Here at Middleton-in-Teesdale Nursery and Primary School we have introduced a new initiative called ‘The Daily Mile’ which is being implemented across the whole of the UK within primary schools.  Our pupils and teachers are all enjoying taking part in this daily activity which is happening at the beginning of every afternoon.

The aim of the Daily Mile is to improve the physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing of our children – regardless of age or personal circumstances.

It is a profoundly simple but effective concept and it’s impact can be transformational- improving not only the childrens’ fitness, but also their concentration levels, mood, behaviour and general wellbeing.

We want every child to have the opportunity to do a Daily Mile at our school.

The Daily Mile Works

The Daily Mile is successful because it is simple and free:

• It takes place over just 15 minutes, with children averaging a mile each day.
• Children run outside in the fresh air – and the weather is a benefit, not a barrier.
• There’s no set up, tidy up, or equipment required.
• Children run in their uniforms so no kit or changing time is needed.
• It’s social, non-competitive and fun.
• It’s fully inclusive; every child, whatever their circumstances, age or ability, succeeds at The Daily Mile.

On Friday 7th October 2016 the whole school took part in a sponsored walk in aid of ‘Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need’. The school was split into two groups; EYFS and Key Stage 1 walked a circular route taking in Beck Road whilst Key Stage 2 walked off-road up to the popular viewpoint known locally as ‘Kirkcarrion’.  The weather was perfect for a good stretch of the legs, overcast but more importantly, dry.  EYFS and Key Stage 1 managed extremely well with what was quite a long walk for little legs.  Key Stage 2 had a great challenge walking all the way up to Kirkcarrion, with fantastic views of the village and surrounding countryside.  ‘The Friends of the School’ very kindly met Key Stage 2 at Kirkcarrion with refreshments consisiting of juice and fruit.  A magnificent total of £1150.20p was raised from this event.  A huge thank you to everyone who kindly donated to this most worthwhile cause.

On Friday 30th September 2016, the school held a ‘MacMillan Cancer Support Coffee Afternoon’ in the main hall.  This event was well attended by all the children along with parents, carers and friends.  Stalls included Tombola, Cakes, Books, Name the Teddy and all were very well supported.  We would like to thank everyone who kindly gave donations and also to those who came and gave so generously.  A grand total of £600.89 was raised.

This year the school changed its normal format and instead held its annual Sports Day on the evening of Monday 18^th July 2016, between 5 and 7:30pm.

The weather was fantastic and we had immense support from parents, carers, guardians and family members. The school children all competed in three races, gaining points for their house team.  Our school has four house teams which are Cross Fell, High Force, Cow Green and Kirk Carrion – all local landmarks of our dale.

One boy and girl from each year was awarded a cup for best sportsperson and a further cup for each year for best effort. Also, each child was awarded a medal.

The Friends of the School kindly provided colour-coded baseball caps for each pupil and their house team, the Friends also provided refreshments.

Well done everyone.

As we are moving through a period of transition between Head teachers, we are keen to gather the views and thoughts of our valued parents.  We would like to find out if we are doing things well, but also the things we need to improve on. We have compiled a short questionnaire that we feel would gather the most useful information and urge you to spend a few moments to complete.  If there is anything you feel strongly about, please provide more detail so that both myself and Mr Chilvers have a greater understanding of your thoughts. Please be assured that all replies will be treated with the upmost confidentiality.  For those who complete the survey, your name will be entered into a prize draw for a chance of winning a meal for two at The Crown, Mickleton plus a bottle of wine kindly donated by The Crown at Mickleton.  All surveys must be completed on-line or handed into the school office marked for the attention of ‘Mr Steve Whelerton’ by Monday 9^th May 2016.

Please click on the following link to download and print the survey:- Middleton-in-Teesdale Nursery & Primary School’s Parent Survey – April 2016

Children from various year groups in Key Stage 2 competed in an inter-school swimming gala at Teesdale Sports Centre on Friday 15th January 2016.  Out of the 12 schools that took part, our team collectively came first in the gala.  We would like to offer our huge congratulations to all the children who took part – well done!

There was a good attendance from parents and carers on the recent national agenda of ‘Assessing without Levels’ workshops held in school from 5 till 8 o’clock on Monday 23rd November 2015.  We shared the key messages of the work the school has completed in response to the challenge of implementing a new assessment system in the wake of national curriculum levels being scrapped.  There was some lively discussion and parents and carers were keen to make their views known, over what is a particularly sensitive and emotive issue.  In response to parents concerns about helping their children at home and with work in school, we will publish the end of year age related expectations for each national curriculum year group on the schools website.  The powerpoint used by Mr. Vallack for these workshops is attached to view for those who were unable to attend.

Assessing without levels Nov 2015

Our new school APP is here to download and we are going live on Tuesday 1st December 2015.

If you have a smartphone you can download OurSchoolsApp for FREE.  it is a personalised app for our school  and will allow us to keep you all updated with school information, news, calendar events and contact information.  It provides you access to school information at the touch of a button.

Please click one of the links below depending on what type of phone you have to download the app.

For Apple devices: https://goo.gl/1FQgny

For Android devices: https://goo.gl/sFI2to

Instructions for download:

1. Using the relevant device (iPad, iPhone, smart pad, tablet or android phone), visit the relevant marketplace for your product (Apple Store or Google Play).
2. Search for ‘OurSchoolsApp’.
3. Download the ‘APP’.  In the search bar in the ‘APP’ put the postcode (DL12 0TG) or the name of the school.
4. Hit the search button.
5. Once you see the school name displayed, just touch the screen on the school name.
6. Confirm your choice by pressing OK.
7. You will now be presented with the ‘APP’ for the school which contains news, information, calendar events, contacts and any other relevant details.

I am pleased to inform you that we are introducing a new APP service to the school which you will be able to download for free onto your smartphone.  This will hopefully keep everyone updated with important school information at the touch of a button.   Our launch date is Tuesday 1st December 2015 – a letter with all the relevant information and download instructions will be sent home shortly.

If smartphones are not an option, the app will also be available to view online.

Thanks to your generosity, our children have raised £95.60!

Our children look fantastic, thank you all for making so much effort.