School Newsletter : 30 January 2026

| Issue 19 | Spring 1 | Week 4 |

Out and About…

Monday 25th January: The Abbey Centre Intergenerational Project

This week, Year 6 took part in the first in-person session of a special intergenerational project with The Abbey Centre, following two weeks of preparation and planning in school. During those earlier sessions, children explored the importance of connecting with older generations and helped design meaningful activities to share.

At the Abbey Centre, the children met with elderly members of the community and took part in a range of collaborative activities. They played games, embraced everyone with warmth and enthusiasm and sang songs – creating a joyful, welcoming atmosphere.

The main activity involved exploring thought-provoking photographs in small groups, asking questions, listening to stories and recording ideas. From these conversations, children and elders co-created original poems and songs, which they proudly performed in front of everyone.

A standout moment was the heartfelt performance of The Streets of London, which brought smiles and emotion to the room. It was truly moving to hear how excited many of the older participants were about the children’s return. After the visit, the response from the organisers made us all feel very proud of our pupils:

“The feedback from service users was wonderful, and it was uplifting to hear the stories around the streets of London. The song you sang at the end, after you left, to a few people, was a powerful song that had helped them feel uplifted and, in some cases, helped them remember their own school days. One lady who has complex brain trauma, it was amazing, her carer said she was humming along all day long“.

Throughout the experience, our Year 6 children demonstrated maturity, empathy and courage – speaking confidently, showing respect and engaging with genuine care. We are incredibly proud of the thoughtful, compassionate young people they are becoming.

Tuesday 27th January: Year 6 workshop – Secret of the Thames Artefact Stories

This week, Year 6 launched their Secrets of the Thames project with a classroom outreach session led by local historian Peter Daniel.

The children explored London’s history through the River Thames, learning about mudlarking and the important role the river played in shaping the city and its docklands. Using real mudlarking artefacts, they investigated fascinating stories such as the Battersea Shield, the Seax of Beagnoth, Harry Briggs and the Shadwell Shams.

Working like real historians, the pupils used the 5Ws (who, what, when, where and why) to analyse artefacts and piece together evidence from the past. This engaging session has set the scene for our upcoming visit to the Museum of London Docklands, where the children will deepen their learning by exploring the history of the Thames in person.

Book Bags: Protecting our reading books

A reminder to all parents & carers about the importance of the children’s book bag, which needs to be brought to school every day. These book bags should only be used to carry books (library and reading books) and newsletters to and from school.

Please do not place water bottles, food or any other bulky items in their book bags as they cause damage to the books. The whole purpose of these book bags are to protect our school books and to ensure that they remain in good condition for current and future use, and are not bent, torn or damaged.

Regrettably there have been incidents of books returning with severe water damage (from drink bottles in book bags) and unfortunately, we then have no choice but to dispose of them.

This means that our library book options are diminished and the class sets shrink; preventing pupils from having a copy each to work from in lessons, and instead having to share with a partner.

We would also like to ask that any toys, key rings etc attached to book bags are removed by Wednesday 28th January. These items are becoming a problem in school, with book bags not hanging or being properly stored in the boxes that classes have.

Many thanks for your support and understanding.

NSPCC Number Day

Community Corner

This week, we continue to celebrate Epiphanytide. Next week we will observe Candlemas, which officially marks the end of the 40 days of Christmas.

In church, we listened to talks about change and new beginnings, and the active choice to follow Jesus. Our worship songs included Be still for the presence of the Lord and I, the Lord of sea and sky.

This week also marks the beginning of the renewal of Burdett Coutts’ Christian Club, hosted by Vicar David and open to Years 3 to 5. They will be meeting each Tuesday to discuss a wide range of topics, beginning with pilgrimages.

Bible Teaching of the Week: Acts 9:1-22

Saul, a committed persecutor of Christians, is blinded by a heavenly light and encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. After three days of blindness and fasting, he is healed by a devout disciple of Jesus called Ananias. Saul is then filled with the Holy Spirit, and baptised, transforming from a persecutor into a devoted preacher of the gospel.

Community Questions:

  • What can help people change for the better?
  • Why is it important to accept help from others?
  • How can we show kindness, even when it feels difficult?

Community Challenge:

  • Choose one positive change to practise this week (such as being more patient, kinder, or more helpful).

Spring Term Class Assemblies:

Class assemblies take place on Fridays, starting at 09:05.

Please ensure that you are on time and that your mobile phones are turned off.

No filming or photography is permitted at any time.

  • 6th February: Year 2
  • 6th March: Year 1
  • 20th March: Reception

1. Pupil Medications

A polite reminder to parents and carers that we are unable to give over the counter or prescription medicines to pupils unless they have an agreed medical plan in place.

Should your child requires medication to be taken 3 times per day due to winter season illnesses, please give them their doses before school, after school and before bed time.

Alternatively, if you’re able to do so, you can pop into school during your child’s lunch break (12:30 – 13:30) to administer a midday dose if required.

Please do not put any medications, creams, ointments etc in your child’s book bag. This can be very dangerous for other pupils or adults who may have allergies or if other children access these items.

