Issue 5 - Friday 26th September 2025
Issue 5 - Friday 26th September 2025
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Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parkfield Families,
It’s been another busy and exciting week here at Parkfield, with plenty to celebrate.
Congratulations to all the pupils who have been selected for our important pupil voice groups. Following applications for Sports Leaders and Playground Pals, along with democratic class votes for the School Council, the successful candidates were announced this week. These groups play a vital role in shaping our school, and it’s fantastic to see our Parkfielders stepping up with such enthusiasm and responsibility.
It was wonderful to welcome Year 6 parents into school for our Maths Family Learning session – your support makes such a difference and we hope you found the strategies and information useful. Thank you also to the EYFS parents who joined us for the Meet the Teacher event. We hope the session gave you a clearer picture of expectations and how you can support your child’s learning at home.
A big thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising events over the past 12 months – we’re delighted to share that one of the outcomes has been the purchase of a brand new firepit for our Forest School area. This exciting addition will give pupils even more memorable outdoor learning experiences. Thank you also to the parents who donated some bricks and sand to help develop the fire pit.
Finally, well done to our football team, who played their first match of the season yesterday. They represented Parkfield brilliantly and showed determination, teamwork, and resilience – qualities we are always proud to see.
In this week’s ‘Meet the Teacher’ section found below, we’re letting our new families meet our school Business Manager, Mrs Cummings.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mr Kemp
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
TUESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER AT 9AM - Y5 FAMILY LEARNING - SCHOOL HALL - Year 5 families are welcome to join their child for a maths lesson.
THURSDAY 2ND OCTOBER As a way for us to showcase our delicious school dinners, we are inviting all children that usually have a packed lunch to enjoy a FREE school dinner on Thursday 2nd October. Some of the main meals available on the day include: sausage and mash and a jam doughnut for dessert. If you would like your child to have a free dinner on this day, please let the school office know.
TUESDAY 7th OCTOBER AT 9AM - Y4 FAMILY LEARNING - SCHOOL HALL - Year 4 families are welcome to join their child for a maths lesson.
THURSDAY 9TH OCTOBER AT 9.15AM - OPEN MORNING - Prospective parents of children starting school in September 2026 are welcome to come and look around the school. A short presentation from the headteacher will take place at 9.15am followed by a tour from our school councillors.
MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER - HARVEST DONATIONS PLEASE
TUESDAY 14th OCTOBER AT 9AM - Y3 FAMILY LEARNING - SCHOOL HALL - Year 3 families are welcome to join their child for a maths lesson.
THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER - SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER - Photos will be taken of individuals and siblings if they are also in Parkfield. If your child is in Year 1 or 2 and you would prefer to have a photograph of your child dressed in their school uniform, please send them into school wearing uniform with their PE kit in a bag ready to change into.
LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS
LOCKDOWN DRILL
Earlier this week, as part of our ongoing safeguarding procedures, we had a whole school 'lockdown' drill. This involved the locking down of the school and pupils remaining in classes for a short period of time. The children were briefed beforehand and during the drill they reacted brilliantly - knowing what was expected of them and behaving calmy and sensibly throughout.
FREE SCHOOL DINNER DAY - THURSDAY 2ND OCTOBER
We are inviting all children that usually have a packed lunch to enjoy a FREE school dinner on Thursday 2nd October. Some of the main meals available on the day include: sausage, mash with peas and jam doughnuts. If you would like your child to have a free dinner on this day, please let the school office know.
UPDATED WEBSITE
Our updated Parkfield website is now live! While all the familiar information and links remain, the site has been redesigned to be more responsive, meaning it adapts smoothly whether you’re browsing on a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. A huge thank you to Mr Haughton, who has been working hard behind the scenes to make these changes. We’re confident the new site will make it easier for everyone to find the information they need.
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS
If your child has gained a place in the clubs you will have received an email on Arbor stating this.
