Spring 1 Newsletter
Head teacher's Messages
Dear Families,
Welcome back to Pinner Wood! We hope you had a good break with your families. If you celebrated Christmas or Hanukkah, we hope it was an enjoyable time for you.
The term has started well, with the children settling back into school routines quickly. The atmosphere has been calm, focused, and positive, and it’s great to see everyone returning ready to learn.
We’ve planned the term ahead and included as many dates as possible in our newsletters—please make a note of them. There are lots of events and activities to look forward to.
As the weather gets colder, the school can feel a little chilly, especially as children move in and out. If your child wants to wear an extra layer under their uniform, they are welcome to do so.
This term, our value is Strength through Positivity. We are learning about people who have faced challenges and found success. In assembly this week, we talked about Chris McCausland from Strictly Come Dancing 2024 and how he overcame blindness to win. The children enjoyed his story, and we are encouraging them to think about how they can use positivity to overcome their own challenges. If you or your child has a story or challenge they would like us to share, please let us know.
We are looking forward to another good term at Pinner Wood.
Take care,
Miss Marriott
Stepping up - Staffing News
Head Chef
Linda Dawson, our Head Chef with Pabulum, has decided to retire. Linda has done a fantastic job, ensuring all Pinner Wood children enjoy freshly cooked, nutritious meals. Catering for 600 children daily is no small task, and we are so grateful for her dedication.
Pabulum is now recruiting for a new Head Chef with a salary of £30,000 and working hours 7 am - 3pm, term time only. If you or someone you know is interested, please get in touch with Pabulum at info@pabulum-catering.co.uk.
Student Teachers
This term, we’re hosting several teaching students from University College London and Best Practice Apprenticeships. If your child’s class has a student teacher, you’ll receive a separate letter. Our teachers will remain on hand to support them.
We’re proud to help new teachers at the start of their careers—many of our staff began with us as students!
Value of the Half Term - Strength Through Positivity
This term, we are focusing on "Strength through Positivity." In assemblies and Monday morning class meetings, we will discuss this value, looking at how everyone faces challenges and what we can learn from role models who have overcome them.
The term will finish with the Hari Hedgehogs Strength through Positivity Café, a chance to reflect on and celebrate what we’ve learned.
This term also includes Pupil Takeover Day, which will take place on Friday, 14th February. Pupils will be elected as Headteacher, leaders, and class teachers for the day. More details about this event will be shared soon.
School Notices - A few reminders
Pencil Cases | Children in Key Stage 2 may bring pencil cases to school. Please label all items with your child’s name and ensure the case is small enough to fit on desks. Avoid bringing valuable items, as lost items are the child's responsibility. |
Lost Property | Lost property is stored in the box on the Year 5/6 playground. Feel free to check for lost items. At the end of each half term, unclaimed and unnamed items are disposed of. Please ensure all your child’s belongings are clearly labelled. |
Forgotten items | We’ve seen an increase in forgotten items like water bottles, lunch boxes, and kits at the office. When children leave lessons to collect these, it disrupts their learning. Please help your child prepare everything they need for school in the morning. |
Birthday at Pinner Wood | We love celebrating birthdays in class and through our termly birthday bunch. However, we cannot allow edible treats like sweets or cakes due to allergies and our healthy school policy. Non-edible treats, like pencils or books for the class, are welcome but not required. |
PE Kits | Please ensure your child wears their PE kit on PE days. As it gets colder, include a jumper, tracksuit bottoms, or leggings (no hoodies). For club days, children should bring their kit to change into. |
Smart Phones on Hold | Thank you for supporting this trial, it has been successful and we have now made it in our policy which can be found here. Children are not allowed to bring smartphones, smartwatches, or internet-enabled devices to school. Families have found this reduces the pressure to purchase such devices. |
Reporting Absence - reminder | Thank you for your support as we tighten up our process. If your child is absent, you must report it by 8:30 a.m. via email at attendance@pinnerwood.co.uk or call 0208 868 2468. Absences not reported by 9 a.m. will be marked as unauthorised, which could lead to fines. Please check Arbor to ensure your child’s attendance records are up to date. |
Homework at Pinner Wood
Homework is an important part of learning at Pinner Wood. We want to ensure that the tasks set support and build on the learning in class. At the same time, we value family time and don’t want homework to become too onerous. We work hard to listen to everyone’s views and find a balance that works for our school.
