Dear Parkfield Families,
We can’t quite believe it’s May already – this academic year really is flying by! With the warmer weather finally making an appearance, it’s been wonderful to see children enjoying the sunshine during break and lunchtimes. A big thank you to all families for ensuring children have been dressed appropriately for the weather and for applying sunscreen – it’s much appreciated.
It’s been another busy and exciting week here at Parkfield, filled with memorable moments that really showcase our school values of being positive, ambitious, resilient and kind.
A huge well done to all the Maths Passport finalists who took part in this week’s competition. The determination and focus shown by the children as they answered as many questions as possible in just 90 seconds was incredible – a real display of resilience and ambition. Both staff and parents were extremely proud of everyone who took part. Congratulations!
Year 4 had a brilliant time exploring the Egyptian exhibition at Manchester Museum. They were positive and inquisitive throughout the trip, and it’s safe to say they returned full of fascinating facts and excitement about what they had learned.
Meanwhile, Year 3 have been having an unforgettable day at Murton Park, where they’ve been fully immersed in Roman life. From marching like soldiers to exploring ancient artefacts, the experience has brought their history topic to life in a way they’ll remember for years to come.
We’d also like to say a big well done to the Parkfield pupils who proudly represented the school at the swimming gala at Middleton Arena earlier this week. Their teamwork, effort and positive attitudes really stood out – thank you for being such brilliant ambassadors for the school.
Finally, we hope you all enjoy a well-earned rest over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend. Whether you’re spending it with family, getting outdoors or simply taking some time to relax, we wish you a safe and happy few days.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Mr Kemp
MONDAY 5TH MAY - BANK HOLIDAY - SCHOOL CLOSED
TUESDAY 6TH MAY - Y4 FAMILY LEARNING 9AM - Year 4 families are welcome to join their child for a writing lesson where there will be a focus on punctuation and grammar.
WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY - YEAR 2 PARENTS EVENING - An email has been sent out with instructions on how to book a parents' evening slot with Mrs Gibson and it will be held in the front school Office. The meeting is a short 5 minutes where Mrs Gibson will focus on the progress being made in reading, writing and maths. Thank you for your patience following the postponement of the original parents evening.
MONDAY 12TH - THURSDAY 15TH MAY - Y6 SATS WEEK All pupils are welcome to come into school this week from 8.15am for a pre-SATS breakfast!
TUESDAY 20TH MAY - Y3 FAMILY LEARNING - Year 3 families are welcome to join their child for a writing lesson where there will be a focus on punctuation and grammar.
THURSDAY 22ND MAY - Y1 CLASS ASSEMBLY - Y1 families are welcome to come and watch the Y1 class assembly where the children will be presenting what they have learnt over the past term.
FRIDAY 22ND MAY - SCHOOL CLOSES FOR HALF TERM AT 3.15PM
ATTTENDANCE
Attendance letters were sent out this week to let you know your child's current attendance. Our target of 96% is currently being met by the majority of the school which is brilliant. To achieve this your child can have no more than 9 days off in a school year. After some recent analysis our whole school attendance has been higher than it was every single week last year - that's amazing. Thanks for your support.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS, FREE HOLIDAY CLUBS AND FOOD VOUCHERS
Did you know that if you are entitled to free school meals you also get access to free holiday clubs and food vouchers during the holidays. To apply or if you're not surenif you are eligible, please read the information and apply using the link here. School receives additional funding for those pupils that are entitled for free school meals and this much needed funding helps better support all Parkfielders. Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 or they're on packed lunch - please still apply. In addition, if there has been a change in your family circumstances (i.e. recently become unemployed) you may also be entitled to apply for Free School Meals.
NEW DINNER MENUS
The Spring/Summer menu starts on Tuesday, which can be found here.
Tuesday - 6/05/25 GIRLS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT @ ST MARYS (3.15pm - 5pm)
Wednesday - 7/05/25 DANCE TEAM (3.15pm - 4pm)
Thursday - 8/05/25 Year 5/6 Cricket, Rounders & Athletics Club (3.15pm - 4pm)
ALL EMAILS HAVE BEEN SENT OUT IF YOUR CHILD HAS GAINED A PLACE IN THE CLUBS.
SCHOOL DINNER PRICE INCREASE
We would like to inform you that, after the Easter holidays, the price of school dinners will increase to £2.85 per day, reflecting a 10% rise. This adjustment is necessary due to rising costs in areas such as food prices and staffing.
Despite this increase, we remain committed to providing high-quality, nutritious meals for our pupils, ensuring they receive a healthy and balanced lunch each day.
TOYS, TEDDIES AND FIDGETS
A number of children have started to bring in toys, teddies and fidgets in from home. These are not allowed in school and cause numerous issues and distractions for children. Please remind children to keep these at home. If your child requires a fidget to help them with their attention in class, school will provide them with one.
Latest Class Updates
Mr Kemp is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by Mrs Clawson and Mrs Smith (Deputy DSL). 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
As you are all aware, school attendance and punctuality is one of Parkfields priorities and I have been thrilled with the support that parents have been giving with regards to improving their children’s attendance.
Our school target is 96% this year and we need your continued support to ensure that we meet this mark.
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 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. This could also result in the authority taking legal action against parents, resulting in a fine or court appearance. Over the next few weeks I will be making contact by letter with the families of children whose attendance is below 90% to invite you into school for a discussion about how we can support you to improve your child’s attendance.
Thank you so much to all the families who have been working hard to ensure children’s attendance and punctuality is high. Establishing early good habits really will make a positive difference to their lives. 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.
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 shortly after.
If you arrive after the doors are closed you will have to come through the school office.
Arrivals after 9.30am are classed as an unauthorised absence for the morning session.
STAY SAFE EARLY BIRDS - REMINDER
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 at any time.
Children are not allowed on the play equipment before and after school. Please keep them off.
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