Date: 28th November 2025 

Over the past two weeks, we have been incredibly proud to welcome prospective families for our September 2026 intake. It is always a joy and a privilege to show visitors around Heathlands and to let them see the vibrant learning, calm routines, and warm relationships that make our school so special. The children continue to be our best ambassadors.

Thank you also to everyone who came along to our recent Classwork Celebration. We had a fantastic turnout, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents, carers and wider family members really valued the chance to sit alongside their children, explore their learning, and enjoy the progress they are making. We look forward to holding another celebration event during the Spring Term.

Last Friday, we marked Children in Need with great enthusiasm. A huge well done to our School Captains, Summer and Isaac, for confidently hosting the event and helping us raise awareness and support this important cause.

Of course, the biggest news this fortnight is that our wonderful Mrs Carter will be retiring at Christmas. Having joined Heathlands in 1999 as an LSA and later becoming a Class Teacher in 2006, she has dedicated over two decades to nurturing, guiding and inspiring thousands of children. Her impact is immeasurable. Mrs Carter epitomises our Core Values, and her contribution to our school community has been remarkable. We will miss her greatly and will be celebrating her time with us over the coming weeks.

As we step into December, the calendar becomes wonderfully busy. Please do take a moment to scroll down and check the upcoming dates and news items so you don’t miss anything.

Thank you, as ever, for your ongoing support.

At the end of this term, we will be saying a very fond farewell to Mrs Carter, who is retiring after an extraordinary 26 years of service to Heathlands. Mrs Carter first joined the school in 1999 as a Learning Support Assistant, before qualifying as a Class Teacher in 2006. Since then, she has gone on to teach, guide and inspire children across the school, leaving a legacy that is impossible to measure.

Over more than two decades, Mrs Carter has shaped the lives of thousands of pupils. Her commitment to children, her calm presence and her deep understanding of what helps pupils thrive have been a constant strength for our school. She has been a source of wisdom, humour and support for so many members of staff over the years, and her influence will continue long after she steps into retirement.

While we will miss her deeply, we are so thankful for everything she has given to Heathlands. On behalf of the whole school community, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation for her dedication, professionalism and kindness.

We wish Mrs Carter the happiest and most fulfilling retirement—and hope she enjoys every moment of the well-earned rest, adventures and family time that lie ahead.