School Newsletter : 15 May 2026
| Issue 31 | Summer 1 | Week 5 |
World Day for Cultural Diversity & International Evening
This year we are combining these two important events, by including our International Evening alongside World Day for Cultural Diversity.
To celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures in our school community, on Thursday 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.
We would also welcome donations of cultural food dishes to share as part of the evening. Our PTA will provide further details about this, alongside any ingredient information that would need to be provided with your food donations over the coming weeks.
Let’s make the day vibrant, meaningful, and inclusive! (and a feast for our taste buds😋)
Run Kids Run 2026
We are thrilled to announce that once again, we have registered to participate in Run Kids Run on Sunday 7th 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.
Then get training and fundraising! After the Easter Break, we will offer an in-school (for pupils only) running club as part of the Summer Term Extended School Day Menu of options. A Just Giving page will also be set up, making donations and sponsorships easy for everyone.
Then on Sunday 7th June, bring your child/ren to Battersea Park from 2 – 4pm. The children will run their races and on completion, will receive an exclusive medal and healthy snack.
You can seek sponsorship from as many friends, family & neighbours as possible, as every donation will go towards raising funds for our school.
Our Corporate Sponsor:
We have partnered with OPLM (Old Park Lane Management) ever since our first Run Kids Run in 2024. Like us, they are excited to be working in collaboration to create positive change through a vibrant and ambitious partnership for the benefit of our pupils and the wider local community.
OPLM will be supporting whole-school projects, including School Council visits to their Millbank site and a collaborative art project to design hoardings, with further opportunities for pupils’ artwork to be showcased.
Year 4 Multiplication Test: Parents Guide
Swimming Lessons for Years 3 – 6
We are delighted to announce that swimming lessons will begin again this term, for pupils in Years 3 to 6. Please see the table below for your child’s swimming weeks.
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.
Pupils are issued with certificates at the end of each unit of swimming, which acknowledge the skill level that they have met.
All swimming lessons will take part at the Queen Mothers 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.
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.
Year 3
- Tuesday 19 May: 11:00 – 12:00
- Wednesday 20 May: 14:30 – 15:30
- Thursday 21 May: 12:00 – 13:00
Year 4
- Tuesday 02 June: 11:00 – 12:00
- Wednesday 03 June: 09:30 – 10:30
- Thursday 04 June: 12:00 – 13:00
- Tuesday 09 June: 11:00 – 12:00
- Wednesday 10 June: 09:30 – 10:30
- Thursday 11 June: 12:00 – 13:00
Year 5
- Tuesday 16 June: 11:00 – 12:00
- Wednesday 17 June: 09:30 – 10:30
- Thursday 18 June: 12:00 – 13:00
- Tuesday 23 June: 11:00 – 12:00
- Wednesday 24 June: 09:30 – 10:30
- Thursday 25 June: 12:00 – 13:00
Year 6
- Tuesday 30 June: 11:00 – 12:00
- Wednesday 01 July: 09:30 – 10:30
- Thursday 01 July: 12:00 – 13:00
- Tuesday 07 July: 11:00 – 12:00
- Wednesday 08 July: 09:30 – 10:30
- Thursday 09 July: 12:00 – 13:00
Community Corner
This week in collective worship, we celebrated Ascension Day. It was a really special occasion and the entire school was involved in recognising this special day.
Vicar Graham joined us in the hall to share the celebration of Ascension Day. We discussed how although we recognise today as the day Jesus went up into Heaven, Jesus is always with us in our hearts.
We demonstrated the day’s significance with some exciting bubbles and all joined in with a dance to one of our favourite worship songs, Lord I Lift Your Name Up High.
Bible Teaching of the Week: Luke 24: 44-53
The risen Jesus returns to Heaven, promising the Holy Spirit and commissioning His followers to continue His work in the world.
Community Questions:
- How do you think the disciples felt as they watched Jesus go up into Heaven?
- What is the Holy Spirit, and why did Jesus say it would help His followers?
- What does it mean to continue Jesus’ work in the world today?
Community Challenge:
Look for ways to share kindness, help others, or show your faith, remembering that Jesus asked His friends to continue His work in the world.
Class Assemblies 09:00 – 09:25
- 22 May: Year 5
- 12 June: Year 6
- 19 June: Year 1
- 25 June: Reception (Thursday as Friday is an INSET day)
- 03 July: Year 2
- 10 July: Nursery
Please arrive on time, as late entry can disrupt the children and the flow of the assembly. Photos must not be shared on social media.
Disney Musicals in Schools
Year 3 and 4 are enjoying their Disney Musicals in Schools journey with this year’s production, Frozen. Throughout their rehearsals, the children are showing fantastic enthusiasm as they bring the story to life through singing, movement and teamwork.
As part of the excitement, we are launching a Poster Design Competition. All pupils are invited to create a bright, bold and eye-catching A4 portrait poster, including the words Frozen, Burdett-Coutts Primary School, and Year 3 and 4 Performance.
