• Ask Normen: Guidance for children, families & schools – asknormen.co.uk
• CAMHS: Support for young people – 0800 170 7055 (westnorthants.gov.uk)
• Childline: Free support for children – 0800 1111 (childline.org.uk)
• ServiceSix: Support for children, young people and families - 01933 27752

Emergency Support

• Samaritans: 116 123
• Northamptonshire MASH: 0300 126 7000
• 999 for emergencies

Remember

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility! By talking, guiding and supporting children both at home and in school, we can help them grow into confident and resilient people. 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.

Running for a Great Cause

A huge shout-out to Karen Thomkins, Cluster Business Partner for our Wellingborough schools, who is taking on the London Marathon to raise funds for Sense, a charity supporting people with complex communication needs. We’re incredibly proud of her dedication and fundraising efforts – every donation will make a real difference. If you’d like to support Karen on her marathon journey, please consider donating and cheering her on! Give now

Welcome Penny Rawlins, Our New Governance & Compliance Lead

We are delighted to welcome Penny Rawlins to the INMAT family as our Trust Governance & Compliance Lead. Here’s a glimpse into what Penny does at INMAT:

Penny’s expertise will be vital in helping INMAT maintain high standards of governance, supporting our leaders, and ensuring our Trust operates efficiently, transparently, and effectively.