cotham gardens primary school
weekly newsletter 11/09/2026
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
It’s been a truly lovely first week back at Cotham Gardens. The new reception cohort have settled incredibly well under the nurturing guidance of Miss King and Mrs Dowle. We have also welcomed a number of families across other year groups - we are sure you will all thrive at Cotham Gardens.
School has been incredibly calm and focused this week. All staff have worked hard to make their classes feel safe and welcoming, as well as ensuring the children are very clear on the learning behaviours and attitudes that are expected in order to maintain that purpose for atmosphere. Let’s all keep it up!
I have now received our draft written Ofsted report which makes for very pleasing reading. I am so proud of the whole staff team and delighted that all our hard work has been recognised. As soon as the final version is live, I will send you all a copy.
Finally, in much sadder news I regret to inform you that one of our trustees died over the summer after a short illness. Trish Dodds was Chair of our ‘School Improvement & Staffing’ committee and has been in instrumental supporting the school on its recent improvement journey. Trish qualified as a teacher back in 1971 and spent her life teaching, leading, supporting and improving schools in Bristol, across the UK and indeed around the world. Representatives from the trust board and teaching colleagues joined me, many other educationalists and family at St Bonaventure’s church yesterday to say goodbye. She will be sorely missed.
I would like to extend my thanks to Heidi Patton who has stepped up into Trish’s previous governance role here at Cotham Gardens.
I’m sure your children are all exhausted after the first week back and hope you manage to enjoy a restful weekend.
Emmeline Smith
JOIN US FOR OUR SCHOOL COFFEE MORNING!
We are excited to welcome parents back for our coffee morning on Tuesday at the Elmgrove site.
Drop in anytime after school drop-off from 9:00am to 10:00am. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a friendly social chat with other parents in our community.
If you need any support, our Learning Mentors will be on hand to assist you.
Have questions about Free School Meals, need advice, or want general support? Our team is here to help.
We look forward to seeing you there!
SWIMMING IN KS2
As our school adjusts to its new size we have moved to two year cycle for swimming lessons. The national curriculum expects schools to teach all children to learn to swim 25 metres by the end of KS2. We offer swimming lessons at Horfield Leisure Centre on a rolling basis to different year groups. The current cohort of Year 5 and 6 pupils have already received their swimming lesson allocation. The current Year 4 and Year 3 cohorts will take swimming lessons next academic year (2027-2028).
BOOK BAGS AND SCHOOL JUMPERS
Cotham Gardens does not have a formal school uniform. Our school community has a wide range of views about school clothing. Some families appreciate a consistent school item to help children feel part of a team, while others value the freedom and individuality that comes with not having a uniform.
Cotham Gardens has an optional school jumper that helps promote:
- Equality: Reduces visible differences between pupils, helping prevent peer pressure based on clothing.
- Sense of belonging: Creates a shared identity and promotes school pride.
- Focus on learning: Minimises distractions from fashion trends and peer pressure.
- Safety: Makes it easier to identify pupils on trips or in public spaces, especially at sports events
- Cost control: Can be cheaper for families compared to buying multiple outfits for school.
- Time-saving: Simplifies morning routines for parents and children.
As well as an optional school jumper, we also offer handy iron on badges, which can be used on
T-shirts, polo shirts or other items, which you may find useful.
School jumpers and iron badges are available for your child to try on and purchase via the school office or via Arbor.
Book bags
If you need to purchase a new book bag, this can be ordered via your child's Arbor account - by navigating to the School Shop, found under 'Quick Actions'.
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!
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
📢 PTAF NEWS 📢
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Welcome back everyone. We all hope you’ve had restful and fun filled summers.
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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.
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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
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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!
PS – Haunted Holiday Clubs: Shine Holiday Clubs for children Reception - Year 6 are running over October Half Term. Book using the code Early Booker for 15% off. Shine Holiday Clubs | Sports and creative activities
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.”
COMMUNITY NEWS
Redland Green Opening Evening -Thursday 17th September 2026
2026rgs open mornings evening flyer pptx 1 .pdf
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.