Newsletter 3.7.26

News

July 2026

3rd July 2026

As we head towards the end of another fantastic year, I would like to take a moment to celebrate some of the wonderful achievements across our school.

This week, our Year 6 and Year 5 children truly shone in their end of year production. Their confidence, enthusiasm and talent were a joy to watch, and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves. A huge thank you also goes to our dedicated staff team who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the performances such a memorable success. We are also incredibly proud of our Year 6 pupils who headed off on their residential this week. I am sure they have created many special memories together, and we look forward to hearing all about their adventures when they return.

It has also been another brilliant week for sport. Our athletics team represented the school with determination, teamwork and excellent sportsmanship, continuing what has been an outstanding sporting year. We are delighted to have been awarded the School Games Silver Award in recognition of our commitment to providing high-quality sporting opportunities for our pupils. This is a wonderful achievement for the whole school community. A very special thank you goes to Miss Mabbett, who has worked tirelessly throughout the year organising sporting events. Her enthusiasm and dedication have given so many children the opportunity to participate, develop new skills and enjoy success.

 

There is still plenty to look forward to! Our final opportunity to celebrate sport together will be our Sports Day, and we hope to see families cheering the children on as they give their very best. The following day is Well-being Wednesday, when pupils will enjoy a range of activities focused on keeping healthy, active and happy. Please remember to collect sponsorship for Birmingham Children's Hospital, as every donation will help support this fantastic cause. You can add sponsorship on our Just Giving page by clicking here!

Behind the scenes, staff are working hard to ensure a smooth transition for all of our pupils as they prepare for the next stage of their learning. A reminder that Transition Day takes place on Wednesday. Children will go to their current classroom as normal before spending time getting to know their new teacher and classroom for September. We know this is always a nervous and an exciting day but it is also an important step in helping children feel confident about the new school year.

Finally, I am delighted to share some exciting staffing news. From September, Mrs Rogers will be Assistant Headteacher and Mrs Potter will be Key Stage 2 Phase Lead. Both appointments reflect their dedication, expertise and commitment to providing the very best for our children, and I know you will join me in congratulating them on their well-deserved new roles.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to another exciting week ahead.

Jess Newitt, Headteacher

Stars of the Week 
 
Reception ~ Jacob
Year 1 ~ Leo
Year 2 ~ Iona & Zak
Year 3 ~ Riley
Year 4 ~ Fraser
Year 5 ~ Jude
Year 6 ~ away on residential!
 
Well done, everyone, for shining so brightly!
Team Cup Winners
 
Congratulations to this week's team cup winners, AVON BLUES! And a big "WELL DONE" to anyone who earned team points this week.
Percentage Attendance Levels by Year Group (to date)
 
Reception - 95%
Year 1 - 95.3%
Year 2 - 97.1%
Year 3 - 96.3%
Year 4 -  95.4%
Year 5 -  97.8%
Year 6 -  95.4%
 
Overall School Total - 96%
 
While the UK government sets an expectation of 100% attendance, good attendance is generally considered 95% or higher, with 97% or above regarded as very good/excellent.
 
Attendance Percentages Explained:
  • 97-100%: Very Good/Excellent attendance
  • 95-97%: Average/Good attendance
  • 90-95%: Cause for concern
  • Below 90%: Serious concern / Persistent absence (PA)

Treasure Island
 
This week Year 5 and Year 6 performed an amazing production of Treasure Island to celebrate Year 6 leaving - their finale performance. The show was full of hilarious moments, awesome acting (a few deaths - Long John Silver did love his gun) and some seriously fabulous solos. Well done on all your hard work bringing the show together - it was a huge success. A big thank you too to all the staff who worked so hard to change scripts, teach songs, make props and alter timetables to fit in rehearsal times.
 
 
Understanding Value for Money
 
Year 4 had great fun in their PSHE lesson learning about the value of money. They discovered that people often have different opinions about what represents good value for money. What one person thinks is worth buying may not be what someone else chooses, depending on their needs, interests and priorities.
The children took part in a lively role-play activity, acting as buyers and sellers. They learned that asking questions before making a purchase can help you decide whether something is really worth the money. Some of the questions they discussed included:

  • Where was the item made?
  • What is it made from?
  • How long is it likely to last?
  • Is it good quality?
  • Can it be repaired if it breaks?
  • Does it come with a guarantee or warranty?
  • Is it safe to use?
  • Do I really need it, or do I simply want it?
  • Could I buy the same item somewhere else for a better price?
  • Is it environmentally friendly?
  • Has it been made fairly and ethically?
  • What do other people think about it?
  • Will I use it more than once?
  • Is it worth saving up for, rather than buying something cheaper that may not last?
The class had lots of thoughtful discussions and quickly realised that being a sensible shopper is about much more than simply choosing the cheapest option.
Maths Taskmasters
 
Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed completing the first of their Maths Taskmasters challenges. Working collaboratively in teams, the children used their problem-solving, communication and measuring skills to design and build a structure. It was fantastic to see them sharing ideas, supporting one another and demonstrating excellent teamwork throughout the challenge. We are looking forward to seeing how they tackle the next Taskmaster activity! 
Clay Creations

Year 2 have been working incredibly hard to develop their clay skills over the past few weeks. This week, they brought everything they had learned together to create their own beautifully designed clay tiles. The children confidently used the slip and score technique to join pieces of clay securely, before carefully shaping, carving and adding intricate details to their unique designs. They showed fantastic creativity, patience and craftsmanship throughout the lesson and were incredibly proud of their finished pieces. They truly shone!


