2019-20 Newsletters
July Consultation Letter 23.9.19
2019-20 News
2018-19 Key Newsletters
01.02.19 parent and carers views of the school - audit results
15.02.19 family reading challenge
16.4.16 SATs information booklet
24.5.19 help needed newsletter
09.07.19 Wellbeing week information letter
09.07.19 Wellbeing week eco letter
22.07.19 Chair of Governors Newsletter
2018-19 News Updates
Are your children bored during school holidays? Updated 30.7.19)
Try this link for school holiday activities:
Training days and Test dates for 2020 (updated 26.7.19)
Training days 2019-20:
- Monday 2.9.19
- Monday 4.11.19
- Friday 14.2.20
- Friday 22.5.20
- Monday 20.7.20
2020 Tests dates:
Y1 Phonics: 8th-12th June 2020
Y2 SATs: the whole of May 2020
Y4 multiplication: 8th -26th June 2020
Y6 SATs: 11th - 14th May 2020
School Picnic (Updated 19.7.19)
There seems to be some confusion about the picnic. As explained before we will be going ahead as planned. At 2.30pm class teachers will open classroom doors and families will be made welcome to eat their picnic in the classroom, or collect their child and then collect other children in the family. All children will need to be signed out with their class teacher. Once this is done families can choose to have their picnic in any classroom or any space in school. As long as children are signed out parents may leave at any point after their picnic, taking their children with them. They should leave through a classroom door and not the main entrance.
What a shame we are in this predicament after such a fantastic week, but we will not be beaten by the weather.
End of year update (updated 18.7.19)
We hope that you appreciate and prefer our new style of reports; we wanted them to be much more personalised than in previous years.
What an exceptional week we have had - a superb ending to a very positive school year. Well-being Week has added to our successes; morning wake up shake up, guest sports people, walk to school, Sports Days and many other things have been very much enjoyed.
We are pleased that the weather has help up this week. Tomorrow we aim to have a picnic on the field; however, it is likely to rain. If it does so, feel free to still bring along a picnic, but go to classroom doors where staff will let you in from 2.30pm onwards so that you can eat indoors.
Remember too that next Tuesday is Bedtime Stories Day - children can bring along their favourite story book and wear sensible pyjamas. They will do various reading and story-telling tasks in the morning, with afternoon popcorn and video linked to previous learning.
For the summer, we have just been informed that 12 children from our school can attend summer workshops at Skelton Grange. Please see the attached letter that explains how to place an interest in being allocated a place.
Bedtime Story Day (updated 23.7.19)
On Tuesday 23rd July 2019 we will be celebrating bedtime reading by holding a Bedtime Story Day in school. Children are welcome to come to school in their pyjamas and bring their favourite bedtime story to share with their friends. In the afternoon, we will be finishing off the school year by watching a film version of one of our favourite books (with popcorn, of course!)
PTA Easter Fair (updated 18.4.19)
Due to the fact the Easter Fair had to be cancelled yesterday, the PTA are now struggling for another date. To enable them to offload the chocolate, they are going to set up the chocolate tombola in the main school playground after school at 3.15pm today. We would greatly appreciate parents supporting our PTA and all the hard work they put in. Thank you.
PTA Easter Fair (updated 19.3.19)
The PTA Easter Fair will be held on the 17th April, in the main hall, between 3.15 and 4.15pm. We hope you will join us there!
PTA Dress Down Day (updated 28.3.19)
Tomorrow is PTA Chocolate Tombola Dress Down Day. Children may wear football strips as long as they are sensible about this. Please would all those who dress down bring chocolates for the PTA Easter Fair. Thank you.
Grant funding (updated 23.3.19)
Yippee! We are pleased to announce that Mrs Christie has secured £10,000 lottery grant funding. Our PTA has also secured just over £9,300 grant funding. All monies will be spent on playgrounds, as stated in the grant criteria. Look out for changes over the next few months!
Governors Meeting (updated 23.3.19)
Governor Resources Committee met this week to discuss how we meet the needs of all children in these challenging times of financial restraint. They also considered a risk assessment of premises and plans for grant funding.
