School Newsletter : 02 May 2025

| Issue 27 | Summer 1 | Week 2 |

Run Kids Run 2025

We are thrilled to announce that once again, we have registered to participate in Run Kids Run on Sunday 8th June in Battersea Park.

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!

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.

Time to get training and fundraising!

Our  in-school (for pupils only) running club as part of the Summer Term Extended School Day Menu starts next Wednesday 30th April.

Pupils will train each week, with 2 school staff and volunteers from Ranelagh Harriers, who are once again generously donating their time and expertise in supporting our pupils develop their enjoyment for running.

Please note that if pupils do not wish to join the weekly in-school running club, they can still register to participate in the event on the 8th June. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

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.

Who can run?

Everyone! 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.

All you need to do is register your child using this registration link:

You can register up to 4 runners on one form and older siblings can also take part (please select the 2 km Y5 & Y6 option).

On Sunday 8th June, bring your child/ren to Battersea Park from 2 – 4pm. The children will run their races and on completion, will receive a medal and snack at this fun family day out.

Our Corporate Sponsor:

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

Like us, they are excited to be working in collaboration with our school community to bring about positive changes, through a vibrant and ambitious partnership for the benefit of the young people and wider groups who live in our local community.

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.

Since 2020, Run Kids Run 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

All funds raised will be donated directly to our school:

  • Make your donation via the Friends of Burdett-Coutts Just Giving page @ https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/runbcrun2025
  • You can seek sponsorship from as many friends, family & neighbours as possible, as every donation will go towards raising funds for our school

Other fundraising events:

  • 17th May: International Evening
  • 6th July: Summer Fair

Sleep Workshop

Is your child struggling with focus (ADHD type difficulties), memory, or behaviour?

Many parents are seeing these challenges, and sleep often plays a crucial role. Our Educational Psychologist Alexander Haswell will be hosting a Sleep workshop for parents & carers, on 7 May at 9am, to explore how good sleep supports brain development and learning.

At the session, Alex will share practical tips and advice to help families address common sleep issues and create healthier routines. The workshop will be conducted in a supportive space to encourage questions,so that we can all learn together.

VE Day at Burdett-Coutts

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.

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

World Day for Cultural Diversity

To celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures in our school community, on Wednesday 21st May we’d like to encourage all students, staff, and families to join us in honouring cultural diversity by wearing traditional clothing that reflects your heritage.

Whether it’s a small accessory or full attire, every expression is welcome.

Let’s make the day vibrant, meaningful, and inclusive!

Pimlico Choir

Community Corner

Class Assemblies:

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

  • 16th May: Year 3
  • 06th 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, as we all being to look forward to the long summer holidays ☀️🙂

Meeting dates:

  • Wednesday 17 May.2025
  • Wednesday 11 June 2025
  • Wednesday 25 June 2025
  • Wednesday 09 July 2025

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

Upcoming Events

May:

  • Monday 5th May: May Bank Holiday SCHOOL CLOSED TO ALL PUPILS
  • Tuesday 6th May: Year 3 Trip to Kew Gardens. Letter to follow.
  • Monday 12th – 16th May: KS2 SAT’s Week
  • Friday 16th May: Year 3 Class Assembly
  • Monday 19th May: Year 6 Mudlarking Project starts in school.
  • Tuesday 20th May: Go Live Theatre Workshops (for selected pupils)
  • Wednesday 21st May: World Day for Cultural Diversity
  • Monday 26th – Friday 30th May: May Half Term

June:

  • Friday 6th June: Year 6 Trip to Docklands as part of the Mudlarking Project
  • Sunday 8th June: Run Kids Run Event at Battersea Park from 14:00 – 16:00.
  • Monday 9th June: Year 6 Transition to Secondary School Workshop, led by Chance UK.

