School Newsletter : 6 June 2025

| Issue 31 | Summer 2 | Week 1 |

Run Kids Run 2025: THIS Sunday 8th June

The time has arrived…….

The Run Kids Run Event THIS SUNDAY 8th JUNE at the Millennium Arena at Battersea Park!

Over 60 pupils have signed up for this event and we look forward to seeing you all there on Sunday!

Please arrive at 14:00 to register and collect your running bib. The first event will begin for Early Years Pupils (Nursery and Reception) at 14:30 with other years groups setting off after this event.

A newsletter confirming arrangements for the day has been emailed out to all families and a paper copy sent home with pupils on Friday 6th June.

A HUGE thank you to those who have already generously donated to our Just Giving Fundraising Page for our Run Kids Run Event.

At the time of writing we had raised an amazing £1205.00 thanks to the many wonderful donations from friends and family.

Please do share our Just Giving Link with as many friends and family as possible to sponsor either your child or others who maybe competing in this wonderful event.

Friends of Burdett-Coutts Just Giving page @ https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/runbcrun2025

Run Kids Run is a registered charity helping primary school communities connect with long term corporate benefactors, through a fun running event that promotes a healthy body and mind, while fundraising for our school!

Since 2020, they have:

  • Raised over £500k to enrich the education provision
  • Rallied 6,700 children & their families to run
  • Supported 44 schools across 7 London boroughs
  • Mobilised 350 volunteers

How does it work?

All pupils from Nursery to Year 6 can register to compete in this fundraising event. Nursery & Reception will complete a 1km run, with a parent, and Years 1 – 6 will complete a 2km run. Older siblings can also take part, making it a fun day for all the family.

What are we fundraising for?

After a successful fundraising campaign for the EYFS and KS1 pupils last year, the playground seating has been purchased and the sandpit is being installed this May.

Therefore our 2025 project focus is for our KS2 pupils, to build a dedicated comfortable seating area (similar to the one in the KS1 playground) as well age appropriate creative, construction and games based resources.

This will include sensory planters, which will support and develop the work undertaken by our Gardening Club.

We need to raise £8300 for this project. All donations can be made at:

You can seek sponsorship from as many friends, family & neighbours as possible, as every donation will go towards raising funds for our school.

All funds raised will be donated directly to our school:

Other fundraising events:

  • 6th July: Summer Fair

Our Corporate Sponsor:

In 2024, when we were selected to join this wonderful initiative, we were partnered with OPLM (Old Park Lane Management).

OPLM will be supporting us with various whole-school projects, starting with School Council visits to their Millbank construction site, and a collaborative art project to design images for the hoarding, plus other opportunities for our pupils’ artwork to take centre stage!

Their representatives will be leading a whole-school assembly before the Easter break, where they will introduce themselves, their roles, industry and the construction project they’re currently working.

We will keep you updated, as projects and visits develop and take place.

Thames Water: Street Closure

Please note that from Monday 19th May, Thames Water have notified us of works that will be beginning on and around Rochester Street. The works are anticipated to continue for approximately 8 weeks.

  • There will be temporary lights on Elverton Street, with reduced access at times to Rochester Street.
  • Please note that Rochester Street is also still closed off at the intersection with Rochester Row so there is no through traffic on this road either.

This is likely to impact those who currently drive and drop off outside school from Monday 19th May. Should you drive, please take extra care when stopping and dropping off children, and be mindful of other road users and pedestrians.

Parking around the area may also be difficult, so please allow additional time to ensure you are on time for the school start and collection times each day.

Out and About…..

Thursday 5th June Year 1 Trip to Vauxhall City Farm:

Year 1 had a wonderful time visiting Vauxhall City Farm. The children loved getting up close with the animals, learning about their needs and discovering how different habitats help them survive. They even had the chance to feed some of the animals, which was a very exciting and a memorable experience. As part of the workshop, they created their own animal habitat right at the farm, using natural materials and their imagination. It was a fantastic hands-on experience that brought their science learning to life!

