Totternhoe C.E. Academy
With God’s love, we seek adventure with our minds and find a home for our hearts
Testimonials
Parent and Carer comments
"There is happiness everywhere, in the teacher's teaching and the children's learning"
DSAMAT Board member on a school visit 2018.
DSAMAT Board member on a school visit 2018.
October 21
Hi all, Just wanted to say a huge thank you for this mornings football festival. The children LOVED it, it was such a nice event to be involved in, and to see all the children and adults having fun with some normality! Please could you pass our thanks onto all the staff involved, we have 2 very happy children!
March 2021
I just wanted to email to say a very very big heartfelt thank you to all of you at the school. You all work incredibly hard and go above and beyond all expectations!
All the extra things you have done over the course of the term really haven't gone unnoticed. I feel so lucky that my children go to such a wonderful, organised and caring school, we are truly blessed.
September 2020 - following RSHE Policy consultation
Thank you to you and Mrs Tebbutt for hosting the PHSE Zoom meeting. I had read through the policy prior to the meeting and all of my questions were answered in the Zoom.
My daughter is in Reception, so she won't start the topic in school yet, but will cover it at home through positive family relationships.
Having already raised a daughter through puberty, I'm very aware of the importance of open
dialogue surrounding the physical and emotional changes my child will experience.
I understand the importance of ALL children being given the opportunity to access this knowledge and the meeting highlighted how Tottenhoe will deliver this in an age appropriate, caring and practical way.
I have been so impressed by the school from the day my daughter started Reception. The level of care, communication and enthusiasm is outstanding.
Year R Parent (via Class Dojo to Mrs Bates)
March 2020
My daughter **** attends your pre school setting.
I just want to say what a fantastic job you guys are doing my daughter loves coming to the sessions and is always telling me about her day with such pride.
The app I downloaded to follow her progress is great always detailed with information as a parent you appreciate.
Received by email from a pre-school parent
February 2020
To be honest we have not known XXX as happy and settled as he is now since he started school. The reception, warmth, support and encouragement he has received at Totternhoe is completely changing his attitude to learning and we want that to continue for as long as possible! Thank you.
Year 4 Parent by email
December 2019
Community Christmas Tea and Entertainment
Mrs Bates,
Thank you so much for inviting XXX and I to your Christmas Entertainment. It was lovely and the children performed so well, please congratulate them.
Kind regards
Dec 19
Hello,
My daughter and I came to visit you yesterday and can I just say what a lovely little school you are! I’ve been to see many schools over the past couple of months and yours was the only one I got a lovely warm feeling about. My little girl XXX loved it too.
prospective parent - by email
November 2019
Subject: CYE trip
Good afternoon
Just wanted to say a big thank you to all the staff involved in the residential trip and to thank them for making it so enjoyable for all the children. XXX had a fantastic time and has not stopped talking about it. He is really hoping he can go back again next year.
October 2019
Dear Mrs Bates
Thank you very much for your assembly this afternoon, XXX came home extra happy today and was very proud of being mentioned. XXX has also positively talked to us about possibility of having XXX.
Also thank you and your team for the warm and friendly way in which you have managed this transition for XXX, it is very much appreciated, we have noticed a marked improvement in XXX’s attitude to school.
Kind regards
July 2019
I just wanted to thank all of the staff at Totternhoe for your continued support and looking after XXX and XXX when she was there too.
I have seen all of the hard work all of the teaching staff and administrators have put into the school and I really appreciate your dedication.
As always Mrs Mitchelmore showed her kindness and passion and made the children feel special.
Thank you again for looking after my girls and I hope you all enjoy your summer!
Email received from parent
December 2018
Dear Mrs Bates and Mrs Mitchelmore
We just wanted to say how much we have enjoyed the Ukulele concert and we are glad that children have the opportunity to learn an instrument in such a fun and enjoyable way with such an inspiring teacher. It was a truly joyful occasion.
