cotham gardens primary school

weekly newsletter  07/11/2025

 

 

I hope you had a restorative half term and are back into the swing of school life – we certainly are in school!  

Teaching staff had a full day of training and professional development on Monday during the INSET. Teachers scrutinised the work that children have produced in all subjects during Term 1. We were very pleased to see the positive change that all our school improvement work has had on learning, particularly the impact of our new marking and feedback policy.  

We have been working hard setting up our new look KS2 book corners ready to receive the ‘Golden Bookshelf’ books that the PTAF kindly donated. Teachers have also been preparing for the imminent arrival of a new library of finely levelled independent reading books. These books will provide a logical continuation of the Little Wandle phonics books that are used at Elmgrove for our younger children. This will result in all children having a book to read at home that is the right level for them. Mr Brett, our KS2 Reading Lead, will be in touch shortly with more information about how this will work, including the long-awaited return of the green book bag at Cotham Grove! 

Miss Whittaker and Miss Vasquez-Martinez held our first school councils of the academic year this week. One of the items for discussion was the introduction of an optional school jumper with our logo on. The school council has been tasked with now finding out (democratically) what colour the children would like. We will be writing to you next week with more details but want to make clear that there are NO PLANS to introduce a formal uniform.  

Finally, some staffing news: sadly next Wednesday will be Mrs Mackintosh's final day at Cotham Gardens after nearly 10 years of dedicated service. We wish her well in her new ventures. In happier news, we welcome Baby Mensah to the Cotham Gardens family and congratulate Miss Latham on her marriage which took place at half term. 

I hope you have a lovely weekend. 

Emmeline Smith 

 

 

MONDAY 10th November

Odd sock day in support with Anti-bullying week 

 

YR5 Swimming - please remember to bring in swimming kits.

 

YR6 Football match  - Shine, collection at 15.15pm form the school office 

 

TUESDAY 11th November

Coffee morning - Drop off until 10.00, all welcome

 

 

YR6 WW2 trip - Please remember to wear comfy shoes, a waterproof coat and a packed lunch

 

Reception stay and play - 9.30am for prospective parents for Sep 26

 

WEDNESDAY 12th November

PTAF Meeting

19.30pm in the Library 

 

THURSDAY 13th November

 

YR4 Life in Victorian Britain workshop -  To help bring the day to life, we kindly ask that children come dressed in their best Victorian-style outfit. Think flat caps, pinafores, waistcoats, and long skirts—anything that helps set the scene! 

 

YR6 NCMP - YR6 National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)  Sirona.

 

FRIDAY 14th November

Tulip photography in school -  Individual school photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week’s class attendance winners are: 

Ladybirds and Ash with 100%  - Well done! 

This week’s class punctuality winners are:

Foxes and Maple with 100%  - Well done! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We're also delighted to share that Cotham Gardens Primary School has achieved 96% whole school attendance so far this academic year – nearly hitting our school target of 97% and well above the local and national average! 

This is a fantastic achievement and we couldn't have done it without your support. Thank you to all our families for making sure your children arrive at school on time, ready to learn every day.

Regular attendance is crucial for your child's learning and development. Good attendance habits established now will benefit your child throughout their education and into their future careers.

As we move through the rest of the academic year, we'll continue to work together to maintain these excellent attendance levels. If you ever have concerns about your child's attendance or need support, please don't hesitate to speak to us.

   

We’re pleased to let you know that our school will be taking part in Odd Socks Day on Monday 10th November as part of Anti-Bullying Week!

Odd Socks Day is a fun and simple way for children to celebrate what makes them unique. On this day, we encourage all pupils to come to school wearing odd socks — no matching required! It’s a light-hearted activity with a serious message: that we should all be free to express ourselves and be proud of who we are.

There’s no need to buy anything new or spend money — just pick out two different socks and wear them with pride. The aim is to raise awareness around bullying and promote kindness, respect, and inclusion in our school community.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a safe and welcoming environment for every child.

 

 

  

You can read more about how the Department of Health and Social Care collects, stores and uses your child’s information and data in the NCMP Privacy Notice: https://bit.ly/NCMPPrivacyNotice.

