YEAR 6 children from Portesham Primary school were able to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity recently to go white water rafting at the Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire.

They were lucky enough to ride the rapids, prior to the world’s best athletes in 2012, on the purpose built Legacy Loop course, the only London 2012 venue open to the public ahead of the Games.

After being fitted with all the safety equipment – wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids - the children began with a full safety briefing from a qualified raft guide and were given instruction and practice on paddling skills on the flat water lake before venturing onto the rapids.

Each raft contained an adult and an instructor together with three or four children who then paddled from the lake across to the rapid course. A “raft escalator” took them to the top where their adventure began!

They went through bumps, turns, currents, hills and bouncing off the sides of the course before being “spat out” – their phrase! - at the other end! They enjoyed it so much that most of them went round five or six times! What an amazing experience.

AFTER careful consideration and consultation with parents, the community and the Local Authority, the Governing Body of Portesham school have decided to open a Foundation Stage Unit which will cater for children from 2 years 9 months old and run through to the end of their Reception year. Governors have visited several schools with such provision and are convinced that this will be in the best short and long term interests of the pupils who would be able to move seamlessly onto Key Stage One.

The Foundation Stage Unit will provide both educational and social continuity within the purpose built community facility run by qualified and experienced staff. It will enable parents to deliver and collect children of different ages to one venue at the same time.

This provision will start at the beginning of the Summer term 2012 and parents will be able to register for free sessions for children who are 3.

Parents wishing to register an interest should contact the school on 871283 or office@portesham.dorset.sch.uk.

Don’t forget the Cream tea afternoon hosted by the Women’s Fellowship at Portesham Methodist church on Tuesday, 1 November at 3pm.

It is hoped that at least £180 can be raised to enable two Shelter Boxes to be sent from Portesham following the enormously successful St Peter’s Harvest supper which raised £1000.

A reminder that Remembrance services at St Peter’s Portesham begin with a Communion service at 9am on Sunday, 13 November followed by a wreath laying at the war memorial in the churchyard at 1015am.