Issue 2 - Friday 4th September 2026
Issue 2 - Friday 4th September 2026
Embedded Files
Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parkfield Families,
What a lovely first two days we have had back at Parkfield! It has been fantastic to see the school full of smiling faces again and to welcome everyone back for the new school year.
The children have looked incredibly smart in their Parkfield uniforms and PE kits – thank you to all our families for helping us start the year looking so brilliant.
There has been a really positive atmosphere around school, with children coming in happy, excited and ready for the year ahead. Across school, classes have been busy settling in, getting to know their new teachers and learning the routines and expectations that will help them have a successful year.
It has also been particularly lovely to welcome our newest Parkfielders in Reception. They have made a fantastic start and we are looking forward to seeing them grow in confidence as they become familiar with life at Parkfield.
Thank you, as always, for your support in helping us make such a positive start to the year.
Please continue to scroll down for some important reminders and information for the weeks ahead.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mr Kemp
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
WEDNESDAY 8TH, THURSDAY 9TH AND FRIDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER EYFS FAMILY LUNCH - 11.45AM - 12.30PM - Family members of our new Parkfielders are welcome to join their child for lunch. Please sign up in the school office.
MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER Breakfast Booster re-starts for Y6 pupils - we have had to delay this for a week due to staffing.
TUESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER @ 9.00AM - YEAR 1 FAMILY LEARNING - Family members are welcome to join their children in the hall for a session focussed on reading and Numbots.
TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER @ 9.00AM - YEAR 6 FAMILY LEARNING - Family members are welcome to join their children in the hall for a session focussed on reading.
LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS
WATER BOTTLES
A reminder that this year every Parkfielder will be provided with a school water bottle, so there is no need for families to purchase or send one in from home.
Each child will keep their water bottle in school, where it will be cleaned regularly. This means every child will have access to a suitable water bottle every day, removing one more thing for families to remember each morning.
We have also found that many bottles brought in from home are either too large to fit under our water fountains or in classroom storage baskets, or they are easily damaged and prone to leaking. By providing the same bottle for everyone, we can ensure they are practical, durable and suitable for use throughout the school day.
We hope this simple change will make daily routines a little easier for families while ensuring all children have easy access to water throughout the day.
NAMES IN ITEMS OF CLOTHING
A special request to place names into all items of your child's clothing. We want to reduce the amount of lost property we have in school and your support with this is much appreciated.
MORNING ROUTINE REMINDER
8.30am - Pupils start to arrive and can line up on the playground.
8.45am - Staff collect children from the playground.
8.50am - Door close. Arrivals after this time are late and children will have to enter through the main entrance. They may be asked to sign into the main office as they may have missed registration.
9.15am - Children that arrive after 9.15am will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
HEALTHY SNACKS
A healthy snack (no crisps or chocolate) can be sent into school for children in years 3-6 to enjoy during their morning break. Snacks can also be purchased at the school tuck shop for 20p.
Snacks are provided free of charge for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. This usually includes a piece of fruit and milk.
NO TOYS, FIDGETS, PENCIL CASES...ETC
Please note that children are not allowed to bring in fidgets, toys, stationary or pencil cases from home. School will provide children with all items that they require during the day.
KS2 LOCKERS
Children have to get their coats and packed lunches into their lockers and as a result children can only bring small school bags to school because the KS2 lockers are only small. We recommend that children in Y3, 4, 5 and 6 only need drawstring type bag for school.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUB FOR SEPTEMBER
Once you have registered on Arbor, you will be able to book Before and After school club via the Arbor app. If you have not had chance to sign up to Arbor before Wednesday, or have struggled to log in, please email the school office which days you want your child to attend, stating if it is the Before or After school club, and we will book them manually until you are set up. There will be spaces for all children to attend, so please don't worry.
PE TIMETABLE (Y4 Swimming starts on the second week back.)
The days Parkfielders are to come to school in their PE kits from September can be seen below:
Monday: Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
Tuesday: Year 3, Year 5 and Year 6
Wednesday: Year 1, Year 4 and Year 6
Thursday: Cherry Tree Room, Reception, Year 1, Year 2
Friday: Reception and Year 5
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
We are going to have a variety of clubs running after school this next half term. Please look out for the sign up email sent by Mrs Banks on Arbor.
Please be aware that the places in the clubs are limited. If your chld does not get a place then they will be put on a waiting list.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
If your circumstances have changed (for example, you may have been made redundant and are now in benefit of jobseekers allowance) you may be entitled to free school meals. More information and how to apply can be found here: https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/benefits-money/free-school-meals/2 . School receives additional funding for pupils entitled to free school meals so we always encourage you to apply.
