Kingsholm C of E Primary School and Nursery

3 July 2026

Newsletter 19

Our Value this Term is Integrity

" Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." — C.S. Lewis

In This Issue

Headteacher's Message
Focus Area
Attendance
Forest Classroom News
School Ministers News
PTA News
Latest News
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust
Any Other Business
Term Dates

Headteacher's Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

It feels like ages since the last newsletter and so much has happened so I am hoping to capture some of this in the following report:

Thank you to everyone for their support during last week's heatwave. It was refreshing to have so many parents come up at the gate or send emails to confirm that they were supportive of the school's decision.

We will always try and let you know as early as possible and do our best to provide support where we can to help those families that find school closures more challenging to manage. In light of the number of schools that eventually chose to close I really do think we made the right decision.

Next week is looking hot but the forecast is suggesting that this will be more manageable and at present we are not looking at making any amendments to our opening hours. Please do ensure the children are equipped with hats, drinks and suncream as necessary and we will work to make the school day as comfortable as possible for everyone.

Earlier this week we held our first Kingsholm's Got Talent - sadly I was away and unable to attend - however, I am told it was a fabulous event with some truly stunning performances. Undoubtedly, Kingsholm has talent! The success of the event has meant that this is likely to have a regular spot in the calendar. This means children can start to practice their talents ready for summer next year!

And finally... Transition day.

The children appeared to have a great time in their new classes and the teachers have shared how brilliant they were. The Senior Leadership team moved around the building and it was lovely to see how calm and settled everyone was. I know this new set-up has been challenging for some but am proud of the resilience and courage our children have shown.

And last but not least.... Dojo Points.

The children have worked incredibly hard all year to secure dojo points and we recognise that some children have been saving these for some time. We understand that not everyone was excited to visit the dojo shop and we have been looking at a new system for next year - more information in September.

This year to ensure that everyone is rewarded for their efforts we have organised some spectacular treats to really celebrate how brilliantly the children have done. These range from a bag of sweets, extra play, ice-creams, bouncy castles right up to a visit to the cinema to watch Toy Story 5!

Every child will experience one of these treats in line with the points they have earned. The cinema visit took place today and further treats are planned for the last week of term. Well done for all for their efforts in earning points this year!

SIAMs

After deferring our SIAMs visit last week due to the extreme weather we have now been informed that this will take place on 9^th July. A letter was shared yesterday to give you more details.

Kind Regards

Tony Larner

Joke of the Week

What do you get if you have an angry sheep and an angry cow in the same field?

Two animals in a baaaaaaad mooooood.

Focus Area

Each fortnight the newsletter will have a focus area which the school has identified linked to incidents either in school, the local community or that form part of the national agenda. Hopefully, these will help inform parents/carers and guide to advice and support if needed.

Tips for keeping cool in hot weather

Summer heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk from it. This includes older people and those with underlying health conditions, as well as those who can't adapt their behaviour to keep cool or who are exposed to high levels of heat because of where they live or work. As our climate changes, hot spells are expected to be more frequent and more intense so knowing how to keep cool in hot weather and heatwaves is important.

Why can hot weather and heatwaves cause health risks?

The NHS identifies the main health risks posed by a heatwave as:

Not having enough water (dehydration).
Overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot.

Tips for coping in hot weather this summer:

The UK Health Security Agency has published a number of resources outlining the risks of heat and actions you can take to protect yourself and others. This includes a 'Beat the Heat: Keep cool at home checklist'.

Watch out for signs of heat-related illness

If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather or after physical exertion, you should stay alert to the possibility of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Find out more about what the NHS says are the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and when and how to get help.

The top ways to stay safe when the heat arrives are to:

Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
Stay cool indoors: Close curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler. Counter intuitively, closing doors and windows in the heat of the day can keep it cooler inside.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling - you never know when your journey might take longer than you planned.
Keep up to date with the latest weather forecast and any extreme heat warnings
If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.

If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot house that's affecting your health or someone else's, get medical advice.
You can also get help from the environmental health office at your local authority. They, or an approved local provider, can inspect a home for hazards to health, including excess heat. Find your local authority here.

