Newsletter – 03-May-24

Dear Parents and Carers

Term 3 is already flying by and next week is week 4. We are still waiting for the summer weather to arrive, but the children have still been enjoying playing on the school field. 

We are very proud of our school and the curriculum we provide, but like any good school we are always looking for feedback and ways to improve what we offer. I will be holding two coffee afternoons in May to present some ideas about how we are looking to move the school forward, and to get feedback and ideas from parents. 

KS1 parent coffee afternoon – 2.45pm Wednesday 22nd May

KS2 parent coffee afternoon – 2.45pm Thursday 23rd May

Whole School Photo

We have booked in Mr Dillow to come and take a whole school photo on the morning of Wednesday 8th May. All pupils should come to school in the correct uniform (either full summer or full winter uniform – see image below from the uniform policy), but bring PE kit if it’s a PE day. If the weather is bad, we have booked a provisional day for Thursday 9th May. We will communicate with parents if the whole school photo is not possible on Wednesday. 

Inspirational Sports Assembly Series

We are beyond excited to announce our second confirmation for the June Festival of Sport assemblies – Age Group World Champion Triathlete and Cyclocrosser Kate Robson!  Kate is a Priory parent (Isla YR5 & Cohen YR3), a hardworking primary teacher and a leader in her sports fields – where does she find the time!  We’ll find out this June!

Star of Wonder Awards

YEAR R: Georgia, Lally and Nieve

YEAR 1: Grace, Arthur, Neave and Teddy

YEAR 2: Otega, Primrose and Harry

YEAR 3: Immy, Lewis, Harvey and Manpal

YEAR 4: Martin, Orson, Arthur and Riley

YEAR 5: Sofia, Aurelia and Joshua J

YEAR 6: Max W, Beatrice, Isla and Verity

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

IN THE NATIONAL PRESS THIS WEEK – ALERT ISSUED TO UK SCHOOLS –  ABOUT FINANCIALLY MOTIVATED SEXUAL EXTORTION

THIS WEEK, the National Crime Agency has issued an alert to educational establishments across the UK about the rise in financially motivated sexual extortion cases.

Financially motivated sexual extortion (often referred to in the media as ‘sextortion’) is a form of blackmail that can force any individual into paying money to an offender who is threatening to share nude or semi-nude images of them. This can also include forcing them to provide further intimate content or agreeing to do something against their will. Typically perpetrated by organised crime groups operating outside of the UK, sextortion can target any individual regardless of their age or gender.  

What Does the Alert Include?

The alert gives advice about spotting the signs of financially motivated sexual extortion, whilst outlining specific advice around how professionals and parents can support young people. It also includes messaging for parents and carers on how to talk to their child about the issue, and best practices for responding to incidents and concerns.

The guidance outlines the importance of reporting as well as practices such as blocking the contact, stopping communication and not paying any money that is being demanded. Many  online reporting tools have also been highlighted as ways to get support such as Take It Down and Report Remove.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND USEFUL RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND USING THE LINKS BELOW

Safer Internet.org

https://saferinternet.org.uk/blog/national-crime-agency-issues-financially-motivated-sexual-extortion-alert-to-uk-schools

What is sextortion? Protecting Young People from Sextortion: A Guide for Parents and Safeguarding Professionals – Safer Schools (oursaferschools.co.uk)

https://www.oursaferschools.co.uk/2023/07/10/what-is-sextortion/

Help for young people who have been victims of sextortion

Sextortion or online blackmail help for young people and children (iwf.org.uk)

Get Support | Childline

CEOP Safety Centre

Report Remove | Childline

Eliminating Child Sexual Abuse Online – Internet Watch Foundation IWF

Remove explicit or intimate personal images from Google – Google Search Help

Home – Gurls Out Loud

BulliesOut – Anti-Bullying Training, Awareness and Support

Mental Health Support For Young People | YoungMinds

Welcome to Marie Collins Foundation

Advice for parents and carers

Advice for parents of children who are being ‘sextorted’ online (iwf.org.uk)

Online Monitoring 

As part of the national requirements for safeguarding pupils in schools (Keeping Children Safe in Education), we monitor the pupils’ online activity on the school internet. Our monitoring system is set up to flag any potential issues with:

• Bullying
• Self harming
• Extremism
• Pornography 
• Violence/harm to others

This is monitored by our Safeguarding Leads, Mrs Adams and Mr Walsh. 

So, if, for example, a child typed a word linked to one of the categories above into a search engine, it would be flagged on our monitoring system and would be followed up with the pupil to ensure they were safe. If we had any concerns, we would contact the child’s parents. 

Our internet is very secure and has a firewall to ensure no inappropriate images or content is accessible to pupils, but the system above adds an extra layer of protection.

Summer Clubs

Please note that there will be two new summer camps running at The Priory this summer and The Oaks will continue to run their summer club at Mortimer St Mary’s.

• 22nd – 26th July:  Summer Camp with Mrs Enticknap

  (a Priory parent and qualified teacher) . Please click here for full details and then click here for the booking form and email to zoe@hillyardmail.com

• 29th July – 16th August: Curveball Summer Camp with Coach Zack

  Please click here for more information and click here to book

• 5th – 23rd August:  The Oaks at Mortimer St. Mary’s

  Please click here for details or email office@theoakschildcare.co.uk for more details.