Low Ash Primary

It's been lovely to have some sunshine back this week, even if it now seems to have vanished again! As ever we have had a busy week at school with the School Council elections, a climate audit, a phonics workshop for parents and carers and a Year 4 trip to St. Cuthbert's amongst other things.

Monday 6th October - Year 1 and 2 stay and play session

Tuesday 7th October - Flu immunisations in school

Tuesday 7th October - Some Y6 pupils taking part in a local author visit (off site)

Wednesday 8th October - 6B visiting Harewood House

Wednesday 8th October - Anna Dixon MP visiting school

Thursday 16th October - Reception Stay & Play - (9.00-10.00)

Week beginning 20th October - 'Shipley Showcase' - local Geography week in school

Tuesday 21st October - Parent/carer family breakfast in school

Wednesday 22nd October - Parent consultation evening (3.45-7.15)

Thursday 23rd October - Parent consultation evening (3.45-5.45)

Thursday 23rd October - Fluoride Varnish Nursery, Reception and Year 1

Friday 24th October - You are invited into your child's classroom from 3pm so they can share their learning with you

Friday 24th October - School closes for half term

Thursday 6th November - Parents invited into school during the school day and after school to see the Shipley Showcase exhibition

Thursday 6th November - School discos (more details to follow)

Tuesday 11th November - 6W History trip

Friday 14th November - 6LG History trip

Tuesday 18th November - 6B History trip

Friday 28th November - School Christmas Fair

Monday 8th December - KS1 Nativity (pm) dress rehearsal + parents & young children

Tuesday 9th December (am) - KS1 Nativity

Wednesday 10th December (pm) - KS1 Nativity

Thursday 18th December - Carols by Candlelight

A big well done to all of our pupils who have been in school every day this week!

A further reminder that no holiday in term time can be authorised. Absences can be granted in exceptional circumstances which means it is 'unexpected and unavoidable'.

This week's school attendance is: 95.5%.

This year's attendance to date is: 95.9%.

Early Years & KS1 class of the week is Reception Base 2 with 99%.

KS2 class of the week is 4BY with 99%.

Understandably, some new parents to the school have asked questions about the appearance of our playground. For those who have been parents/ carers here for some time, you will appreciate that OPAL, whilst amazing for the children, does not always look neat and tidy. For new parents and carers, I hope the explanation below is useful.

At Low Ash Primary School, we are proud to be part of the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, which is a nationally recognised initiative aimed at transforming the quality of children's play in schools. OPAL encourages schools to rethink traditional playgrounds and embrace a more inclusive, creative, and child-led approach to outdoor play. We received the Platinum award (the highest level of award) for our playtime provision and were the first school in Bradford to achieve this.

The presence of items such as office chairs, stools, prams, and other non-traditional play resources is part of this philosophy. While these may appear untidy or unconventional, they are intentionally provided to stimulate imaginative play, collaboration, and problem-solving. Children use these items in inventive ways - creating dens, role-playing, building obstacle courses, and more. The aim is to offer a rich variety of materials that support different types of play, beyond what fixed playground equipment can offer. The children absolutely love it.

We are in need of further donations however - any old pushchairs, large sit in wheeled cars, dressing up clothes, crates or anything else you think might be of use would be gratefully recieved.

This week some Year 6 pupils helped conduct a climate audit. The results will form a focus for our School Council this year.

This week, Year 3 have been exploring the skeleton in their Science lesson. They explored how joints let them move and tested this out using some gloves filled with water, giving them no joints! They tried high fiving, counting and waving, but they definitely struggled!

We have been asked by the local authority to remind all parents and carers about Bradford's SEND local offer as, in the last LA SEND parent/carer survey, 37% of respondents said they had not heard of the Local Offer.

If you need help with finding support for additional needs, please visit the SEND Local Offer website, to sign up to receive a monthly SEND Newsletter and follow on Facebook @LocalOfferBd”

We like to share ideas of things you might like to do with your children. Below you will find links to various events which might be of interest.

https://itsoninbradford.co.uk/events/shadmanny-arts-and-crafts-drop-in-workshop-bradford-south-asian-festival-2/

https://itsoninbradford.co.uk/events/bananas-in-pyjamas/

https://itsoninbradford.co.uk/events/meet-danielle-brown-mbe-shoot-for-the-stars/

https://itsoninbradford.co.uk/events/if-all-the-world-were/

A further free family event linked to World War II is being held in Shipley Library next Tuesday (7th October) from 4-6pm). Some of Year 6 pupils are visiting during the school day, but I know many more pupils have an interest in this topic. See the flyer below for details.

Yesterday, all classes from Year 1 - 6 voted for their new school councillors. The results will be announced early next week. The School Council will have an exciting first week as, next week, we are having a visit from our local MP Anna Dixon. She will have a tour of the school, meet with the new School Councillors and then lead a Key Stage 2 assembly. We're very excited to meet her and show her what a wonderful school Low Ash is.

There have been incidents of scabies reported in the local community. To raise awareness we have been asked to make people aware of this. There is no need to take any action but should you want any further details, please visit the NHS website.

Scabies - NHS

A reminder that we are offering tours around the school for parents and carers of prospective new starters over the next few months. If you would like to book onto one of the dates, please contact the school office.

There was a top effort from these girls yesterday evening. They played in a 6vs6 game against a strong, talented Blakehill team.

The majority of the team were playing their first ever football match which is great.

These girls gave 110%, battled and gave it their all; they should be extremely proud of themselves.

Player of the match went to Poppy “The Cat” in goal - an outstanding performance.

Below you will find the link to October's online safety newsletter which contains information on Tik Tok and how to support your child if they see distressing content on line amongst other things. We hope you find it useful.

A reminder that all of our guides can be found on the online safety page of the website.

Online Safety | Low Ash Primary School

We hope you all have a lovely weekend and we will see you all on Monday.