 

Bonjour!
 
French Club bookings for the Autumn term - for Reception through to Year 5  - are now open! Please click here for more information and instructions on how to book.
 
Bon été!
Join the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge!
 
Children and families across Warwickshire are invited to turn up the volume on reading this summer as Warwickshire Libraries launch the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat! Starting on Saturday 4 July 2026, the music-themed challenge from The Reading Agency encourages children to discover the joy of reading while exploring rhythm, creativity, and storytelling. As part of the National Year of Reading, Warwickshire Libraries are inviting families to make reading a central part of their summer adventures.
 
Children can sign up at any Warwickshire County Council managed library, where they will receive everything they need to get started. By reading books and taking part in activities, children can build confidence, imagination, and a lifelong love of reading.  Read more here!
Visit Warwickshire's Teenage Markets

This summer, residents are invited to support young people across the county as they develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills at multiple Teenage Market events. The Teenage Market is a national initiative that provides opportunities for young people to showcase their creative talents and entrepreneurial skills through selling handmade crafts, unique fashion, and art. Open to aspiring entrepreneurs aged 13–25 years, each market event offers the opportunity to test new business ideas, sell their creative products, and gain practical experience in a real trading environment.  As well as supporting young people to develop skills such as trading, networking, and building their confidence, the events add vibrancy and help to increase local footfall by attracting new and returning visitors to town centres and nearby businesses. Keep reading here...


 

Free childcare for working parents

Did you know that to keep tax-free childcare and early years childcare funding for working parents, you must reconfirm your details are correct every 3 months? HMRC will send you a reminder email or letter when you are due to reconfirm. Sign in to your childcare account and follow the instructions. If you are having any problems reconfirming your details, please contact HMRC on 0300 123 4097.


 

General Reminders
 
Parking at Drop-Off and Pick-Up
We are so lucky at Alveston that the Football Club allow all our parents who drive to school to use their car park for drop-off and pick-up. This makes it safer for all our children. Please continue to use the Football Club car park. Please note: Parking is only available if there are spaces free and we can only park in the allocated bays. Once all the marked bays are full each day, parents will need to find alternative parking when dropping off and collecting their children. Please do not park in any other areas of the car park going forward. Please do not park on any double-yellow lines for pick-up or drop-offs. Please also ensure that you do not stop or park within the zig-zag "Keep Clear" markings at the main entrance to school. This area is marked to keep the flow of traffic moving and to ensure the safety of all pedestrians. 
 
Sickness and Absence
Please let the school office know each day your child is absent from school by calling 01789 293412, option 1, and leaving a message. You may also email parents3002@welearn365.com. You do not need to contact us daily if your child is sick/vomits. Absences for sickness/vomiting will be recorded 48 hours from the end of the day your child was last sick (i.e. if sick on Sunday, come back on Wednesday; if Tuesday come back on Friday). 
 
Medicines in School
We cannot accept medicines in school without a prescription label and a medical form completed by a parent or carer.  Please ask the school office for more information and/or a form via:
parents3002@welearn365.com

Leave of Absence during Term Time
For updated guidance and legislation regarding a leave of absence during term time, please click here. For an application form to request a leave of absence, click here.


 

Forest School Dates* 

Below are Forest School dates for your diary. The children will need to wear PE kit to school with tracksuit bottoms or leggings and have a long sleeve top, such as a hoodie. Wellies and a rain coat will also be required: 

*Forest school dates are Fridays, unless otherwise stated

Date

 

Year Group

10/7

 

Years 1&2

17/7

 

Year 3

 

Important Dates* to Remember  

Key dates for Summer Term (2) are HERE!  

*
Please note that all dates published are subject to change/cancellation - please check this page and/or the website calendar regularly:
 

Summer Term (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

 5/6, 12/6, 17/6, 18/6, 26/6, 3/7, 10/7, *13/7 (Half Term Cup)

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

** FINISHED **

 

 

 

Y2 Swimming

 

8/6, 15/6, 22/6, 29/6

 

 

 

8/7

 

Transition Day

14/7

 

Sports Day & Picnic   [event sheet sent on 29/6]

15/7

 

Well-Being Wednesday  [information poster sent on 12/6]

17/7

 

Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly (9:05am)  [event sheet coming soon]
17/7

 

LAST DAY OF TERM
20/7

 

INSET

 
Healthy Schools 2020
360 ES Mark
Artsmark Gold Award
FMSIS Logo