Kingsholm C of E Primary School and Nursery

Kingsholm C of E Primary School and Nursery

6 February 2026 - Newsletter 10

This Term's Value is Humility

"Life is a long lesson in humility" J.M.Barrie

In This Issue

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

Headteacher's Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

As the end of term approaches, it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to justify the term 'New head teacher' and I am now becoming completely immersed in school life - and thoroughly enjoying being part of the Kingsholm family. I thought it would be a good time to reflect on some of things that I have seen and some of the areas we will be working on over the coming weeks, months and even years. Plans are still in their infancy, and there is a lot to do, but one thing I have identified is that we have a keen and committed staff team that are eager to make the school the best it can be.

Firstly, it is clear that the school has (like many around the County) significant levels of additional needs. Kingsholm prides itself, quite rightly, on being fully inclusive and as such is working hard to provide the very best for all children. An area I am currently focussing on, with Governor support, is reviewing the resourcing and staffing linked to this area in the school and identifying whether there is capacity in the budget to further enhance the support we have. This, if possible, will improve provision for all children, support parents and aid staff in providing timely support and high quality learning.

In looking around the school it is clear that there are areas that need a little TLC and we are currently looking into how we can fund the redecoration and development of certain areas to make the school look the best it can be. This will be an ongoing project and may take some time but the results will make a huge difference to the environment within which our children learn.

With regard to teaching and learning the senior leaders are passionate about ensuring we have a curriculum that suits the needs of our children; training and support for staff to deliver this effectively. Once again, this is a plan that will be ongoing - there are so many positives to celebrate within the school but also areas that we know need improvement and these will be the areas of focus moving forward.

Finally, prior to my arrival, the Governors and staff have been working hard to pull together a new school vision statement and we are now in a place to launch this with pupils and parents.

Our Vision is: 'Everyone Matters'

This phrase encapsulates all that we do at Kingsholm; it celebrates our inclusivity; it highlights the partnership with parents; it highlights to children the importance of others in our community and raises awareness of the lives of others around the globe. It is deeply rooted in the bible passage Luke 10.25-27 which tells the story of The Good Samaritan.

Our aim is to ensure that in all we do this vision is central. Every decision that is made, every policy written and every interaction that takes place will have this at its heart.

On the first week after half-term, we will be sharing this vision with the children and completing some special activities with them. The children will hear and learn our new school song that has been specially commissioned to celebrate our vision and we are looking to commission an artist to create a piece with the children. We will be hosting an event to share the work, with parents, that children have produced shortly after the launch. More information will follow after half term.

Kind regards

Mr Larner

Mr Larner's Joke of the Week

What do you call a bee that can't make up its mind?

A may-bee

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.

Sleep tips and developing good sleeping habits for children

How much sleep children need: *Ages 4–5: around 10–13 hours *Ages 6–12: around 9–12 hours

Children who are overtired often struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine
Keep regular sleep times
Aim for the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, including weekends (with some flexibility).
If bedtime has drifted later, bring it back gradually in 15-minute steps.
Use a clear, predictable routine - Follow the same steps each evening so children know what to expect. Example: light snack → bath → pyjamas → brush teeth → story → lights out.
A visual chart can be helpful, especially for younger children.
Give advance notice - Warnings such as "10 minutes until bedtime" help children transition more calmly.
Set calm and consistent boundaries
Keep bedtime low-key - Speak quietly, dim the lights, and avoid stimulating conversations.
Save questions and problem-solving for the next day.
Manage bedtime delays - Children often ask for extra drinks, toilet trips, or hugs. Deal with these needs before lights out and then stick to the routine.
Use gradual reassurance
If a child struggles to stay in bed, leave the room and return after a short interval. Gradually increase the time between check-ins.
Encourage independence at night
Acknowledge fears - Take worries seriously without reinforcing them. Reassure your child that they are safe and that you are nearby. Night lights are acceptable. A small, warm light can help children feel secure without disrupting sleep. Comfort items help. Soft toys or special blankets can provide reassurance.

Screens and stimulation

Limit screen time
Avoid screens for at least one hour before bedtime.
Bright light and fast-paced content make it harder to settle.
Choose calming alternatives - Reading, colouring, puzzles, or listening to audiobooks.

Night waking

If your child wakes during the night - Guide them back to bed calmly and with minimal conversation.
Avoid changing routines unless it is a conscious family decision.