In addition, Age UK offers a range of free information and advice designed to help older people live well during the summer months and protect themselves when the temperature rises. For more information visit Age UK's website.

Attendance

100% Attendance Summer Challenge Raffle

Summer Attendance Challenge Raffle 2026

[pdf 215KB]

Weekly Year Group Attendance

Week beginning 22nd June

Reception 46%
Year 1 49%
Year 2 46%
Year 3 50%
Year 4 48%
Year 5 44%
Year 6 47%
Whole School 47% ( Due to the heat wave and therefore school closures)

Week beginning 29th June

Reception 88%
Year 1 95%
Year 2 93%
Year 3 91%
Year 4 91%
Year 5 87%
Year 6 92%
Whole School 91%

Forest Classroom News

Hello Forest School Families and Friends,

Wow, from seemingly constant rain to a massive heatwave that really did slow us down to a stop! Before and after our super hot weather we have still found time to play and find ways to cool down at Forest School where there is always a shady place to play or sit and think. We had the water spritzing station set up in the heat so children could spray, sprinkle or drench themselves with water to help them stay cool. Snail farms and string painting have been started. Making friendship bracelets was still very popular and it was a nice job to do sitting in the shade as was a relaxed jazz percussion band. There are now many kumihimo experts who help friends learn the technique. Focus and concentration was used on some advanced tool work using the chisel and rasp on willow wood that we harvested on site then we bashed down and sawed to length. We also had sunflower seeds available for those who wanted to plant some and take them home to grow. Digging, excavating treasure and making "clay holes" got started too. The yellow plums are ripening and Y3 had their first taste test today.

Wishing you all a pleasant weekend

Best wishes,

Kate

School Minister's News

Good Afternoon Everyone,

We hope you've had a great week. We Have! As we ( Year 6) are soon to be leaving, we had an ice cream van visit us on Tuesday - the 99's were scrumptious.

Yesterday the school enjoyed their transition day where the children got to meet their new teachers and classrooms.

We have been busy preparing our Year 6 Enterprise Projects and we will be selling our products on Monday and Tuesday of next week from 3pm on the play ground. Please do come and support us. A polite note that we can only accept cash.

On Wednesday next week Year 6s are going to have an afternoon of water based activities including a water fight which we are looking forward to.

On Friday next week we have our final Non School Uniform day and we are raising money for the WWF ( World Wildlife Foundation).

That's all for now. Have a great weekend - Bye from Dhruv and Isabelle :)

PTFA News

Final Summer Meeting ( AGM)

We held our PTFA AGM this week and updated our constitution. Many thanks to all those who came.

A huge thank you to all our Kingsholm families, we have raised over £4,000 this year which is absolutely incredible. We will let you know how this will be spent, and also advise you of what we are fundraising for next.

If anyone has any ideas about which events they would like to see next year, please contact the PTFA.

Many thanks to those families who completed the recent PTA google form for the election of PTFA roles, we will update you in the final newsletter of this academic year.

We will run another tuck shop/ice cream sales before the end of the school term and shall inform you of the date near the time.

Many thanks

Laura

Latest News

Kingsholm’s Got Talent – The Results

What an incredible evening we shared at this year’s Kingsholm’s Got Talent Grand Final! The standard of performances was truly outstanding, and we are immensely proud of every single child who took to the stage.

A huge congratulations to all our finalists for their hard work and confidence in performing in front of an enthusiastic audience.

🌟 Our Winners:
🥇 1st Place: Ssmirthiga – with a fantastic and captivating dance performance
🥈 2nd Place: Nelly – for an impressive and skilful gymnastics routine
🥉 3rd Place: Isabelle – with a polished and mesmerising singing and dancing act

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this event so special. In particular, a big thank you to Mr Duffy for his support and to our wonderful panel of judges for their time and encouragement.

Finally, thank you to all the families and staff who came along to support—your enthusiasm helped create such a memorable atmosphere.

We are already looking forward to seeing even more amazing talent next year! 🎤✨

Hayley Hanson

Deputy Headteacher Inclusion and Early Intervention

Final Non School Uniform for WWF

For our final fundraiser of the year the children have decided to raise funds for the following charity which we think is an excellent choice.

