Taking Stock: October 2025

• To ensure our children are happy and we explain things well
• To ensure no child leaves our school unable to read
• To ensure children learn a broad vocabulary to access the world around them
• To enhance the educational experiences of diagnosed and undiagnosed children with SEND

Stockwell Primary School has been in the news recently, and for all the right reasons. A recent Time Out article ranked Stockwell as the 3rd best school in London and the 20th best school in England. The ranking was based on nine separate criteria, which measure key academic, behavioural and organisational performance.

In 2024, we were informed by the Minister for Schools that Stockwell was in the top 5% of Primary Schools in the country.

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our children and the hard work of the adults. Stockwell continues to go from strength to strength and I cannot wait to see what's next.

The BJS World Afro Hair Day Exhibition has been on the move. We were delighted to be contacted by Ivy Wild Academy, a hair education platform that runs national workshops focused on textured hair education and hands-on styling. During Black History Month, they were based at Chelsea Library and asked if we could loan the children's work to the library.

The children's pieces were admired by many and Chelsea Library wrote to express their gratitude for the loan.

Starting 4th November, Stockwell will be hosting The Big Bean Boost. Each child will come home with a Mission Pack. Use the button below to access a parents' guide to boosting your child's veg intake.

We are encouraging our children to be adventurous with their food choices and to try things they may not have tasted before. Developing a healthy attitude towards food helps children build confidence, broaden their tastes, and discover new favourites. We would be grateful if you could support this at home by encouraging your child to try different foods, even if it’s just a small taste.

You may be surprised at what they enjoy!

For ‘National School Meals Week’ this year, Harrison want to promote how great their school meals are. This promotion will have a daily focus on all the elements that make up their fresh food offer and encourage pupils to try tasters when choosing their school meal.

Thank you to all of the parents that came along to our Phonics and Spelling Drop-Ins. We are trialling hosting these on different days of the week, so that parents can join in with children in different year groups. We are keen to hear your feedback, so please let us know your thoughts on this new approach.

It was great seeing so many parents joining in with spelling and phonics in the classrooms, putting those robot arms to use.

On Friday 3rd October, we celebrated Father Figure Friday. The aim of these sessions is to bring dads, uncles, grandfathers, brothers and any other father figures into the school community. We are delighted with the success of these afternoons, as the sessions continue to grow. We had over 30 community father figures in attendance and we are appreciative of your ongoing support.

I would like to extend huge thanks to Mr Serra and Mr Osman, who ensured that the session ran smoothly. We are looking forward to the next one.

Have a wonderful half term break everyone. See you bright and early on Tuesday 4th November.

On Monday, 20th October, the girls' team played in a tournament involving 20 Lambeth teams. They reached the final and placed second over all. They did really well, played some amazing football and worked brilliantly as a team. All in all, I was very proud of them. Seeing their improvement since the team was formed last year, has been amazing and we can't wait to see how they get on in the league.

On Wednesday 22nd, the boys' team played in their first friendly against Streatham Wells. They finished the match as winners, with a final score of 16-1. There were some notable performances from the team captain, Alexander, who scored 6 goals in the space of 10 minutes, with Maher adding a further 4 before half term. However, the man of the match was Dominick, for his amazing display of team work and companionship, ultimately showing our school values. The Stockwell train keeps moving and we are excited for the season ahead. Stay tuned.

Mr Osman - Sports Coach

Don't forget to drop off your old, unwanted clothes. The donations will go to new homes that need them and we will raise money for the school. We have already filled the bank once, so keep your items coming please. Every time we fill the bank it raises money for the school.

Fill up a bag and pop it in.

Have a look at the poster below for more information.

The clothes bank is located outside the Main Hall.

Respect means treating others the way you want to be treated, showing kindness, and valuing their feelings and opinions, even if you don't agree

Respect involves actions like listening when someone talks, using manners such as "please" and "thank you," waiting your turn, and taking care of things that belong to others. Respect is a way of showing that you care about other people, their property, and even the environment.

Synonyms: admiration, regard, appreciation, praise, esteem, reverence, adoration, estimation

To learn more about the curriculum for your year group/s next term, visit the school's website to access the knowledge organisers.

Homework is issued on a Friday and is due back in on a Wednesday. Please make time to help your child with their homework. All tasks are based on what the children have been learning in school. While the children can learn independently, they might need your help to get started.