Swimming Lessons:  Years 3 – 6

We are delighted to announce that swimming lessons will begin again this term, for pupils in Years 3 to 6.

  • Year 4: Weeks beginning 9th and 16th June
  • Year 5: Weeks beginning 23rd and 30th June (no swimming on Friday 27th June as it is an INSET day)
  • Year 6: Weeks beginning 7th and 14th July

These lessons are an important (and statutory) part of the national curriculum and provide an opportunity for pupils to develop key skills and knowledge about water safety and learning basic swimming skills and strokes.

All swimming lessons will take part at the Queen Mother’s Sports Centre. Classes will complete their lessons in blocks (6 consecutive lessons over two weeks), instead of one lesson per week (over 6 weeks).

This arrangement ensures pupils have the best chance to consolidate and make the most of their lessons, with the opportunity to build on learning over sequential days, as opposed to having a week between each lesson.

On the weeks that your child’s class is swimming, they will need to wear their bathing costume to school with their PE kit over the top. They also need to bring in a bag; a towel, underwear and goggles, plus a cap (if they choose to use one).

Children will change into their PE kit after each lesson and put their towel and bathing suit in their bag to return to school.

Pupils will swim on Tuesday, Wednesday & Fridays of each week. They will walk to and from the pools with their class teacher and Mr Raheem.

If you have any questions or queries about your child’s swimming lesson, please contact the office to arrange a time to meet with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Burdett-Coutts Summer Fair

Our next school fundraising event will be the Summer Fair, which will take place on Saturday 12th July from 12:00 until 4:00 pm.

There’ll be an exciting range of stalls including games, bouncy castle plus food and refreshments available to purchase on the day, and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming everyone!

If you would like to provide a food plate (similar to what we did at our recent International Evening), please inform the office via email or please come in person to speak to Ms Ilhan.

All donations and provision of food items will be passed onto our school’s PTA The Friends of Burdett-Coutts.

Year 4 Multiplication Test: Parents Guide

School & PE Uniform:

As we start our new school term, we would like to remind everyone to ensure that all pupils are wearing the correct school uniform, including shoes, to school each day.

The summer term uniform options for all pupils in Nursery to Year 6 are:

Girls:

  • Dark grey shorts, trousers, skirt or skort
  • Short-sleeve white shirt (Years 3 – 6)
  • White school logo polo shirt (Nursery – Year 2)
  • Tie
  • V-neck navy school logo jumper (Years 3 – 6)
  • Navy logo school sweatshirt (Nursery to Year 2)
  • Blazer (Year 6 only)
  • Or dark blue & white gingham dress
  • Plain black shoes

Boys:

  • Dark grey shorts or trousers
  • Short-sleeve white shirt (Years 3 – 6)
  • White school logo polo shirt (Nursery – Year 2)
  • Tie
  • V-neck navy school logo jumper (Years 3 – 6)
  • Navy school logo sweatshirt (Nursery to Year 2)
  • Blazer (Year 6 only)
  • Plain black shoes

On PE days, pupils must wear the school PE kit only.

This is especially important for safety.  Having the correct shoes for physical activities, and clothing that is not restrictive, for completing physical activity are essential for helping us to ensure pupils complete all PE lessons safely.

The summer term PE kit for all pupils from Year Reception to Year 6 consists of:

  • A school navy logo t-shirt
  • Navy shorts, leggings, tracksuit bottoms or skort (no logos etc)
  • Plain black trainers
  • A school logo sweatshirt (not v-neck jerseys for KS2 pupils. Sweatshirts are available from the school office).

Please note that from Monday 28th April, pupils who do not have the correct PE kit will not be able to participate in their PE lesson. They will be given alternate work to do, and a note will be sent home highlighting why they were not able to complete their lesson that day.

After School Cubs (ASC):

Pupils who do not bring in their PE kit to change into for ASC clubs will not be able to participate in their ASC sports lesson. They will be allocated to a different club on these occasions.