SCHOOL MEALS PAYMENTS
Please note that from Year 3, children are not entitled to universal free school meals and as a result dinners will have to be paid for via School Gateway. School meals cost £2.60 per day (£13 per week). More information about our wonderful menu can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/dinner-menus.html
CLASS DOJO
Would you like to see how well your child is doing at school? We award Dojo points for pupils that go 'above and beyond' in the classroom and these can be seen by parents if you download the app. We have over 75% of our families signed up already! If you click this link to set up a parent account we will then approve it. This access will provide you with the opportunity to see how many Dojo points your child has earnt and what for. Please note that we are only using the app for Dojo points, not messages or photos, therefore you do not need any of the subscription options you might be offered.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
This summer we gave our Parkfielders the option of wearing their PE kit every day. This has been a positive move and has been welcomed by pupils and many families. As a result, for the whole of the next academic year, wearing the standard school uniform will not be a requirement and families can choose whether their child attends in their usual uniform or their Parkfield PE kit each day.
We believe this flexibility will bring a number of positive benefits over the year, including:
• Increasing participation in physical activity
• Improving comfort and focus in class
• Supporting inclusion for girls and pupils with SEND
As a reminder, the Parkfield PE kit consists of:
• Royal blue hoody (with or without zip, with or without the school logo)
• Plain royal blue or white T-shirt (with or without the school logo)
• Navy or black shorts/tracksuit pants/leggings
• Trainers
Those pupils that attend in non-school uniform will be provided with spare Parkfield uniform/PE kit for the day.
RECEPTION PUPIL TIMINGS FOR WEEK ONE
If your child is in the morning group (siblings of pupils already in school), they can come along to the Reception entrance and drop from 8.45am for the first week. They are to be picked up at 11.00am.
If your child is in the afternoon group, please drop off at 1.00pm and pick up at 3.15pm. When dropping off for this first week you will have to come through the main school gates as children will be in the playground at drop off time.
All reception children will be in full time (8.45am - 3.15pm) from Wednesday 9th September.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
For more information about the school please visit the school website: www.parkfieldprimary.com
CURRICULUM WEBSITE
A reminder that we share what your child is learning through our Parkfield Curriculum Website. This details what your child is learning and when and gives some ideas about how you can help at home. Please note that this is regularly updated.
PARENT GOVERNOR VACANCY
Following a recent resignation, we currently have a vacancy for a Parent Governor to join our Governing Board.
Parent Governors play an important role in the life of Parkfield, helping to support and challenge school leaders, contribute to key decisions and ensure the school continues to provide the best possible education for all our Parkfielders. You do not need any previous experience of being a governor – just an interest in our school and a willingness to get involved.
The role involves attending a number of meetings across the school year, as well as opportunities to visit school and learn more about different aspects of school life.
If you are a parent or carer of a child at Parkfield and would be interested in finding out more or putting yourself forward, please contact Mr Kemp at mkemp@parkfield.rochdale.sch.uk
Deadline for expressions of interest: 12:00pm on Friday 25th September.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS ⚽🎾🏃
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS ⚽🎾🏃
CLUBS WILL START BACK FROM MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER - KEEP AN EYE FOR A SEPERATE EMAIL SO YOUR CHILD CAN SIGN UP
PREVIOUS NEWS & REMINDERS
PREVIOUS NEWS & REMINDERS
OFFICE STAFFING CHANGES
A reminder that our new office staff members are: Miss Holden (School Administrator) and Miss Speedy (School Business Manager). They will be getting to know our families and how things work at Parkfield over the coming months.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Please note that most events for next school year are already on the school calendar. Holiday dates can also be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/families/calendar-inc-holiday-lists
guidance.
GUITAR LESSONS?
If your child would like to take part in guitar lessons from September, please let the school office know. Rochdale Music Service some into Parkield on a weekly basis and work with our KS2 pupils. There is an additional cost to the lessons.
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN EASILY RAISE MONEY FOR PARKFIELD?
Everytime you spend money online a small amount will be donated to school if you sign up to EasyFundraising. It costs you nothing!
To get started and support our school, please click here: Easyfundraising for Parkfield . Every donation makes a difference to our pupils.
MEET OUR PARKFIELD STAFF/GOVERNORS
MEET OUR PARKFIELD STAFF/GOVERNORS
Mr Kemp (Headteacher)
Mr Kemp (Headteacher)
Mr Kemp joined Parkfield Primary School in 2010, having previously taught in both local primary and secondary schools. He has now spent 16 years at Parkfield and has proudly been the headteacher since 2019.
