Welcome back to Spring Term 2!

I hope that you've all had a restful half term and have enjoyed some long awaited sun. It's been a busy half term at the HQ with the school kitchen being redecorated and a new WiFi network installed across the school - we've got to keep up with Chestnut Class and their coding! The teachers have of course been planning lots of exciting learning opportunities for Spring 2 and I'm looking forward to sharing these with you over the coming weeks. The 7th of March (next week!) is World Book day and this year we'll be doing something completely different. Please see the letter below from our wonderful Librarians, Emelia and Eva.

Here's to another fab term!

Mrs B

Vicar Karen joined us for Ash Wednesday and the Collective Worship Team led the service.

Dear families,

For our World Book Day (Thursday 7th March) we will NOT be dressing up but we are having a non school uniform day! In return for wearing your favourite clothes we are asking everyone to bring in one (or lots!) of good quality second hand children's books. We will then set up a book shop where the children can choose a re loved book to give to another member of their class. They will wrap this book up and write a message to their chosen friend.

At 2 pm we are inviting parents to join us for scones and reading book time. A chance for you to relax, listen to a story (read by your child) and eat scones!

We hope you can join us,

Emelia and Eva (Librarians)

Have a look at the longlist for the 2024 Klaus Flugge children's book prize for some reading inspiration!

Founded in 2015, the Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded annually to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s book illustration. It honours venerable publisher Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a supremely influential figure in picture books. The Klaus Flugge Prize is the only prize specifically to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator; the winning illustrator receives a cheque for £5,000.

and the acceptance speeches were so good, Mrs Pratt had a little cry!

Another Bardwell pupil design will get the professional treatment. We're looking forward to seeing the final t-shirt and wish Gary all the best.

As you know, we're very proud of our active school and like to incorporate lots of physical activity throughout the day. What a great way to beat the rainy season. Chestnut and Willow enjoyed a very bright and very sweaty morning!

What incredible ambassadors for Bardwell these folks were during our Lego Robotics Trip during the last week of term. I was exceptionally proud of their enthusiasm, wonderful manners and team spirit. Thank you Mr Gooderham for accompanying us.

Mia has been preparing for her Lent Collective Worship and did an amazing job telling the school why Christians make changes during Lent. We're all making Lent pledges at school to either do more or less of something from now up until Easter.

'I'm going to do more colouring.' Lucy YR

'I'm going to try and play with my sister a bit more!' Eloise Y4

'I'm going to stop throwing my Play station controller when I'm annoyed.' Tommy Y6

'I'm going to do more running.' Tomas Y1

I'm going to be nice to my sister!' Isla Y6

Monday - Cooking

Tuesday - Games (board games and outdoor)

Wednesday - Coding

Thursday - Drama

As always, please provide a snack. Every club will start with the chance to play outside before starting the main activity.

Gary's Marathon - Gary continues his training for his marathon - Have a look at this article in the EADT!

https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmunds/news/it-ll-be-huge-for-them-mum-tunning-london-marathon-to-rai-9354474/

GO! GO! GO! Good Luck Gary and Kellie with your marathon running and raising money for some great causes!

If you would like to sponsor Gary and help raise funds for Bardwell School then please go to - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gary-newman-1

Congratulations to Amber for winning the T-shirt Design competition. This will be going to printers soon - watch out for the collage of all the amazing entries! Thank you everyone that entered for all your hard work and your amazing artwork - Bardwell are a talented lot!

We will keep you updated on Gary's training and his just giving total!

Easter Raffle - Please see the poster for further information. Raffle Tickets will be available on the last week of term in the playground and the draw will take place at the final assembly of the term (Date TBC) We would be grateful for any donations for this great Easter Bardwell event - these can be Easter themed goodies or gifts!

Swap Shop - has your child had a growth spurt over the holidays? Do you need a larger size? We are currently looking for 7-8 jumpers to swap. We currently have one size 9-10 ready to swap. All swaps are gratefully received!

