Newsletter - Friday 6th November
Issue 4 - Autumn term 2026
Dear families,
Welcome back! I hope that your children enjoyed their half term breaks. We've had a great week back in school; children have settled back into routines and we've seen some fantastic learning taking place across school.
The temperature has dropped and the dark evenings are drawing in. Please make sure that children are dressed appropriately for the weather in winter uniform with warm coats for breaks and lunchtimes. It may soon be time to dig out the hats and gloves too!
We have seen many school events taking place over the past two school weeks which are detailed below. It was wonderful to see so many of you able to join us at parent consultation evenings before half term. I hope that these were helpful and a chance to discuss your child's learning and development. A huge thank you to Badgeholders who supported throughout the evenings. We were delighted to receive praise from a parent who stated: 'Every one of them are an absolute credit to Pheasey Park Farm, they were so helpful, polite and friendly. Couldn't do enough for everyone and it speaks volumes to their characters.' Well done children - we are so proud!
There is lots more to look forward to over the next half term. Dates can be found at the end of the newsletter.
Enjoy your weekends and any Bonfire events that you may be attending - stay warm and safe!
Thank you for your continued support,
Miss Foster
Curriculum and Teaching
Year 4 explored how levers and linkages work to create moving mechanisms. They then applied their new skills to design and create their own interactive book pages, bringing their ideas to life with moving parts!
Year 6 have been exploring street art and its place in contemporary culture. They investigated graffiti lettering and graphic design before creating their own colourful compositions using bold lettering, shapes and patterns. The children also explored how street art can communicate important social messages, focusing on issues such as the environment, equality, kindness and mental health. They used colour, imagery and symbols to create eye-catching murals that express meaningful messages, showcasing their creativity, individuality and confidence! Click Here to go to our Art and Design page where you will see more examples of Year 6's fantastic digital art!
What an incredible morning we had celebrating Black History Month with the fantastic The Mighty Jamma! 🥁🎵 Children and staff were treated to an energetic and inspiring performance, filled with the vibrant beats and rhythms of the steel pans. From classical music and Bollywood favourites to classic pop hits and the timeless sounds of Bob Marley, the performance showcased a wonderful range of musical styles and cultures. The Mighty Jamma reminded us how music has the power to bring people together, celebrating diversity, understanding and unity across all cultures and ethnicities. 🌎❤️
A huge thank you to The Mighty Jamma for sharing their talent, passion and enthusiasm with us. The smiles, dancing and singing throughout the morning were a true reflection of the joy their performance brought to our school community. "One love, one heart, let's get together and feel all right." – Bob Marley 🎶 Click here to see Mighty Jamma Videos
We were delighted to welcome children's author Luke Temple to Pheasey Park Farm Primary School. Luke delivered inspiring workshops for children across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, sharing his creativity, imagination and passion for storytelling.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, developing their own ideas and discovering the joy of writing. Following the workshops, Luke returned for a special book-signing session and was hugely impressed by our pupils' enthusiasm for reading and writing, describing Pheasey Park Farm Primary as one of the best schools he has visited.
Experiences like these play an important role in enriching our curriculum and fostering a lifelong love of learning. A huge thank you to Luke Temple for spending the day with us and to our families for their continued support. Who knows? We may have inspired the next generation of authors right here at Pheasey Park Farm Primary!🌟📖
Personal Development and Wellbeing
A huge thank you to all our parents and carers for your generous Harvest donations! Local foodbanks have told us that, although the cost-of-living crisis continues to increase demand for support, donations have significantly reduced. As a school, we are keen to support our local community wherever we can.
All the food items donated will be given to The Thomas Project in Aldridge, helping to support those who need it most. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity. Your donations will make a real difference to local families and individuals. Thank you for helping us to show the importance of caring for others and supporting our community this Harvest.
A huge well done to Year 1 who performed amazingly during their Harvest Assembly! We were so proud of them. Thanks to all families who were able to attend.
Our Back to School Discos were a real hit with the children! Everyone had a fantastic time catching up with friends, singing, dancing and having their photos taken.
Behaviour was excellent throughout, and we’re so proud of the children for helping to make the discos such a success. Well done, everyone!
Year 4 enjoyed a visit from the Fire Service, learning important fire safety advice and what to do in an emergency. The children learnt about the SPARKS fire safety message, including how to Stop, Drop and Roll if their clothes catch fire. A fantastic opportunity to learn how to stay safe!
A huge thank you to our wonderful Badgeholders, who are helping us support the Poppy Appeal by selling poppies throughout the week. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Royal British Legion and honouring those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Today, several Year 6 pupils attended the wreath laying ceremony of remembrance at Barr Beacon War Memorial. Malumbo and Avneet were chosen to lay the wreath with representatives from other schools, dignitaries and veterans.
