8th May 2026
This week I would like to dedicate all my thoughts to Year 6 as they prepare for their SATs next week. Whilst, for them, these are the biggest tests they have faced in their little lives so far, I want them to know that whatever happens next week, I am so proud of them. From their first day in Reception until now, they have worked hard and have taken on board every learning opportunity that they can. I know they will shine brightly.
SATs can test your spelling and maths,
So many questions – a lot is asked,
They look at answers—right or wrong,
But they don’t see where you belong.
They don’t measure how kind you are,
Or how you help, near or far,
Sharing smiles, being a friend,
Standing by others to the end.
They don’t see what you give each day,
In your community, in your own way,
Your honesty, your caring heart,
The quiet good that sets you apart.
They can’t test your creativity,
Your questions and curiosity,
The way you think, the dreams you grow,
The love of learning that you show.
They don’t measure your hopes so bright,
Your goals that shine like stars at night,
Your ambition, strong and true,
And all the things you want to do.
So whatever happens, come what may,
Don’t let tests take your hopes or spark away,
You are more than any score,
You are you—and so much more.
So go and SHINE brightly, be the best you can,
Follow your dreams and believe in your plan,
Alveston SHINES in all we do,
Because it’s filled with wonderful children like YOU!
I hope everyone has a lovely and relaxing weekend.
Jess Newitt
Headteacher
- 97-100%: Very Good/Excellent attendance
- 95-97%: Average/Good attendance
- 90-95%: Cause for concern
- Below 90%: Serious concern / Persistent absence (PA)
This week in Computing, Year 2 became game designers as they created their very own bubble games! The children programmed different coloured bubbles to move in a variety of ways and make different sounds, using their growing coding knowledge to bring their ideas to life.
They showed fantastic creativity and problem-solving skills as they experimented with different movements, effects and sound combinations to make their games exciting and fun to play. The children worked brilliantly to test and improve their designs, showing great perseverance and enthusiasm throughout the lesson. It was wonderful to see their imagination shine through their coding!
This festival is a perfect blend of activities that cater to every member of the family. From History & Literature, Music & Dance, Theatre & Art, and Sport and Well-being, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Warwickshire Libraries are inviting families to dive into a world of imagination with a lively programme of free children’s activities for ages 4-11, all inspired by this season’s theme: Sharing Stories.
Find out more here.
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
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
Summer Term (1)
|
Date |
|
Year Group |
|
15/5 |
|
Year 3 |
|
22/5 |
|
Year 2 |
|
Date |
|
Year Group |
|
5/6 |
|
Year 1 |
|
12/6 |
|
Reception |
|
19/6 |
|
Year 6 |
|
26/6 |
|
Year 5 |
|
3/7 |
|
Year 4 |
|
10/7 |
|
Years 1&2 |
|
17/7 |
|
Year 3 |
Key dates for Summer Terms (1) and (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 (1) |
|
Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies |
|
|
|
(17/4), 24/4, 1/5, 8/5, 15/5, *18/5 (Half Term Cup) |
|
|
|
Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks |
|
|
|
w/c 13th April to w/e 8th May 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
18-22/5 |
|
ARTS WEEK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HALF TERM 25th to 29th May |
|
|
|
|
|
Summer Term (2) |
|
Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks |
|
|
|
w/c 8th June – w/e 3rd July 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
Y2 Swimming |
|
8/6, 15/6, 22/6, 29/6 |
|
|
|
|
|
1/6 |
|
INSET DAY – no children in school |
|
2/6 |
|
Children back in school |
|
2/6 |
|
Year 2 Trip to Sea Life Centre (B’ham) |
|
4/6 |
|
Learning Time Together (9:05-9:35) |
|
10/6 |
|
Reception Class Trip to Lapworth Museum |
|
18/6 |
|
Year 4 Trip to Coombe Abbey (Coventry) |
|
30/6 |
|
Year 6 Leavers’ Play (4:30pm) |
|
30/6 |
|
Stratford in Bloom judging day! |
|
1-3/7 |
|
Year 6 Residential Trip to Frontier Centre (N’hampton) |
|
8/7 |
|
Transition Day |
|
14/7 |
|
Sports Day & Picnic |
|
15/7 |
|
Well-being Wednesday |
|
17/7 |
|
Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly (9:05am) |
|
17/7 |
|
LAST DAY OF TERM |
The Supreme Court has clarified the law on unauthorised leave, including holidays, during term time (Platt v Isle of Wright 2017). The Supreme Court has made clear that attending school ‘regularly’ means that the children must attend school on every day that they are required to do so. As such, the parents of any child who is absent from school without authorisation for any length of time are likely to be considered as committing an offence under s444 of the Education Act 1996.
The law states a leave of absence may only be granted by a school if an application is made in advance and if it considers there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application.
Schools must judge each application individually considering the specific facts and circumstances and relevant background context behind each request.
A leave of absence is granted entirely at the school’s discretion. Generally, a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not constitute an exceptional circumstance.
Where a leave of absence is granted, the school will determine the number of days a pupil can be absent from school.
When making an application for Leave of Absence parents are advised to give sufficient information and time to allow the Head teacher the opportunity to consider all the exceptional circumstances and to notify parents of their decision. The school may also request further information on the application and supporting documentation where appropriate.
It is advised that if the resident parent has not received notification or a response regarding the leave of absence application, it is the parents’ responsibility to ascertain if the leave is authorised prior to the start of the leave.
The school can only consider Leave of Absence requests which are made by the ‘resident’ parent i.e. the parent with whom the child normally resides.
Where applications for leave of absence are made in advance and refused, the child is expected to be in school on the dates set out in the application. If the child is absent during that period, it will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. Where a leave of absence is requested, but additional days taken either prior to or after the request may be considered as part of the leave of absence.
Leave of Absences which are not made in advance cannot be authorised in line with legislation. This will result in the absence being recorded as ‘unauthorised’.
All matters of unauthorised absence relating to a Leave of Absence will be referred to the Warwickshire Attendance Service, part of Warwickshire County Council. Penalty Notices are issued in accordance with Warwickshire County Council’s Code of Conduct for Penalty Notices and in the first instance, as an alternative to prosecution proceedings.
Leave of Absence taken in the academic year 2025-26
The law relating to Penalty Notices changed with effect from 19 August 2024. Therefore, Penalty Notices issued for Leave of Absence taken from September 2024 will be issued in accordance with the updated legislation.
- Penalty Notices are issued to each parent of each absent child, (for example 2 children and 2 parents, means each parent will receive 2 invoices – 4 in total).
- First Leave of Absence offence: The Penalty Notice amount of £160 to be paid within 28 days, this is reduced to £80 each child if paid within 21 days.
- Second Leave of Absence offence within a 3-year period (from the date of issue of the first penalty notice): The amount of £160 paid within 28 days. No reduced amount.
- Payment plans will not be offered and/or payments received outside of the 28-day period will not be accepted. Where a penalty notice expires unpaid the matter will be referred to Warwickshire County Council’s Legal Services to consider criminal prosecution.
- Third Leave of Absence offence within a 3-year period (from the date of issue of the first penalty notice): A penalty notices will be not be issued and the matter will be referred to Warwickshire County Council’s Legal Services to consider instigating criminal prosecution proceedings under S444 of Education Act 1996.
Your child’s progress academically as well as socially is our shared priority.
