YR Starters 2021-22

Welcome to the Aspire Academy Trust.

Aspire is a vibrant, highly successful and widely recognised Trust determined to raise standards of educational achievement to the very highest levels. We don’t just aim for our children to achieve what is average or expected, but for them to excel both academically and in character.

We live in a global economy that requires our children to be prepared to think both critically and creatively, solve complex problems, and to communicate well. Mastery of the basics: reading, writing, maths and technology is our core purpose, and this sits firmly alongside ensuring our children have well-developed social and emotional skills. Aspire academies have a strong emphasis on the sport, arts and social, moral spiritual and cultural education.

All our 28 schools and academies are an integral part of their local communities and have a real sense of identity. We value the contribution each of our communities makes and the distinctive opportunities and diversity it offers to the Trust. By working in true partnership, we offer exceptional learning experiences to all our children, so they benefit from the strength that being part of the extended Aspire family brings. If you want to learn more about us, then please visit our website at www.aspireacademytrust.org

I look forward to hopefully welcoming you to the Aspire family!

Vanessa Bragg
Aspire CEO

Head of School Welcome

Welcome to Shortlanesend School.

My name is Chad Wilson, and I am very proud to be the Head of Shortlanesend School. On behalf of our amazing children, our dedicated staff, parents and hub Councillors, I would like to welcome you to our school.

Shortlanesend is a thriving, happy school where everyone is valued and respected. We are a friendly community focused primary school, who deliver an immersive, inspiring and interactive curriculum which targets the development of the whole child.

Our expectation for character and academic standards are consistently high. Our aim is to provide our children with a challenging yet supportive and enriched curriculum which supports every child to develop into a confident individual, who understands their rights and responsibilities as a member of our school and the wider community.

Vision & Values

The aims of Shortlanesend School (SLE for short) and be summed up in three words – Smile – Learn – Excel.

Everything we plan and achieve is guided by the ethos of ensuring that every child at SLE is happy, feels comfortable, safe and well cared for (Smile), enjoys an immersive, inspiring and personalised curriculum (Learn); which also encourages them to reflect, refine and improve their performance across the curriculum to confidently shine at our school, and beyond into life (Excel).

Early Years Curriculum

The Early Years Curriculum focuses on three Prime areas which builds a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.
These are: Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
We also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.
These specific areas are: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

Learning Together

"Tapestry keeps you in touch with your child’s day wherever you are"

Tapestry is an easy-to-use and secure online learning journal that helps staff and families across Aspire academies celebrate their children’s learning and development both at school and home.

Tapestry facilitates this by enabling a personal journal that builds over time. Photographs, videos and notes of special moments will be made available regularly to you via your iPhone or Android App.

More details on how to activate your Tapestry account will be shared once your child starts.

School Uniform

https://www.keywearuniforms.co.uk/

Grey skirt/ trousers
White polo t-shirts/blouses
Royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo
Black shoes (Velcro fastenings are easier to manage than laces.)

In summer the girls may wear blue/white dresses and the boys may wear grey shorts with white polo shirts.

PE Kit: Plain white t-shirt and black tracksuit trousers/shorts
Trainers with Velcro fastenings.

It is very important that all clothing is named. A laundry marker will do the job or you can make your own stick on/iron on name tags online. (www.MyNametags.com)

School Dinners

Roast Dinner

Pasta Bolognese

When your child starts school they are eligible for a free school meal until they reach year 3.
Each day your child will have a choice of two different options which you can pre-order with your child at home through the online booking system 'Parentpay'.

If your child prefers packed lunch, please can we encourage a healthy selection of foods, for example Sandwiches, a piece of fruit, a Yogurt.