Newsletters

You don’t need to have been far away from the radio or television since the new year to hear many of the national news stories about schools and education.  This is a time of transition for education with changes to the way the department for education supports schools, a curriculum review, and changes to Ofsted following the tragic death of primary headteacher Ruth Perry. Change is not uncommon in education, and in my 20+ years in education, I have learned to listen carefully and adapt calmly.

At INMAT we know that what we do must always be in the best interest of our pupils and families. We are proud of the education we provide for our pupils, as well as all the additional extra-curricular and personal development opportunities. Every member of staff in our schools knows what helps and supports our children to grow, learn and thrive. This will not change, regardless of the shifting picture in education as a whole.  We know what makes our schools special, and that is not going to change.

This term we said goodbye to Renuka Popat, who retired from a long and distinguished career in education. Over the years, Renuka has touched many pupils and families as a teacher, deputy headteacher, and then headteacher. Many will remember Renuka as headteacher at The Abbey, leading the school from strength to strength. In recent years, Renuka joined the central team at INMAT to support schools as a school improvement leader. In this time, she supported our wonderful school leaders to help improve their schools and to achieve their vision. We wish Renuka a long and restful retirement, with as many term time holidays as possible.

Helen Williams

CEO, INMAT

Enriching our curriculum with experiences for our children is important to us here at KPJA and this term has been filled with exciting and enriching experiences across all year groups. Year 5 had an engaging time at the Space Centre, expanding their knowledge of the universe. Year 6 participated in a powerful Holocaust Experience, deepening their understanding of history and its impact. Meanwhile, Year 5 showcased their creativity by designing and selling bags, demonstrating their entrepreneurial skills. Year 4 also took the stage as they held their parent assemblies, confidently presenting their learning to their families. 

This term, our assemblies have played a vital role in reinforcing key values and important topics. They have focused on our PARK Values—Pride, Achievement, Responsibility, and Kindness—encouraging students to embody these principles in their daily lives. Additionally, we have explored our Behaviour Curriculum, helping students understand expectations and positive conduct. Assemblies have also covered British Values, promoting democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect, and the rule of law. Furthermore, we have highlighted the importance of Protected Characteristics, fostering inclusivity and respect for diversity within our school community.  The children’s understanding of these was demonstrated by one of our Year 4 classes who, whilst reading their class novel The Firework Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman, were outraged when it was mentioned that the daughter could not make fireworks because she was a girl. They instantly responded with that’s against the protected characteristics! It is wonderful to see these young people gaining the knowledge to be the responsible citizens of tomorrow. 

Attendance is a key focus in our school, and we encourage all children to be an Attendance HERO—Here, On time, Ready to learn, Every day. To celebrate and promote excellent attendance, we recognize achievements every Friday in our Star of the Week assembly. The class with the highest attendance percentage above 96% in both the lower and upper school is announced, and their teacher is crowned King or Queen of the Staffroom for the following week. The children eagerly anticipate the results, and this initiative has contributed to a significant improvement in our overall attendance. 

Next term may be short, but it is packed with exciting events! We will be celebrating World Book Day, focusing on the inspiring Little People, Big Dreams series, encouraging a love for reading and learning about remarkable individuals. Year 5 will take part in their Bikeability training, developing essential cycling skills and road safety awareness. Year 3 will have the opportunity to shine in their class assemblies, showcasing their hard work and achievements. We will also be supporting Comic Relief with a Mufti Day, raising funds for a great cause. And, of course, with Easter approaching, there will be plenty of delicious chocolate treats to enjoy! 

Huge congratulations to Headteachers Amie James (Standens Barn Primary School) and Caroline Farmer (The Abbey Primary School) who have passed their NPQH qualification!

We also wish Renuka Popat a very happy retirement.

Renuka was headteacher at The Abbey Primary school for 15 years. She always put the children at the heart of everything she did.

Early into her headship, she led the school successfully through a significant phase of school improvement, determined to raise attainment for pupils. Her passion for music was evident throughout school, with the development of curriculum and music offer to include steel pans and African drum groups alongside many other collaborative groups. She worked closely with NMPAT and the local community to involve the school in numerous musical events, including all INMAT schools at The Big Sing.

