Weekly Round Up
It has been another busy and engaging week in school, with our pupils continuing to show such enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. It is always wonderful to see their curiosity in action as they explore new ideas, ask thoughtful questions and discover the joy that comes from learning something new.
Next week, pupils from Robins and Red-Kites will be heading to the Bath Literature Festival. This promises to be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our love of reading and to inspire our learners with the magic of books, authors and storytelling. Experiences such as these help to bring learning to life and encourage children to see reading as a gateway to new ideas, adventures and possibilities. A huge thank you to all the parents who have kindly volunteered their time to support this visit. We really couldn’t offer such enriching experiences without your continued support and generosity.
Volunteers and Occasional Helpers
We are always grateful for the support of our parents, carers and members of our local community. To provide clarity for families, we have reviewed our arrangements for volunteers in line with the latest Department for Education and safeguarding guidance. The requirements are different for occasional helpers and those who volunteer regularly, depending on the nature and frequency of the role.
Occasional helpers
Parents and carers who help on a one-off basis — for example, on a school trip, at an event, listening to readers or supporting a one-off Forest School session — will be supervised by a member of school staff. Occasional (once or twice within a term) helpers do not require a DBS check.
Regular Volunteers
Parents and carers who volunteer regularly or on an ongoing basis will go through our safer recruitment process. This involves completing an application form (through the office), providing references and completing safeguarding checks. For these regulated activities, an Enhanced DBS check is required. Enhanced DBS checks are free of charge for eligible volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering regularly in school, please contact the school office for further information. We really value the contribution our volunteers make to school life.
Attendance and Start of Day
We would like to remind families of our morning drop-off and registration procedures, as we have noticed, after a fantastic start, an increase in children arriving late. Please note that arriving after registration does affect your child’s attendance record.
Please ensure that your child arrives at school between 8.30am and 8.45am. This gives them enough time to settle, prepare for the day and be ready to learn promptly.
8.30am–8.45am: Morning drop-off
8.45am: Registers are taken promptly. Pupils arriving after this time will be marked as late.
After 8.55am: The register will have closed. Pupils arriving after this time will be recorded as late after the register has closed, which is recorded as an unauthorised absence.
We appreciate that occasional delays can happen, but regular lateness can have a significant impact on your child’s learning and can disrupt the start of the school day for others.
Reception Open Morning – Monday 5th October
We are delighted to invite prospective Reception families to our Reception Open Morning on Monday 5th October. This is a wonderful opportunity to come and see our school, meet members of our team and find out more about life in Reception.
Tours will be available between 9.00–10.00am or 11.00am–12.00pm.
If you are considering our school for your child, we would love to welcome you and show you around. Please contact the school office to book your preferred time.
Weekly class updates:
In Apple and Robins have been making clay insect sculptures. Read more here.
In Oak and Red Kites, they have been exploring Hindu symbols and having fun in science Read more here
Calendar dates:
Monday 28th September - Reception parent check-ins
Tuesday 29th September - Reception parent check-ins
Wednesday 30th September - RED KITEs @ Bath Literature festival
Thursday 1st October - ROBINS @ Bath Literature festival
Friday 2nd October - Forest school - ROBINS
Friday 9th October - Forest school - RED KITES
Friday 16th October - Forest school - ROBINS
Tuesday 20th Oct – Harvest Service (at Woolley Church) We will leave school at 9:00am. The service begins at 9:45am and we expect to return to school by approximately 11:15am.
Thursday 22nd October - Last day of term
Friday 23rd October - INSET DAY - school closed to children
Monday 2nd November - First day of term 2
Friday 6th November - Forest school - RED KITES
Friday 13th November - Forest school - ROBINS
Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th November - Parents evening - Appointments will be available to book via Arbor in due course. Sessions will run 3:45–6:00pm, with 10-minute appointments.
Please note: Parent Check-ins are for the morning class groups — Apple, Hazel and Oak.
Monday 7th December at 2:30pm and Tuesday 8th December at 9:00am - Infant Nativity (Reception-Year 2)
Tuesday 15th December- Christmas Service at Swainswick Church: at 9:00am
Have a lovely weekend!
The Swainswick Team