Bardwell PTA AGM - Thank you to all those that attended the Bardwell PTA AGM. Please see the agenda attached for information. If you would like to discuss the meeting or see the meeting minutes please contact a member of the PTA for any further information. If you would like to become an active member of the PTA please get in touch all help is appreciated!

Thank you for supporting your Bardwell PTA

Aspens' new menu for this half term. You can access it here, from the website or ask in the office for a hard copy.

Thank you,

Mrs Allman

We have two After School Clubs running on Thursdays - please ensure you have booked your child(ren) into the correct club so that the session leaders have an accurate register.

Please note that Mr Newman is not available to run Football Club on the following dates:

• 14th March
• 21st March

If your child was booked into either or both of those Football Club sessions, I have cancelled their place and you will not be charged. If you still need them to be at an ASC on those days, please rebook them onto the standard ASC.

Mr Newman has asked that all those attending this week (29th February) bring a change of clothes because rain is forecast but he wants to still run the session outdoors if possible.

Also, note that there will also be no ASCs on the final day of term before Easter, Thursday 28th March.

We have a space on our Governance committee for a parent governor. If you are interested in joining us to help support the school please contact Stef Inger, our current Chairperson, (singer@tilian.org.uk ) and register your interest. If you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact Stef or Mrs Boyd.

A short-term scheme to support households in need with essential white goods. This funding is being offered by Suffolk County Council via Suffolk Community Foundation. If you like to find out more please come and talk, in confidence, to Mrs. Allman or Mrs. Boyd.

Suffolk County Council (SCC) can confirm that the Household Support Fund is available until March 2024, meaning a further discretionary grant is available to support low-income families over the February half term and Easter holidays 2024.

The grant will be issued as a £45 supermarket voucher for each eligible child (those on income related Free School Meals) from our provider Pluxee to cover both the February Half term (£15) and Easter holidays (£30).

If you have yet to redeem your Christmas voucher, please do so before its expiry date because these cannot be reissued.

Citizen's Advice have been in touch to say that several forms of household support look likely to be withdrawn at the same time:

• Cost of Living Support (3x £300 payments per year);
• Local Welfare Assistance (a one-off £300 grant);
• Household Support Fund (used for supermarket voucher scheme).

They anticipate a rise in requests for support from charitable sources and food banks.

West Suffolk Council's cost of living support leaflet

West Suffolk Council's list of food banks

• Walking home unaccompanied form (Y5/6)

If you would like to give permission for your Y5 or Y6 child to leave the school unaccompanied at the end of the day (including after ASC sessions) please download and complete this form, or contact me to ask for a hard copy to be sent home with your child.

• Arbor contact details

Please take the time to check that all your details on Arbor are up-to-date. For example: Do we have the emergency contact details for at least two parents/guardians? Is/are your phone number(s) correct, including any work number? Is your doctor's surgery information still correct? You should be able to make changes via the Arbor website or app. If you have any problems, please don't hestitate to ask.

• Asthma medication & healthcare plans

I have recently contacted you if your child's healthcare plan or medication is out of date - it is so important that we have a plan that is 1yr old or less so that we can work with you to keep your child safe in school. Please ensure you speak to your medical practitioner ASAP to obtain an updated plan.

The dates below have been set for the full academic year but are subject to change. Please keep an eye on the newsletter and your email for any date/time changes and for additional events.

Next year's term dates, including PD days, will be circulated as a printable document soon. Suffolk County Council term dates are here and we are matching their term dates and PD days for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Spring Term (event, year group(s), day, date, time)

National offer day (secondary), Y6, Friday, 01/03/24,

World book day - theme TBC 7/03/24 - Please save the date!

Easter Service in Church, All, Thursday, 28/03/24, 1.15pm

National offer day (primary), Pre-school, Tuesday, 16/04/24,

School photographs (Class & Whole School, children with photo permission only), 20/05/24. Please wear your colourful sweatshirt.