Renuka led The Abbey Primary School with strength, passion and kindness. She created a positive culture and ethos which still lives on today. Thank you, Renuka!

Well done to everyone at Ashby Fields Primary School for winning the global inclusion award 2025 in recognition of the inclusive practices and work they do. They had this award presented at the IFIP awards night at the BETT Show. What an achievement. Well done Ashby, we're so proud of the work you do.

Safer Internet Day - Top Tips For Parents

This Safer Internet Day we are starting a conversation about how to spot, respond to, and report all types of scams online. Scams can take many forms and could target anyone, including young people. 

Enjoy going online together

Spending time online together with family is an important learning experience for the youngest internet users. Not only will you both enjoy the quality time together, but you can supervise their usage and guide them to make the safest choices.

Talk about their online experiences

Help give your child the language to explain what they’re experiencing online by starting conversations about the internet and technology as early as possible. Talking regularly about what they love doing online, as well as any worries they may have, will help establish this habit and mean they’re more likely to come to you for help as they get older.

Make use of settings, especially relating to online purchases

Parental controls and safety settings can help protect your child from online harms, including scams. To avoid any nasty surprises on your bank statement, make sure in-app purchases or new downloads require a passcode, and don’t set card details to autofill on devices your child has access to.

Explain that not everything online is true

If your child is too young to understand what fraud is, you can still lay the groundwork to help them stay safe online as they grow. Start simply and talk about the difference between real and make believe. Help them recognise that not everything online is true and that some things they see or hear could be stories, jokes or tricks.

Make sure they know they can always come to you

The most important thing for your child to know is that you are always there to support them, online and offline. Encourage them to talk to you if anything they experience makes them feel worried or upset, and show them they can trust you to stay calm, listen and help make things better.

Check out this fun, interactive quiz by BBC Bitesize together and test your internet safety knowledge as a family Safer Internet Day - KS1 | Ages 5-7 | Primary Topic Packs - BBC Bitesize

Year 6 had a great day at the University of Northampton. The children learnt all about Uni life and got to experience a selection of courses that the University offer. Looks like they had to really use their brains for this one!

A group of Year 6's visited Benham Sports Centre to take part in a Boccia tournament. For those who don't know, Boccia is an inclusive version of seated bowling. They all had fun learning a new sport and competing against other local schools.

As part of the Student Aspiration Squad, and our school membership to the Northamptonshire Sports Partnership, a group of our Year 5's visited the Pinnacle Climbing Centre. They conquered their fears and learnt some new skills in the process. Staff were very impressed at how quickly they took to rock climbing. It looks like they had a great time hanging around!

We've got lots more sporting opportunities for pupils across the whole school coming up, so watch this space for more sporting success at Kingsley.

Earlier in the term, our Year 4 pupils visited The Stables theatre and recording studio in Milton Keynes to record their own original songs. John Bowman, a brilliant musician and producer, had previously visited Kingsley to help write their songs together. They had great fun laying down their tracks and learning about the music industry.

Year 5 have had the pleasure of watching chicks hatch this week. Many of the children got to see them hatching from their shells in real time - what an amazing experience! And if you're wondering what will happen to them, don't fret. A staff member's relative keeps chickens in her back garden, so they will be going to a happy home.

St James Infant & Pre-School are working really hard to ensure their values are embedded in all aspects of the day. Children are showing great enthusiasm on the playground making sure to show respect, kindness, inclusion and teamwork in our playground games. Our school mascot KIT is so proud of them all. 

Children in EYFS at Wollaston Primary School have been developing an understanding of abstract and figurative art. They've explored various artists and their work and are keen to discuss their likes and dislikes. They discovered that abstract art often uses shapes and colours and that figurative art shows objects that can be identified, such as people or landscapes.

Year 6 at Ashby Fields Primary School experienced a Magistrates workshop. 

Year 4 at The Abbey Primary School visited the Mandir Temple in Wellingborough to learn all about Hinduism. Whilst there, they discovered the different Hindu Gods and explored the paintings and instruments in the temple. 

Falconer's Hill Infant School have been enjoying learning all about different festivals and celebrations around the world. EYFS were immersed in the Chinese New Year; trying different foods, making Chinese lanterns and willow pattern plates, and role played celebrating the festival. Whilst key stage 1 explored the Jewish festival of Shabbat. 