All children should be reading at home daily. Please remember to make a comment in your child's reading record after you have listened to them read.

27th - 31st Half Term - School Closed

November

• 3rd - INSET DAY - School Closed
• 4th - Term Begins: School open for all children
• 5th - Football Leagues Begin
• 6th - Domestos Germbusters Workshops (Yrs 1-3)
• 10th - Odd Socks Day
• 10th - Individual and Sibling Photos
• 10th - 14th - Anti-Bullying Week
• 10th - 14th - Year 6 Residential
• 11th - Year 3 Trip to Unicorn Theatre
• 12th - 5M Class Assembly
• 13th - 5E Class Assembly
• 13th - Open Morning
• 14th - Children in Need
• 14th - EYFS/ KS1 Parent Drop-In
• 17th - 21st - Year 5/6 Level 2 Cycle Training
• 17th - Federation Spelling Bee
• 18th - SEND/ Inclusion Coffee Morning
• 19th - 4B Class Assembly
• 20th - 4T Class Assembly
• 24-28th - Enterprise Week
• 24th - Year 3/4 Football Tournament
• 25th - Reception and Year 6 Height and Weight Checks
• 26th - 6A Class Assembly
• 26th - 2A Trip to Florence Nightingale Museum
• 27th - 6K Class Assembly
• 27th - Open Morning
• 28th - 3rd Dec - Scholastic Book Fair
• 28th - 2S Trip to Florence Nightingale Museum

Fortnite continues to reign supreme in the gaming world, drawing in millions of players with its bold graphics, fast-paced action and constant stream of new content. This guide from the National college looks at the latest developments in the game – such as themed updates, crossover characters and limited-edition cosmetics – and what they mean for young players and the adults who support them.

It also unpacks some of the key online safety risks associated with Fortnite. With in-game purchases, cross-platform communication and regular seasonal updates creating an ‘always on’ experience, it’s vital that trusted adults understand how to help children and young people enjoy the game without being exposed to unnecessary risks.

We have an active PTA, called Friends of Stockwell, who do a brilliant job of fundraising for the school and bringing the community together. It is great to see new faces taking part. Every parent is a Friend of Stockwell. I ask that everyone gets involved. If you can spare an hour per term (that's three hours per year), your contribution would make a huge difference.

Please email friendsofstockwell@gmail.com to get involved.

This term, the PTA held an end of term dress up day, which raised £118. These valuable finds will go back towards the children at Stockwell.

Can you help out around the school? Are you a keen gardener? Do you have skills or knowledge that the children would benefit from? Visit our Call to Action page to let us know how you can help.

Central to raising standards in all schools and ensuring all pupils can fulfil their potential is the need for children to attend school regularly to benefit from their education.

There is a strong link between good learning, high achievement, rapid progress and developing good social skills with excellent attendance.

We want to take this opportunity to outline our expectations for school attendance this academic year.

If your child arrives at school from 9am they will be marked as LATE, if they arrive after 9.30am, they will be classed as “late after the register is closed” and their attendance is classed as absent for the morning session. As the registers would have already been returned to the Department for Education.

Regular poor punctuality can also have a negative effect on your child’s attendance as well as their academic learning. Being 6 minutes late each day equals 30 minutes of missed learning every week.

If your child’s attendance drops below 90%, we will need to share our concerns with the Local Authority Education Welfare Officer at Lambeth Council.

Holidays in Term Time

Education Law states that it is not a parent’s right to take a child out of school during term time to go on holiday. Families must seek permission from the school and your school’s Headteacher is limited in what they can authorise. We can authorise leave if a child is in a performance and a performance license has been granted by the local authority. For any other authorised holiday, there must be extenuating circumstances therefore we cannot authorise a holiday because it is cheaper outside of term time.

What a great job. Stockwell's attendance has improved rapidly and we are ending the half term meeting the National expectation of 95%.

Well done, everyone. Keep up the good work.

School uniform should be worn throughout the school day. While we do not enforce that all school uniform should be branded, children should be wearing the correct colours (white t-shirt tops, navy trousers/ skirts/ pinafore dresses, sensible black shoes). Football boots/ coloured trainers are not school uniform and should not be worn.