For further information and advice and support please visit our dedicated NCMP webpage by scanning the QR code below:

If you have any concerns about your child’s growth, eating habits, or weight, please speak to your GP or contact the school nursing service.

 

Tulip Photography will be in school taking individual school photos on Friday 14th November.

If you have not consented on Arbor for Tulip Photography to take photos of your child, please note that your child will NOT be able to have their photo taken.

Here’s how you can check and update your details:

1. Log in to your Arbor account (via the app or website).
2. Review your child consent options for this academic year.
3. Make any necessary changes and save your updates.

If you need any help accessing Arbor or have questions about the information required, please feel free to contact the school office, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.

Families with siblings across both sites, can go to the Elmgrove site from 8.15am before the school gates open, to have their photos taken. 

Siblings on the same site, will have their photos taken during normal school time.

Please ensure your child arrives to school on time, as Tulip will be starting promptly at 9am.

 

What is The Golden Bookshelf?

The Golden Bookshelf is a specially curated collection of 15 high-quality titles for each year group. These books span a variety of genres, themes, and text types, and are designed to spark curiosity and enjoyment. The goal is for children to read as many of these titles as they can throughout the year.

This kind of initiative has proven successful in other schools, and we’re excited to build on that foundation. It’s part of our wider effort to create a real buzz around reading for pleasure—helping children feel excited, engaged, and inspired by the books they encounter. At the end of the academic year, each class will reflect on their favourites and decide which titles they’d like to keep in their classroom libraries.

We’re incredibly grateful to our wonderful PTAF for their support in getting this project off the ground. With tireless enthusiasm and efficiency, Helen Lamper and her husband Jim Carter coordinated the purchase of a full set of Golden Bookshelf titles for every class. Thanks to their efforts, we’re thrilled to be sharing these books with the children this term.

What’s Next?

Our aim is to provide two copies of each book per class. This will allow more children to read the same book at the same time, encouraging shared discussions and fostering a communal reading culture that can significantly boost engagement and enjoyment.

How Can You Help?

We’ve created Amazon Wishlists for each year group, making it easy for families to donate additional copies of Golden Bookshelf titles. If you’d like to support us in this way, please use the links below to purchase a book on behalf of the school:

Reception: https://amzn.eu/9Z0i8bX
Year 1: https://amzn.eu/9oCp5wN
Year 2: https://amzn.eu/a99sTIe
Year 3: https://amzn.eu/7rk57Vi
Year 4: https://amzn.eu/1nOhvjc
Year 5: https://amzn.eu/b1yD73b
Year 6: https://amzn.eu/2JFD8zt

Thank you for helping us make reading a joyful and shared experience at Cotham Gardens. Your support makes a real difference.

Warm regards,
Duncan Brett

 

  

Wednesday 26th November - 9.00am -10.00am - CG Hall

Thursday 27th November - 18.00pm - 18.45pm (Online)

The meeting link will be shared on ClassDojo the morning of the online forum

 

 

Notice of proposed changes to the Cotham Gardens Primary School Admissions Arrangements for the academic year 2027/2028 

Cotham Gardens Primary School is consulting on its proposed admission arrangements for the academic year 2027/2028. 

This consultation will be open from Tuesday 21st October to Tuesday 2nd December 2025.  

The proposed change is to reduce the Pupil Admission Number (the PAN) from 60 to 30 pupils to be admitted to reception with effect from 1st September 2027. 

Cotham Gardens Primary School is committed to reviewing the PAN if the local context dictates a need for this in the future.  

No pupil who already has a place in Cotham Gardens Primary School will be affected by the proposed change. 

The proposed admissions arrangements for the 2027/28 are available below.

How to respond 

Your views on this proposal are important to us and we want to hear the views of everyone who feels that they might be affected by this proposed reduction to the PAN. 

Please send your comments, queries and requests for hard copies of the policy via this link (https://forms.office.com/e/NEh1tHUBy0)  or email your comments to charlotte.coulson@cothamgardens.co.uk

Alternatively, please write to Charlotte Coulson, Governance Professional, 18 Cotham Grove, Bristol, BS6 6AL.  

For more information, please visit https://www.cothamgardens.co.uk/Pupil-Admission-Numbers-PAN-Consultation/

 

 

A huge thank you to the office for pulling it out of the bag and arranging last-minute lifts. What stars! Can we please make sure that for all future sports fixtures, we have the collections nailed by the Friday before.

