cotham gardens primary school

weekly newsletter  23/10/2025

 

A short note from me this week to wish you all a restorative half term. It has been an extremely busy term, and this week is no exception, so I think everyone is ready for a nice rest! 

We started the week with a Diwali celebration assembly led by Mr Insall, and this has been followed up with our weekly singing assemblies, and a Black History Month celebration which showcased not only the lives of a range of influential Black men and women, but also the written work produced by our children.  

Pupil Admission Numbers (PAN) Consultation

We launched the formal consultation for our proposed pupil admissions change on Tuesday. Thank you to everyone who attended the follow up Community Forum on Wednesday – it was very helpful to hear your questions and feedback. There are three further opportunities to attend a Community Forum coming up on Term 2 on 6th, 26th and 27th November. If you missed the communications sent via Arbor you can find out more by clicking here.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we shall be taking part in Anti Bullying week 10-14 November. The theme this year is ‘Power for Good’, empowering children to speak out, support others, and build a world where kindness wins. The week starts with Odd Sox Day on Monday 10th where everyone is encouraged to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique. 

 

  

 

MONDAY 3rd November

INSET DAY SCHOOL CLOSED

 

TUESDAY 2nd November

First day back at school for all children

 

THURSDAY 6th November

Community Forum

Thursday 6th November - 5.45pm - 6.30pm (Online)

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

 

Reception Open Event

For prospective parents for Sep 26, in the EG Hall at 18.30-19.30

Click here to book onto this event

 

PTAF Meeting

19.30pm in the Library 

 

FRIDAY 7th November

Elmgrove play street with Reception bake sale

             

 

This week’s class attendance winners are: 

Starling with 99%  - Well done! 

This week’s class punctuality winners are:

Maple with 100%  - Well done! 

 

We're also delighted to share that Cotham Gardens Primary School has achieved 96.1% 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.

  

 

This is a friendly reminder that the school will be closed to all pupils on

Friday 24th October 2025 and Monday 3rd November 2025

You can view the full academic year calendar, term dates and INSET days, on our school website at any time: https://www.cothamgardens.co.uk/Term-Dates/

 

Congratulations to the fantastic athletes from Years 3 and 4 who took part in the indoor athletics competition at St Bede’s. From obstacle and relay hurdles on the track to long jump and speed bounce in the field events, the children gave it their all and had a brilliant time.

Miss Wakeham and Miss McDonald shared glowing reports about the children’s sporting prowess and, just as importantly, their respectful and enthusiastic behaviour throughout the event.

Thank you to all the children for representing our school so wonderfully — we are incredibly proud of you.

Mrs Bush

 

  

Thursday 6th November - 5.45pm - 6.30pm (Online)

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

 

Bristol City Council are providing Free School Meal vouchers up to the value of £15 per eligible child in order to provide extra support during the October half-term. 

Families already in receipt of Pupil Premium Funding will have received these vouchers this morning.

You may be entitled to Free School Meals and Pupil Premium if you receive certain benefits.

For more information and to apply online, please visit: https://www.cothamgardens.co.uk/Free-School-Meals/

Every child registered for free school meals makes a big difference to the school.

 

 

If your child is in year 6 or was born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 you need to apply for a new year 7 secondary place.

You'll need to register for an account on our Parent Portal admissions system if you've not made an online application for a school place or free school meals before.

This must be received before 31 October.

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/schools-learning-and-early-years/school-admissions/secondary-admissions/secondary-apply

 

 

Children’s Flu vaccination (nasal and injection) catch-up clinics are available for Reception to Year 6 students who did not receive their vaccinations at school. Please book an appointment at https://imms.sirona-cic.org.uk/flu/2025/book?v=4

If you have any queries please contact the Immunisation Team directly on 0300 124 5515 or email sirona.sch-imms@nhs.net

 

 

We would like to remind you about the importance of sending your children to school with healthy snacks and packed lunches. Good nutrition supports learning, concentration, and overall wellbeing throughout the school day.

 

Healthy Snacks - What to Send

DO send:

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Dried fruit (small portions)

Plain crackers, rice cakes, or breadsticks

Plain popcorn (unsalted/unsweetened)

 

PLEASE DON'T send:

Chocolate, sweets, or crisps

Biscuits or cakes

Sugary cereal bars or drinks

Nuts

 

Packed Lunch Essentials

If you choose to send your child into school with a packed lunch, please ensure it contains healthy lunch choices.

A balanced packed lunch should include:

Protein - chicken, cheese, eggs, tuna, or hummus

Wholegrain carbs - wholemeal bread, wraps, pasta, or pitta

Fruit and vegetables - at least one portion of each

Dairy - cheese, yoghurt, or fromage frais

Water to drink - please only send water in bottles

 

Quick Lunch Ideas

Wholemeal sandwich with chicken and salad + carrot sticks + apple + yoghurt

Pasta salad with tuna and cherry tomatoes + breadsticks + grapes + cheese cubes

Wholemeal pitta with egg + pepper strips + banana + rice cakes

 

Important Reminders

We are a nut-free school - no nuts or products containing nuts

Avoid chocolate, sweets, crisps, cakes, and sugary drinks

Water only in drink bottles - no juice, squash, or fizzy drinks

 

Thank you for supporting healthy eating at Cotham Gardens Primary School. If you have questions, please contact the school office.

 

 

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

 

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

 

Please also make sure you have consented on Arbor that Tulip Photography can take photos of your child. 

  

Do you know someone who'd be perfect for our team? We're looking for a reliable and proactive Caretaker to join Cotham Gardens Primary School. 

This role involves:

Securing the school site during evenings and weekends

Carrying out minor repairs and maintenance

Supporting school events

Ensuring our facilities are safe and welcoming

 

The ideal candidate will be:

Trustworthy and flexible

Able to work independently

Committed to keeping our school community safe

 

Know someone who'd be great? Please share this opportunity with them!

Apply now: www.eteach.com/job/caretaker-evenings--and--weekends-1511764