It's been a relatively quiet one this week, which is saying something for the children of Bardwell (well if you consider quiet being 10 school clubs, 5 collective worships, 5 focused literacy sessions with Reciprocal Reading featuring a whole hour of this, 5 math sessions with a focus on fluency and reasoning, a whole morning/afternoon dedicated to PE - the same for Forest School - a range of creative arts and sciences along with well over 6 hours worth of OPAL time thrown in for good measure). I'm sure I've probably missed a great deal to this mix, however, I think it's safe to say, the children (and of course the staff) have worked tremendously hard this week and should feel proud of their aspirations! To that end, have a great weekend and spend some valuable time together!

Here's to the magic of Christmas, which as you know, is firmly on the horizon!

Mr. Francksen

I am delighted to tell you that the school raised the wonderful amount of £93.55 for this year's Poppy Appeal.

Thank you so much to all the students, parents and teachers who supported this in such a positive way.

Your efforts and support are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Ruth

On behalf of the RBL Poppy Appeal

We may need to shorten the Thursday sessions to 1hr for a few weeks, as the Gipping Valley Sports Partnership manager is struggling to find an instructor that can cover the full session. Please continue to book all sessions that you require as normal and we will be in touch with you if anything has to change.

For those that attend After School Club - please ensure your child has a healthy snack in school to eat during the session, as it is a long wait from lunchtime until 5pm. The school does not provide food as part of the After School Club session. We would suggest a piece of fruit or a nutritious snack bar.

Finally, from January 2022 please note that we will no longer offer After School provision on Fridays; the numbers for this club are too low for it to run economically.

Please see some brief information about the Children's University below. I have also provided the website link and a Youtube clip. Get ready Oak Class! Graduation is coming to you!

What we do and why

Children’s University is a charity that works in partnership with schools to develop a love of learning in children. We do this by encouraging and celebrating participation in extra-curricular activities in and outside of school. The impact of these activities is proven to be positive which is why we’re committed to creating a level playing field of opportunity and opening up access to children of all backgrounds.

The need for Children’s University

By the time a child turns 18, they will have spent just 9% of their waking life in a classroom. Children’s University is about making the most of the remaining 91%.

Research shows that participation in extra-curricular activities can positively impact on attainment, increase a pupil’s positive identification with school, and build self-confidence and resilience. Research also shows that children that do not have access to these opportunities fall behind, lack confidence, and fail to develop career aspirations. The resulting attainment gap is so significant that 25% of children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds achieve below-expected attainment levels.

Key outcomes we want for every child

For every child that takes part in Children’s University, we want the following outcomes:

• They feel they have grown in confidence and self-belief
• They have enjoyed new experiences, in new places and want to keep exploring
• They believe they have a broader range of essential skills
• They feel empowered to make positive choices about their future
• They see learning that is fun, aspirational, and lifelong
• They feel their eyes have been opened to a multiplicity of learning activities and opportunities
• They feel celebrated for their commitment to learning by their family, school, and community.

Please find below the link for the Autumn edition of the Raring2go! magazine, which is full of ideas for the festive period:

https://bit.ly/3HN3HTN

If you could send this onto your families, it would be most appreciated.

Many thanks,

Emily

EMILY PARKER

Editor Raring2go! Suffolk

We are again hearing from neighbours about inconsiderate parking on School Lane, for example cars blocking the top of Skinners Lane. Whilst we believe that some of this is related to customers at the bakery, can we take this opportunity to remind you that stopping on the yellow zigzags is not permitted - even for a few moments. Also, that the residents’ parking area at 25-43 School Lane (marked red below) should be avoided, only the spaces located directly on School Lane should be used (marked green). There are also spaces at the Dun Cow public house if needed - these are also marked in green on the map below.

Your child may be eligible for free school meals throughout primary school. This could save you approximately £437 per year.

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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/

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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.

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