Early waking

An "okay-to-wake" clock can help children understand when it is time to get up.
Praise quiet behaviour in the morning, even if they wake early.

Common difficulties to avoid

Pushing bedtime later to make children "more tired"
Long negotiations after lights out
Responding differently from one night to the next
Using rewards or punishments linked directly to sleep
What helps in the long term
Calm, confident parenting
Repetition rather than lengthy explanations
Plenty of connection and reassurance during the day

Here are some helpful webpages with reliable, UK-based guidance on children's sleep and building good bedtime routines (suitable for age 4 and up):

Official NHS & UK health advice

• NHS — Sleep and young children
Practical tips for settling children, creating routines and handling night-time wake-ups. Sleep and young children - NHS

• NHS Healthier Together — Healthy sleep for children
Age-specific sleep advice, environment tips and how routines help sleep quality.Healthy Sleep | Safety and Prevention - Child 1 to 5 years | Healthier Together

• NHS Inform (Scotland) — Sleeping tips
UK-centric advice on sleep hygiene and where to find further support. Sleeping tips | NHS inform

Support and charity resources

• The Sleep Charity — Bedtime routines
Guidance on setting up and sticking to a calming routine, with practical steps. Bedtime Routines - The Sleep Charity

Diet & Sleep - The Sleep Charity

• The Sleep Charity — Useful resources
Downloadable advice sheets on children's sleep, relaxation and ideal bedroom environment. Useful Resources - The Sleep Charity

Practical sleep routine ideas

• NHS Beds Luton Children's Health — Healthy sleep routines
Details on preparing and maintaining sleep routines for toddlers and school-age children. Healthy sleep routines

Child development charity guidance

• Barnardo's — Encouraging a good night's sleep
Steps tailored from toddlers through early teens covering screen time, routines and healthy habits. From toddlers to teens: encouraging good sleep (Barnardo's) https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/toddler-teen-sleep

Attendance

Weekly Year Group Attendance

Week beginning 30th January

Reception 93.3%
Year 1 92%
Year 2 92.2%
Year 3 93.2%
Year 4 93%
Year 5 95.6%
Year 6 93.2%
Whole School 93.2%

Week beginning 2nd February

Reception 92%
Year 1 94.1%
Year 2 95.5%
Year 3 94.4%
Year 4 93.7%
Year 5 94.1%
Year 6 91.7%
Whole School 93.7%

Forest Classroom News

Hello Parents and Carers,

What a muddy, rainy and cold week it's been with one lovely sunny day. The children have loved getting into all the creative things they can do with mud; cooking, making a spa for people to relax in, making thick mud, thin mud etc etc. We have made artists charcoal on the fire. We have been whittling with both year groups and the children have shown incredible care and skill when carving and keeping themselves safe working with sharp tools. Todays afternoon group have made hobby horses and stone age tools. Dens have grown and been improved or started again.

If possible, please ensure your child has clean, dry clothes and shoes for them to change into after a possibly muddy and wet Forest School session so that they can be comfortable for the rest of their day at school.

Many thanks and wishing you a restful weekend

Kate Shepherd (Forest School Leader)

School Minister's News

These past few weeks at our thriving school we have been getting up to all sorts of intriguiing and exhilarting things such as; Young Voices and we took part in an assembly today about the wonderful charity we chose - Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) . We were able to wear our own clothes for a small donation and all the money raised will go to this great trust. In the assembly - Vanessa from GWT spoke about the importance of nature and our surrounding habitats and we got to see a badger, a fox, an owl and a hedgehog. Sadly they were taxidermied.

The Eco Club will be meeting later tody and I will share our news with you in the next newsletter.

We have one more week to and we hope you have a nice half term.

from Dhruv and Isabelle

Latest News

Non Uniform Day for Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Non School Uniform Day today. The children enjoyed listening to Vanessa who visited us from the trust and who joined for our assemblies. All money raised will go directly to the charity.

Money is still coming in, however at the last count, you have raised an incredible £436.65.

Young Voices

Well done to all our children and staff who took part in the Young Voices Concert in Birmingham at the end of January. After months of rehearsing the day finally came and the children excitedly travelled to Birmingham and took part in the fantastic event. Despite a long day the children sang their hearts and were able to treat their parents /carers to a performance the following afternoon at school.