Last term, the senior team reviewed our Homework Policy, which can be found here and is summarised in the slide below.
It is important that all children complete the homework set, as it benefits their learning. Teacher are monitoring the tasks children complete.
Most children are able to complete tasks at home, but we also run a homework club for those who find it difficult to finish at home.
If you need any support with homework, please contact your child’s teacher.
Safeguarding at Pinner Wood
We are committed to ensuring every child is kept safe and has someone to talk to at Pinner Wood.
All our staff are trained in safeguarding and we have a large core team.
Our Safeguarding policies can be found here.
If you have a safeguarding concern please get in touch with us via office@pinnerwood.co.uk
For issues out of school hours you can contact Harrow Mash Team on:
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm excluding bank holidays Tel: 020 8901 2690
Email: mash@harrow.gov.uk
Emergency Duty Team (EDT) Tel: 020 8424 0999. The Emergency Duty Team social worker is available for emergency assistance Monday to Friday between 5pm and 9am, plus weekends and bank holidays.
Pupil Premium Funding - Does your child qualify for additional school funding?
Favourites Day Menu
Thursday 16th January is Favourites Day - we have a special menu and we hope you will enjoy it on the day. On this day, we would love to encourage you to have this menu.
Clubs at Pinner Wood
There are still spaces available in Battle Robots club led by Robothink. This runs every Monday (KS2) and Wednesday (KS1) after school. Sign up using the details on the flyer below.
We are really excited to be running a wide range of lunch time clubs this half term! Information about some clubs has been sent via see saw and more information can be found below.
🎨 Sketching Club in Sherwood Class! ✏️
🗓 When: Every Monday lunchtime
⏰ Time: 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
📍 Where: Sherwood Class
Come and unleash your creativity! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, everyone is welcome to join. Bring your pencils, pens, and imagination! 🖌️
What to Expect:
Fun sketching activities, including creating a comic book strip based on the Pinner Wood values
A relaxed, creative environment
Friendly tips and inspiration
Opportunity to showcase your artwork!
See you there! 🌟
Guitar Club (Years 4,5,6)
You will learn how to play chords to accompany songs
When: Monday lunchtimes 12.30-12.55
Where: The Den (please leave your guitar in there as you come into school)
You will need:
· Your own guitar (with 6 six strings, not a toy one)
· To eat your lunch first
KS1 Glee club
Wednesday at lunch time
Hedgehogs class
KS1 Maths lunch club
Wednesday 12:15-12:45
Redwood Class
Eat lunch first
Origami Club
Wednesday lunch times in the library
Drop in if you are interested!
Movie Making Club - led by Year 6 pupils
For Year 3 and 4 children, Thursday lunch times from 12.30 pm
Learn how to and have a go at making, designing and creating your own movies!
Go for lunch first!
Boys Book Club
Open to Year 3 and 4
Wednesday at 12.30 in Woodstock
Bring yourself and interest in books!
Betty Bee Community News
Upcoming Events
Year 6 Author Visit
On Monday 20th, Year 6 will have a visit from G.T Jones, author of The Beast Trials. She will be talking to the children about her journey to become an author alongside a discussion and activity.
The blurb of the book is below:
Meadow Woodley hated being a teenager. Self-conscious, and with few real friends, she spent most of her time at home, begrudgingly looking after the neighbour's hideous cat. That is, until a few days after her sixteenth birthday... Discovering that your dad is actually a beast, and comes from an enchanted world called Elementa, is a lot to process. But finding out that you are also half beast; have to travel to this strange magical world, and must compete in a series of terrifying, potentially life-threatening challenges in the company of almost fifty other teenagers is surely taking things a step too far. Still, it couldn't be worse than her current life... right?