It was also nice to have the little Choir singing at St Giles Fair, it would not be the same without them.
Perhaps Ukulele Carols next Year?
Thank you
Web message
Seeing your value is generosity at the moment I wanted to let you know that *** (Rowan class) generously gave his dad some money from his money box so he could go out and buy tomato ketchup to go with the fish & chip supper he had cooked. Daddy had no money on him and **** said 'you can have some from my money box daddy' straightaway. Thank you for the values you are teaching my son.
Y2 Parent
Dear Mrs Bates
I just wanted to email you to about Mrs O Neill.
XXX has had the most wonderful year in Cherry and Mrs O Neill has given him the absolute best start to his school career that I could ask for. She has brought out the very best in him, not only through her fantastic teaching, but also by creating such a secure and stimulating environment.
I am so grateful he has had such an experienced, dedicated and caring teacher and I will be forever grateful to her, as I know he will carry her influence with him for many years to come.
Kind regards
YR Parent
Hi Mrs Mitchelmore (Dell Farm)
Just to say XXX had a brilliant time. He hasn't stopped talking about what he did and how much he loved it - he wants to go back! It's such a lovely thing for them to do and it's great the school can take them. I hope you have a nice evening with glass of wine!
Y4 Parent
Dear Mrs Mitchelmore,
Thank you for taking children to the "Child at war" museum two weeks ago. I know that it was hot day and it is not easy to drive so many children to an event either. We have spoken about what they have seen and done when *** and **** came for dinner after the trip and both asked to go back again.
It really made us realised how effective the trip was when 2 weeks later *** still talks about Stan and asks questions about the war, evacuees and how it affected his own families on both sides of the channel.
P.S. The coin they got is amazing, we have cleaned up the glue with special cleaner an it is a beautiful keepsake.
Thank you
Y3 Parent
Dear all at Totternhoe Lower School,
I just had to email you all to say I have just put XXX to bed full of excitement and brimming with confidence about her day ahead tomorrow starting middle school. She came to Totternhoe a shy little 4 year old girl and has left you standing tall on her own two feet, ready for the next step. I just wanted to thank you all so much for the part you all played in making her who she is now, who I am so immensely proud of. I am so happy I chose Totternhoe to be where XXX spent her early years. I could not have wished for better friends or teachers for her, nor a better setting.
Finding a school that feels like family is so rare... don't ever change!
Kind regards,
F. Harvey
To two of the most wonderful teachers I have ever met,
It has been almost a year now since you both sat down with me and suggested *** may have dyspraxia. After moving miles away and numerous appointments with new doctors, I can now say you were both right! He has today seen a consultant neurologist who has confirmed he has full blown dyspraxia with additional specific learning difficulties.
We both miss your school dreadfully and cherish the time he was able to spend with you all.
I just wanted to take the opportunity to say a massive thank you for pointing us in the right direction, and supporting the fact that *** faced challenges in his education.
Thank you so much and please don't stop doing what you are doing, I only wish there were more schools like Totternhoe Lower!
Best regards,
S.Malcolm
Hi both
I just wanted to send a quick email to say what a fabulous day we had yesterday.
From start to finish it was a relaxed and happy day, and the children absolutely loved it. Such a wonderful experience for them all and Sutton Hoo was a massive hit with my group.
I mentioned to Mrs M that I was stopped by a retired teacher of 40 years and commended on how well behaved our group was. What a great testament to all.
Thank you for inviting me to help and I will happily join you for more!
Enjoy your weekends.
Parent in Y4
Dear Mrs Bates,
Just a quick email to thank you and the team for supporting *** at Totternhoe Lower School. She is clearly demonstrating her love for learning and making progress in Year 3 with Mrs C Bates and, also in maths, with Mrs Mitchelmore.
Also, *** and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance on Wednesday evening. We shared the joy of watching our daughter shine on the stage and smiled all the way through the whole show; it was a credit to you, the teaching team, and the children.