Children in Need
On Friday 13th November, we will once again be supporting BBC Children in Need through a special Non-Uniform Day. Children are invited to wear their own clothes in exchange for a £1 donation, which can be made via Arbor, with all proceeds going to Children in Need.
During assemblies, pupils will learn about the important work Children in Need does to support children and young people facing challenges across the UK. These discussions help our children understand the importance of kindness, empathy and supporting those who are less fortunate.
To coincide with World Diabetes Day on 14th November, we are also encouraging children and staff to wear something blue to help raise awareness of diabetes and show support for those living with the condition.
Thank you for your generosity and support. Events such as these not only raise valuable funds but also help our children develop a greater understanding of how they can make a positive difference to the lives of others.
Firework Competition Winners
Thank you to all the children and parents who created firework posters showcasing the celebrations associated with the firework displays for the annual festival of Diwali and bonfire night.
The posters have been judged by the Year 6 badge holders who found it very difficult to choose the winners. However, the winners are:
EY and KS1
1st Willow - Nursery
2nd Yessica - Year 1
3rd Thomas - Year 2
KS2
1st Huzaifa - Year 3
2nd Lily and George - Years 2 and 6
3rd Arthur - Year 3
Well done!
Attendance and Behaviour
Attendance
Our overall attendance has dropped to 95.8% - in line with the most recently published national average for primary schools - 95.7%.
Well done to Early Years whose attendance has increased! Year 3 have the highest attendance so far this term.
Year Group | Attendance (up until 4.11.26) |
Whole School (Aged 5+) | 95.8% |
Nursery | 88.6% |
Reception | 92.9% |
Year 1 | 95.9% |
Year 2 | 96.2% |
Year 3 | 96.7% |
Year 4 | 95.4% |
Year 5 | 95.6% |
Year 6 | 94.9% |
Punctuality is vital to ensure that pupils have a calm and organised start to the day, and can make the most of every minute in school! Lessons and activities start from the moment children arrive - handwriting, reading, fine motor activities, spelling practise and visual timetables are shared first thing!
Our doors open from 8:40 until 9am. Anyone arriving after this time should enter through the main office where a Late mark will be recorded. Please note that any pupils arriving after 9:30am will receive a 'U' mark which affects their attendance.
If you haven't already seen it, watch our wonderful video here where children explain why they enjoy coming to school every day! Attendance Video
Behaviour
Children have settled back into routines after half term really well. We'll continue to focus on movement around school - quiet, calm walking. We'll also be focusing on transitions at the end of break and lunchtime. Our expectations are:
Pack away any equipmment when asked
First bell - stand still
Second bell - walk sensibly and line up in classes in register order
When he teacher says, walk sensibly inside to class
Inclusion
Safeguarding
Drop offs
Please can we remind families not to enter Year 1 or 2 classrooms when dropping children off in the morning. Staff on doors are able to take quick messages but will also be supervising children within the classroom. If you have importnant messages to share with school, please speak to staff on duty, or visit or contact the school office who can pass messages on.
From West Midlands Police...
Illegal and dangerous parking outside of schools
We are becoming increasingly concerned about dangerous and illegal parking outside of school. A reminder that it is illegal to park your car:
within 10 metres of a junction
in front of an entrance of a property
on Zig-Zag lines
on Double Yellow lines
if it causing any other obstruction
If you are caught parking dangerously, or illegally, outside of the school you will receive a fine and potentially points on your licence. Inconsiderate parking can create congestion, delays, and damage to grass verges. Obstructions in the road can also hinder emergency service vehicles and increase traffic collisions. Most importantly, dangerously parked vehicles can block the view of children trying to cross the road. We don’t want to see anyone get hit or injured by traffic.
Pedestrians have priority at crossings and junctions – that is the Highway Code. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep pupils, staff, and families safe. To avoid parking dangerously, leave enough time to find a legal parking space and walk your children to the school gates. You can also opt to walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving. Organise a pre-arranged car share to reduce the number of cars outside of the school. It’s also important to find a safe parking spot to collect your children from school. Remember to use pedestrian crossings and put phones away while crossing the road.
Officers will be working closely with the school to act against those parking dangerously and illegal. If you have any questions feel free to ask one of our officers or your school safeguarding team.
Many thanks, West Midlands Police.
Arbor
99% of families are using our parent portal - thank you!
Email receipts for every card payment
Every successful card payment through Arbor now automatically sends an email receipt to the person who paid. The receipt goes out instantly when a payment is made via the MIS, Parent Portal, or Parent App.
Transition
Primary school applications are now open for September 2027
Parents and carers are advised to submit applications before 15 January 2027 for entry to reception or to move from infant to junior school in September 2027. Children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 are due to commence reception in September 2027. Children in year 2 and on roll in an infant school will be due to transfer to junior school in September 2027.