Residential Y5/Y6 (returning on Friday), Y5/Y6, Wednesday, 22/05/24,

Summer Term (event, year group(s), day, date, time)

Swimming lessons, Y2-Y6, Day to be confirmed - children will need hat, goggles, swimming costume [Note change to Summer term]

SET Ixworth Y6 into Y7 Meet the Tutor evening, Y6, Thursday, 13/06/24, 4pm to 7pm

Sports Day , All, Friday, 14/06/24, 1.30pm

Sports Day reserve date (if weather is poor), All, Friday, 21/06/24, 1.30pm

Transition day 1 of 2 SET Ixworth, Y6, Tuesday, 25/6/24,

Transition day 2 of 2 SET Ixworth, Y6, Wednesday, 26/6/24,

Transition Day TCC Day 1 of 2 (and Parents' Evening), Y6, Wednesday, 10/07/24,

Transition Day TCC Day 2 of 2 (and Parents' Evening), Y6, Thursday, 11/07/24,

Leavers' Trip, Y6, Tuesday, 16/07/24,

Leavers' Service at Church , All, Thursday, 18/07/24, 1.15pm

Next academic year

School photographs (Individual & siblings, all pupils), 25/09/24. Please wear your colourful sweatshirt.

Please note that the final payment date for the residential has now passed, the school has therefore confirmed and paid for your child's place.

Please contact me or Mrs Boyd, confidentially, if you have any remaining payment to make and would like to discuss a payment plan.

Please also see the information later in the newsletter about the Bardwell Charities local fund that is available to Bardwell resident pupils. We encourage you to apply if you live in the village and I am happy to help you with your application letter.

Mrs Allman

You may be aware that we have a large minibus taxi transporting some of our pupils to and from school. We have an established risk assessment with the taxi company and Suffolk County Council's transport safeguarding team, developed to ensure the safety of transported children, drivers, staff and other families. This states:

• the minibus has to drop off and pick up children at the gate entrance to meet a member of staff for handover
• in the morning they drop off between 8.30-8.35am and leave promptly at 8.35am
• in the afternoon, they may wait along School Lane, then pick up promptly at 3.30pm.

The taxi takes priority for access at the gate during these times, so we ask that all other families are aware of this and time their entrance to / exit from school accordingly.

The school premises open at 8.35am to all pupils.

We try to put a monthly update into the local parish newsletter, here is this month's online issue.

We have been asked by the trustees of the Bardwell Charities fund to encourage our local families to apply for financial support. They've said,

"There is money available whether for trips, music lessons, uniform or other need.
Please DO encourage parents/carers to apply."

You might, for example, wish to request some help with the Y5/Y6 residential, or with transport costs for HAF holiday programme activities. All you need to do is write a short email explaining:

• that you are resident in Bardwell
• what the need is and why it is important for your family/child.

Please note that, contrary to previous information, we have recently been informed by Bardwell Charities that this information only applies to Bardwell residents.

Send your email to bardwellcharities@btinternet.com

If you would like any help with your request, please ask Mrs Allman who is happy to help and will keep all information you share with her confidential.

To find out more, please visit our webpage at:

http://bardwellcharities.onesuffolk.net/

The Dun Cow pub on Up Street warmly invites you to use their car park at drop off and pick up times - marked green below. The walk from there to school is under 5 minutes. Thank you to Alan and Denise for this continuing offer.

You may also park near the Church porch from where there is a footpath that comes out to School Lane next to the Windmill.

Please ensure that if you park along School Lane you do not block any driveways and avoid the residents' parking spaces at 25-43 School Lane (marked red below, parking in the green spaces is fine).

Please see the church website for other services and information.

We are sharing this flyer on behalf of Nexus Fostering.

www.nexusfostering.co.uk/Anglia

• Your everyday experiences and skills are transferable into a foster carer role, from providing emotional support to teaching life skills.
• Our fostering roles are suitable for individuals, couples, or families from all walks of life.
• All children are different, so our foster carers are too.
• We offer many different types of fostering roles, including short-term, parent & child, therapeutic and long-term.
• Be part of our professional team and receive our ongoing comprehensive training.
• Receive generous fostering allowances, benefits and tax relief.

