USE THIS: Newsletter Template 2025

| Issue 8 | Autumn 2 | Week 1 |

Welcome Back

Extended School Day Club News

School Choir

KS1 STEM Club

Biscuits Bytes

Woof!

How is it already the end of half term? It has flown by, with so much learning, fun and excitement across the school!

Sadly, I missed several days this week after an accident while running in my garden left me unable to walk on my back legs. I was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital in Wanstead, which was worrying for everyone, but I’m very happy to say I’m now back on all fours and feeling much better.

The veterinary team took wonderful care of me, although I was very relieved to come home last night and curl up in my own bed. A huge thank you to Year 1 for their lovely get-well cards and the beautiful artwork they made to thank the team who looked after me. You certainly helped cheer me up!

I’ll be having a very quiet half term, with plenty of rest so I’m ready for a pawsome return as we head towards Christmas.

Wishing you all a safe, happy and restful break. See you in November!

Biscuit x

Attendance & Punctuality

Regular attendance is essential to every pupil’s success. At Burdett-Coutts, we place a strong emphasis on good attendance because being in school consistently supports wellbeing, friendships, a sense of belonging, academic progress and future opportunities.

Pupils who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve well, build strong relationships and develop the confidence, resilience and social skills they need for the future.

Even small amounts of absence can add up quickly. For example, 90% attendance is equivalent to nearly four weeks of missed learning over the course of a school year.

Our expectation is that all pupils achieve at least 97% attendance, and we are very grateful to families for working with us to support this.

A reminder about punctuality: If your child arrives after the black gates have closed and enters through the school office, they will be recorded as late. A parent or carer will need to come into the office and register their arrival using the InVentry system.

Late arrivals on assembly days: To avoid disrupting assembly, pupils arriving late will be safely supervised by an adult in the hall and asked to read their home reading book quietly until assembly has finished. Please make sure your child brings their home reader to school every day.
Late arrivals: Pupils who arrive late to school will miss their morning playtime that day, using that time to catch up on the 5, 10 or 15 minutes of work they have missed.

Parents and carers, please help your children to be up and out of the house on time each day, ensuring you leave plenty of time for your journey to school. We hope to see everyone arriving on time, so please ensure your child is in school by 08:45.

Thank you for your continued support in helping every pupil make the most of each school day.

Why Attendance Matters

Being in school every day helps pupils to:

Build secure friendships and social confidence
Develop teamwork and communication skills
Support positive wellbeing
Gain essential knowledge and life skills
Broaden their understanding of the world

Here’s this week’s class attendance figures:

Class	Attendance %
Preschool	76%
Nursery	88%
Reception	92%
Year 1	96%
Year 2	97%
Year 3	93%
Year 4	97%
Year 5	98%
Year 6	98%

Out and About……

Monday 2nd: Go Create Workshop for Year 5 (1/6). In school.
Thursday 5th: Year 4 ITSU Youth Kitchen Program (Session 1/5). In school.
Friday 6th: Year 6 Trip to Westminster Abbey (Not Forgotten Project). Pupils will have lunch before they leave.

Google Classroom & IXL access

All pupils from Reception to Year 6 have received their Reading Record Book. Their Google Classroom login details are inside the front cover.

Google Classroom is where we share class updates and homework, along with weekly floor book updates for Early Years. Please log in to your child’s account so you can keep up with their learning and news.

Pupils in Years 1–6 will also find their IXL login details inside the front cover. These are needed to access maths and spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG) homework. Reception’s IXL accounts will be activated after the October half term.

When accessing Google Classroom, please sign out of any other Google accounts first, or use a private/incognito browser window, then sign in with your child’s details.

If you have any difficulty logging in, please email or contact the school office. We’ll be happy to help.

Healthy Packed Lunches

If your child brings a packed lunch to school each day, please take a moment to read the guidance below on what can and cannot be included.

These guidelines support our commitment to healthy lifestyles and pupils’ wellbeing, while also helping us to keep everyone safe from known allergens.

Kindly note we are a nut-free school. Please check ingredient labels carefully, particularly on cereal and muesli bars.