June (continued):

  • Monday 16th June:  Year 3 ITSU Kitchen Project (in school).
  • Friday 27th June: Whole School INSET Day SCHOOL CLOSED TO ALL PUPILS

July:

  • Wednesday 9th July: Almshouse Founders Day Service @ 14:30 – 15:15
  • 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 (from April 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:

Our Preschoolers had a very exciting time this week as they crafted their own bear masks for a special bear hunt adventure! Using forks instead of brushes, the children stamped brown paint onto paper plates to create realistic fur textures for their masks. This creative experience not only sparked their imaginations but also helped to develop their fine motor skills.

Nursery:

This week, Nursery have enjoyed making their own spiders from salt dough, inspired by the story Arghhh, Spider! They had fun painting and decorating their spiders, choosing how many eyes and legs to add. It was a great activity that brought the story to life and encouraged imagination and creativity!

Reception:

What a wonderful week of sunshine and outdoor fun Reception have had! The children loved bouncing on space hoppers, building their strength and coordination while giggling nonstop. Our big construction blocks became windows, towers, and all sorts of imaginative creations – with lots of smiling faces peeking through. In the tuft tray, we explored mud, soil, and flowers to create a magical mini-beast habitat. There was so much excitement at spotting worms and chatting about insects and nature. It’s been a week full of movement, creativity, and joyful learning in the fresh air!

Year 1:

This week, Year 1 have been busy developing their counting skills by learning to group and count in 2’s, 5’s and 10’s. Using hands on activities and visual aids, they explored patterns in numbers and discovered how grouping makes counting quicker and easier. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they apply these skills in fun and practical ways!

Year 2:

As Musicians, Year 2 are learning about timbre; the word used to describe the unique quality of different sounds. They have been listening carefully to how instruments and voices can sound brassy, sharp, bright, round and more. They are discovering how different instruments produce different timbres, and how composers carefully select and combine sounds to create different effects or highlight a solo. Year 2 are beginning to build their musical vocabulary and develop their listening skills as they explore the wonderful variety of sounds in music.

Year 3:

Year 3 has been working diligently this week, finishing their diaries based on Charlotte’s Web, and then beginning the rewriting of the first chapter from the perspective of Wilbur. In Maths, we have been working hard at learning how to find non-unit fractions of an amount, which is really tricky! We continue to learn about the plant life cycle in Science, and in R.E. we are discussing what really is good about Good Friday!

Year 4:

It has been busy in Year 4! In Maths, pupils have consolidated their decimals knowledge and a strong understanding of how they work by ordering and comparing. We’ve also been putting extra focus on times-tables to really embed that key multiplication knowledge up to 12 x 12, with great progress shown by everyone. In English, the children have shown great creativity, while working hard to bring their Iron Man letter writing to life with powerful vocabulary and thoughtful ideas. In Science, we’re continuing our exploration of Power. The children are full of questions and enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to see the creative science projects they’ll be bringing in later this term. All of Year 4 are looking forward to parents evening; the children are so proud of their work and can’t wait to share their achievements.

Year 5:

It’s been a busy week in Year 5 preparing for our class assembly. The children have worked so hard to learn their lines, song and performance and we’re thankful to everyone who came to see our learning! In PSHE, we have been talking about self-esteem and personality characteristics, focussing on our half-term topic of relationships. We shared some ways to maintain positive self-esteem, even when facing challenges. We then drew and described our personal qualities, before working with a friend to add to each other’s. It was a lovely lesson to celebrate how unique and special we all are.

Year 6:

This week in English, we have stepped into the shoes of August “Auggie” Pullman, the central character in our class text, Wonder, as he chronicles his first day at Beecher Prep. We have written heartfelt diary entries to describe how Auggie navigates the unfamiliar corridors of middle school, confronting the challenges of being perceived as different due to his facial differences. From the initial classroom introductions to the poignant moments in the cafeteria, where a kind gesture from a classmate named Summer offers a glimmer of friendship, Auggie’s reflections capture the emotional highs and lows of this significant day. Through his eyes, readers gain insight into the complexities of acceptance, the sting of subtle cruelties, and the profound impact of simple acts of kindness. Our diary entries not only delve into Auggie’s personal experiences but also serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of empathy in our daily interactions.