If you would like to purchase the book to be signed beforehand, please find the link for a copy on Amazon here.
GT Jones will also have some books available to purchase and have signed on the day which will be £10.99.
Harrow Mental Health Team Coffee Morning
Cara, our Pinner Wood allocated practioner, will be hosting a Coffee Morning to discuss and share well being practices available for children and parents. No booking needed - please just turn up.
Upcoming Clubs
In February half term, Pinner Wood will be hosting the Mother Nature Science club. More details and booking information will be shared after the break. Please see their website here.
Dear Parents,
We hope you are well. This is courtesy email to confirm Super Early-Bird Discount (-60 off!) is expiring soon for the new, safe, fun, educational Mother Nature Science - February Half-Term Science Activity Holiday STEAM Camp 2025 -Science Investigators! - taking place at your school 😊
Don’t forget your Special School Booster Basket Discount Code ‘coolschool20’ for an extra £20-off list price. Note: Childcare Vouchers, GTFC, CGPS and Universal Credit (UC) payment methods are now accepted by MNS. Just book online as normal and choose ‘Pay By Other Method’ at Checkout to receive further instructions.
Book now here, by entering your Home Postcode, in under 5 mins:
https://www.mnature.co.uk/holiday-science-activity-camps/#book
Everything you need to know:
✔️ For all Girls and Boys Ages 5-12 (Years 1-6)
✔️ Taking place at our School
✔️ Dates: February Half-Term School Holidays 2025: Mon 17-Fri 21 Feb 2025 – Click link above, enter your ‘home postcode’, to find your school.
✔️ Super Early-Bird Discount in Place - Save -£60 automatically online - Expires Soon - Mon 20 Jan 2025
✔️ -Science Investigators! -New Safe, Fun, Educational, Hands-on, Enriching, Face-to-Face, STEAM Activities – across Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
✔️ Childcare Vouchers, GTFC, UC and CGPS Accepted
✔️ Indoor and Outdoor Activities
✔️ No-Quibble Refunds
✔️ The No. 1 Parent-Trusted Premium Holiday Science Activity Camp for Over 15+ Years
🏆 Voted 'Best Holiday Camps' by Parents in the Hoop Awards
✔️ Don’t forget your Special School Basket Discount Code ‘coolschool20’ for an extra £20-off list price for full-week places
Camps are currently only limited to 20 children per class, don't miss your chance and book today!
Pilates for parents at Pinner Wood
Pilates in the hall will be starting after the break! Email or call Lorainne to book.
Year 5 Bikeability
We are delighted to have some free places available for some of our Year 5 children to take part in Bikeability training at Pinner Wood, run by two accredited cycling instructors. There are 30 spaces available and they will be given on a first come, first serve basis. The sessions will run during the week 3rd February and will be daily small group sessions.
Bikeability is about acquiring the practical skills to cycle safely and with confidence on today’s roads. For children to participate in school Bikeability training, they must have basic riding skills (without stabilisers).
There are three Bikeability levels and children will be looking at Level 1 and 2 in the training:
Level 1 is designed to give your child control over his / her bike and takes place in groups in a space away from traffic such as a playground or closed car park.
Level 2 will ensure your child is prepared for short journeys such as cycling to school. Training takes place in small groups on quiet, local streets, giving trainees a real cycling experience.
Sign up for the Bikeability training will open on Arbor on Tuesday 7th January and places will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Please note, children will need a bike to participate (but there are some spares available if needed) and a helmet.
EYFS and Year 1 Maths Workshops
After the holidays, we will be hosting a series of Maths workshops for our Reception and Year 1 parents. Workshops for our Year 3 and 4 parents will follow in Spring 2.
To sign up for the workshops, please use the QR code.
Sessions will run from 9 - 10 am on each Friday morning.