Mobile app (updated 21.3.19)
We try to improve communication with families as often as possible.
Our mobile app can be downloaded free of charge. To help Parents, there are now direct links to Parent Pay and Twitter on our mobile app.
For those who do not want to open a Twitter account, select "not now" and you will be able to see Twitter. You will not be able to interact without an account, but we hope it will be useful for you to quickly see news updates.
Leeds Rhinos visit (updated 21.3.19)
Harvey, from Leeds Rhinos, came to talk to us about healthy lifestyles. He brought along Ronnie Rhino, who danced to show us how fit he is. We will eat well, to be strong and healthy like Ronnie. Harvey also invited children to join rugby sessions with the Rhinos.
Supporting Comic Relief (updated 15.3.19)
We are responsible for making the right choices. Everyone dressed up today to contribute to fundraising for the charity. We decided that this was a good choice, as we were helping others less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you to all families who arranged red outfits!
Knife Crime Assembly (updated 11.3.19)
PCSO 624 talked to Y5 and Y6 children about knife crime. Afterwards, the children asked questions. They were sensible and respectful. They learnt important values about keeping safe.
Parents Evening Reminder (updated 11.3.19)
Just a quick reminder that we are hosting Parents Evenings tonight and on Wednesday for all year groups except Y3. If you do not have an appointment please ask your child's teacher. Y3 meetings will be held a little later in the year.
Red Nose Day Reminder (updated 10.3.19)
Remember Friday 15th March is Comic Relief Day - wear something red. When you donate to Comic Relief you support vulnerable people in the UK and internationally. The vision is to create a just world, free from poverty. We can help by supporting the fundraising every year.
New Parent Governor (updated 4.3.19)
We are pleased to inform you that we now have a new Parent Governor. There was only one nomination. Therefore, we do not need to go to ballot. The new Parent Governor is Nicola Warren, who has two children at our school.
Momo Challenge (updated 2.3.19)
This week, we have been made aware of an online issue that puts children at risk. It is called the Momo challenge.
At our school, we put safeguarding as our main priority. We often talk to children about being “safe and happy”.
Please use the link address below to find a useful guidance sheet, recommended by Leeds City Council Child Protection Team. Also, there is a lot of advice on this website about other factors that may be worrying to parents and carers.
http://www.drighlingtonprimary.co.uk/our-school-1/our-school/safeguarding
Please be aware that we will do all that we can to support any family in any situation. If you have any concerns about anything at all, please contact us.
I look forward to seeing you all next week during our Parent’s Evening sessions and hope you will be pleased with the work our teachers share with you. We have a really committed team of staff who work very hard to meet our vision – nurturing, supporting, believing, achieving.
Successful Fire Evacuation Practice (updated 1.3.19)
Today our children, staff and guests evacuated the building within two minutes, and were all accounted for within three and a half minutes. We practice regularly so that, in the event of a real need to evacuate, we can do this effectively. We also practice invacuation, where the whole school goes into lockdown. These measures add to our commitment to safeguarding.
Leeds Rhinos Coach in School (updated 1.3.19)
We work in partnership with a wide range of local people. Year 1 and year 3 enjoyed their rugby session with the Leeds Rhinos coach today. They learned how to carry a rugby ball and how to place the ball down when scoring a try.
British Values (update 27.2.19)
In assembly we thought about British Values and how we behave in school. It is up to each child to decide how hard they work in lessons. We call this individual liberty. We agreed that we all have to follow rules - even adults must follow the rule of law.
World Book Day (updated 27.2.19)
We will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 7th March. What book character will you dress as? This is an important day in our school calendar as it gives children the opportunity to explore a text with a fun perspective. We put great emphasis upon love of reading as this is such an important part of the children's ability to access so many aspects of learning. We do not expect families to go to great expense for this occasion. All children will have a memorable day, whether they dress in costume or not.

Book Fair (updated 26.2.19)
Come along to our book fair. A great choice of books. 3:15 to 4:00pm in the small hall Wed. 27th Feb until Friday 1st March. Don't forget you can use your World Book Day £1 voucher towards the cost of your books. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Supporting our Community (updated 25.2.19)
We have been invited to create pictures of pets to be used for the front cover of the next Drighlington Parish newsletter. Our children are very busy, painting and drawing in the style of famous artists. They are enjoying the challenge!