And finally, before I waffle on too much, please pass my thanks to Mrs Mitchelmore for organising and leading the visit yesterday. A great choice of venue, *** had a great day and got a lot from it.
Parent in Y3
Hello all
Just a message to say how absolutely amazing Panto Pandemonium was to watch last night! You can see how much work both the children and staff must have put into it and it definitely paid off! XXX couldn't stop talking about it all the way home... Year 4 in particular were brilliant.. A great mix of funny, sweet and charming! Well done Totternhoe Lower School!!
Kind regards,
Year 2 parent
Mrs. Bates,
Thank you for organising the Whipsnade Zoo Trip for the children.
Although it is ***'s home from home, there is always something new to explore and such a brilliant idea to explore what is on our doorstep, rather than travel miles away.
Please can you convey our "thanks" to all the staff involved including Mrs Munt for the lunch provided.
Parent in Y1
Hello Mrs Bates
I just wanted to send an email to say thank you! I have just seen that *** is going to be published in a young writers book. Thank you for giving the children incredible opportunities. I cannot tell you how proud I am! I really do thank you in all that you do and your wonderful staff! Totternhoe is truly the best!
Kindest regards
From a very happy mum
T. Baulk
Dear all involved in the Warwick castle trip,
Thank you for organising a great trip. XXX had a great time after tears this morning about going too far from mummy.
He had an amazing time, thank you all so much
S. Dunn
Hi
Just wanted to say how wonderful the Christmas fayre was! It was our first time coming as we are only of pre-school age - we were so impressed. Thank you to everyone who helped make it so successful!
A.Robson
To Sarah,
I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the effort that you and your team have put into the nativity play. **** really enjoyed the singing and dancing and I'm sure it's helped her confidence by standing on a big stage in front of all those faces! :o) All the children did a fantastic job and it was clear to see the effort that had gone into it to achieve such a wonderful performance!
Please could you pass on my thanks to all those involved in helping towards the nativity. Brilliant!.. you have set the bar high for next year :o))
Kind regards,
T. Knox.
Mrs Bates,
Thank you and the staff very much for taking the children to the Leighton Buzzard Library trail trip last Wednesday. XXXX came home inspired, drawn a lovely map of his trail trip and asked to go back as he "missed a few" bits to write down and would like to share his experience with us.
Also the "Young Writers Book" was an excellent idea and so inspiring. We have to read every night different stories, starting with TLS and Timothy is determined to read the whole book but said that he does not expect the other stories to be as good as Totternhoe's.
Thank you
Year 2 parents
I understand the importance of ALL children being given the opportunity to access this knowledge and the meeting highlighted how Tottenhoe will deliver this in an age appropriate, caring and practical way.
I have been so impressed by the school from the day my daughter started Reception. The level of care, communication and enthusiasm is outstanding.
Year R Parent (via Class Dojo to Mrs Bates)
March 2020
My daughter **** attends your pre school setting.
I just want to say what a fantastic job you guys are doing my daughter loves coming to the sessions and is always telling me about her day with such pride.
The app I downloaded to follow her progress is great always detailed with information as a parent you appreciate.
Received by email from a pre-school parent
February 2020
To be honest we have not known XXX as happy and settled as he is now since he started school. The reception, warmth, support and encouragement he has received at Totternhoe is completely changing his attitude to learning and we want that to continue for as long as possible! Thank you.
Year 4 Parent by email
December 2019
Community Christmas Tea and Entertainment
Mrs Bates,
Thank you so much for inviting XXX and I to your Christmas Entertainment. It was lovely and the children performed so well, please congratulate them.