We thank you in advance in supporting our school’s uniform policies.

Community Corner

Class Assemblies:

Fridays @ 9am, please be seated in the First Floor Hall by 9am:

  • 13th June: Year 2
  • 20th June: Year 1
  • 4th July: Year 4
  • 11th July: Year Reception
  • 18th July: Nursery & Preschool

PE Lessons

Please ensure that your child is wearing the correct PE kit to school each week on their allocated PE day.

Pupils not wearing their full PE kit will not be able to participate in lessons, and a note will be sent home indicating why they were not able to participate.

Please ensure that all items of school uniform are clearly labelled with either a permanent pen or label.

The full PE Kit for the Spring/Summer Term is as follows:

  • Plain navy blue leggings or tracksuit bottoms or navy blue shorts or skort
  • School navy blue PE t-shirt
  • School navy blue sweatshirt (all year groups)*
  • Plain black trainers (velcro or slip on if they can not do their laces).

* Kindly note: Pupils in KS2 (Years 3-6) must wear a school sweatshirt for PE lessons and not the v-neck jumper from their main school uniform (if needed).

Summer Term 1 – PE Lessons:

  • Monday: Year 1
  • Tuesday: Year 3
  • Wednesday:  Year 5
  • Thursday: Year 6
  • Friday: Reception, Years 4 & 2

Our PTA: The Friends of Burdett-Coutts

Welcome back to the new school year and a warm welcome to all our new families who have joined our school’s community this term.

If you are a parent, carer or a guardian of a child that attends our school, then you are automatically a member of our Parent Staff Association, Friends of Burdett-Coutts.

Being part of our PSA offers an exciting opportunity for you to meet other parents, whilst supporting our school, through organising fundraising events, volunteering and much more.

Even if you can only give a small amount of time, you will be making a difference to the school experience for your child and other pupils in our school.

Our School Summer Fair will be held on Saturday 12th July 2025, from 12:00 – 16:00!

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event, just before we look forward to the long summer holidays ☀️

Meeting dates:

  • Wednesday 11 June 2025
  • Wednesday 25 June 2025
  • Wednesday 09 July 2025

All meetings are in the Ground Floor Hall @ 9 – 10am

Upcoming Events

June:

  • Monday 9th June: Year 6 Transition to Secondary School Workshop, led by Chance UK.
  • Monday 16th June:  Year 3 ITSU Kitchen Project (in school).
  • Friday 27th June: Whole School INSET Day SCHOOL CLOSED TO ALL PUPILS

July:

  • Tuesday 1st July: Almshouse Founders Day Service @ 14:30 – 15:15
  • Tuesday 1st July: Y6 Trip to Rochester Cathedral
  • Thursday 10th July: Go Live Theatre children attending Theatre Visit to see My Neighbour Totoro.
  • Friday 11th July: Last Day of Extended School Day Enrichment Clubs and Boosters.
  • Saturday 12th July: FOBC (PTA) Summer Fair, from 12:00 – 16:00 in the school playground.
  • Tuesday 15th July: Whole School Sports Day at St. Vincents Square (more information to follow).
  • Thursday 17th July: Running Club trip to Richmond Park for Cross Country Event, led by Ranelagh Harriers.
  • Tuesday 22nd July: School ends for the Summer Holidays @ 13:30.

Term Dates 2025-2026

Please find here the agreed term dates set by our school’s Governing Body for the upcoming academic year, starting September 2025.

Please remember that holidays will not be authorised during the school term, and that all children should be in school (on time) every day.

Alternatively, you can click on the image thumbnail on the right to view the PDF (please note this will open in a new window) or you can click on the link below:

Term Dates 2024-2025

Please find here the agreed term dates set by our school’s Governing Body for the upcoming academic year, starting September 2024.

Please remember that holidays will not be authorised during the school term, and that all children should be in school (on time) every day.

Please refer to the table below for the term dates, including INSET days and Bank Holidays when the school will be closed to pupils.