If you have any questions, please email the school office and a member of staff will get back you. Many thanks for your understanding with this important Health & Safety issue.

2. Pupil Permission Forms for Trips

Parents & carers, please ensure that when pupil trip letters are sent home requesting permission for trips or visits, that you correctly read and complete the forms attached and return them to school by the date requested.

When forms are returned late, it is a challenge to manage and accurately provide the required confirmation / information to venues – which are usually requested 48 hours in advance. Furthermore:

  • Our admin and catering teams face additional pressure to prepare lunch orders and first aid.
  • These are difficult to amend at the last minute, and it also pulls them away from other duties & responsibilities they have.
  • Teachers are also unable to assign group pupil:adult ratios to ensure a smooth trip briefing with other staff/parents supporting the trip.

Because of this, pupils will miss out on attending a trip if the correct permission slips are not returned by the designated deadline. Instead they will be assigned appropriate class work to complete in a supervised buddy class.

Many thanks for your understanding and support with this matter.

3. School & PE Uniform:

Please ensure that your children are wearing the correct school uniform to school each day. It is important that all pupils are also wearing the correct school shoes – which are black shoes, and not trainers.

The Autumn/Winter term uniform options for pupils in Nursery to Year 6 are:

Girls:

  • Dark grey trousers, skirt or skort
  • Long-sleeve white shirt (Years 3 – 6)
  • White school logo polo shirt (Nursery – Year 2)
  • Tie (Years 3 – 6)
  • V-neck navy school logo jumper (Years 3 – 6)
  • Navy logo school sweatshirt (Nursery to Year 2)
  • Blazer (Year 6 only)
  • Plain black shoes (not trainers)

Boys:

  • Dark grey shorts or trousers
  • Long-sleeve white shirt (Years 3 – 6)
  • White school logo polo shirt (Nursery – Year 2)
  • Tie (Yers 3 -6)
  • V-neck navy school logo jumper (Years 3 – 6)
  • Navy school logo sweatshirt (Nursery to Year 2)
  • Blazer (Year 6 only)
  • Plain black shoes (not trainers)

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 Autumn/Winter term PE kit for all pupils from Year Reception to Year 6 consists of:

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

Please note that 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.

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

Our PTA: The Friends of Burdett-Coutts

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 meetings take place on  Wednesday mornings from 09:00 – 10:00 in the Ground Floor Hall, with refreshments. Everyone is welcome!

Our next event: School Easter Fete Thursday 26th March @ 15:30 – 17:30.

Spring term meeting dates:

  • Wednesday 11th February
  • Wednesday 25th February
  • Wednesday 11th March
  • Wednesday 25th March

Upcoming Events

February 2026:

  • Tuesday 3rd:  Sound of Music Performance at Westminster School.  Selected Year 4 & 5 pupils attending, 14:15 – 16:45 (more information to follow).
  • Tuesday 3rd: Go Live Theatre Workshop 3/4 – Year 6 from  13:30 – 15:30
  • Wednesday 4th: Go Live Theatre Workshop 4/4 – Year 6 from  13:30 – 15:30
  • Friday 6th: Year 4 Trip to Jamyang Buddhist Centre
  • Thursday 12th:  LDBS Annual Schools Church Service at St. Pauls Cathedral: 13:00 – 16:00.  Year Campanology Club pupils and Head Choristers attending.
  • Friday 13th:  Last day of Spring 1 half term.
  • Monday 16th – Friday 20th February:  Spring Half Term Holiday
  • Tuesday 17th February:  Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Day
  • Tuesday 17th February – Wednesday 18th March:  Ramadan Celebrations
  • Tuesday 17th February – Tuesday 3rd March:  Chinese New Year Celebrations
  • Wednesday 18th February:  Ash Wednesday
  • Monday 23rd: Year 6  Abbey Centre Intergenerational Project, session 4/4 from  13:30 – 14:30
  • Wednesday 25th:  Proms Praise Workshop (in school) for all Choir Club pupils.

March 2026:

  • Thursday 5th:  Year 3 Trip to the Natural History Museum: Volcanoes Exhibition – 09:15 – 13:30
  • Monday 9th:  Happy 5th Birthday Biscuit
  • Monday 9th  – Friday 13th March: Science Week – This year’s theme: Curiosity: What’s Your Question?  Keep an eye on the newsletter for more information about events and activities taking place.
  • Tuesday 10th:  Choir Club at the Royal Festival Hall, singing Bach Magnificat with Westminster School (more information to follow).
  • Tuesday 17th:  Proms Praise Concert at the Royal Albert Hall – Choir Club pupils performing, (more information to follow), 16:00 – 20:00
  • Friday 20th:  Last day for all Extended School Day and Booster Clubs for the Spring Term.
  • Wednesday 25th: Pimlico Music Foundation Concert: Disney at St. Gabriels Church. Choir Club pupils performing 18:00 – 20:00 (more information to follow).
  • Thursday 26th:  School Easter Fete: 15:30 – 17:30
  • Friday 27th:  Last day of school for the Spring Term.  School finishes for all pupils at 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:

Preschool, Nursery & Reception Admissions

We currently have the following availability for places in our Early Years provision from January 2026:

  • Reception class: Any class vacancies for September 2026 will be announced in May 2026.
  • Nursery Class (3-year olds): 1 part-time (afternoon) place available at present.
  • Preschool (2-year olds): From April 2026 we have 4 full-time places and 2 part-time (afternoon) places available

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:

This week Preschool have been enjoying the story Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? The children have been exploring their senses and learning all about the five senses through fun, hands-on activities. We extended our learning further with a sensory tuff tray, where the children discussed different animals and the habitats they live in. This encouraged curiosity, language development, and lots of imaginative play as they explored using their senses.