Entries should be handed into the school office by Wednesday 20th May 2026, with the child’s name and class clearly written on the back.
Please see the poster below for full details.
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 events are:
School International Evening and World Day for Culture Diversity – Thursday 21st May @15;30 – 17:30
School Summer Fair – Saturday 20th June @12:30 – 16:00
Meeting dates:
- 20th May
- 10th June
- 17th June
Upcoming Events
May 2026:
- Wednesday 20th May: Keep Smiling, Tooth Brushing & Fluoride Application Program (Day 2/2)
- Wednesday 20th May: Year 4 Trip to the Science Museum
- Monday 25th – Friday 29th: May Half Term – School Closed to all pupils.
June 2026:
- Tuesday 2nd: Reception trip to London Zoo (Rescheduled date)
- Monday 8th – Friday 12th: Year 1 Phonics Screen Assessment Week
- Wednesday 10th: Year 6 participating in Walter Greaves workshop led by Peter Daniels, 09:00 – 12:30 (in school)
- Friday 19th: Y6 Trip to Wapping – Thames Foreshore Mudlarking with Peter Daniels.
- Saturday 20th: School Summer Fair: 12:30 – 16:00
- Wednesday 24th: Year 4 & Year 5 Tate Britain Animation Workshops (in school)
- Wednesday 24th: School Choir Singing Morning (themed on storytelling and literature – including songs from Matilda: The Musical at St. Gabriel’s Church 09:00 – 12:00.
- Friday 26th June: INSET Day – SCHOOL CLOSED to all pupils
July 2026 (continued):
- Monday 29th: Disney (Frozen) Matinee Performance 14:15 – 15:15 (details to follow)
- Tuesday 30th: Disney (Frozen) Matinee Performance 14:15 – 15:15 (details to follow)
July 2026:
- Tuesday 2nd: Disney (Frozen) EveningPerformance 18:00 – 19:00 (details to follow)
- Tuesday 7th: Year 1 Trip to the Florence Nightingale Museum.
- Thursday 9th: Whole School Sports Day
- Friday 10th: Last day of Booster and Extended School Day Clubs
- Tuesday 14th: Founders Day Service – Year 6 (Time TBC)
- Wednesday 15th: Year 3 and Year 6 KEIR site visit, 09:15 – 12:00
- Thursday 16th: Y6 Trip to Rochester Cathedral
- Friday 17th: Last day of school for the summer term. School finishes at 13:30 for all pupils
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. Enrichment Clubs: Late Collection
- We understand that on occasions you may be running late due to circumstances outside of your control.
- If this should occur, please email or phone the school office to inform them and of your expected arrival time.
- This helps us ensure staff who work until 18:00 will be able to leave on time, with a member of the SLT providing cover if needed if they are unable to stay.
- We thank you for understanding with this request.
- A reminder that that a £5 late charge is applied to your fees for every 5 minutes that you are late.
4. School & PE Uniform:
With the warmer weather now settling in, pupils are welcome to switch to their summer school uniform options. Please ensure that all pieces of school uniform are named.
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 Summer term uniform options for pupils in Nursery to Year 6 are:
Girls:
- Navy blue and white gingham dress
- Dark grey trousers, skirt or skort
- Short-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)
- Navy logo school sweatshirt (for PE lessons: Years 3 -6)
- Blazer (Year 6 only)
- Plain black shoes (not trainers)
Boys:
- Dark grey shorts or trousers
- Short-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)
- Navy school logo sweatshirt (for PE lessons: Years 3 – 6)
- 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.
Bi-Borough Autism Service
Parents and carers of Year 5 and 6 pupils are warmly invited to join an online session with the Bi-borough Autism Service on preparing your autistic child for secondary school.
The session will take place on Tuesday 5th May, 2.00–3.00pm.
To sign up, please email AEYIT@RBKC.GOV.UK
Term Dates 2025-2026
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 2026-2027
Please find here the agreed term dates set by our school’s Governing Body for the upcoming academic year, starting September 2026.
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 link below:
Preschool, Nursery & Reception Admissions
We currently have the following availability for places in our Early Years provision from January 2026:
- Nursery Class (3-year olds): 1 part-time (afternoon) place available at present.
- Preschool (2-year olds): We have a waiting list for Reception places for September 2026. Please feel free to book a tour and submit admissions documents to secure a place on the waiting list.
September 2026 Reception: We have a waiting list for Reception places for September 2026. Please feel free to book a tour and submit admissions documents to secure a place on the waiting list.
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.
- To book your tour place, please call 0207 828 6790
- For further information about starting Reception at Burdett-Coutts, please click here >
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:
- Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
- Tap Content & App Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode.
- Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- 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.