Parents and carers will need to submit their application to the home Local Authority where their child lives. We always advise parents and carers to list up to the maximum of three preferences available and include at least one local school they believe their child would have qualified for in previous years.
The applications process is online, and our Admissions and Education Sufficiency team are hosting drop-in sessions to support parents and carers with any questions they have, so please do make use of the support available.
Primary school drop-in sessions
1 December 2026 - Lichfield Street Hub – 9am-5pm
3 December 2026 - Willenhall Library – 1pm – 5pm
8 December 2026 - Blakenall Village Centre- 1pm – 4pm
10 December 2026 - Brownhills Library – 1pm – 5pm
7 January 2027 - Darlaston Library – 1pm – 5pm
12 January 2027 - Lichfield Street Hub – 9am-5pm
Offers will be sent by email to on-time applicants on 16 April 2027 for reception and junior school places.
School tours for parents new to our school will be held on:
Thursday 12th November - 1:30pm
Thursday 3rd December - 4pm
Please share this with any families you know who are considering Pheasey Park Farm for their children next September.
School Meals
Our school new menus can be found here: School Meals | Pheasey Park Farm
The school meal cost from September is £2.66 per meal.
For parents who pay for school meals, please could payment be made the week before meals are taken to prevent debts accruing. Please be aware that, should your child's debt reach £30, then school will no longer provide school dinners until the debt is cleared.
Please can we remind families to cut up grapes if they are sent into school for lunch or snack time.
A reminder that nuts should not be bought into school to protect pupils with allergies.
Key Dates
Monday 9th November | EYFS Nursery Rhyme week begins |
Wednesday 11th November | Remembrance assemblies |
Friday 13th November | Children in Need |
Monday 16th November | Anti-Bullying week – Odd Socks Day |
Tuesday 17th November | Photographer – individual / family photos |
Thursday 19th November | Sibling photos |
Monday 23rd November | Christmas Fayre donation day |
Wednesday 25th November | Y1 trip |
Thursday 26th November | Photographer retakes Reception eye tests |
Friday 4th December | Christmas Fayre |
Wednesday 9th December | Parent Book Look |
Thursday 10th December | Reception production 2:30pm |
Friday 11th December | Reception production 9am Christmas dinner day Wear a Christmas item |
Tuesday 15th December | KS2 achievement assembly |
Wednesday 16th December | Y5 Carol service KS1 achievement assembly |
Thursday 17th December | Nursery breakfast with Santa |
Friday 18th December | Christmas party day – own clothes |
Monday 21st December – Friday 1st January – Christmas break | |
Spring term 2027
Monday 4th January | INSET day – school closed to pupils |
Tuesday 5th January | Pupils return to school Y2 Victorians history workshop |
Wednesday 6th January | Y5 Trip |
Week beginning Monday 1st February | Children’s Mental Health Week |
Wednesday 3rd February | Y2 Trip |
Monday 8th February | Y3 A* Training |
Tuesday 9th February | Y3 A* Training |
Thursday 11th February | Y3 A* Training |
Monday 15th February – Friday 19th February – Half term break | |
Tuesday 23rd February | Y4 Romans history workshop |
Monday 15th March | Reception A* walk |
Thursday 18th March | Reception A* walk |
Friday 19th March | Reception A* walk |
Friday 19th March | Comic Relief – Red Nose Day |
Friday 26th March – Friday 9th April – Easter break | |
Summer term 2027
Monday 12th April | Pupils return to school Y6 WWII history workshop |
Tuesday 13th April | Y3 Egyptian workshop |
Monday 3rd May | Bank holiday |
Tuesday 4th May | Y4 residential |
Wednesday 5th May | Y4 residential |
Monday 10th May | Y6 SATs – GPS Papers 1 and 2 |
Tuesday 11th May | Y6 SATs - Reading |
Wednesday 12th May | Y6 SATs – Maths Papers 1 and 2 |
Thursday 13th May | Y6 SATs – Maths Paper 3 |
Friday 28th May | INSET Day – school closed to pupils |
Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June – Half term break | |
Monday 7th June | INSET Day – school closed to pupils |
Tuesday 8th June | Pupils return to school Y4 Multiplication Checks – week 1 Y5 Viking Workshop |
Monday 14th June | Y4 Multiplication Checks – week 2 Y1 Phonics Screening |
Thursday 17th June | Y4 Bikeability |
Friday 25th June | Y6 Trip |
Monday 28th June | Y5 Bikeright week 1 |
Monday 5th July | Y5 Bikeright week 2 |
Monday 5th July | Y1 Scootability |
Monday 12th July | Y5 Bikeright week 3 |
Thursday 22nd July – Wednesday 1st September – Summer break | |
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