Thank you to those who were able to come and support their children.

Internet Safety Day - Invitation to Parent / Carer Workshop

We are inviting all parents /carers to come in for a brief online safety workshop on Wednesday 11th February from 2:40 - 3:10 in the Oak Hall. We are increasingly supporting the impact of social media on the children, and this is such a useful opportunity, in an ever changing digital world, for parents to get the latest advice on keeping their children safe. We know how important this is to you.

This will provide you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have to Richard Pomfrett from the Stay Safe Initiative

About Us – The Stay Safe Initiative

Gloucestershire Gateway Trust

Kaleidoscope Children and Family Centre

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

Any Other Business

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.
CBeebies Parenting Please see the link to little videos, activities and games to help with all sorts of things like toothbrushing, bedtimes, morning routines etc.
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

Adult Education - Tailored Learning Courses

Please see below details of some of the Tailored Learning courses we have coming up:

Course Title	Location	Day	Dates	Time	Description
ESOL Computer Basics - Intermediate	Adult Education, 4-6 Commercial Road, Gloucester, GL1 2EA	Tuesdays	17/02 - 24/03 (not 10/03)	10:00 - 12:00	For learners who have attended an ESOL Computer Basics Beginners course or already have basics computer skills. We will go further in depth into Microsoft Word, Excel, Email & Internet.
Excel Skills - Intermediate	Online via MS Teams	Tuesdays	17/02 - 24/03	18:30 - 20:30	For learners who have some basic experience on Microsoft Excel. We’ll go more in-depth into formulas, formatting, functions, links and more.
Computer Basics - intermediate	Adult Education, 4-6 Commercial Road, Gloucester, GL1 2EA	Mondays	23/02 - 23/03	13:00 - 15:00	A follow-on course for learners who have completed Computer Basics Part 1 or have basic computer skills. We will go over online searching, email, MS Word in more depth as well as MS Excel and file management.
Computer Basics - Beginners	Adult Education, 4-6 Commercial Road, Gloucester, GL1 2EA	Fridays	27/02 - 27/03	10:00 - 12:00	A course for complete beginners or those wanting to start from the beginning. We will cover logging on, using the keyboard & mouse, online safety, getting online MS Word & email basics.
Making the most of your Smartphone/Tablet	Adult Education, 4-6 Commercial Road, Gloucester, GL1 2EA	Fridays	27/02 - 27/03	13:00 - 15:00	A 5-week course for beginners and improvers. We'll cover navigating around your Tablet, using Apps, staying safe online, sending emails, taking photos and much more.

Course Title	Location	Day	Dates	Time	Description
Family 1^st Aid Workshop	The Oaks Family Hub, Gloucester	Tuesday	03/02	9:30 – 12:00	For families expecting a baby or with a new baby. The session will be led by a qualified 1st aid tutor. A chance to find out about basic first aid skills for your growing family.
Understanding a Neurodivergent Child	Online	Wednesdays	04/02 – 04/03	10:00 – 12:30	A 4-week course looking at different types of neurodivergence, how they can present and how to support someone with neurodivergence. This course provides a safe space to gain a deeper understanding of a neurodivergent child.
Family 1^st Aid workshop	Bartongate Family Hub, Gloucester	Tuesday	10/02	9:30 – 12:00	For families expecting a baby or with a new baby. The session will be led by a qualified 1st aid tutor. A chance to find out about basic first aid skills for your growing family.
Family 1^st Aid workshop	The Beacon Family Hub, Gloucester	Tuesday	10/02	13:00 – 15:00	For families expecting a baby or with a new baby. The session will be led by a qualified 1st aid tutor. A chance to find out about basic first aid skills for your growing family.
Family 1^st Aid workshop	Finlay Family Hub, Gloucester	Tuesday	24/02	9:30 – 12:00	For families expecting a baby or with a new baby. The session will be led by a qualified 1st aid tutor. A chance to find out about basic first aid skills for your growing family.
Family 1^st Aid workshop	The Lighthouse Family & children’s Hub	Tuesday	24/02	13:00 – 15:15	For families expecting a baby or with a new baby. The session will be led by a qualified 1st aid tutor. A chance to find out about basic first aid skills for your growing family.
Family 1^st Aid workshop	Hesters Way Children & Family Centre	Tuesday	27/02	9:00 – 11:00	For families expecting a baby or with a new baby. The session will be led by a qualified 1st aid tutor. A chance to find out about basic first aid skills for your growing family.
Family Wellbeing & Yoga	Bartongate Family Hub, Gloucester	Tuesday	10/03	9:30 – 11:30	This is a 2-hour taster session looking at family wellbeing and family yoga. You will work and play together as a family to increase your wellbeing through fun activities including yoga
Family Wellbeing & Yoga	The Lighthouse Family & children’s Hub	Tuesday	10/03	12:30 – 14:30	This is a 2-hour taster session looking at family wellbeing and family yoga. You will work and play together as a family to increase your wellbeing through fun activities including yoga
Family Wellbeing & Yoga	The Oaks Family Hub, Gloucester	Tuesday	17/03	9:30 – 11:30	This is a 2-hour taster session looking at family wellbeing and family yoga. You will work and play together as a family to increase your wellbeing through fun activities including yoga
Family Wellbeing & Yoga	Finlay Family Hub, Gloucester	Tuesday	17/03	12:30 – 14:30	This is a 2-hour taster session looking at family wellbeing and family yoga. You will work and play together as a family to increase your wellbeing through fun activities including yoga
Family Wellbeing & Yoga	The Beacon Family Hub, Gloucester	Tuesday	24/03	9:30 – 11:30	This is a 2-hour taster session looking at family wellbeing and family yoga. You will work and play together as a family to increase your wellbeing through fun activities including yoga

