One of our favourite parts of the day was watching the guards outside the Crown Jewels. We enjoyed watching them march up and down, and we were very excited when we even managed to make them laugh. Overall, the pupils had a fantastic day and returned to school with lots of new knowledge and happy memories.

In Maths, we’ve turned into Pattern Detectives, spotting and creating sequences everywhere—from our clothes to our classroom blocks!

Meanwhile, our phonics journey continues with a new sound every day, supported by "funky finger" playdough and tweezer challenges to build those strong muscles for writing. It’s going to be a busy, brilliant term!

Our cooking sessions are also linked to Paddington, with learners making marmalade sandwiches. This has provided wonderful opportunities to practise fine motor skills, develop independence through hand washing, improve cutlery skills, and explore new foods and textures.

Here are just some of children who took part, well done to all that posted your photos on the Padlet https://padlet.com/The_GPFS/christmas-reading-challenge-gk5zy2ss0ztqx8jt

Their presentation helped raise awareness across the school about how small, healthy choices can make a big difference to our overall well being.

We are thrilled to share that our learners in The Burrow have settled exceptionally well into their new environment. They have embraced the new routines, expectations, and learning opportunities with enthusiasm and curiosity. It is heartening to see them adjusting so positively, which sets a wonderful foundation for their growth and development this year.

A key focus in The Burrow this year is supporting  speech, language, and communication needs. To support our learners effectively, we are implementing strategies at both targeted and universal levels, utilising a variety of alternative and augmented communication aids. In every lesson, activity, and play session, we incorporate communication boards to model language and foster engagement. We are delighted to report that the learners are making good progress, and it is wonderful to hear their voices developing as they become more confident in their expressive communication skills.

The team faced off against four other local schools, playing a total of five matches.They demonstrated impressive resilience, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament securing a well-earned victory. The team finished 4th in the group.

 The caring staff have created a warm and welcoming environment where children enjoy focused play, creative activities, and discovery time — all based around the theme of the day.

The children embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, showing fantastic teamwork, resilience, and plenty of smiles.

A huge thank you to our wonderful staff and the brilliant Stubbers team for making it such a fun and memorable trip.

Well done, Year 6—you’ve made memories that will stay with you forever!

They explored the amazing animal exhibits, learned fascinating facts about wildlife, and enjoyed a day full of fun and discovery. From spotting majestic lions to watching playful monkeys, the children’s curiosity and excitement were truly inspiring. 🐒🦓

A big thank you to all the staff and volunteers who helped make this trip safe and memorable.

Thank you for your continued support. 

In February, Lolu’s poem was chosen as a winner and published in the Young Writers' book. She received her prize from Miss Pattison during the all-school assembly.

A fantastic achievement, congratulations Lolu.

The children thoroughly enjoyed bringing history to life through this practical, creative learning experience.

“We explored our curiosity by adding a twist to the recipe.”

Dear parent or carer

Inspection of The Gateway Primary Free School by Ofsted

We have just told your child's school that we will inspect it on 04 February 2025. The lead inspector will be Suzanne Thrower. We are writing to you because we would like to know what you think about the school. Please take a few minutes to read the leaflet that came with this letter. It explains why we inspect schools and what happens during an inspection.

Your views about the school are important to us

If you are a registered parent or carer of a pupil at the school (including pupils on sick leave or who are temporarily excluded), you can tell us your views about the school by completing Ofsted's online survey, Ofsted Parent View, at: https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk 

Ofsted Parent View asks for your opinion on some aspects of your child's school, including the progress made by your child, the quality of teaching, how the school deals with bullying and poor behaviour. It also provides a free-text box for you to make additional comments, if you wish. The inspectors will use the online survey responses when inspecting your child's school. Written comments can also be sent to the school in a sealed envelope, marked confidential and addressed to the inspection team.

To register your views, you will need to provide your email address, which will be held securely. It will not be used for any purpose other than providing access to the online survey. Neither schools nor Ofsted will have access to any email addresses.

Please complete the online survey by 11am on 04 February 2025 as this will give the inspection team more time to consider your views. However, we will consider all online responses that are completed during the inspection, although the free-text box facility will not be available after noon on 05 February 2025.

We were able to see real artefacts and replicas from the time when Britannia was ruled by the Roman Empire. We went underground into the foundations of the castle to learn a bit more about what life was like for the Celts during this time. 

We also learnt about the Iceni tribe leader, Boudicca, who fought against the Romans in Colchester, London and St Albans.

Gateway Primary Free School is excited to announce the receipt of a generous grant from Asda, marked by the presentation of a large cheque to the school. This funding was used to put towards the purchase a brand-new trim trail, significantly enhancing the school’s outdoor play area and providing students with exciting opportunities for physical activity.

Asda’s contribution is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local schools and promoting physical well-being amongst young learners. The new trim trail will offer students an engaging and fun way to stay active, while also supporting outdoor learning and play. This addition to the school’s outdoor space will help foster a healthy, energetic environment where students can enjoy the benefits of physical exercise while developing important motor skills.

Gateway Primary Free School is grateful for Asda’s continued support and looks forward to seeing the positive impact the trim trail will have on students’ physical and social development.