Important Dates for your Diary (updated 23.2.19)
Our training days for 2018-19 are:
- Friday 24th May 2019
- Wednesday 24th July 2019
Comic Relief Red Nose Day 15th March 2019 - wear something red!
A Date to Remember (updated 21.2.19)
Don't forget Evidence of Learning Day 17th July 2019. This is the time of year when families come into school to share and celebrate their child's learning achievements. We hope the weather will be pleasant, so that families can sit out in the sunshine whilst looking at books.
New Family Challenge (updated 15.02.19)
For our next family challenge we are focusing on promoting reading and, particularly, reading for pleasure.
Reading is a vital skill for children to master if they are to be successful in life. It is really important that every child in school should read every day. We would love to see pictures of your children (and yourselves?) enjoying a favourite book, a library book or one from the reading scheme, as we have some lovely new books in school. Children have reported enjoying our colour coded book scheme and choosing their own reading books.
All classes are visiting the library once a month and children are encouraged to bring a book from home they have out grown or already read and swap it at Reading Rinaldo’s Book Swap shelf for a different book.
Y5/6 Monday
Y3/4 Wednesday
Y1/2 Friday
Early Years children have book swap boxes in their classrooms and can swap their books daily.
Our family challenge is to take a photograph of your child ‘Extreme Reading’ and bring it into school or send via email to info@drighlingtonprimary.org.uk. This can be reading: in the garden, up a tree, at the zoo or anywhere you can read!
Entries should contain the child’s name and class and will be judged and displayed in school by Friday 1st March. We look forward to receiving your imaginative ideas.
Newsround Reporters (updated 8.2.19)
Our Newsround Reporters are Joe, Hanifa, Liam, Armani and Daisy. In assembly today, we introduced them and talked about the important job they will be doing. They will have to find out what children think about our school and then write reports to share the ideas.
This afternoon, they had their first Newsround meeting - they were given special badges to wear in school. Their first job is to find out what children like about our school. They will publish their reports on the Children's section of our website.
Christmas Jumper Day 2018 (updated 01.02.19)
We would like to say a big thank you to all who supported the Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 14th December. It was a great success and together we raised a grand total of £289.28!
Safe parking (updated 31.1.19)
Sadly we have had another report about unsafe parking on the yellow lines outside the school, this can make it more difficult for children to cross the road safely. As you know, being safe and happy is the most important work of our school. We want the start and end of the day to be safe for our children.
For our next family challenge project, we are focussing on ways in which we can help to save our environment. We have been talking to children in KS1 and KS2 about three key things we can all do:
- REDUCE: for example, save paper and reduce the amount we use in school
- REUSE: for example, using yoghurt pots to store pencils
- RECYCLE: for example, sending paper to be recycled into new items
The new family challenge (open to all children) is to draw a picture, create a poster, write a poem, or write instructions about how to reduce, reuse or recycle. The deadline for completing the family challenge is next Friday the 25th January 2019. Every entry will receive a small prize and the winners will be displayed on the website, around school and in local public places such as local churches and the library.
A winner in each class will be named the Eco Warrior for their class. We look forward to seeing the artwork and writing!
Change 4 Life School Dinner Day (updated 14.1.19)
As part of our work on healthy eating we will be holding a Change 4 Life school dinner day on Thursday 17th January 2019. All children, even those who do not normally have school dinners, may book a Change 4 Life School dinner for one day so they can try the experience of school dinners with hot vegetables and fresh fruit. Also, with the busy workload of many families and cold days approaching, we think it would be a good idea to encourage as many children as possible to have hot school dinners.
On Change 4 Life school dinner day we will be serving a roast chicken dinner, with a range of vegetables and an option of ice cream and fresh fruit. We will be talking to children about healthy foods and how a healthy diet can improve brain power.
Jeans for Genes Day 2018 (updated 21.11.18)
We would like to say a big thank you to all who supported the Jeans for Genes day on Friday 21st September. It was a great success and together we raised a grand total of £249.40!
