Weekly Update
Thank you for the amazing response to our Rocksteady music lessons which started today. The band members met for their first lesson today and had great fun familiarising themselves with their role in the group and deciding on names for their band. We can’t wait to hear you all perform.
Our choir have also begun rehearsing for the TLLT Choir Festival on the 11th March where they will perform in the Town Hall alongside other choirs from within the Trust. We will send out details about this event soon.
We’ve had over 120 pupils attend our PE clubs this week before school, during lunchtimes and after school which is a great achievement. We mix lunch clubs up every week and inform children on the day of what is available. Lunch clubs are open to all pupils from the year groups chosen.
Despite the changeable weather at the momnt, we wish everyone a lovely weekend.
Back at school, the children have continued this inspiration through art. They have been creating some beautiful minibeast artwork, focusing on using light and shade to add detail, texture and depth. The finished pieces show great care and creativity, and it’s been lovely to see how confidently the children have applied these new artistic skills.
National Storytelling Week
Next week, it is National Storytelling Week where we can use the power of stories to unite us. Have a look on our website next week where some of our staff will be sharing stories online.
Active Travel
At Acklam Whin we encourage everyone to travel to school by cycling, scootering and walking wherever possible. If you live in the area shown on this map, you can walk to school in under 20 minutes. Let’s all work together and active travel to school.
Attendance Matters
It is so important that we see your children in school every day as any missed days means missed learning.
There are our attendance figures for this week:
Overall 95.1%
A big well done to Nursery am for winning the attendance this week with 98.3% – a fantastic achievement again – as well as Class 103, Class 205, Class 206, Class 512 and Class 614 who all got over 96%.
We need to try and get more children in the green next week.
Reminders
*Thank you to everyone who has named their child’s uniform; this really helps us to return any lost property to its rightful owner, and we would encourage all parents to make sure that uniform is named please.
Links to support our parents and children….
Headstart
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Headstart
It’s newsletter time! Here’s what’s happening across our wellbeing community:
🌟 Staff Wellbeing Fortnight
This week we’re focusing on the Inner Critic vs. Inner Cheerleader. Take some time to reflect on how you speak to yourself and explore strategies to strengthen that positive inner voice.
📅 Only 3 Weeks Until Children’s Mental Health Week
This year’s theme is Belonging — celebrating the vital role connection plays in helping children feel safe, valued and supported. Get inspired and start planning your activities!
🎓 HeadStarter Spotlight: Highcliffe /Linthorpe Primary
Our brilliant HeadStarters share their experience of becoming a Health Champion’s — and how much they’ve enjoyed growing their wellbeing leadership skills.
🤝 South Tees Changing Futures Conference
Happening this Thursday! Make sure you’ve booked your place and join colleagues from across South Tees for a day of learning, collaboration and positive change.
📊 myHappymind Evaluation Update
New findings show improvements in school attendance and reductions in absence — fantastic news for wellbeing, consistency, and pupil outcomes.
🌐 Connect With Our Partner Networks
Sign up to the Child Health and Wellbeing Network / South Tees Wellbeing Network to stay connected with local opportunities, resources, and training.
📝 Have Your Say – Local Community Health Survey
Our Health Improvement Public Health Team are asking for your views. Share your thoughts to help shape positive change in our community.
And much more inside!
Enjoy reading
HeadStart Newsletter 26th January 2026
Lunch Menu
Action for Happiness
Wellbeing is so important in our day-to-day life. Use the ideas on the Friendlier February calendar to be friendly to others and give your relationships a boost.