Nursery:

This week, Nursery revisited patterns which allowed the children to develop a deeper understanding of the different ways in which patterns repeat and can be found in everyday life. They enjoyed identifying and creating their own patterns during activities. We also focused on the setting of our core text, Last Stop on Market Street, after which the children created their own streets, carefully thinking about and including the different buildings mentioned in the story. This helped to develop their creativity as well as their understanding of the text.

Reception:

Since the start of the year, Reception have been exploring celebrations from around the world, including Diwali, Black History Month, Chanukah, Christmas, and Lunar New Year. This week, we travelled to Australia to learn about Australia Day. I shared stories about growing up in Australia, including school life, uniforms, and daily routines. The children were fascinated by the vast open spaces in Western Australia and noticed that in the hot weather, hats are more important than raincoats. We also learned about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The children practised some Noongar words from my home region, like Yonga (kangaroo), Weitj (emu), Wagyl (snake), and Bindi bindi (butterfly). We explored how animals are important in Dreamtime stories, dance, art, and survival, and even tried making animal tracks in the sandpit. We finished the day with singing, dancing, and a clip of my favourite show, The Koala Brothers.

Year 1:

Year 1 have been exploring local geography this term, with a special focus on our wonderful city of London. The children have been learning what maps are, what they are used for, and how places can be represented in different ways. As part of this learning, they became real-life map makers, creating their own maps of London. They carefully thought about important landmarks, routes, and symbols, taking great pride in their work. The process took time, patience, and plenty of creativity, and the children were completely absorbed in the task. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm and developing understanding of the world around them.

Year 2:

Year 2 have had lots of fun learning how to play the drums with Mr Carden this week. The children explored different rhythms and drum patterns and practised counting the beats to keep a steady beat altogether. They enjoyed a group activity where one person made a drumming pattern and the next person carried it on, until the whole class had created a rhythm together. The children listened carefully, followed instructions well, and worked brilliantly as a team. We are very proud of their effort and enthusiasm, and they can’t wait to share their drumming with the rest of the school. We are very lucky to have Mr Carden teaching us music – thank you, Mr Carden!

Year 3:

Year 3 have been enjoying this topics this week and working very hard. We learnt about the Northern and Southern hemisphere, and which countries lie in which hemisphere, including one that lies in both. In PSHE we have been exploring our dreams and goals, and have made a lovely display to help motivate and encourage each other. We are exploring our brain and emotions, and discovering strategies to help ourselves when we feel big feelings. In Writing, we learnt about a Kenning poem and its structure, so we could write our own. We have written about volcanoes and earthquakes, and have been reading them aloud to each other at the end of our lesson. It’s been great to practise being a confident reader in front of others.

Year 4:

Year 4 have been enjoying our new class text, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, and the enthusiasm has sky-rocketed this week. We discovered some mysteriously torn pages from an ancient firework-making text, and used our knowledge of time adverbials to carefully piece the instructions back together. We also let our imaginations loose by inventing our own firework potions in jars, thinking about descriptive noun phrases, and displays for our Reading board. In Maths, we’re getting to grips with the tricky topic of dividing with remainders. Our IXL this week will be focussed on embedding this knowledge, so parents & carers, please make sure you’re encouraging your child to complete this homework as best they can.

Year 5:

This week, Year 5 have continued their writing on The Hound of the Baskervilles. We’ve started analysing the text, picking out the important parts that make a great text such as the use of adverbials, noun phrases and a captivating title. In Maths, we finished our unit on multiplication and division. We’re now a lot more confident solving 4 by 2 digit numbers, and using the bus stop method to solve short division problems. In PSHE, we looked at dreams of goals of people in other religions. In RE, we looked at the actions a Sikh carries out and the feeling they may have when putting effort into their religion. In Geography, we learnt how to read coordinates and used our knowledge of cardinal points to find major cities on a map. In Art, we drew self-portraits and thought of words to describe ourselves. We wrote these words onto tracing paper, outlining our portrait and transferred these to a colourful background.

Year 6:

As Scientists this week, Year 6 have been learning about the circulatory system, with a focus on the heart. They learnt that the heart is a powerful muscle located between the lungs and protected by the ribcage. Its main job is to pump blood around the body, and it does this through four chambers and a network of blood vessels. They explored the different types of blood vessels – arteries, veins, and capillaries – learning how each one plays a vital role. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins bring it back, and capillaries connect the two, allowing the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste. This lesson helped the pupils understand just how incredible and efficient the human body is – and why the heart is one of its most important organs.