Children in Need (updated 15.11.18)
Don't forget that tomorrow is Children in Need Charity day. Children can support the charity by wearing something spotty.
Half Term Homework Project (updated 25.10.18)
This half term we are setting an optional homework task for all children linked to the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. We would like to create our own ‘River of Poppies’, similar to one displayed at the Tower of London.
We would therefore like each child to produce a poppy. We will join them all together to create a whole school display in the hall. You can create your poppy out of any material you like (tissue paper, card, knitted, etc.).
As an extension to this task, you could produce some research about the First World War which can be presented in your chosen way. You might research a particular soldier, a battle or a place linked to the war or you could research facts about the war in general. This could be presented as:
- A poster
- A leaflet
- A powerpoint
- A poem
- A song
- A picture
- Or any other way you can think of.
We look forward to seeing the results and using the work to commemorate this important event.
Safe parking (updated 11.10.18)
Sadly we have had another report about unsafe parking on footpaths and corners of the streets. This especially applies to those who park on yellow lines outside the school. As you know, being safe and happy is the most important work of our school. We want the start and end of the day to be safe for our children. Thank you for keeping our village a happier place for everyone.
Starlight fundraising (updated 9.10.18)
Once again we would like to thank everyone for supporting our PTA with their Starlight recycling collection. The container is outside the main gate. So far, your collections have raised £222.70 towards the PTA account. Keep up the good work!
Celebrations agreed (updated 1.10.18)
We asked the children for their views about how we should celebrate our Anti-Bullying Quality Mark Bronze award. After much discussion in all classes, the general agreement was to have parties. So ... in all classes, there will be parties, held on different days of the week! Our wonderful PTA will provide refreshments. Parents and Carers need do nothing other than remind children how amazing they are and how proud we are of them for achieving this national award.
Celebration Time! (updated 20.9.18)
Thank you (updated 8.9.18)
Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make our first week so successful. The children have settled really well and we are very proud of them.
Assembly (updated 6.9.18)
In out first assembly, children thought about their growth mindset. We wondered what difference a positive mindset makes. We know that we have to try hard, keep going no matter what and remember there things we can't do ... yet!
New Year (updated 5.9.18)
What a fantastic start to the new year. Our school team is dedicated and ambitious! The atmosphere in classrooms is positive, the children are enthusiastic and adults are keen to focus on targeted learning.
Our training days for 2018-19:
3.9.18
5.11.18
15.2.19
24.5.19
24.7.19
2017-18 Key Newsletters
click here for September 2017 welcome newsletter
click here for 26.9.17 update newsletter
click here for Christmas newsletter
click here for 4.12.17 update newsletter
click here for 21.3.18 update newsletter
click here for Y6 SATs update newsletter
click here for 24.5.18 update newsletter
click here for 9.7.18 transition newsletter (amended version)
click here for 19.7.18 newsletter
2017-18 News Updates
Year-end Thank (updated 29.7.18)
Thank you to everyone who has supported us in achieving many successes this year. Have a safe, happy and enjoyable summer. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday the 4th September (Monday the 3rd is a training day).
Wrap Around Care (updated 19.7.118)
We are pleased to inform families that we are now able to confirm arrangements to extend our wrap around care from 7.45am to 5.30pm. There are limited places. Interested Parents and Carers can access these sessions by contacting the school by telephone (0113 2853000) or by email (info@drighlingtonprimary.org.uk).
BREAKFAST CLUB
Session 7.45-8.45am
£3.50 for one day per week
- £7.00 for two days per week
- £10.50 for three days per week
- £14.00 for four or five days per week
CARE AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
Session 3.15-5.30pm
- £8.00 for one day per week
- £16.00 for two days per week
- £24.00 for three days per week
- £32.00 for four or five days per week
Evidence of Learning Day (updated 16.7.18)
We would like to remind everyone that Evidence of Learning Day is on Wednesday the 18th July 2018 at 2.30pm. Morning nursery parents may arrive a little early for end of morning pick up, to share their child's learning.