Friday 24th January – White Rose structure
Friday 31st January – Using manipulatives
Friday 7th February – Oracy and Maths Friday 14th February – Parents and children in action
Storytelling Evening
We would love to invite our Reception and Year 1 families to a storytelling a night - a chance to see how we share stories with the children, support with reading at home and share some reading activities. You don't need to book, please just arrive at the classrooms ready at 3.20 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
Friends of Pinner Wood and Community Events
Thanks to our Friends who have used some of their funding raised to pay for Now Press Play. This means that the children can continue to have a range of immersive experience in school. More information on Now Press Play can be found here.
Head Squad Updates
We're in for some awesome experiences and opportunities in the next few weeks of this fabulous Pinner Wood term. Starting with the youngest year, Reception will embark on their fantastic space topic and will explore 2D and 3D shapes. Year 1 will delve into their Seasons topic and will play their energetic rain game. Year 2 will study "The Tunnel" and will investigate microhabitats in Forest School, behind the lively Year 5 & 6 playground. Year 3 will explore metamorphosis and sedimentary and igneous rocks. They will also tackle times tables and division in their thrilling Maths topics. Year 4 will craft ingenious playscripts and subheadings and headings in English. Year 5 will learn about different types of materials and will enjoy their class reader "Who Let the Gods Out" in English. Year 6 will participate in hockey during PE and will master algebraic equations in Maths.
Dates for your Diary
Week | ||
2 | Thursday 16th January | Census Day/ Favourites Day It helps if your child has School Dinner! |
Friday 17th January | Earth Hour | |
3 | Monday 20th January | Applications Launched for Head teacher for the day – years 4/5/6 |
Monday 20th January | Harrow Warehouse Library trip | |
Monday 20th January | Author Visit – Year 6 | |
Tuesday 21st January | Verulamium Trip – Year 3 | |
Tuesday 21st January | Portals of the Past Ancient Greeks Workshop – Year 5 | |
Thursday 23rd January | Isle of Wight and SATs meeting – 2-3 pm online meeting - Teams only | |
Friday 24th January | New Prefects in assembly – Year 2 and Year 6 | |
4 | W.B Monday 27th January | Sustainability Week |
Monday 27th January | Applications in Headteacher for the Day. | |
Tuesday 28th January | Crime and Punishment Workshop - Year 6 | |
Wednesday 29th January | Lunar New Year | |
Wednesday 29th January | Guitar Fest – selected performers | |
Wednesday 29th January | No teacher Led Clubs after school due to staff training. | |
Thursday 30th January | Story Telling Night 3:45-4:30 – Reception and Year 1 | |
Friday 31st January | House Assembly | |
Friday 31st January | Year 4 Pedestrian Training | |
5 | W.B Monday 3rd February | Bikability – Year 5 |
Monday 3rd February | Author Visit – Luke Temple | |
Friday 7th February | Number Day – all pupils in KS1 - children welcome to wear a number hat or headband | |
6 | W.B 10th Feb | Reception Trips to Tescos |
Tuesday 11th Feb | Safer Internet Day | |
Tuesday 11th Feb | RE day | |
Thursday 13th February | Year 6 to see Matilda at Northwood School | |
Thursday 13th Feb | Reception- Lunar New Year Banquet | |
Friday 14th Feb | Fall in Love with Reading Day | |
Take over day – Headteacher for a Day | ||
Monday 17th – Friday 21st Feb- Half Term | ||
Value: Heart of the Community | ||
1 | W.B. 24th Feb | Fund Raisin Challenge begins |
W.B. 24th Feb- Friday 7th March | Swimming Block – Sagano Class | |
Monday 24th February | World Thinking Day (as in half term) rainbows/ Brownies/ Guides/ Squirels/ Beavers/ Cubs/ Scouts can wear uniform to school. | |