Outside of school, Mr Kemp is a keen football fan who enjoys playing, coaching and watching the game, and he has held a Manchester United season ticket for over 20 years. He is married with two children, aged 9 and 13, and loves spending time with his family—especially travelling to new places and enjoying holidays in their caravan.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY⏰
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY⏰
Will be updated next week.
Will be updated next week.
Current Whole School Attendance: (96% Target)
Current Whole School Attendance: (96% Target)
Attendance (This week)
Attendance (This week)
Reception:
Year 1:
Year 2:
Year 3:
Year 4:
Year 5:
Year 6:
Whole School:
Number of lates this week:
A reminder that classes that achieve at least 96% attendance (no more than 6 days of absence across a class) get a reward on their attendance ladder!
Attendance Recognition
Attendance Recognition
This year children can be awarded with either a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate of attendance in recognition of meeting our school target of 96%. We will regularly update you on how well your child is doing.
Platinum: 100% attendance (0 days absent)
Gold: 98% attendance or above (3 days absent)
Silver: 97% attendance or above (5 days absent)
Bronze: 96% attendance or above (6 days absent)
Holidays in term time
Holidays in term time
Please note that, in line with the school policy, fines will be issued to families that go on a term time holiday where children miss 5 consecutive full days. Currently the fine is £160 per child per parent which equates to a £640 fine for a two parent family with two children. This is reduced to £320 if paid within 21days. If you are going on holiday due to exceptional circumstances, please speak to the headteacher as a fine may not have to be issued. More information an be found on our attendance policy found here.
Persistent Absence
Persistent Absence
Persistent absence is defined by the Government as attendance below 90%. This equates to 19 days or more of absence a year or 100+ lessons missed. If a child’s attendance drops below 90% this could lead to them becoming a safeguarding concern and will certainly lead to them doing less well than their peers.
The link between attendance and achievement cannot be over stated. Your child will achieve better if they are in school every day. Only in very exceptional circumstances should a child be absent from school. Please ring the school office no later than 8.30am to report an absence.
Punctuality
Punctuality
Please get your child to school on time. Poor punctuality can lead to your child…
Feeling embarrassed in front of their friends
Missing the beginning of vital lessons making them fall behind
Missing important instructions for the rest of the school day
At Parkfield children are to line up before school and doors open at 8.45am. They close at 8.50am.
Arrivals after 8.50am are to sign in at the main office and anyone arriving after 9.15am are marked as an unauthorised absence for the morning session.
Medicines
Medicines
Our overall school attendance is steadily increasing and one reason is due to many of our families taking up the school offer of bringing a bottle of Calpol in for their child if they are feeling slightly under the weather. The medicine can then be administered by school staff if your child needs it throughout the day. We do find that many of our Parkfielders show that true resilience when they arrive in school and get through their day with very little support. However, if your child is too poorly to stay in school, we will contact home so that they can be collected.
SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
Mrs Smith is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by Mr Kemp, Mrs Clawson and Mrs Edyvean. If you have any concerns about the needs or welfare of a pupil, please don't hesitate to contact the school. We all share a responsibility to our pupils safety and wellbeing.
As a school our promise is: We will listen, we will support and we will take action.
More information can be found on the school website here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/safeguarding-and-child-protection.html
HEALTH and SAFETY
HEALTH and SAFETY
STAY SAFE REMINDERS
If your child is attending Early Birds, please walk down the path and through the KS1 yard - it may take a few more seconds but it's much safer than walking through the busy car park. If the hall door is ever closed, simply ring the bell for assistance.
Dogs are not permitted in the school playground.
If driving, park further away from the school and walk to reduce congestion and the possibility of any serious accidents.
Unfortunately, Parents and Carers are not allowed to drop off and pick up from the school car park between 8.30am and 4.00pm.
Children are not allowed on the play equipment before and after school. Please keep them off.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
5 WAYS TO WELLBEING
At Parkfield we promote the 5 ways to Wellbeing which can help children and adults to achieve a more positive lifestyle.
#THRIVE offer a local service for children and young people aged up to 19 years who are experiencing health and wellbeing issues such as feeling stressed, worried or not enjoying things. #Thrive can also provide advice and support to parents, carers and anyone that works with a child or young person. You can find out more information about the service by clicking here: https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/thrive
Latest Class Updates
Google Sites
Report abuse