We know that we are unusually late in handing out our year end reports due to a range of complications. We ask families to bear with us, as we are working hard to finish them and send them out as soon as possible.
A Message from our PTA (updated 14.6.18)
Good evening all...
After a meeting of the PTA, it appears that we may be able to see the end of our journey. The current five committee members are doing everything they can and still we are falling short.
I’d like to ask that you take a moment to reflect on an event you have enjoyed as a family, or maybe you hear stories of much loved resources at school that have been funded by the PTA.
In the last three years we have funded:
Trim trail and extension
iPads
Reading books
Outdoor play equipment
Ball chutes
Cinema events
Advent calendars
We have also organised family events such as:
Breakfast with Santa
White box photo shoot
Halloween discos
Easter fairs
Christmas fairs
Room of Surprises
Special Ladies gifts
Special Misters gifts
Refreshments at school events
It would be a shame if our children were to lose out on all of this but we are not sure of the way forward unless more people can come forward to help.
Sports Day Wednesday (updated 13.6.18)
KS2 Sports Day will be 9.00-10.45am
France class and morning nursery will be 10.45-11.30am.
KS1 Sports Day will be 1.15-2.15pm.
Spain class and afternoon nursery will be 2.15-3.00pm.
Children need to wear their normal PE kit:
- R-Y2 PE kit: Dark coloured (preferably navy) shorts & plain white T-shirt. Black indoor pumps & outdoor trainers
- Y3-Y6 PE kit: Dark shorts (preferably navy) & plain white t-shirt. Suitable kit for outdoor - blue or black tracksuit bottoms & top; trainers for indoor PE & trainers for outdoor PE.
PTA Starlight Donation (updated 5.6.18)
Our PTA Starlight Textile recycling scheme has raised an amount of £114.60 to date. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this by putting old clothes into the container at the main gate.
Parking (updated 5.6.18)
There have been reports about unsafe parking, on footpaths and corners of the streets.This especially applies to those who park on Kingsdale Gardens and on Moorland Road. As you know, being safe and happy is the most important work of our school. We want the start and end of the day to be safe for our children.
We must also respect our local residents who are working with us to keep the area safe. For example, they have arranged for pot holes and footpaths to be repaired, had hedges trimmed so that view around corners is better. Thank you for keeping our village a happier place for everyone.
Head Lice (updated 29.5.18)
For important and useful information about head lice, please see the Medical Care and Head Lice page in our yellow Parents section of the website. Here is the link:
http://www.drighlingtonprimary.co.uk/parents-1/parents/basic-information/medical-care
Important Days Ahead (updated 24.5.18)
Sports Day Wednesday 20th June 2018
KS2, France class and morning nursery children will do Sports Day in the morning. KS1, Spain class and afternoon nursery children will do Sports Day in the afternoon.
Optional Second Date in Case of Bad Weather
If we need to postpone, this is what we plan to do:
- On Tuesday 10th July KS2 will be in the morning. KS1, Spain class and afternoon nursery children will do their Sports Day that afternoon.
- On Thursday 12th July morning nursery and France will do their Sports Day.
Other Important Dates
Evidence of Learning Day will be on Wednesday the 18th July. The last day for children will be Tuesday the 24th July.
Changes to Mobile App (updated 22.5.18)
All who have been using our current mobile app can do so until the end of May 2018.
Our new School Jotter container mobile app is now live on both Android and iOS. To download it, search for "School Jotter" in the app store and then select our school from within the app. Once the school has been selected by the user, the app will adapt to then match the branding and theme of your school - effectively looking like your existing standalone app. If you don't download the new app, you will receive a notification that your app will soon be out of date. In the links section, you will be provided a transfer guide and links to the apps in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Data Protection and GDPR (updated 21.5.18)
For information about data protection and privacy notices please follow the link the the page on our website:
http://drighlingtonnew.sites.schooljotter2.com/our-school-1/our-school/data-protection
Parking Problems (updated 13.5.18)
May we remind all Parents and Carers that we need to be respectful of local residents when parking at drop off and pick up times. This especially applies to those who park on Kingsdale Gardens and on Moorland Road. The Police occasionally monitor these areas and will issue parking fines. Thank you for keeping our village a happier place for everyone.