Tuesday 25th Feb | Year 6 at Harrow Junior Citizenship Day | |
Wednesday 26th Feb | Year 1 Trip to Bekenscot Model Village | |
Friday 28th Feb | Ramadan Begins | |
2 | Monday 3rd March | Fund Raisin Challenge in |
Tuesday 4th March | Pancake Day | |
Wednesday 5th March | Lent Begins Year 6 Trip to Wicked in West End | |
Thursday 6th March | World Book Day – details to follow Come in pyjamas with your favourite book. | |
Thursday 6th March | TFL Ambassadors Out | |
Saturday 8th March | International Women’s Day | |
3 | W.B. Monday 10th March – Friday 21st March | Swimming Block – Woodstock and Amazon |
Tuesday 11th March | 9am – Year 5 Assembly followed by Residential Trip update. | |
Thursday 13th March | Purim | |
Thursday 13th March | PW Iftar Dinner –All welcome -Time TBC | |
Friday 14th March | Holi | |
4 | Monday 17th March | St Patrick’s Day |
Monday 17th March | Parent/ Carer meetings start for children with SEN (two week window) | |
Tuesday 18th March | Year 5 First Aid Training | |
Wednesday 18th March | Fred Day in EYFS and Key Stage 1 | |
Thursday 20th March | International Day of Happiness | |
Friday 21st March | World Down Syndrome Day | |
Friday 21st March | Year 4 - parent/ carers Time Tables check meeting 9am and 2pm | |
Friday 21st March | Poetry By Heart Celebration | |
Friday 21st March | Year 3/4 Gymnastics Competition | |
5 | W.B. 24th March | Walk and Wheel week |
Wednesday 26th March | String Fest | |
Wednesday 26th March | Parent/ Carer Evening – 3.30-6.30 | |
Thursday 27th March | Parent/ Carer Evening – 3.30-6.00 | |
Friday 28th March | Birthday Bunch – Birthdays 1st Jan – 21st April | |
Friday 28th March | House Assembly | |
Saturday 29th March | Earth Hour | |
Sunday 30th March | Mothers’ Day | |
Sunday 30th March | Possible date for EID | |
6 | W.B Mon 31st March | PW Speech Week – Year 4 and 6 |
Monday 31st March | Year 5 trip to the Barbican to see London Symphony Orchestra | |
Monday 31st March | Year 4 Speech Evening 3.30-4.15pm- Families Welcome | |
Tuesday 1st April | RE Day | |
Tuesday 1st April | Year 2 trip to Roald Dahl Museum | |
Tuesday 1st- Thursday 3rd April | Year 6 Speech Evening – Year 6 will be given time slots | |
Thursday 3rd April | ‘Bee You’ Day | |
Friday 4th April | End of Term 1.30pm | |
Looking Ahead to the Summer Term | ||
Tuesday 22nd April | Term starts for children and staff | |
Friday 25th April | New Prefects Announced | |
Friday 25th April | Friends of PW Colour Run (After school) | |
Monday 5th May | Bank Holiday – School Closed | |
Monday 12th – Thursday 15th May | Year 6 SATS – ALL YEAR 6 IN SCHOOL | |
Monday 26th – Friday 30th May | Half Term | |
Monday 2nd June | INSET DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED | |
W.B. 3rd June (2 week window) | Year 4 Multiplication Check | |
W.B 9th June (2 week window) | Year 1 Phonic Check | |
W.B 9th June | Year 6 Business Challenge Week | |
W.B. 9th June | Oracy Week | |
W.B. 16th June | STEAM Week | |
Monday 23rd June – Wednesday 25th June | Year 5 Tolmers Residential Trip | |
Thursday 26th June | Class Photos | |
Tuesday 1st July | Sports day and family picnic | |
Wednesday 2nd July | ‘Move up’ morning | |
Wednesday 2nd July (Evening) and Thursday 3rd July (Afternoon) | Year 6 Show | |
Friday 4th July | Birthday Bunch 22nd April – 31st August | |
Saturday 5th July | PW Summer Carnival in school | |
Monday 7th July – Friday 11th July | Year 6 Isle of Wight Trip | |
Monday 14th July | Dream Big Open Evening | |
Tuesday 15th July | Music Concert for performers | |
Friday 18th July | 8-10am Year 6 Leavers breakfast and assembly (Year 6 families invited) | |
Friday 18th July | Term Ends for All 1.30pm | |
Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd July | INSET DAYs – SCHOOL CLOSED TO PUPILS | |