Kind regards
Dec 19
Hello,
My daughter and I came to visit you yesterday and can I just say what a lovely little school you are! I’ve been to see many schools over the past couple of months and yours was the only one I got a lovely warm feeling about. My little girl XXX loved it too.
prospective parent - by email
November 2019
Subject: CYE trip
Good afternoon
Just wanted to say a big thank you to all the staff involved in the residential trip and to thank them for making it so enjoyable for all the children. XXX had a fantastic time and has not stopped talking about it. He is really hoping he can go back again next year.
October 2019
Dear Mrs Bates
Thank you very much for your assembly this afternoon, XXX came home extra happy today and was very proud of being mentioned. XXX has also positively talked to us about possibility of having XXX.
Also thank you and your team for the warm and friendly way in which you have managed this transition for XXX, it is very much appreciated, we have noticed a marked improvement in XXX’s attitude to school.
Kind regards
July 2019
I just wanted to thank all of the staff at Totternhoe for your continued support and looking after XXX and XXX when she was there too.
I have seen all of the hard work all of the teaching staff and administrators have put into the school and I really appreciate your dedication.
As always Mrs Mitchelmore showed her kindness and passion and made the children feel special.
Thank you again for looking after my girls and I hope you all enjoy your summer!
Email received from parent
December 2018
Dear Mrs Bates and Mrs Mitchelmore
We just wanted to say how much we have enjoyed the Ukulele concert and we are glad that children have the opportunity to learn an instrument in such a fun and enjoyable way with such an inspiring teacher. It was a truly joyful occasion.
It was also nice to have the little Choir singing at St Giles Fair, it would not be the same without them.
Perhaps Ukulele Carols next Year?
Thank you
Web message
Seeing your value is generosity at the moment I wanted to let you know that *** (Rowan class) generously gave his dad some money from his money box so he could go out and buy tomato ketchup to go with the fish & chip supper he had cooked. Daddy had no money on him and **** said 'you can have some from my money box daddy' straightaway. Thank you for the values you are teaching my son.
Y2 Parent
Dear Mrs Bates
I just wanted to email you to about Mrs O Neill.
XXX has had the most wonderful year in Cherry and Mrs O Neill has given him the absolute best start to his school career that I could ask for. She has brought out the very best in him, not only through her fantastic teaching, but also by creating such a secure and stimulating environment.
I am so grateful he has had such an experienced, dedicated and caring teacher and I will be forever grateful to her, as I know he will carry her influence with him for many years to come.
Kind regards
YR Parent
Hi Mrs Mitchelmore (Dell Farm)
Just to say XXX had a brilliant time. He hasn't stopped talking about what he did and how much he loved it - he wants to go back! It's such a lovely thing for them to do and it's great the school can take them. I hope you have a nice evening with glass of wine!
Y4 Parent
Dear Mrs Mitchelmore,
Thank you for taking children to the "Child at war" museum two weeks ago. I know that it was hot day and it is not easy to drive so many children to an event either. We have spoken about what they have seen and done when *** and **** came for dinner after the trip and both asked to go back again.
It really made us realised how effective the trip was when 2 weeks later *** still talks about Stan and asks questions about the war, evacuees and how it affected his own families on both sides of the channel.
P.S. The coin they got is amazing, we have cleaned up the glue with special cleaner an it is a beautiful keepsake.
Thank you
Y3 Parent
Dear all at Totternhoe Lower School,
I just had to email you all to say I have just put XXX to bed full of excitement and brimming with confidence about her day ahead tomorrow starting middle school. She came to Totternhoe a shy little 4 year old girl and has left you standing tall on her own two feet, ready for the next step. I just wanted to thank you all so much for the part you all played in making her who she is now, who I am so immensely proud of. I am so happy I chose Totternhoe to be where XXX spent her early years. I could not have wished for better friends or teachers for her, nor a better setting.
Finding a school that feels like family is so rare... don't ever change!
Kind regards,
F. Harvey
To two of the most wonderful teachers I have ever met,
It has been almost a year now since you both sat down with me and suggested *** may have dyspraxia. After moving miles away and numerous appointments with new doctors, I can now say you were both right! He has today seen a consultant neurologist who has confirmed he has full blown dyspraxia with additional specific learning difficulties.
