Learning from the week
Willow Class: This week we have been reading Jack and the beanstalk and learning to retell the story. The children have shown some impressive giant’s voices! Year 1 have started their first geography topic and were very confident in explaining human and physical features. Reception have begun their first lessons in phonics and have been amazing at helping our friendly toy frog fred to blend his words! Nursery have been enjoying exploring the text ‘funny bones’ and have been identifying parts of their body.
Oak Class: In RE, Oak class have been learning about the role of a vicar and what skills they would need to possess. In science, they learned about vertebrates and invertebrates, grouped and classified animals and looked for exoskeletons. We had fun thinking about methods of travelling along equipment in gymnastics and how to safely dismount.
Chestnut Class: This week, Chestnut have learnt all about the Tudors, we have looked at how King Henry VIII presented himself and why he had so many portraits painted of himself. We have also looked at the Tudors in English where we have researched and written all about the life of Elizabeth I. In computing, we have used a variety of shapes to create vector drawings of animals. With Mr Kelly we have furthered our gymnastics skills in PE.
Attendance – Every Day Counts
Attendance remains a key priority for us at Kenton Primary School. Being in school every day, where possible, gives children the best opportunity to learn, make progress, build friendships and develop the routines and confidence they need to thrive.
“Every school day counts. Missing school means missing out on learning, friendships and opportunities to thrive.”
We understand that children are sometimes unwell and that there will be occasions when absence is unavoidable. However, we would like to remind families that if your child arrives after the register has closed, they will be recorded as absent for the morning session.
Arriving late can also mean missing important learning at the start of the day and can make it more difficult for children to settle into their morning routines.
Please also remember that all absence and lateness should be reported through the school office, rather than directly to individual members of staff. This helps us to maintain accurate attendance records and ensures that we have the information we need to follow up any unexplained absence.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us to make attendance a priority.
Parking – A Reminder
Thank you to everyone who has been considerate when parking around school and to those who have followed our requests.
Unfortunately, we have received a small number of complaints from local residents regarding parking at drop-off and collection times. We completely appreciate that these times can be busy, but please ensure that you do not block or obstruct residents’ driveways when dropping off or collecting your children.
Please take a moment to consider whether residents can safely enter and leave their properties before leaving your vehicle. A slightly longer walk from school may sometimes be necessary, but it helps us to maintain positive relationships with our local community.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Open Sessions – Reception 2027
We will shortly be holding two open sessions for families considering Kenton Primary School for Reception in September 2027.
Further information about the dates and sessions can be found on our school Facebook page.
If you know a family with a child who will be starting school in September 2027, please share the information with them and encourage them to come along and see what makes Kenton such a special school.
Parents’ Evenings
Our next Parents’ Evenings will take place on:
Wednesday 14th October
Thursday 15th October
Appointments are now available to book through Arbor.
We are giving families plenty of notice so that, wherever possible, you can make arrangements to attend and have the opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher about their progress, learning and wellbeing.
Please book your appointment through Arbor at your earliest convenience.
Reading at Home
Reading regularly at home is incredibly important, and we are excited to be sending books home with children to enjoy.
Reception and KS1
If your child is in Reception or Key Stage 1, we encourage them to bring a book bag into school. This makes it much easier for books to be exchanged and ensures that children have everything they need for their reading at home. Book bags can be purchased here: https://www.thomasmooretoymaster.com/kenton-primary-book-bag/p2223?cv=18517&sch
Please speak to us if you need support with purchasing a book bag.
Books will be changed weekly or if they have read their phonics books 3 times at home (recorded in reading records).
For children following Read Write Inc. (RWI), there will be a few different reading experiences coming home:
- Your child’s decodable phonics book – this is the book they have been reading during the week in school. Please encourage your child to read this to you. They should be able to read the words because they have been practising them in school.
- A ‘Book to Love’ – your child will choose a book from the library to enjoy at home. This may not be decodable for your child, so please read this book to your child and enjoy it together.
- A phonics book bag book – this gives your child another opportunity to practise their developing phonics skills and build confidence with reading.
We hope that having a variety of books and reading experiences will keep reading enjoyable and engaging for our children.
If your child is in a phonics group, they will come home wearing a sticker with their sound from the day. Please do ask them about this sound. Willow Class pupils will have their phonics videos uploaded to their Seesaw account by Mrs Capell daily.
Key Stage 2
Children in Key Stage 2 will be selecting a book from our library that is appropriate to their reading level. We encourage children to read regularly at home and to talk about what they are reading with you.
Reading Records
Please remember to record any comments in your child’s reading record. This is a really useful way for us to see how children are getting on with their reading at home and to celebrate their progress.
Thank you for your continued support in developing a love of reading at home.
Introduction of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) for Emergency Use in School
The safety and wellbeing of all pupils is our highest priority. We are writing to inform you that the school now holds a supply of emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), commonly known as EpiPens, for general emergency use.
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and requires immediate treatment. Common triggers may include certain foods, insect stings, medications, or other allergens.
The emergency adrenaline auto-injectors held by the school are intended to provide emergency treatment to pupils who are experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical services.
Who could receive an emergency EpiPen?
The school’s emergency supply may be administered to a pupil who:
- Has been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis;
- Has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector by a healthcare professional;
- Requires emergency treatment for an allergic reaction; and
- Does not have their prescribed device available, or a second dose of adrenaline is advised or required in an emergency.
In exceptional circumstances, school staff will always act in the best interests of a child experiencing a severe allergic reaction and will follow their training, school procedures, and emergency medical advice.
Staff Training
Appropriate members of staff receive training in:
- Recognising the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis;
- Administering an adrenaline auto-injector safely and correctly;
- Calling emergency services and following emergency procedures; and
- Supporting pupils during and after an allergic reaction.
Supporting Pupils with Allergies
If your child has a diagnosed severe allergy and has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, it remains essential that:
- The school is informed of your child’s allergy and medical needs;
- An up-to-date healthcare or allergy management plan is provided where required;
- Prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors are supplied to school and replaced before their expiry date;
- Any changes to your child’s medical condition or treatment are communicated promptly to the school.
The emergency supply of adrenaline auto-injectors is intended as an additional safety measure and is not a replacement for pupils carrying or having access to their own prescribed medication.
Further Information
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe environment for all pupils. If you have any questions regarding the school’s allergy management procedures or emergency medication arrangements, please contact the school office.
Key dates for your diary
Chestnut residential – 21st – 23rd September
Willow local area walk – 7th October (details to follow)
Viking day Oak class – 9th October (details to follow)
Parents evenings – Wednesday 14th October & Thursday 15th October
Last day before half-term – Friday 23rd October
Return to school – Monday 9th November