Packed lunches should include:

At least one portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables
A healthy source of protein, such as meat, fish, eggs, beans or hummus
A carbohydrate, such as bread, pasta, rice or wraps
A dairy item, such as yoghurt or cheese
A small dessert, for example two standard-sized biscuits, a small piece of cake or a single portion pack of biscuits/cookies
Water only

Healthy packed lunch ideas include:

Fresh fruit or vegetable sticks
Rice cakes or crackers
Cheese cubes or yoghurt
Wraps, pasta salads or sandwiches
Water in a reusable bottle

Please do not include:

Crisps, sweets or chocolate bars
Fizzy or sugary drinks, including juice drinks such as Capri-Sun or Fruit Shoot
Probiotic drinks such as Actimel, Yakult or kefir drinks
Desserts in excess of the guidance above
Any nut products, including chocolate spreads containing nuts

School Trips and Packed Lunches

Packed lunches for school trips should also be healthy and balanced, following the guidance above. However, one small packet of crisps may be included on a school trip, whether the lunch is provided from home or by school.

All other items listed above as unsuitable should not be included in trip packed lunches. A balanced lunch will help pupils stay focused and energised throughout the day.

Thank you for your support in helping us encourage healthy habits and keep our whole school community safe.

Upcoming Events

November:

Monday 9th: Go Create Workshop for Year 5 (2/6). In school.
Wednesday 11th: Remembrance Service. Families are warmly invited to join us for this service. Please arrive at the black school gates for entry to the playground (outdoor service; weather permitting), at 10:40.
Thursday 12th: Year 4. ITSU Youth Kitchen Program (Session 2/5). In school.
Friday 13th: Children in Need. Non-unifom day. More information to follow.
Friday 13th: Y6 Trip to the Royal Albert Hall 13:00 – 17:00. More information to follow.
Monday 16th: Odd Socks Day
Monday 16th – Friday 20th: Anti-Bulling Week – PSHE activities taking place in school
Monday 16th: Go Create Workshop for Year 5 (3/6). In school.
Tuesday 17th: Speak Out, Stay Safe – NSPCC Workshop in school for Years 2, 5 & 6
Thursday 19th: Year 4. ITSU Youth Kitchen Program (Session 3/5). In school.
Thursday 19th: Choir & Westminster Partnership Filming at Westminster School – 15:00 – 16:30 (Letter to follow)
Monday 23rd: Go Create Workshop for Year 5 (4/6). In school.
Thursday 26th: Year 6 Moving Away Your Dust Musical Show at Kensington Town Hall – 09:30 – 14:00 (Letter to follow)
Thursday 26th: Year 4. ITSU Youth Kitchen Program (Session 4/5). In school.
Thursday 19th: Thanksgiving Event: 15:30 – 17:30 (more information to follow)
Friday 27th – INSET DAY
Monday 30th: Y6 Walter Tull Workshop with Peter Daniels (in school) 09:00 – 12:30
Monday 30th: Go Create Workshop for Year 5 (5/6). In school.

December:

Tuesday 1st: Year 4 Trip to Gunnersbury Museum (more information to follow).

Tuesday 1st: KS2 winter Disco, from 16:30 – 18:30

Wednesday 2nd: Choir performing at St. Gabriels Church from 19:00 – 20:00. All choir pupils need to arrive at 18:30 (more information to follow).

Thursday 3rd: Year 4 ITSU Youth Kitchen Program (Session 5/5). In School.

Friday 4th: EYFS & KS1 Nativity Performance in St.Stephens Church. Doors open at 14:15 and show begins promptly at 14:30. Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or on silent. Any photos taken, cannot be uploaded onto any social media platforms.

Friday 4th: Last day for Extended School Day and Booster Clubs. All pupils to be collected at 15:30 next week, if they are not enrolled in the schools After School Club.

Monday 7th: 9 Lessons Carol Service at St John Smiths Square – 09:00 -11:00am. All parents and carers are invited to attend. Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or on silent. Any photos taken, cannot be uploaded onto any social media platforms.