If you have not received an email and you signed up, it means your child has automatically been added to the waiting list.
Monday 29th September - Year 3/4 Football Club
Tuesday 30th September - Year 5/6 Football Club CANCELLED DUE TO CROSS COUNTRY COMPETITION
Wednesday 1st October - Year 5/6 Multi Sports Club
Thursday 2nd October - Year 5/6 Cross Country Club CANCELLED DUE TO YEAR 4 BASKETBALL COMPETITION
Friday 3rd October LUNCHTIME - Year 3/4 Cricket Club
AS ALWAYS PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK THE NEWSLETTER REGARDING THE CLUBS AS THEY ARE SOMETIMES CANCELLED DUE TO SPORTS COMPETITIONS AGAINST OTHER SCHOOLS.
REMINDERS
REMINDERS
TOYS, TEDDIES AND FIDGETS
We’ve noticed a number of children bringing toys, teddies, and fidgets into school recently. Unfortunately, these items can cause distractions and issues in class, so they are not permitted in school. Please support us by reminding your child to keep them at home. If a fidget is required to support focus in lessons, school will provide one as part of our learning support.
RECEPTION CLASS FOREST SCHOOL LESSONS
Every Tuesday morning, reception class take part in Forest School sessions. As the weather is getting wetter and colder please could you ensure your reception class child has a pair of wellies in school. Please could you also label them with your child's name.
HEALTHY SNACKS
A quick reminder that any snacks brought into school should be healthy choices such as fruit, yoghurts, or other low-sugar options. Children in Key Stage 1 continue to receive free fruit during the day, and those in Key Stage 2 can visit our Tuck Shop at breaktime, where a range of healthy snacks are available from just 20p. Thank you for helping us promote positive eating habits across the school.
ATTENDANCE - A REMINDER ABOUT SCHOOL FINES FOR UNAUTHORISED ABSENCES
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. The image below gives a reminder as to the different levels of fines that can now be issued.
ARBOR - WE NOW HAVE 75% OF OUR PARENTS AND CARERS SIGNED UP!
Firstly, we'd like to thank you for you perseverence and patience with our new system - Arbor. The vast majority of parents and guardians have had no trouble logging in and using the app / website but there have been a few teething issues which we were expecting because it is a new. However, if you need any support with logging in, booking clubs and making payments, please contact the school office and Miss Pritchard and Mrs Cummings will be happy to help.
EASY FUNDRAISING - PLEASE SIGN UP, SPEND MONEY AND RAISE FUNDS FOR SCHOOL!
We want to let you know about a way you can support the school using an online platform called easyfundraising. It helps schools, causes and charities in the UK raise donations for FREE by simply shopping online.
They have partnered with over 7,000 brands including John Lewis & Partners, Argos, Iceland, Amazon, eBay and M&S who will give you and the school a donation every time you shop with them at no extra cost.
The brand pays easyfundraising a percentage of what the shopper spends and easyfundraising turn that into the donation that goes to the school
Over 190,000 causes and charities are using this at the moment and £56 million has been raised so far, so it really does work!
To sign up and help Parkfield raise money, please click here: Easyfundraising for Parkfield
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 sure if 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.
Meet Our Parkfield Staff
Mrs Cummings (School Buisiness Manager)
Mrs Cummings (School Buisiness Manager)
Mrs Cummings joined Parkfield over two years ago and is part of our office front house team and a senior leader at the school. One of her many roles is to ensure that the school finances run effectively and she is passionate about helping create the best possible environment for all students. Mrs Cummings said her favourite thing about her job is getting to know the children and their families, and in her spare time she enjoys reading and going on days out with her two young children.
Latest Class Updates
SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
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
ATTENDANCE and PUNCTUALITY
ATTENDANCE and PUNCTUALITY
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.
ATTENDANCE - HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME
ATTENDANCE - 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. 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.
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 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.
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 at any time.
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
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