Alternatively, you can click on the image thumbnail on the right to view the PDF (please note this will open in a new window) or you can click on the link below:

 

AUTUMN TERM 2024

Start of Term (for Years 1-6)

Tuesday

03 September 2024

To

Thursay

24 October 2024

Half Term

Monday

28 October 2024

 

Friday

01 November 2024

Return on

Monday

04 November 2024

End of Term

Friday

20 December 2024

 

SPRING TERM 2025

Start of Term

Tuesday

07 January 2025

To

Friday

14 February 2025

Half Term

Monday

17 February 2025

 

Friday

21 February 2025

Return on

Monday

24 February 2025

End of Term

Thursday

04 April 2025

 

SUMMER TERM 2025

Start of Term

Monday

22 April 2025

To

Friday

23 May 2025

Half Term

Monday

26 May 2025

 

Friday

30 May 2025

Return on

Monday

02 June 2025

End of Term

Friday

22 July 2025

INSET DAYS
Teaching & Learning: Curriculum & Safeguarding

Monday

02 September 2024

Teaching & Learning TBC

Friday

25 October 2024

Teaching & Learning: Wellbeing

Friday

29 November 2024

Assessment & Pupil Progress

Monday

06 January 2025

Teaching & Learning: Curriculum, Assessment & Pupil Progress

Friday

27 June 2025

BANK HOLIDAYS (school closed)
May Bank Holiday

Monday

05 May 2025

Preschool, Nursery & Reception Admissions

We currently have the following availability for places in our Early Years provision:

Reception class:

  • 2 places are available from September 2025.

Nursery Class (3-year olds):

  • A waiting list is now in place for full-time places. Please contact the office for information on how to join the waiting list, and also with regards to upcoming vacancies.
  • Although we are currently full, we are in the process of extending our intake numbers, so please keep in touch.

 Preschool (2-year olds)

  • A waiting list is now in place for full-time places. Please contact the office for information on how to join the waiting list, and also with regards to any upcoming vacancies.
  • Although we are currently full, we are in the process of extending our intake numbers, so please keep in touch.

If you are looking for a Preschool, Nursery or Reception place for your child, please come along for a 30-minute bespoke EYFS tour. Here, you’ll have the chance explore our Early Years setting, speak to key staff and ask any questions regarding admissions, and your child starting with us at Burdett-Coutts.

Contact us to register for our tours which take place every Thursday, with times available from 09:15 – 14:30 during term time.

Online Safety

Did you know that not all apps are safe for children, with many popular ones having certain age restrictions. For example, WhatsApp, Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook operate a minimum age of 13+ years, and therefore primary school children should not have their own, nor access to, such apps or accounts.

As parents, you can help safeguard your children online by researching these apps and their purposes, as well as their age restrictions, BEFORE agreeing to download them. If you do choose to download them, remember that parental controls such as password protection, can be set up so that in-app downloads or purchases, cannot be completed by the children themselves.

For example, to prevent iTunes, Apple App Store purchases or downloads, all you need to do is:

  1. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
  2. Tap Content & App Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode.
  3. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
  4. Select a setting and set to Don’t Allow.

Tips on how to install parental controls on other apps and devices (Android or Apple) can easily be found online, or even from the app developers themselves.

Funding eligibility letter for Pupil Premium, Early Years Funding & Free School Meals

Due to changes in the eligibility criteria for Pupil Premium, Free School Meals and qualifying for 30 hours of funding for Nursery provision, many pupils currently enrolled at our school may now be entitled to one of these funding allocations.

We will be issuing letters to families who are currently not in receipt of the above, asking you to complete the registration for the identified funding option your child/ren maybe eligible for. Thank you so much in advance for your help in completing this.

This funding allows us to increase additional staffing hours to run booster groups, and an exciting range of extended day activities, that benefit our school and your child, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated at this difficult time for school budgets.

  • If you should have any queries with regards to the letter sent to you, please contact Mrs Deary or the school office.