GLOBAL - World Wildlife Fund - Non Uniform day - Friday 10th July

We will be holding a Non Uniform Day on the above date where we will invite the children to come to school in their own clothes in return for a small donation to the charity. A payment can be made on Parentpay or a coin donation can be brought to school.

Early closure at the end of term

A polite reminder that school will close early on the last day of term - Friday 17th July. ( This is the case for the Summer, Christmas and Easter holidays).

The children will finish at 1:10/1:15.

There will be no buffer provision on this day.

If your child is booked into Cool Kids Club - this will close at 2:30.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the School Year.

iRock - Availability for September

SPACES NOW OPEN FOR SEPTEMBER! At iRock, children experience the excitement of being in a real band, learning instruments, playing songs they love and building confidence through music. Led by passionate and professional Band Coaches, our fun and inclusive in-school sessions help children develop teamwork, resilience and musical skills in a supportive environment. Every term ends with a live concert performance for family and friends, giving children the chance to shine like real rockstars and celebrate everything they’ve achieved!

Gloucestershire Gateway Trust

This summer the GGT team will be at family fun days, play sessions, community picnics and local events organised and delivered by our partner organisations, throughout the school holidays.

To date we have 23 local places and spaces that we will be popping up in July and August (with this potentially growing!) with family games, activities and fun to enjoy and take part in, creating opportunities for children and families to come together, enjoy time outdoors and connect with others in their local community.

We will also have our new branded frisbees to give away to families to help encourage outdoor family playtime too 🙂

Kaleidoscope Children and Family Centre (GGT)

Please see the details of the weekly Community Cafe which is held next to our Nursery.

Runs every Tuesday, year round from 10am.
Always offers tea/coffee and toast
Has facilitators supporting financial and digital inclusion - once a month for each of these focus areas.
Support for benefits
Early advice around parenting
Any other issues parents would like support with.

Kaleidoscope Children and Family Centre are hosting Community Get Togethers- This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your neighbours, exchange ideas, and discover what’s happening in our local area, all in a welcoming and informal atmosphere. If you are interested in getting involved and shaping local service and activities, please email Craig.wheeler@ggtrust.org

FREE after-school club Friday during term time at the Kaleidoscope Children and Family Centre!

You're invited to join Read With Me's fun and interactive sessions at The Kaleidoscope Children and Family Centre, for early years to primary age children, and their families.

Each session runs from 3:15pm-4:30pm, every week, during term time. Feel free to pop in and enjoy craft activities, lots of story-time and choose some FREE books to take home. Refreshments will be provided.

Any Other Business

E-Scooter Information

We have been asked to share by the police as children in years 5 and 6 were really interested after a recent discussion in school.

Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is returning this summer

We’re delighted to share that the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is returning this summer, offering a wide range of fun activities and nutritious meals for children and families from 22 July to 1 September.

HAF is available for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals. If families are unsure about eligibility, they can contact the team at freeschoolmeals@gloucestershire.gov.uk for friendly advice and guidance.

Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

Add an individual profile for each child
Complete emergency contact details
Include any additional needs or disability information to help providers offer the right support
Check contact details are up to date

Faster and smoother bookings
Tailored support for children and young people
A positive and inclusive experience at sessions

Also, keep an eye out for our HAF Pop Up Activity Days in parks and open spaces across the City, these are open to all children, young people and their families with no booking required.

Gloucester City - HAF (Holiday Activities and Food)

Free Summer Activities for Children, Young People and Families

Cool Kids, Buffer and Breakfast Club - These provisions MUST be booked in advance using the link which is sent out weekly via SchoolPing. ALL sessions need to be paid for in advance unless you pay monthly and already have this payment agreement set up and in place. If there is any outstanding debt, places will be refused until the account is cleared.
Family Support. We appreciate for many these can be tricky times. Do get in touch if you have any worries about food, finances or housing and we will try and help. Please get in touch with the Virtual Office - virtualoffice@kingsholm.gloucs.sch.uk