Kingsley Primary School are excited to share their brand new Eco Classroom. It is big enough to fit a whole class in and will be a space that will be used to teach children how renewable energy is made, through our new wind turbine and solar panel, and how this clean energy is converted into electricity for us to use. This expands our school's eco-zone, alongside our den building and forest school area.

Year 3 at Kettering Park Junior Academy welcomed a variety of animals into school, including land snails, snakes and spiders, giving them a hands-on learning experience about different species.

As part of Children's Mental Week Kettering Park Infant Academy held a "Dress to Express Day" where our students showcased their unique personalities through their favourite outfits! They all looked amazing!

Hall Meadow Primary School celebrated the grand opening of their brand new library this term. The celebrations began with an assembly featuring a book reading from Mrs Bodman-Knight and an outstanding musical and dance performance delivered by a group of pupils. Then fantastic local children's author Gary Dix cut the ribbon on the library. The day ended with parent reading visits. 

Throughout the Children's Mental Health Week, Little Harrowden Primary School ran activities designed to help the children explore their feelings, build confidence, and understand the importance of looking after their mental health. The workshops explored managing emotions. The children made mood boards, exploring how they can help themselves deal with uncomfortable emotions.

Standens Barn Primary School competed in STEM Racing, an international STEM competition endorsed by Formula 1. They have designed and manufactured a miniature F1 car using CAD / CAM and CAE design tools. They presented their designs to a panel and received incredible reaction times during races. They achieved several awards; best engineered car, fastest car, pit display award, 3rd place overall and nominated for judges award.

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Our colleague, Sharon Lynham, began her career in education as a teaching assistant when her children started school. When her children left school, Sharon decided to get qualified as a teacher. She now teaches at Kettering Park Junior Academy. Sharon shares with us her inspiring story about getting back into education and starting a new career path.

What inspired you to want to become a teacher?

Having been a TA for many years, I supported some inspiring teachers. This gave me the desire to learn how to do what they did so well, the ability to engage with children and watch their curiosity grow.  Having had a difficult time at school myself, there was one teacher who looked out for me. She encouraged me when I thought I couldn't do it. That's the teacher I want to be. 

What route did you take to become a teacher and why?

I started my journey by taking a Foundation Degree at Tresham college in Educational Practice. Followed by a top-up BA at Pen Green in Early Childhood and family support. I had to study evenings and weekends because of my day job and family commitments. I then completed ITT (initial teacher training) with the Cambridge Partnership which was supported by INMAT.  I had a school mentor who I worked alongside for the year. I am now an ECT (Early Career Teacher).

What is it like being an ECT with INMAT?

I am enjoying being an ECT, although it can be overwhelming at times. I am getting a lot of support from my mentor. The team of teachers and support staff are always there if I need them. 

Working for INMAT gave me the confidence to go on to complete a degree in education. They also trained me to their standards and employed me as an ECT 1. For that I am grateful! I genuinely could not work in a more supportive trust!

What's it like being a teacher at KPJA?

I enjoy having my own class. The workload can be overwhelming, but once I'm in the flow, it's manageable.  I do not feel pressured as the support from leadership is fantastic.  My mentor wants me to do well and gives me suggestions on how I can improve my practice.  

What are your plans when you have completed your ECT?

I thoroughly enjoy working for INMAT so I would like to stay at KPJA to embed the skills I have learnt. KPJA has been my number one supporter since embarking on a teaching degree. I feel like it is my turn to return the support. It is the school in my local community, and it's meaningful to me to give something back to it. 

Have you got a message to aspiring teachers who want to train with INMAT?

Just go for it! If I can do it, anyone can.  Follow your dreams. If you don't try, you'll never know. 

Are you thinking of becoming a teacher?

• Do you have a passion for teaching?
• Do you want to complete training at a school local to you?
• Do you have a degree?

We're looking for candidates for our school-based teacher training course which is going live in September 2025.

For further information about the SCITT course, click the lines below.

Northamptonshire Teaching School Hub - Upcoming events

Get school experience

Funding: initial teacher training (ITT)

Register your interest in the SCITT course

Get in touch for more information and details on how you can apply by sending an email to - comms@inmat.org.uk

You can also follow us on social media to keep posted on any teacher training events we are due to hold.