Royal Wedding (updated 11.5.18)
To celebrate the Royal Wedding, our Kitchen Team will prepare a special hot and cold buffet instead of the normal hot lunch on Friday the 18th May 2018. It would be wonderful to see all children in classes from Reception to Year 6 wearing red, white and blue on that day. Children in Nursery will celebrate on Wednesday the 23rd May 2018 and can wear red, white and blue on their celebration day. Children can wear one, two or all three royal colours. If children who normally have packed lunch on that day would like to have the buffet, parents/carers should inform the School Office.
Thank you (updated 4.5.18)
Thank you for your support so far this year. Within the next week or two we will give you an update as to where we are with regard to progress towards Ofsted targets. Many positive things are happening in school as we continue to work to further improve provision for all children.
Happy Bank Holiday, have a lovely weekend.
Parent Poll (updated 29.4.18)
My child is safe at school...
Friday Five (updated 21.4.18)
Yesterday we started something new - Friday Five! Every Friday, five children in each class will get a reward certificate and a toy. This will be in recognition of good behaviour. In nursery, the same thing will happen, but on Wednesdays.
Who will be chosen next week?
Earth Day (updated 19.4.18)
In assembly this week we also thought about international Earth Day, which is on Sunday the 22nd April. We studied the reasons for Earth Day and promised that, on Sunday, we would each do one small thing to save planet Earth. What will you do?
Care, Think and Learn (updated 16.4.18)
This week’s Care, think and learn statement is ‘What does awe and wonder mean to you?’ We looked at the Northern Lights, Grand Canyon and a spider web with a span bigger than a man! We agreed our world is awesome and wonderful. What do you think?
Happy Easter (updated 29.3.18)
Happy Easter everyone. On Sunday, don't forget the true meaning of Easter and take time to reflect upon the Christian values. School opens again on the 16th May 2018.
Easter Fair (updated 28.3.18)
What a great success! It was a pleasure to see so many families engaged in this activity.
Thank you to everyone who helped and everyone who came along to play games, try to win prizes and to have fun. As usual, the Chocolate Tombola was very popular; we could not run this stall without the donations from our families. We will soon confirm the amount raised which will go towards the two items PTA are fundraising for this year - new reading books and the development of the garden at the back of school.
Training Days for 2018-19 (updated 28.3.18)
- Monday 3rd September 2018
- Monday 5th November 2018
- Friday 15th February 2019
- Friday 24th May 2019
- Wednesday 24th July 2019
School Meals (updated 26.3.18)
Due to increased costs, please note school meal prices will increase after Easter to £2.40 per day, i.e. £12.00 for a full week. This applies only for years 3 to 6 children unless they are entitled to Free School Meals. All children in Reception to Year 2 are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals.
Our meals, which are provided by an independent catering company, are freshly prepared on site each day and we offer a range of hot and cold foods, including sandwiches and fresh fruit options. The catering company sets the cost of the meal which is currently set at £2.40 per pupil. Previously school has subsidized the cost of school meals, but due to budget restraints we are no longer able to do so.
Payment for dinner money for years 3 – 6 is accessed online via ParentPay. If you have not yet set up payment and need to do so, please contact the Admin Team who will provide you with your activation edetails.
If you wish to change your child from dinners to sandwiches or vice versa, one week’s notice in writing to the office is required to support our kitchen team with their planning for food orders.
Medicines in School (updated 22.3.18)
May we respectfully remind all parents and carers that we are not allowed to administer medicines unless they are prescribed by a GP, have the child's name and date of birth on the GP label, and are within use by date. Also, we need parents or carers to complete a permission form before we can administer. Any medication that is not supplied by a GP, including Lipsyl and cough sweets, is not allowed to be brought into school.
Easter Fair and Dress Down Day (updated 22.3.18)
The PTA will be hosting a dress down day on Wednesday 28 March in exchange for a chocolate donation to support the chocolate tombola at the Easter Fair on the same day. Look out for the quickie note that has been sent home this week.
