Dear parents and carers,

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Ashdon Primary School is a very special place. As a small village school, every child is known, valued, and nurtured to reach their unique potential.

I am immensely proud of our excellent team of dedicated teachers and support staff who work alongside our enthusiastic and resilient pupils to create a vibrant learning community. Together with our supportive parents and engaged governors, we are united in our commitment to making Ashdon a place where children thrive.

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At the heart of everything we do are our three core values: Challenge, Care, and Celebrate. These underpin our ambitious curriculum, our nurturing relationships, and our recognition of every child's individual progress and achievement.

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We are driven by four key priorities that shape our educational offer: Exposure, Opportunities and Aspirations – broadening horizons and igniting curiosity Reading and Oracy – developing confident communicators Physical Development – building strong foundations for learning and wellbeing Resilience and Respect – fostering the characteristics of effective learners

We also teach and model the important values that prepare children for life: friendship, thankfulness, truthfulness, trust, forgiveness, respect, admiration, and responsibility. Our 4Rs give children a simple, shared language for how we behave towards one another: Respectful, Responsible, Resilient, and Ready. Every child in every class knows them, and they are used consistently across the school – in lessons, on the playground, and at lunchtime.

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Our pupils are keen to learn and actively involved in shaping their school. A walk through Ashdon reveals their creativity, achievements, and pride in their work. Their voices are heard and valued through our student council, surveys, reflection assemblies, and our open-door approach.

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In a small school, every child matters. We track individual progress from each child's unique starting point, celebrating the journey rather than just the destination. This personalised approach means your child will never be a statistic – they will be truly seen, understood, and supported.

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Although we are a small village school, we do not work in isolation. Ashdon is a full member of the Uttlesford Consortium, a partnership of schools across North West Essex, and I sit on its Management Group. This gives our children and staff access to shared training, moderation and expertise from well beyond our own school gates. You can read more about the Consortium and what it means for our pupils here. 

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We are also very fortunate to have Jaffle, our school dog. Jaffle is a miniature dachshund who is in school four days a week, and children read to him at breaktime and lunchtime. Reading to Jaffle builds confidence beautifully – he listens patiently and never corrects – and he is always on hand for a quiet cuddle on a difficult day. We have a full dog policy and risk assessment in place, and no child is ever required to be near Jaffle.

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Please do speak to us if you have any questions. Our website provides helpful information about the school, but nothing replaces experiencing Ashdon in action. I warmly invite you to visit us, meet our wonderful pupils and staff, and discover what makes our village school so special.

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Please do not hesitate to contact me – I would be delighted to welcome you to Ashdon Primary School.