Parkfield Newsletters

Issue 33- Friday 22nd May 2026

Headteacher's Welcome

Dear Parkfield Families,

As we reach the end of another busy half term, it has been wonderful to reflect on the many achievements and successes of our Parkfielders over recent weeks.

A huge well done to the five nominees and our two overall winners of this half term’s Parkfield Character Award. Over the past few weeks, our character focus has been on kindness, and all seven pupils demonstrate this quality consistently both in and out of the classroom. They should be extremely proud of themselves. Thank you, as always, to our fantastic Year 6 School Councillors, who had the difficult task of selecting the overall winners from such a strong group of nominees.

Looking ahead, a reminder that we are hoping to hold our annual Sports Day on Friday 5th June. We are keeping our fingers crossed for lovely weather, as it is always one of the highlights of the school year. Gates will open at 1:15pm for a 1:30pm start, and we hope to see as many family members there as possible supporting the children. We are also looking forward to the always-competitive and entertaining adult race!

Please also take a moment to read the important information below regarding school uniform for the remainder of the summer term.

Thank you for your continued support throughout another successful half term.

Have a lovely and restful half term and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday 1st June.

Mr Kemp

UPCOMING EVENTS

MONDAY 1ST JUNE - SCHOOL RE-OPENS

TUESDAY 2ND JUNE - Y2 FAMILY LEARNING @ 9.00am - Year 2 families are welcome to join us in the hall where they will learn alongside their child about the Year 2 spelling, punctuation and grammar expectations.

THURSDAY 4TH JUNE - NON-UNIFORM DAY FOR MEMBERS OF ARCHERS HOUSE This is because they won the most Dojo's over the past half term.

FRIDAY 5TH JUNE - 1.15 - 3.15PM - SPORTS DAY (Weather Permitting) - This will involve the whole school and is always a highlight of the year. Families are welcome to join us on the school field.

Children are to come to school dressed in their house team colours (Assheton - Red, Archers - Blue, Bamford - Yellow, Wood - Green).

The event will start with a special opening ceremony, followed by all Parkfielders competing in numerous events throughout the afternoon. We plan to finish our sports day with the usual family race - so please bring your trainers! Please see our plan for how the school field will be organised.

LATEST NEWS

SCHOOL UNIFORM - CHANGES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

As we move into the warmer summer months, we are pleased to let you know that pupils may wear their Parkfield PE kits to school for the remainder of the summer term if they wish.

For the rest of this school 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 during the final term, 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

We hope this added flexibility will help pupils stay comfortable during the warmer weather while still taking pride in being part of the Parkfield community.

MIDDLETON LIBRARY

Over this week and next half term, all classes will be visiting Middleton Library. Year 2 and Year 6 had their visits this week. The children enjoyed hearing about the history of the library, having time to explore the children's books and read with a friend. They had a talk from the librarian who explained that fiction is ordered alphabetically and non-fiction is ordered by the Dewey decimal system. The librarian also shared information about 'Bookish Bingo' - a 'bingo' card which the children will bring home and then when they return books to the library, the card will be stamped depending on the genre of the book. The children also borrowed a book each from the library to read in school.

SPELLING BEE FINALISTS

A number of children across the school have been selected to take part in the annual Parkfield spelling bee competitions taking place after half term. Those taking part will have taken a letter home with some spellings that will come up in the competition. As stated on the letters, families are welcome to attend the spelling bee their child is taking part in. Good luck to all involved.

ATTENDANCE - HOLIDAYS

We would like to remind all families about the importance of regular school attendance. So far this academic year, over 230 days of learning have been lost due to Parkfielders being taken out of school for holidays during term time.

We completely understand that families may have different reasons for taking holidays during the school term. However, even a short period away from school can have a significant impact on children’s learning, routines, friendships and overall progress — particularly when extended holidays are taken.

We would also like to remind parents that holidays of 5 or more school days are likely to result in a Penalty Notice (fine) being issued, in line with Local Authority and Government guidance.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS ⚽🎾🏃

An email has now been sent to say whether your child has a space in a club.