We will not be involved in Sport Relief this time because we are already asking families to support our Easter Fair. We try really hard to keep our fund-raising within reasonable expectations.
School Improvement and Post Ofsted Action (updated 22.3.18)
For a brief summary of updates since the last Ofsted inspection, please see the newsletter dated 21.3.18.
Mr Hammond is leaving (updated 22.3.18)
We sadly say goodbye to Mr Hammond next week as he will be leaving to pursue a career in music. We all know that he is passionate about music and owe him thanks for his fabulous contribution across school.
Snow melting (updated 18.3.18)
Moorland Road is almost clear of snow; we are pleased to say there is no reason to close school tomorrow despite the dreadful weather we experienced this weekend. We look forward to celebrating friendships as part of our ‘Care, think and learn’ approach during the next few days.
School Closed (updated 8.3.18)
Due to many reports about road accidents and blockages we regret to say we have decided to close school today, Thursday 8th March.
Heavy Snow (updated 8.3.18)
Due to news that many local roads are unsafe and untreated, we will postpone opening of the school until 10 o’clock. During that time we will monitor the roads. If we think it is not safe to open we will let everyone know by 9 o’clock that we are closing school.
PE Kit (updated 6.3.18)
PE kit should be kept in a SMALL named bag, not a large rucksack. The kit should be kept in school and taken home at weekends and the end of each half term to be washed. As with school uniform, all items of PE clothing should be identified with the child’s name. Children who go swimming need a towel, swimming trunks or full swimsuit, optional cap and brush or comb, carried in a waterproof bag.
For safety reasons, children are not permitted to wear jewellery or nail varnish in school. This includes earrings, but small studs are allowed. It is best that parents/carers discuss P.E. timetables with class teachers and remove stud earrings at home on these days. If children are wearing earrings on the day of a PE lesson, they should remove them independently, or ask an adult to cover them with microporous tape.
Watches and activity trackers may be worn but they must not have alarms or digital games that may interrupt teaching and learning. We do prefer that children leave their watches and activity trackers at home where they are safe. Following advice from Leeds City Council Health and Safety Team, watches and activity trackers must not be worn during PE lessons.
Our Training Days for 2017-18 (updated 13.1.18)
- Monday 4th September 2017
- Monday 30th October 2017
- Friday 9th February 2018
- Friday 25th May 2018
- Wednesday 25th July 2018
- Our PTA are supporting us by fund-raising to buy new books.
- We have asked children to challenge themselves by setting their own targets for the number of books they will read this year.
- We have introduced a Reading Rinaldo Book Swap Club. All children are invited to bring to school one old book they no longer need. They will then take the book to a special swap bookcase, and exchange it for another which they will then take home to read. Children can do this as often as they wish.
- Each Friday, children in Y1-6 may bring any reading items of their choice such as comics, magazines, non-fiction and story books. We call this 'Free Read Fridays'.
- We would like to remind parents and carers that we would welcome their support to read stories or hear readers in school. Children love to work with volunteer readers in this way.
The remainder of the money will add to the PTA fund to buy more reading books for school. The PTA has already donated £3000 to school this year so that we have been able to buy more reading books. With almost 450 children in school, we need to constantly upgrade our books to keep children interested in reading and give them the good quality books they deserve. Thank you to everyone for your support.
Merry Christmas (updated 22.12.17)
Merry Christmas to all of our families and friends. We hope that everyone has a truly special day. We would also like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. School is open as usual on the 2nd January 2018.
Christmas Performances:
KS2 will perform at Morley Town Hall, details to follow. KS1 and EYFS events are as follows:
- 5th December – Nursery and Reception Nativity in school hall 9.15am
- 6th December – Nursery and Reception Nativity in school hall 2.15pm
- 12th December – Year 1 and Year 2 Nativity in school hall 9.30am
- 12th December – Year 1 and Year 2 Nativity in school hall 2.30pm
ROOM OF SURPRISES (updated 29.11.17)
Due to clashes of activities within school, the PTA have shuffled the rota for shopping. See below....
