I hope that your child settles happily into school and that you, as a parent, will always feel welcome here and make full use of the opportunities offered to be a part of your child’s education. When a child starts at a new school parents (and children) have many questions. This website will answer most of them. If there is any further information you need, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. Once at school, however, there will be times when your child tells you, “That’s not the way Miss tells me to do it!” and you realise that there is another big influence in your child’s life. Teachers do have a very important and privileged role to play. But school will only be truly influential when parents and teachers are working together for the good of the children.

I aim to lead Redlands so that it is friendly, open and accessible. I usually come out onto the playground at the start and end of the day when informal queries can be raised or simply to chat. Teachers, too, come out to “mingle” and to see the children are safe. More detailed or difficult issues can be dealt with by an appointment at a mutually convenient time. Urgent issues will be dealt with immediately they are brought to our attention. Above all, if you have a problem or a suggestion, tell us about it. We won’t always agree but we will always listen and try to take account of your views.

Likewise, if you think we have done something well, let us know. We will, from time to time, issue a questionnaire or invite parents to talk to us about their views, so as to ensure that we know how well (or not) we are doing and take appropriate action.

I want to see every child achieve the highest standards of which they are capable – this includes doing as well as they can in tests. But tests are only one measure of a child’s ability. I also believe that children need to be valued as individuals and given the opportunity to develop their artistic, spiritual, musical and sporting prowess as well as learning to be a responsible member of the wider community.

Every child is different – they look different, behave differently, develop at different times and different rates, learn at different times and in different ways. Children get very hurt when we compare them to other children and they are found to be lacking – as adults we would feel the same way. We want to build self-esteem and help our children to become happy, contented and fulfilled individuals.

We are delighted to have your child in our school and hope you will be happy with us.

WELCOME TO REDLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Harcombe
Headteacher