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WELCOME 
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are at the end of Term 4 already and what an eventful and action-packed term it has been! Our children have been given many wonderful learning opportunities alongside events and activities to support and develop their citizenship and BEST skills.
I would like to wish Eid Mubarak to all of our families in the community who celebrated Eid and I wish a very happy Easter to all those who will be celebrating next week.
Please remember we will remain closed to children on Monday 13th April as this is a training day. We therefore look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 8:45a.m (arriving at school by 8:40am) ready for the start of the Summer term!
I hope you all enjoy a restful break.
Mrs Amie James
Head teacher
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Farewell
It is with mixed emotions that we let you know that Mrs Dobbin will be leaving our school on Friday 27th March 2026 to begin a new opportunity and develop her career at another primary school.
Mrs Dobbin joined our team as a teaching assistant but, in 2019, she then continued her service with us as a newly qualified class teacher. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Mrs Dobbin develop into a wonderful teacher.
Her dedication to teaching and life at Standens Barn along with her passion for BEST will be very missed- she has inspired our children, and absolutely created a nurturing and kind environment for learning.
Mrs Christadoulou will also be leaving our school on Friday 27th March 2026 to begin her retirement.
Mrs Christadoulou joined our team in 2013, and she has supported and cared for many children and had a wonderful impact on them all for the past 13 years. Mrs C’s dedication to BEST and life at Standens Barn will be greatly missed.
We are incredibly grateful for all they have both done and wish them huge success and happiness as they begin their new adventures.
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'The Sea of Tranquility'
We began World Book Day by giving the children (and parents) clues at the gates as to what our story might be about. Our whole school then came together to celebrate by watching a special film and listening to the beginning of the beautiful story 'The Sea of Tranquility' by Mark Haddon.
For two days, all the children from Reception to Year 6 explored the same story through drama, artwork and lots of creative literacy activities. It was wonderful to celebrate the joy of 1 book, enjoying the power of reading and sharing a story together!
All children had dedicated time to use the VR headsets to explore the Moon, watch a shuttle launch and be part of the Solar System. They also created their own moon footprints which have been used in a collective display along our corridor space. The children also thought about their own dreams and aspirations which were a pleasure to read.
Year 5 and 6 got creative with their artwork, designing vintage TV screens showing the moment the first man landed on the moon. A fantastic mix of history, imagination and art — we loved seeing their interpretations of this iconic moment!
To celebrate the end of our World Book Day adventure, each class designed their own fabric flag to “plant on the moon.” Inspired by our shared story and lots of imagination, the children created colourful, creative flags that show just how far their ideas can travel and how unique we all are!
We were even lucky enough to receive a beautiful message from the author himself . . .
I wanted to say big thank you for choosing The Sea of Tranquility as your World Book Day book,.
I'm really glad it inspired so many wonderful activities.
I wouldn’t have known anything about it but I stumbled on it when the school tagged me on Instagram.
Seeing the post brought a lump to my throat.
I wrote that book (and Christian Birmingham did the glorious illustrations) over thirty years ago.
It’s a hugely uplifting feeling to discover that it’s still out there in the world finding and entertaining new readers.
Sending you many many good wishes...
Happy reading!
Mark Haddon
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Glorious Growing
What a busy term the Giraffe class have had! From adding to the story map of The Tiny Seed and adding actions, to finding things that are longer and shorter than their feet. They have also been busy completing their lollipop jobs, making flowers from play dough and loose parts and designing their own fairy gardens as part of their theme.
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'Lady with the Lamp'
As part of their learning, Year 1 & 2 took part in a fantastic Zoom session all about Florence Nightingale with the wonderful team at the Florence Nightingale Museum. The children travelled back in time to learn about the “Lady with the Lamp,” discovering how she cared for soldiers, improved hospitals and changed nursing forever. They asked thoughtful questions and impressed us with everything they already knew!
A brilliant interactive session that really brought our learning to life — thank you to the museum team for inspiring our future nurses and historians!
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Raptors!
We were thrilled to welcome Dave RaptorXotics Falconry and some incredible birds of prey into school, including majestic eagles and beautiful owls. The children learnt all about their habitats, hunting skills and amazing wingspans — and even had the chance to see them swoop and glide through the school hall!
There were plenty of “wows” … and yes, a little bit of bird poop too!
Thank you, Dave, as always it was a pleasure to have you bring Crackerjack and your amazing birds of prey into our school.
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Fun with Electricity!
As part of their unit of work in Science, our Year 6 children have designed and made their own electronic wire loop game. They have thoroughly enjoyed putting their knowledge into practice.
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F1 in Schools
On Tuesday 24th March, our F1 team, Red Owls Racing, had the BEST day at the F1 in Schools National Finals. They raced, presented and explained all they learnt throughout STEM racing. They were a true credit to the school and an excellent example of BEST. We are all so proud of their bravery in racing their cars, presenting to the judges and being interviewed live on YouTube. The final was incredibly close and with an amazing standard of racing! Well done to them all!
Once again, thank you to Mr High and Miss Haines for enabling our children to have this opportunity, to Benn Security, OL Installations and Chris Shipley Plastering for their generous sponsorship of our teams.