Now, onto the pitch and under the rainbow (look closely at the pics!). How is your team when the chips are down? Ours is amazing! The Cotham Gardens girls faced defeat after defeat but never once let their heads drop. They kept going, kept smiling and crucially kept learning. 

Determined, soggy and fuelled by strawberry laces, they battled through five tough games with the same incredible attitude every time. Their resilience and spirit were second to none. 

They are a true asset to our school. Zaynab skilled up the pitch with many fantastic flourishes right through the centre, earning her Player of the Match.

Mrs Bush

 

 

  

 

This term, the Y6 reading curriculum is based around a book called ‘Pig-Heart Boy’ by Malorie Blackman. It is the story of Cameron, a thirteen year-old boy who does not expect to see his next birthday unless he receives a heart transplant. But with a lack of human donors, his chances are diminishing. That is until Dr Bryce, who is pioneering a ground-breaking new surgical procedure, enters the scene. As can be guessed from the title, this procedure raises many questions, both practical and ethical. His parents disagree on the best way forward but in the end, the decision belongs to Cameron alone…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please see below some of the trips that are happening over the coming terms. If you have not yet consented for your child to attend, please head over to Arbor to give consent as soon as possible.

 

 

• Y4 - Victorian - Inspired WOW Morning - Thursday 13th November
• Y6 - WW2 Trip, St Nicholas’ Public Air Raid Shelter - Tuesday 11th November
• Y1 - Bristol Old Vic Theatre to watch Antarctica- Thursday 11th December
• Y6 - Residential Camp - Monday 1st June - Wednesday 3rd June

 

 

At Cotham Gardens Primary School, we understand that keeping track of school communications can feel overwhelming - especially if you're new to the school or have multiple children with us. We also know that every family is different: some parents want detailed updates, while others prefer just the essentials.

That's why we've created this handy guide: 

https://www.cothamgardens.co.uk/Communications/

It explains all the communication platforms we use at school, including those run by our parent community (PTAF), so you can choose what works best for your family.

We're constantly working to improve how we communicate with you. This guide reflects our current approach and we'll update it as things evolve.

 

Evening/Weekend Caretaker - Part time, Fixed term, Term Time Only

Are you looking for a flexible role where you can make a positive impact on our school community? Cotham Gardens Primary School (Bristol, BS6) is seeking a dedicated Evening/Weekend Caretaker to help ensure our split site school remains a safe, secure and welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

You will be responsible for the security, safety and general upkeep of our school sites after school hours and weekends. This is an ideal opportunity for someone practical, reliable and committed to contributing to a vibrant primary school community, as well as learning from our experienced Estate Manager.

Candidates must demonstrate good communication skills in spoken and written English to effectively engage with children, parents, and colleagues.

Contract: Part-time hours, 15 hours per week, over 7 days STC.

For example:

• Monday 18:00 - 20:30
• Tuesday 18:30 - 21:00
• Wednesday 19:30 - 22:00     
• Thursday 18:00 - 20:30
• Friday 18:00 - 20:30
• Saturday 09:30 - 10:30pm and 16:30-18:00 (every other week) 
• Sunday 09:30 - 10:30pm and 16:30-18:00 

Term time only, plus 5 INSET days. Possible overtime opportunities available in the school holidays.

The School: Cotham Gardens Primary School is a large and happy school split over two sites in central Bristol. We are proud to serve our diverse, vibrant community and celebrating this diversity is central to the school’s vision. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. 

We are able to offer:

• A team of hard working and supportive colleagues
• Interested and involved parents and trustees
• Opportunities to get involved in whole school and wider community events
• Cycle to work scheme
• A commitment to your professional development
• A commitment to staff wellbeing, including a staff Employee Assistance Programme available to all staff

Salary: Grade BG6, Scale Point 6-7. Salary £25,989 to £26,403 FTE (Pro-rata salary range £10,536 to £10,704)

For further information about our school, please visit our school website. 

Applications Close: Monday 24th November 2025 at 9am

Interview date:  TBC

Start Date:  ASAP 

Apply now:https://www.eteach.com/job/caretaker-evenings--and--weekends-1516963