We both miss your school dreadfully and cherish the time he was able to spend with you all.
I just wanted to take the opportunity to say a massive thank you for pointing us in the right direction, and supporting the fact that *** faced challenges in his education.
Thank you so much and please don't stop doing what you are doing, I only wish there were more schools like Totternhoe Lower!
Best regards,
S.Malcolm
Hi both
I just wanted to send a quick email to say what a fabulous day we had yesterday.
From start to finish it was a relaxed and happy day, and the children absolutely loved it. Such a wonderful experience for them all and Sutton Hoo was a massive hit with my group.
I mentioned to Mrs M that I was stopped by a retired teacher of 40 years and commended on how well behaved our group was. What a great testament to all.
Thank you for inviting me to help and I will happily join you for more!
Enjoy your weekends.
Parent in Y4
Dear Mrs Bates,
Just a quick email to thank you and the team for supporting *** at Totternhoe Lower School. She is clearly demonstrating her love for learning and making progress in Year 3 with Mrs C Bates and, also in maths, with Mrs Mitchelmore.
Also, *** and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance on Wednesday evening. We shared the joy of watching our daughter shine on the stage and smiled all the way through the whole show; it was a credit to you, the teaching team, and the children.
And finally, before I waffle on too much, please pass my thanks to Mrs Mitchelmore for organising and leading the visit yesterday. A great choice of venue, *** had a great day and got a lot from it.
Parent in Y3
Hello all
Just a message to say how absolutely amazing Panto Pandemonium was to watch last night! You can see how much work both the children and staff must have put into it and it definitely paid off! XXX couldn't stop talking about it all the way home... Year 4 in particular were brilliant.. A great mix of funny, sweet and charming! Well done Totternhoe Lower School!!
Kind regards,
Year 2 parent
Mrs. Bates,
Thank you for organising the Whipsnade Zoo Trip for the children.
Although it is ***'s home from home, there is always something new to explore and such a brilliant idea to explore what is on our doorstep, rather than travel miles away.
Please can you convey our "thanks" to all the staff involved including Mrs Munt for the lunch provided.
Parent in Y1
Hello Mrs Bates
I just wanted to send an email to say thank you! I have just seen that *** is going to be published in a young writers book. Thank you for giving the children incredible opportunities. I cannot tell you how proud I am! I really do thank you in all that you do and your wonderful staff! Totternhoe is truly the best!
Kindest regards
From a very happy mum
T. Baulk
Dear all involved in the Warwick castle trip,
Thank you for organising a great trip. XXX had a great time after tears this morning about going too far from mummy.
He had an amazing time, thank you all so much
S. Dunn
Hi
Just wanted to say how wonderful the Christmas fayre was! It was our first time coming as we are only of pre-school age - we were so impressed. Thank you to everyone who helped make it so successful!
A.Robson
To Sarah,
I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the effort that you and your team have put into the nativity play. **** really enjoyed the singing and dancing and I'm sure it's helped her confidence by standing on a big stage in front of all those faces! :o) All the children did a fantastic job and it was clear to see the effort that had gone into it to achieve such a wonderful performance!
Please could you pass on my thanks to all those involved in helping towards the nativity. Brilliant!.. you have set the bar high for next year :o))
Kind regards,
T. Knox.
Mrs Bates,
Thank you and the staff very much for taking the children to the Leighton Buzzard Library trail trip last Wednesday. XXXX came home inspired, drawn a lovely map of his trail trip and asked to go back as he "missed a few" bits to write down and would like to share his experience with us.
Also the "Young Writers Book" was an excellent idea and so inspiring. We have to read every night different stories, starting with TLS and Timothy is determined to read the whole book but said that he does not expect the other stories to be as good as Totternhoe's.
Thank you
Year 2 parents