Newsletter 18/09/2026
cotham gardens primary school
weekly newsletter 18/09/2026
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
It was International Day of Democracy on Tuesday and so our assembly theme for the week focussed on democracy at Cotham Gardens. As part of this, we have asked the children in Years 1-6 to start thinking about whether they would like to put themselves forward to be a school councillor.
Our school council is led by Miss Bayat and Miss Vasquez-Martinez and we have decided to formalise the process a bit more this year. Budding councillors will be asked to complete an application form and then during a class council, explain to their classmates why they would like to represent the class.
We are looking to ensure the school council is fully representative of our diverse school community. Being a school councillor is a position of responsibility and also a privilege, so all councillors are expected to meet the school's expectations for behaviour, attendance and attitude to learning. Class elections will be held the week after next, and then shortlists will be scrutinised by the senior leadership team. Final results will be announced 9th October.
All children should have taken home an independent reading book in their book bag today. We expect all children – all the way up to year 6 – to read three times per week with an adult and to complete the reading records. Please get in touch with your class teacher if you have any questions about reading at Cotham Gardens.
Finally, well done to Olivia K, Mawahib M, Jack R and Connie S who were all nominated to receive special commendation in KS2 assembly today for their excellent attitude to presentation in their work this week. Please also see below for our list of weekly class certificate winners. It’s been an excellent start to term!
Best wishes
Emmeline Smith
📜 GOLDEN CERTIFICATE WINNERS 📜
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
Coffee Morning
All welcome after drop off till 10:00 am at the Elmgrove site
Parent Prospective Tours for Reception September 27
Elmgrove Hall 18:30pm
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
YR4 Boat trip
Please can children bring: A packed lunch, water bottle and suitable clothing and footwear.
YR5/YR6 Hot poets
During the day, pupils will take part in a special assembly followed by interactive poetry workshops led by Vanessa Kisuule, an acclaimed Bristol-based poet and performer. The sessions will encourage pupils to develop their creativity, confidence, speaking and listening skills, and love of language through a range of engaging activities.
🌟ATTENDANCE WINNERS AND REMINDERS 🌟
This week’s Elmgrove punctuality winners are:
Hedgehogs and Foxes with 100% - Well done!
This week’s Cotham Grove punctuality winners are:
Kingfishers with 100% - Well done!
This week’s Elmgrove class attendance winners are:
Rabbits with 99% - Well done!
This week’s Cotham Grove class attendance winners are:
Pine with 100%
Not s far behind is Kestrels with 99% and Starlings and Eagles both with 98%
Well done all!
ILLNESS - IS MY CHILD TOO ILL FOR SCHOOL?
We know that sometimes our pupils cannot come to school because they are really unwell - and that's the right thing to do for them and other students. Medical advice is clear however that children with mild illness will often be well enough to attend - for example if they have a cough, or cold, without a temperature. The NHS guidance Is my child too ill for school? - NHS (www.nhs.uk) is designed to support parents in their decision making about mild illness.
Reporting Absence
Sickness can be reported via the Arbor Parent Portal or Arbor App - as well as our usual absence line (0117 3772610 option 1)
To do this on Arbor, go to:
- Quick Actions
- Attendance
- Log Absence
- Input the absence details, ensuring you provide a detailed reason for the absence
- Submit the request by clicking Log Absence
School staff will then approve or reject the absence. Once approved, it will be visible in the Attendance tab.
The school office at the Cotham Grove site is running low on spare clothing for our pupils. If you have any spare joggers, leggings, pants, or socks for students aged 7-10 years, including both boys and girls, we would be incredibly grateful if you could drop them off at the school office.
Additionally, we also have a request for our Elmgrove office. If you have any spare boys' clothing, particularly joggers and pants for ages 5-7, it would be greatly appreciated!
WATER BOTTLES
Just a friendly Just a friendly reminder to ensure that your child, , comes to school each day with a water bottle. Staying hydrated is incredibly important and helps with concentration during lessons.
Please don't forget to clearly label the bottle with name. Thank you for your continued support.
YEAR 6 NATIONAL CHILD MEASUREMENT PROGRAMME
The Year 6 NCMP screening will take place of Tuesday 29th September
Please find below the YR6 National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) invitation letter from Sirona.
Parents/carers only need to complete and return the attached opt out slip if they DO NOT wish for their child to be measured. You are able to collect paper copies from the school office.
If you do not respond, Sirona will assume that you are happy for your child to take part in the NCMP.
2026 ncmp pre measurement letter.pdf
FLU VACCINATION PROGRAMME
We are offering your child (Reception to Year 6) a free flu vaccine at school on Monday 23rd November 2026
Please complete the consent form as soon as possible:
https://imms.sirona-cic.org.uk/flu/2026/consent?v=3
Flu can be an unpleasant illness, and some people can get very unwell; some children even end up in hospital because of flu.
Why get the vaccine?
The flu vaccine helps protect your child and your family from getting flu, reduces the spread of the virus in winter, and keeps them in school learning.
How is the vaccine given?
The flu vaccine is usually given using a quick and easy nasal spray, this is the best flu vaccine for children. If your child cannot have the nasal spray due to the porcine gelatine content or for medical reasons, you can consent for your child to have an injection instead. If we cannot offer the injection at your child’s school, you will be able to book a clinic appointment.
Are there any side effects?
Most children do not have any side effects after the vaccine; however some might get a blocked or runny nose, lose their appetite, feel tired or get a headache, this will not last long.
Important deadlines:
- The consent system closes 2 working days before the vaccination session at school.