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:
During group time, Preschool explored shapes through a fun hands-on guessing game with Miss Gordon! She filled a mystery box with different items from around the room, and the children took turns pulling out an object, deciding whether it could be a circle or a square, and placing it into the correct pile. Together, we talked about describing words for each shape and discussed what we noticed was different about them, such as corners, sides, and curved edges.This engaging activity encouraged the children to use their observation, sorting, and language skills while building their understanding of early mathematical concepts through play and discussion.
Nursery:
Nursery had a really fun, hands-on activity where the children made jelly together and helped with each step of the process. This linked to our previous topic ‘Minibeasts’. The children used pasta to represent worms and then used tweezers to carefully search for them hidden in the jelly. They loved exploring the different textures and watching what happened as the jelly began to set. The activity gave lots of opportunities for conversation, turn-taking, and problem-solving as they worked together, as well as supporting their fine motor skills through using the tweezers with increasing control. It also encouraged curiosity and discussion as the children talked about worms and began to think about why they might live underground in muddy places.
Reception:
Reception have been very lucky to welcome some amazing parents into the classroom to talk to the children about their different jobs and experiences. Recently, we were delighted to welcome Ben, Pippa’s dad, who spoke to the children about his exciting role as a musician in the Army. Ben explained that he plays the saxophone in an orchestra and has travelled to countries including Jordan, America, Belgium and Cyprus. The children were fascinated to learn that Army musicians march while they play at important ceremonies, including the King’s Coronation. They loved having the opportunity to see a conductor’s baton and conduct while Ben played a variety of songs, including the class favourite “Golden”. The visit inspired lots of thoughtful questions and was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn more about music, teamwork and life in the Army.
Year 1:
Over the past two weeks, Year 1 have been busy exploring the world of 3D art by designing and creating their own spectacular birds! The children used a wide range of materials, including collage, feathers, tissue paper, felt, and recycled materials, to carefully build and decorate their sculptures. As young artists, the children experimented with colour, texture, shape, and balance, making thoughtful creative choices to bring their birds to life. We were so impressed by their imagination, resilience, and attention to detail – each bird is completely unique and bursting with personality! The finished flock has certainly brightened up our classroom.
Year 2:
In RE this week, Year 2 revisited the story of Rama and Sita and learnt about the celebration of Diwali. We explored the meaning of the word Diwali, which means “a row of lights”, and discussed how this links to the story of Rama and Sita returning home. We also learnt about the different ways Sanātana Dharma families celebrate Diwali around the world, including creating colourful rangoli patterns and lighting diva lamps. To finish our lesson, the children designed and created their own beautiful Mehndi patterns inspired by traditional celebrations.
Year 3:
This week in Maths, Year 3 have finished their money unit and moved into telling the time. Both very important skills for life! We are currently learning to tell the time to the minute and know that each number on a clock represents 5 minutes. We have absolutely loved swimming this week and learning new skills. We are so proud of the children for being brave and working hard to learn these important water safety skills. Our assembly, and Frozen, has taken priority this week, and the children have been working very hard learning lines and dances. We can’t wait to share these with you!
Year 4:
Year 4 has been full of exciting learning across the curriculum. In Maths, we have been focusing on money and time. The pupils have been developing their understanding of how to calculate with money building on their awareness of decimals. In Writing, we have begun working on a new story titled Our Tower. Alongside this, the class has been exploring key grammatical features, including the use of pronouns to avoid repetition and the correct use of possessive apostrophes to show ownership. In PSHE, we have been rounding off our learning on relationships. The class have reflected on what they have learned and expressed their ideas creatively through a collage activity. In Science, our topic is electricity. The pupils have been learning about circuits and how electrical components work together. A reminder that home projects are due on Monday, so please ensure these are completed and brought into school.
Year 5:
This week, Year 5 continued to explore ways to survive in the wilderness and started to write instructions on how to build necessary survival items such as a shelter or a fire. We discussed what was needed in a survival kit and wrote why they were important for survival, preparing us in writing a step-by-step guide next week. In Maths, we completed our unit on shape, looking at lengths and angles of a variety of shapes and recapped 3D object. In Science, we looked at the life cycle of a flowering plant, learning about the importance of male and female parts to continue growing new plants. In RE, we looked at the Three Poisons in Buddhism, greed, hatred and ignorance and how we can overcome them. In PSHE, we continued to look at relationships and how too much screen time can affect our relationships as well as our mental and physical health.
Year 6:
This week, Year 6 showed fantastic resilience, maturity and determination as they completed their SATs assessments. We are incredibly proud of the positive attitude and perseverance the children demonstrated throughout the week, supporting one another and approaching each challenge with confidence. Alongside this, in Maths, the class continued their learning about angles and shape. They combined their knowledge of angles in triangles, on straight lines, around a point and within quadrilaterals to solve increasingly complex missing angle problems, explaining the reasoning behind the methods they used. The pupils also explored the properties of quadrilaterals and polygons, learning how the interior angles of shapes are linked to triangles and using this understanding to calculate the sum of interior angles and find missing angles in regular polygons.