We are sharing this poster on behalf of the organiser.

We are sharing this poster on behalf of the organisers.

Please find attached two flyers for free virtual training sessions for parents. We would be grateful if you could send these out to the parents in your schools.

Neurodiversity workshop flyer

Supporting Young People's Menthal Health workshops flyer

Lois Mickleburgh [she/her]

Business Support Officer (WSI)

Inclusion Service

Children & Young People’s Directorate

Suffolk County Council

Bardwell is an inclusive school where children are treated with equality and their individuality celebrated. Our school’s active uniform plays a key role in promoting pride, self-confidence, and a feeling of belonging. We strongly believe that this contributes to the children's well being, removing the additional pressures of deciding what to wear and the added stress of meeting the expectations of peers. In an ever increasing world of social pressure for young people, our uniform removes the points of difference between students and provides a greater focus on school based activities and learning. Therefore, in the interests of equality;

● Active uniforms should be worn at all times

● Spare clothes should be our active uniform NOT home clothes

● Hairstyles must not attract undue attention

● No make-up

● Piercings and jewellery should be discreet and safe to wear, e.g. single studs in ears.

Your child can wear any one of the six Cog colours (red, royal blue, navy blue, green, yellow, purple) as their polo shirt, OR a white one. These are the only acceptable colours for the polo shirt. Please note that the polo shirts do NOT need to have the Bardwell logo on but the sweatshirts MUST.

Colourful polo shirts are available in the school uniform ranges of all the major supermarkets. Logo'd polo shirts (white) and sweatshirts (all colours) are available only from our uniform supplier, Gooddies.

As always, children are also welcome to wear gingham dresses, in any of the six Cog colours, during any term.

You may wish to consider setting Kiddle as your default browser on your home devices. They say:

Kiddle is a kid safe visual search engine. Kiddle returns results for each query in the order shown:

1. Safe sites and pages written specifically for kids. Handpicked and checked by Kiddle editors.
Typically, results 1-3.

2. Safe, trusted sites that are not written specifically for kids, but have content written in a simple way, easy for kids to understand. Handpicked and checked by Kiddle editors.
Typically, results 4-7.

3. Safe, famous sites that are written for adults, providing expert content, but are harder for kids to understand. Filtered by Google safe search.

Typically, results 8 onwards.

Since Kiddle results are either handpicked and checked by our editors or filtered by Google safe search, you know you get kid-oriented results without any explicit content. In case some bad words are present in a search query, our guard robot will block the search.

We are very keen to have children attending school if they are well enough. Please have a look at this NHS advice if you are unsure.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

If your child is ill, you must phone into the school before 9am, giving a reason for the absence ('unwell' is not sufficient), leave a voicemail if you need to. Please do not email in for absence.

We recommend that you are familiar with the Tilian Attendance Policy.

Suffolk County Council has asked us to share with families their updated 'Cost Of Living Support' information.

Your child may be eligible for free school meals throughout primary school. This could save you approximately £484 per year.

​

To check or apply online, visit: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-meals-uniforms-and-trips/apply-for-free-school-meals/

​

Check if you're eligible

Your child will get free school meals if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support

• Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit but no element of Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenues & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190

• If you are supported under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment finishes or after you start to work fewer hours per week

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 (£616.67 per month), as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).
  

To check if your child is eligible, apply online for an immediate response or call 01473 260989.

We encourage you to apply, because the school receives additional funding (Pupil Premium) for all children on income-related Free School Meals.

​

Email: bardwell@tilian.org.uk
Website: https://www.bardwell.org.uk/
Location: School Lane, Bardwell, Bury Saint Edmunds IP31 1AD, UK
Phone: 01359 250854
Twitter: @BardwellPrimary