- If you complete your form after the deadline, we may not be able to see your child at the school session
No internet access?
If you can't access the internet, ask your child's school for a paper consent form, or call us for help on 0300 1245515.
What if I do not want my child to receive the vaccine?
Please complete the form to let us know
Your child's school will tell you the date of the vaccination session.
What if my child misses the session?
Catch-up clinics will be available for children who miss the school session. Your child's school will send information about these clinics after the school session.
Want to learn more?
Flu vaccination for children: leaflets and posters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Questions?
Contact the School Immunisation Team: 0300 124 5515 or email sirona.sch-imms@nhs.net
Please click here for a leaflet about flu and how to stop getting it!
Please scan the QR code below with your smartphone to link to the consent form
Reception 2027 Open Events – Book Your Place! 🎉
Is your child starting school in September 2027? We’d love for you to consider Cotham Gardens Primary School as your first choice!
Come and meet our amazing teachers, explore our classrooms, and discover what makes our school special.
Join us for:
✨ Morning Information Sessions - 9.30am
An introduction to the school and an opportunity for your child to stay and play with the current reception children for 20mins at 10am.
✨ Evening Information Sessions – 6.30pm
Aimed at adults only but children are welcome to come too if that makes it easier for parents and carers to attend.
Book your place now!
👉 Cotham Gardens Primary School - Open Events 2026-27 – Fill in form
Got questions?
📞 0117 3772610
We can’t wait to welcome you to our school community!
#CothamGardensPrimary #Reception2027 #OpenEvents #BristolSchools
📢 PTAF NEWS 📢
🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️
PTAF AGM
Wednesday 30th September
7.30pm
Cotham Grove library
We would like to invite you all along to our AGM. This is a really important meeting where we vote in the committee for the year ahead. Please do come along and help get ideas in place for another year of successful fundraising.
💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰
YOUR SCHOOL LOTTERY
A really easy way to help raise funds for the PTAF is to sign up to our online lottery. Click on the link below to find out more
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
16th October SPOOKY DISCO
28th November WINTER FAIR
28th Nov/5th Dec CHRISTMAS TREE SALES
4th-6th December WREATH MAKING
AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS
SHINE NEWSLETTER
Welcome back! As we start the new school term, we’re looking forward to enjoying a packed year ahead. Here is some useful information about Shine.
Class Names: It is important that your child’s class is correct, so we know where to collect them from. If you haven't already, please can you update your childs' class name. Log into your Shine account, go to 'Attendee Details' click the little pencil in the top right to update their class from the drop down menu. If you cannot find the correct class name, please let us know and we will add it.
Updating attendee details: Please remember to add any medical details, individual needs and dietary requirements for your child in the ‘My attendee’ section of their profile.
All clubs are bookable online: Shine | Cotham Gardens Primary School
After School Club Cancellation: You can cancel any booking with 6 days notice
for a credit or refund. This can be done via your Shine account.
Snacks: If your child would like a snack, please do send them with one (no nuts, please). Snacks are provided by Shine if your child is staying for Snack & Chill.
Childcare Vouchers: Shine accept Childcare Vouchers and the Government Tax Free Voucher Scheme. You can choose your method of payment via your Shine account.
Contact: Shine can be contacted by 01174 033 033 or info@MyShine.co.uk.
Places are limited and can sell out, so book early to avoid disappointment.
See you at Shine!
Sept Info: Chandos Ateliers Creativity Club
Chandos Atelier’s Creativity Club is bookable for September now! Tuesdays at Cotham Grove for years 3-6. Devised and delivered by professional makers with years of experience, these are an hour of creative exploration using art materials. Enriching and imaginative, they develop skills and resilience, teaching techniques and methods rather than giving follow-along instructions - perfect for creative kids and art adventurers!
https://www.chandosatelier.co.uk/bookings
“His creativity at home and his attitude to materials and projects has exploded, which includes scientific endeavours, inspired by your materials and attitude to creativity.”
OCTOBER HALF-TERM CLUBS
Join the Holiday Fun with Shine this Half Term! Book by Sunday 11th October to receive 15% off using the code: Early Booker.
We have loved seeing so many children come along to Shine Holiday Clubs over the summer and look forward to welcoming more of you.
For children at any school from Reception – Year 6, days run from 09:00-15:30 with (early and late hours) available if you need them.
There are different activities such as Creepy Creative, Cursed Cookery, Crazy Science Cauldrons, Descendants Dance, Forbidden Forest Adventure, Football Fun Days, Gymnastics, Make a Musical - SIX and Mini & Mega Monster Mash Ups - there really is a day your child will love.
Shine are Ofsted Registered so you can pay via Childcare Vouchers and the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme.
Click here Shine at Elmlea * Shine Sports Ground * Shine Sports Hall to see what’s on and use the code Early Booker to get 15% off.
See you at Shine!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Bristol Parent Carers Forum
Bristol Parent Carers have asked us to share their September Newsletter.
Bristol Parent Carers support parents and carers of children with SEND and work with Bristol City Council to ensure they are meeting children's needs. Inside their newsletter you will find a new guide to Resource Bases and Specialist Schools in Bristol, updates on proposed changes to SEND support, information about wellbeing support for families, and free SEND information and support sessions.
Please click the link here for the Newsletter: https://midd.me/L5yV
Juggling the busy demands of parenting can be tough, but we're in it together.
STRENGTHENING FAMILES
CHILDREN'S SCRAPSTORE
BRISTOL FLYERS - COMMUNITY HUB SESSIONS