Monday 7th: Go Create Workshop for Year 5 (6/6). In school.

Tuesday 8th: Christmas Fair: 15:30 – 18:30 (more details to follow).

Wednesday 9th: Year 5 Trip to Neasden Temple (more information to follow)

Thursday 10th: Christmas Jumper Day

Thursday 10th: Play Us A Story Workshops (run by St John Smith Square) for pupils in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 – in school.

Friday 11th: KS2 Nativity Performance in St.Stephens Church. Doors open at 14:15 and show begins promptly at 14:30. Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or on silent. Any photos taken, cannot be uploaded onto any social media platforms.

Monday 14th: Choir Performing at the Abbey Community Centre – 13;45 – 15:30

Friday 18th: Christingle Service in St. Stephens 10:30 – 11:30

Friday 18th: School Closes for the Christmas Holiday Period – all children to be collected at 13:30.

Community Corner

Week beginning 12 October 2026: Being God’s Children Means We Are Loved

Bible reading: Matthew 22:34–40

This week, Graham asked the children an important question: “What is love?” He explained that love is more than a feeling; it is something we show through our words and actions.

Through our reading from Matthew’s Gospel, we explored Jesus’ two great commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves.

We reflected on how we care for one another at Burdett-Coutts, while recognising that being kind to ourselves can sometimes feel harder. Graham reminded us that caring for ourselves matters too.

He shared a simple plan called “Love in Action”, encouraging us to:

Notice when someone is left out.
Help without waiting to be asked.
Listen when someone needs to talk.
Forgive others and be willing to try again.

These everyday actions help us put Jesus’ teaching into practice, showing love through what we do.

In our prayers, we thanked God for our school community and asked for the strength and kindness to share His love, both within school and beyond.

Community Question:

I wonder what it looks like to love God with all your heart, soul and mind?

Community Challenge:

This week, choose one way to show love through your actions.

Class Assemblies:

20th November: Year 2
4th December: Year 3
11th December: Year 5

Assemblies are from 09:00 – 09:25. 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.

School & PE Uniform:

Pupils are welcome to continue to wear their school summer uniform until the end of September. However, as the weather changes to more cooler and wetter patterns, all pupils will need to be wearing the Autumn/Winter School Uniform from the beginning of October, or sooner if they wish.

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 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 guardian of a child at our school, you are automatically a member of Friends of Burdett-Coutts, our Parent Staff Association (PSA).

Getting involved is a lovely way to meet other families and support our school through fundraising events, volunteering and sharing ideas. Whether you can help regularly or spare a little time now and then, your contribution can make a real difference to school life for all our children.

Our meetings take place on Wednesday mornings, from 09:00–10:00 in the Ground Floor Hall, with refreshments provided. Everyone is welcome, and we would love to see you there!

Dates for your diary:

Thanksgiving Event: Thursday 26 November, 15:30–17:30.
School Christmas Fair: Tuesday 8 December, 15:30–18:30.
KS2 Winter Disco: Wednesday 16 December, 16:30–18:30.

More information about the Thanksgiving Event and Christmas Fair will follow.

Meeting dates:

11th November
25th November
2nd December
16th December

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, and on time, every day.

You can also click on the link below to view:

Burdett-Coutts & Townshend Foundation CE Primary School Term Dates 2026-2027 >

Preschool, Nursery & Reception Admissions

We currently have the following Early Years places available for September 2026:

Nursery Class (3-year-olds): Four full-time places and three part-time afternoon places
Preschool (2-year-olds): Two part-time afternoon places

Reception: September 2026

We currently have a waiting list for Reception places. Families are very welcome to book a tour and submit their admissions documents to join the waiting list.

If you’re looking for a Preschool, Nursery or Reception place for your child, we’d be delighted to welcome you for a 30-minute personalised EYFS tour.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore our Early Years setting, meet key staff and ask any questions about admissions or your child starting with us at Burdett-Coutts.

Contact us to register for a tour. Tours take place every Thursday during term time, with appointments available between 9.15am and 2.30pm.

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.