Preschool:

Preschool has had a fantastic first week back diving into our story ‘The Drum‘, exploring rhythm, movement and musical instruments. The children engaged in a fun hands-on experience of creating their own instruments from recycled items. We practiced our fine motor and hand eye coordination, selecting and pouring in different materials to create shakers. We used our new instruments to dance and move around the room to different beats and songs.

Nursery:

Nursery have enjoyed a wonderful start to the new term as we introduced our new focus story Pop! The children explored their five senses through activities, using sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste to deepen their understanding of how we experience the world around us. From the sound of popcorn popping to its smell, texture, and taste, they were fascinated by every step of the process. They also had the chance to get creative by designing and decorating their very own popcorn boxes.

Reception:

Reception have been exploring shape through hands-on, creative play – both indoors and out! The ever-favourite learning resource, magnetiles, made a big return as children eagerly got to work building all sorts of imaginative 2D and 3D creations. From rockets, houses, and ramps to rainbows, flowers, and even dinosaurs, it was incredible to see their ideas come to life. Through this play, children have been developing their understanding of shape, rotation, symmetry, and spatial awareness in a way that’s meaningful and fun. These kinds of activities build strong foundations for early mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. It’s been a fantastic week full of exploration, creativity, and growing confidence with shape!

Year 1:

Year 1 have made a fantastic start to a new term of learning! We have kicked started our Science unit exploring the fascinating world of animals. We are learning about different types of animals, their features and where they live. After our excursion, we were very excited to create our very own habitats using Lego. The students showed brilliant imagination and team work.

Year 2:

As Scientists this term, Year 2 are exploring what plants need to grow and stay healthy. This week, we shared our ideas – identifying water, soil, light and the right temperature as essential ingredients for healthy growth. But how can we be sure? To find out, pupils planned a fair test to investigate each factor. They planted several seeds and in each pot, removed just one key element – no light, no soil, no water or kept at the wrong temperature. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be carefully observing the changes and comparing our results to see which conditions truly help plants thrive. Stay tuned… the sprouts will soon reveal the science!

Year 3:

Year 3 have enjoyed continuing with swimming lessons at Queen Mother Sports Centre! Each hour-long lesson involves learning some important swimming skills and then some fun games to consolidate what we have learnt. In Disney this week, we have been trying on our costumes and practising with our props, ready for our performances next week! In Writing, we are looking at a poem called A Girl by Rachel Rooney. We are using it as inspiration to write poems about a member of our class, which is a lovely way to celebrate each other. In Maths, we are finishing up our time unit, looking at duration, before we move onto shape in the coming weeks.

Year 4:

Year 4 have returned, ready for an exciting half term ahead, with plenty of new learning, as well as building on the great progress made last half term. Our new class book is Michael Morpurgo’s The Butterfly Lion, a beautifully written story that’s already inspiring some great work. We kicked off with a dramatic writing task, creating descriptive instructional sentences about rescuing lion cubs in peril. Pupils were especially excited to meet our very own lion cub (a cuddly one) who joined us to help set the scene.

In Science, we’ve launched into sound. The class will be exploring how sound travels to our ears and are very excited about embarking on their upcoming projects. Finally, rehearsals are soon coming to an end for the Jungle Book production, and there’s a real buzz in the air. We can’t wait to see everyone in the audience.

Year 5:

Year 5 are back into their routines and enjoying new topics this half term. Lots of exciting things to cover, involving Space and our new chapter book – it’s going to be an exciting term. On the last day of the term before, all our butterflies hatched and everyone loved seeing a new one come out of its chrysalis. We have really enjoyed following the life cycle of the caterpillars. Thank you to Joshua’s mum for providing this.

Year 6:

This week in Guided Reading we explored the poem, ‘My Sister Is A Lion‘, where we examined the various elements that made up the poem to understand its meaning, structure, and effect. These features include title, analysis, theme, tone and mood, and the poet’s use of figurative language. We then wrote our own poems to depict our siblings or chosen family member/friend.