Children should be changing into their PE kits for PE lessons (blue or black tracksuit bottoms, plain white t-shirt, trainers). We have made arrangements for girls and boys to be able to change separately, so the expectation is that all children change for PE.

While our supplier of school uniform is WearAbouts, we do have some items available for sale from the school office. Please check with us to see if we have what you need in stock.

If you have a concern, please see your child's class teacher in the first instance.

If they are unable to resolve the problem, please speak to your child's phase leader.

If they are unable to help, please see one of the school's Assistant Headteachers.

If you are still dissatisfied, please see the Head of School.

We let space around the school.

You can hire the school hall, and grounds, on a regular basis or as a one off.

Need a space for a party?

Looking for a pitch for your team?

Contact the school office on:

clericalofficer2@stockwell-pri.lambeth.sch.uk

to make an enquiry.

What are Pre-School, Nursery and Reception learning about? Find out below.

Years 1 and 2 are incredibly busy with their learning. Find out more on our website.

Are you keen to find out more about the learning in Years 3 and 4? If so, have a look by clicking the button below.

Please check our website, to find out what the children in Years 5 and 6 are learning about.

We are delighted to to have on site our Children Centre where the team works with families at Stockwell and our local community. The Children Centre is open every week day and during the holidays. All of the team will be happy to meet parents and carers to give help, advice and support relating to the following issues:

Citizens Advice

Parenting Support and Advice

ESOL classes

Vaccination clinics

Access to Midwives and Health Visitors practitioners

Take Your Pick sessions

Baby and Toddler session

Benefits advice

Food Bank Vouchers

Disability Living Allowance applications

Cost of Living information

Training and employment advice

Activities for children during half-term breaks

Advice on support available within Lambeth

In these difficult times any of us can find ourselves in challenging situations. Should you need support, please contact Mrs Fraga or Mrs Bonsu who can support with food vouchers discreetly.

Our Children Centre team have a great deal of knowledge and expertise and are a fantastic asset to have working with us at Stockwell. Please feel welcome to pop in and find out more during their opening times.

Please see below for wallet friendly family events in Lambeth and the local area.

The Gaia Centre provides support for Lambeth residents affected by gender-based violence, including domestic abuse. It’s closed on 29th March and April 1st, 2024, but has an out-of-hours on-call service: 07725245779. Normal hours are 8am-6pm Monday – Friday. It also offers services for young people and advice for practitioners. Tel: 020 7733 8724, E: lambethvawg@refuge.org.uk.

Helpline support is available:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline, 24/7
• Women’s Aid live chat, daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Men’s Advice Line, weekdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Samaritans Helpline, 24/7
• Childline 24/7
• In emergencies, call 999

Support online:

Kooth is a free online mental health and wellbeing service available to all young people in Lambeth aged 10-25. It is a self-referral service, where young people have access to fully-qualified online counsellors until 10pm every single day of the year. There is also a range of other support including: an online interactive magazine, discussion boards, self-help tools, and wellbeing activities.

The new Lambeth microsite to accompany the ‘It’s Not That Deep’ campaign is aimed specifically at young people and contains information for those experiencing harassment, those wanting to become allies, and those who are doing the harmful behaviour.

You can view useful resources on emotional wellbeing and mental health support services for children in Lambeth.

For the latest Lambeth VAWG news and campaigns please go to: https://linktr.ee/lambethvawg

We have an engagement hub with a specific page focused on what we can do to improve public safety for women and girls which asks residents and visitors to tell us where in Lambeth they feel safe and unsafe by placing a pin on the Map. Please sign up for email updates about the project using the ‘follow’ button on the new site.

A new child comes into care every day in Lambeth. Many of these children will need the love and stability that a foster carer can provide.

What is fostering?

Being a foster parent means caring for someone else’s child as part of your family. Foster carers look after children who are unable to live with their parents, through no fault of their own. You'll be given lots of training and support, as well as allowances to cover living costs, the costs of food, travel and for the time you'll need to invest in supporting any child in your care.

Who can foster?

Lambeth Fostering welcome applications from everyone with a passion for caring. You just need to be over 21, have a spare room, good written and spoken English, and permanent UK residency.

Find out how you can be the difference: www.lambeth.gov.uk/be-the-difference

Have you downloaded the BJS Federation parent app?

Stay abreast of school events, book trips, clubs and give permission.

If you are finding it difficult to find your way around the app, check out our guide below.