A massive thank you to Benn Security and our parents for your voluntary contributions, which helped us fund the coach travel. Thank you to our parents for sending a food platter and keeping our teams well fuelled too!
Without these demonstrations of BEST, the children would not have been able to take part in this fantastic opportunity.
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On Friday 20th March, our school helped raise money for Red Nose Day. As it is the 100th Birthday of Winnie the Pooh, the children could come to school dressed in outfits from this theme or as a Disney character or just in red!
The children also had the opportunity to take part in the Red Nose Day Festival. Across the school, many adults led many different fun activities for the children to choose and take part in.
We raised £297- thank you for your kind donations #thoughtful
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This term, our Friends of Standens Barn arranged our annual Easter Egg raffle with lots of chocolatey treats on offer.
The winning tickets were drawn on Friday 27th March in our end-of-term afternoon assembly. All monies raised will go towards Summer treats, new school equipment and playground development.
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We would be so grateful if you could offer your time, ideas and support to the Friends of Standens Barn – this may include helping at discos, collecting tuck shop sweets or just giving suggestions about how to raise money.
If you are interested, please contact the main school office on 01604 413151or email us at sbps-admin@sbps.inmat.org.uk and we will be in touch!
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During our assemblies this term, the children have been focusing on BEST and how we can follow this in all areas of our lives, no matter where we are or who we are with.
We have reminded the children about what our Protected Characteristics are and how we must be tolerant and respectful and remember that we all have differences, but we are all welcome.
We have also learnt about Eid and encouraged children and staff in our school community to share how they have enjoyed their celebrations. Eid Mubarak to all of those who celebrate- we hope you had a wonderful time with your family and friends!
This term, the children have been sharing and discussing the following books with their teachers:
Reception: Glorious Growing
Year 1 and 2: Elmer
Year 3: Shu Lin's Grandpa
Year 4: Remixed
Year 5: And Tango makes three
Year 6: Marlon Bundo
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Attendance Reminder 
The school doors open at 8:45am so please ensure your child(ren) arrives at school by 8:40am to ensure your child(ren) have a settled start to the school day and do not miss out on any meet-and-greet moments with staff, settling in time with their friends, but crucial literacy skills, which not only help them now but have a significant impact on their future attainment and outcomes. The gates will be closed by 9:00am.
We absolutely want our children to thrive and be the BEST that they can be, but we can only do this with your support.
We understand that juggling home life, work life and school life is tricky, but arriving to school on time is also ensuring our children are building valuable life skills for when they become adults (many of us would not arrive late to work!).
Simple ways to improve lateness is ensuring bags, packed lunches and uniforms are ready the night before. Getting to school on time may mean ensuring a good bedtime/sleep routine and setting the morning alarms a little bit earlier!
We are always here to support you so please reach out if you would like any further advice or practical help.
Thank you for your cooperation and ensuring your child's future is a bright one!
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School Attendance
Reception: 94.6%
Year 1: 95.3%
Year 2: 97%
Year 3: 96.8%
Year 4: 95.3%
Year 5: 96.4%
Year 6: 95.1%
Well done to Year 2!
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Please continue to check your emails, our school website and social media for updates about our curriculum offer for your child. We regularly send out and upload information, especially at the beginning of a new school term.
We would also encourage you to ask your child about what they have been doing- we have the pleasure of talking to them about their school experiences and they are open, honest but also very enthusiastic!
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For further information about trips, events and visitors- please check your emails for more information. Copies of all letters can be found on our school website:
https://www.standens.northants.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=18
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Please follow the link below if you would like to register your child to local girl guiding units- these clubs offer a great way for your child to participate in wonderful events and new opportunities: Rainbows (4-7) | Girlguiding Brownies (7-10) | Girlguiding
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To keep all our children safe, the play equipment/trim trail on our school playground must not to be used before and after school. The equipment is only supervised during playtimes, lunchtimes and specific PE lessons.
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Please remember the car park is shut between 8:30am and 9:10am and from 3:00pm until 3:30pm unless you hold a disability badge/permit for vehicles (this must be displayed clearly). Our caretaker will open the school gates when it is time to do so.
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Please remember that if your child would like to bring their bike or scooter into school, they must wear a helmet.
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We are committed to BEST and treating you with respect and courtesy and to be Thoughtful to you all. Our staff also have the right to work in a safe environment, so we ask that you treat them thoughtfully and with respect and courtesy. Offensive behaviour will result in you being asked to leave and may result in prosecution.
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Please be Safe and Thoughtful when collecting or dropping your child(ren) off.
We understand that it can be very stressful in the mornings when we have to be in multiple places but it is vital that ALL car drivers remain courteous to all of those in our community and that they also drive and park within the law to ensure we do not hurt or harm anyone.
The Highway Code Rule 243 states that it is illegal to stop or park near the following:
- near a school entrance (including zig zag lines)
- anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
- at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
- on the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing
- opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
- near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
- opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
- where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
- where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
- in front of an entrance to a property
- on a bend
- where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities
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