Dear parents
Update to Term Dates 2025-26
The 2025-26 term dates for all Leigh Academies Trust academies were first published in May 2024, and were taken from a Trust-wide calendar, as has been standard practice over the last few years. Usually the term dates are mostly in line with those of Local Authority schools, but next academic year the Kent dates for Easter are different to ours. This creates a mismatch that would see LAT academies open while many others in the area are closed.
Following feedback across the Trust from staff and parents, it became clear that keeping our original dates would have caused considerable difficulties for some families with children in different schools.
To avoid disruption, we have made the decision to align our dates with those published by Kent and Medway local authorities. This means:
- The Spring Term will now end on Thursday 2nd April 2026.
- The Summer Term will now begin on Monday 20th April 2026.
Updated calendars will be published on our website later today.
Summer Fair- Saturday 7th June, 12pm-3pm
Owing to the bad weather predicted for tomorrow, the inflatable company has informed us that they will be unable to attend the Summer Fete for safety reasons. We understand that this is hugely disappointing to the children and that a number of you have purchased wristbands in advance. We have, therefore, decided not to cancel the inflatable but to bring it to school on Friday 13 June (after Marvellous Males). We aim to host a fun afternoon from the end of school to 5pm for all those holding wristbands. More details about the afternoon will follow next week.
Marvellous Males – Friday 13th June, 2:15pm-3pm
In recognition of Father’s Day, we warmly invite all the ‘marvellous males’ in our Horsmonden family to visit their child in school for the afternoon. This will give you the opportunity to complete some activities with your child and spend time with them in their classroom.
The fun inflatable afternoon will follow at the end of the school day, and more details will be sent out regarding this next week.
Staffing Update
I am sharing the bittersweet news that Ms McCulloch has made the heartfelt decision not to return to teaching for now, as she dedicates her time to her precious new baby. We couldn’t be happier for her as she embraces this special new chapter! For the past three and a half years, Ms McCulloch has been a well regarded and indispensable part of our KS1 Team, with her warmth and dedication. Her presence will be genuinely missed by every single one of us, both colleagues and, of course, all the children she’s nurtured. We’re sending her off, wishing her all the happiness in the world, and bidding her a very fond farewell.
We’ll also soon be saying a fond farewell to Ms Norman, who will be retiring on Friday 4th July. For eight and a half years, Jackie has been a deeply valued member of our team, caring for so many children in her roles as Wrap-around Care Assistant and Lunchtime Supervisor. She’ll be truly missed by us all, and we wish her a retirement filled with happiness and peace.
Breakfast and After School Club
Further to previous communication in February regarding the sustainability of Breakfast and After School Club, I am writing to thank everyone who completed the survey for Premier Education. The survey shows, unsurprisingly, that there is a strong demand for wrap-around care, but also the need for the After School Club to be extended to 6pm.
With this in mind, and in light of Ms Norman’s resignation, I am further exploring the opportunities on offer from Premier Education, and hope to be able to update you soon regarding some exciting improvements coming in September.
Smart Watches
Please note that watches with the ability to send/receive messages/calls, take photos, record audio/video, play games are not permitted to be worn at school. Watches of this nature have the same functionality as mobile phones, which are also not permitted at school. If your child has a watch like this, I am kindly requesting that they stay at home where they can be kept safe by parents. Thank you for your understanding.
As always, if you have any queries/concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am available most days on the gate before and after school, as is Mr Fenton.
I hope to see as many of you as possible tomorrow at the Summer Fair, and for any children wishing to perform ‘Power in Me’ please meet by the stage inside the marquee at 11:50pm, ready to perform at 12pm. Please note that parents will be responsible for their children during this time, so please ensure you are nearby.
Kind regards,
Hayley Sharp | Principal
2024-2025 Diary Dates
| Saturday 7th June | FoHPS Summer Fair, 12pm-3pm |
| Tuesday 10th – 13th June | Year 1 Phonics Screening Check |
| Friday 13th June | Marvellous Males Afternoon, drop in between 2:15 pm-3:00 pm |
| Friday 13th June, 3:30pm-5pm | Inflatable fun afternoon |
| Friday 20th June | Dance Competition – Mascalls Academy, for selected children |
| Monday 23rd June | Sports Day – KS2 – 10:30am, EYFS and KS1 – 1:30pm |
| Tuesday 1st July | LAT Cricket Tournament for selected children |
| Wednesday 2nd July | EYFS and Y2 Trip to Kent Wildlife Trust, Sevenoaks |
| Thursday 3rd July | FoHPS Disco |
| Wednesday 9th July | End of Year Reports issued to parents |
| Friday 11th July | LAT Sports Day for selected Y5 and Y6 children |
| Friday 11th July | Year 1 Trip to The Big Cat Sanctuary |
| Tuesday 15th July, 3:30pm – 5pm | Optional drop in for parents to discuss reports (not compulsory) |
| Wednesday 16th July | Year 6 Production, 2pm and 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday 22nd July, 2pm | Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly |
| Tuesday 22nd July | End of Term 6 |