THERE WILL BE NO AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS ON THE FIRST WEEK BACK.

REMINDERS

WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS/CARERS OF CHILDREN WITH SEND/SEMH

Please see below details of a new series of fully funded workshops for parents & carers of children & young people with SEND/SEMH. These sessions have been funded by Rochdale Parent Carers Voice and will be delivered by Justin Axon and Katie Berrisford. All places are free.

Workshops and dates:

De‑Escalate, Regulate & Recover Tuesday 16th June 2026, 9:30am–12pm

Communication & Wellbeing for SEND/SEMH Families Tuesday 29th September 2026, 9:30am–12pm

Lifeskills and Independence Tuesday 20th October 2026, 9:30am–12pm

E‑Safety for SEND/SEMH Families Tuesday 17th November 2026, 9:30am–12pm

Friendships, Puberty & Safe Choices Wednesday 9th December 2026, 9:30am–12pm

All sessions are practical, accessible and shaped directly by what families have told us they need. They focus on realistic strategies, emotional safety and supporting families in ways that feel genuinely helpful.

Full details and booking links can be found here: Book Here!

FAMILY FUND - INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS RAISING DISABLED OR SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN

At Family Fund, we are dedicated to making life better for families raising disabled or seriously ill children across the UK.

We provide vital grants and practical support to help make everyday life easier, reduce stress, and create opportunities for children and families to thrive. From essential household items to sensory equipment, technology, and family breaks, our support is designed to meet the unique needs of each family.

We also offer information, guidance, and opportunities that empower families to build confidence, develop skills, and access the support they deserve. Importantly, we ensure that families have a voice in shaping the policies and services that affect their lives.

If you are caring for a disabled or seriously ill child, or know a family who may benefit, find out more about the support available through Family Fund.

WATER BOTTLES

We have a number of children that don't have a water bottle in school. Please make sure your child has one so that they can easily access water - particularly at this warmer time of the year.

EARRINGS

Please note that children are only allowed to wear stud earrings in school. Hooped earrings are not allowed for health and safety reasons.

SCHOOL DINNER PRICE INCREASE

A reminder that due to increase in costs for the school, school dinner prices will rise by 5p per day (25p per week) after Easter. These new prices of £2.90 per day and £14.50 per week will be altered on the Arbor app.

PARKFIELD CURRICULUM

If you would like to know what your child is being taught, our curriculum pages have all the information you will be looking for. They can be found here: https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/home

HEALTHY SNACKS AND DRINKS

A reminder to send in healthy drinks and snacks. Sweets and fizzy drinks are not allowed in school although some children have tried to bring them in recently.

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.

MAKE-UP AND FALSE NAILS

Please ensure your child doesn't come to school with make-up and false nails on. We have had a number of our older pupils this week having to be reminded of the school rules.

NUT FREE SCHOOL

A reminder that for the safety of our students with nut allergies, please do not pack anything containing nuts into children’s lunch boxes.

MEET OUR PARKFIELD STAFF

Mrs Heyes (Year 4 Teaching Assistant)

Mrs Heyes has been at Parkfield for 5 years. She started as a lunchtime organiser and is now a teaching assistant in Key Stage 2. She is a resilient, fun-loving member of staff who would do anything to help others and is always there to support both children and colleagues.

Outside of work, Mrs Heyes is a proud mum to three sons and spends most weekends as a dedicated football mum, travelling from game to game to cheer on her boys. She also enjoys sunny holidays, gardening, and baking — something she is very talented at!

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY⏰

Current Whole School Attendance: 94.9% (96% Target)

Attendance (This week)

Reception: 94.1%

Year 1: 86.2%

Year 2: 96.8%

Year 3: 96.4%

Year 4: 90.7%

Year 5: 93.8%

Year 6: 90%

Whole School: 92.6%

Number of lates this week: 14

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!

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 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

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 shortly after.

Arrivals after 9am are marked as late and anyone arriving after 9.30am are classed as an unauthorised absence for the morning session.

ATTENDANCE - 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.

Newsletter Slides

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

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 at any time.
Children are not allowed on the play equipment before and after school. Please keep them off.

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

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