Course Title	Location	Day	Dates	Time	Description
Career Coach Online	Online	Tuesday	03/02	9:30 – 13:30	Thinking of a career change or looking for a job? Or just worried about your future work prospects? Don’t know what to do next? Join our free* online workshop. You will work with our qualified career and employability specialist to – Find out how your interests, aspirations and skills can lead you to a new career Understand which careers suit you best, Discover future opportunities in learning and work, Evaluate your options and set some goals for the future, Access thousands of live job vacancies from local employers
CV Writing Masterclass	Online	Tuesday	10/02	9:30 – 13:30	Learn how to create a winning CV on this free* 1-day workshop. What should feature on a CV? How to write a results driven CV, How to showcase your skills and achievements using power words, Step by step practical tips on writing a good CV, Bring along your current CV if you have one
Interview Masterclass	Online	Tuesday	24/02	9:30 – 13:30	Join this 1 day practical workshop to prepare for your next interview opportunity. Gain essential techniques to excel in various interview formats, including behavioural, situational, and competency-based interviews. Learn about the significance of professionalism, communication skills, and body language to create a positive impression. Master the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to effectively answer behavioural questions. Prepare thoroughly for interviews by researching companies. Understanding job roles, and reviewing common interview questions

Sustainable living – tips for the home and garden

Tuesdays 3rd, 10th & 17th February 2026

10:30am – 1:00pm

Adult Education

4-6 Commercial Road

Gloucester

GL1 2EA

Ready to make a difference? Not sure where to start and what you can do to live a more sustainable life and help the planet, join our 3 week course and adopt practical, sustainable habits for daily life.

You will learn : Green Cleaning, energy saving tips and much more:

Discover eco-friendly cleaning hacks using everyday items from your kitchen
Learn how to knit an eco-friendly dishcloth
Reduce single use plastic, use your own bottle, cup and bags
Turn food scraps into garden gold and make plant feed
How to save energy at home and conserve water
Embrace minimisation
Repair, reuse and repurpose

Sustainable living – tips for the home and garden

Tuesdays 24th February & 3rd, 10th March 2026

10:30am – 1:00pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall, Ruspidge Road, Cinderford

GL14 3AE

Sustainable living – tips for the home and garden

Wednesdays 18th , 25th March & 1st April 2026

10:30am – 1:00pm

Stroud Trinity Rooms, Community Hub, Field Road, Stroud, GL52HZ

Adult Education Course Prospectus 2526 - Digital Version

[pdf 2MB]

Courageous Advocacy

The children have decided to raise funds for the following charities which we think are excellent choices.

Our next Non Uniform Dates:

NATIONAL - GUIDE DOGS for the Blind - Non Uniform day - Friday 15th May

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

We will be holding Non Uniform Days throughout this year where we will invite the children to come to school in their own clothes in return for a small donation to the charity. Each of the charities chosen are sending in people (When possible) and resources to help the children understand more about their work.