Monday 4th December - 9.30am (Reception & Year 1)
Wednesday 6th December - 9.30am (Nursery & Year 4)
Thursday 7th December - 9.30am (Year 5 & Year 6)
Thursday 7th December - 1.30pm (Year 3 & Nursery)
Friday 8th December - 9.30am after assembly (Year 2 7 Catch up)
Adult helpers needed to support our mini shoppers. Please contact the PTA if you can help via the office, their facebook group or tell your teacher.

Reminder (updated 12.11.17)
Children in need day is next Friday, 17.11.17. Wear something yellow or something spotty.
Christmas Jumper or T-shirt day is Friday 15.12.17.
Quick Newsflash (updated 11.11.17)
The PTA funded our new transport play equipment for younger children and we now have in place two ball shoots for the older children. These were installed on Friday - the children love them! Thank you to everyone for supporting PTA events and thanks to our great PTA team.
The ball shoots are in the main playground and the side playground.
Mrs R Carr and Mrs V Jackson will both soon commence maternity leave. Mrs N Howe, currently Acting Deputy Head, will cover Mrs R Carr's class alongside Mrs Blackburn and Mrs G Pickering will return to cover Mrs Jackson's class. Mrs Abidi will soon return as Deputy Head.
May we remind everyone that our school is a no smoking site; this includes no vaping.
Children in Need (updated 5.11.17)
To support Children in Need Day on Friday the 17th November we are asking families to send children in something yellow or something spotty. There is no need to buy anything special for this event. A simple tissue with spots on it, hanging from a pocket, spots on a face or a spotty ribbon in hair will be enough for your child to feel involved.
Thank you for your support.
Our Training Days for 2017-18 (updated 2.11.17)
- Monday 4th September 2017
- Monday 30th October 2017
- Friday 9th February 2018
- Friday 25th May 2018
- Wednesday 25th July 2018
Visiting times are: 9.00-11.00am and 1.30-2.30pm
We hope to see you!
As often as possible, we update information using the mobile app and the news page on the website. More and more often we will send emails to those parents who have supplied an email address.
All of these strategies will save money and help us to cut down on the use of paper, thus saving trees too.
We ask that families keep their email addresses updated, that they check the website parent news page regularly, or load the school mobile app onto their phone for convenient access to updates.
If there is anything we need to do to support families, please ask us for help.
Brain Food Day (updated 5.10.17)
This is just a quick reminder that it is Brain Food Day today. Healthy eating supports healthy brains and great learning.
Our fantastic lunch team will prepare additional healthy food options today. Anyone may have a hot lunch today.
For those who bring packed lunches, remember to add something that is especially healthy.
Our Training Days for 2017-18 (updated 2.10.17)
- Monday 4th September 2017
- Monday 30th October 2017
- Friday 9th February 2018
- Friday 25th May 2018
- Wednesday 25th July 2018
Governor Vacancies (updated 23.9.17)
The closing date for nomination of interest in becoming a governor was the last day of the summer term. Governors are now considering all applications and will shortly announce new appointments.
Parent Pay (updated 23.9.17)
In the past, families have asked us to consider Parent Pay as a means of paying for school lunches. This is something we have been investigating for a while. After much research and planning, we are pleased to say we are now well on the way.
This week, our Administration Team had training and the software is being installed on our school systems. By the end of the term we expect it all to be in place. In the future we will also explore ways of paying for educational visits through Parent Pay so that the process of paying and collecting is much easier for everyone.
There is still much to do. In the meantime, we aim to get a link on the school website by the end of next week. All families who wish to use this facility will then be able to start to register, so that when it is up and running they are able to use it straight away.
We hope that this runs smoothly and is another step towards great partnership between home and school.
PTA Treasure Hunt (updated 23.9.17)
The PTA will be hosting a treasure hunt on Saturday 30th September 2017. It will start outside the Meeting Hall between 12pm and 3pm. Refreshments will be served until 5pm. There will be a raffle and a star prize. Entry will cost £3. We hope that everyone enjoys this special event.
PTA Bags for Charity (updated 22.9.17)
The PTA bags for charity event was a great success. Thank you to everyone who brought in their bags of unwanted items. Your support is always appreciated.