Welcome Back to School – September 2026!
This half terms value is Self – belief.
Our focus will be on creating the very best opportunities for learning and growth by:
- Being the best we can be – encouraging children to develop resilience, confidence, and pride in their achievements.
Knowing more and remembering more – building knowledge step by step, while ensuring learning is meaningful and lasting.
Working together – fostering strong partnerships between home and school so that every child feels supported on their journey.
Promoting children’s wellbeing – prioritising happiness, health, and positive relationships, because we know children learn best when they feel safe and cared for.
Curriculum Overview – This Term.
We are excited to share what your child will be learning this term. Detailed information about our curriculum is always available on the school website https://blanford.sch.life/# (look under the curriculum tab for further information), which provides further insights into the topics and learning objectives for each year group.
Here is a brief snapshot of what is coming up:
- Reception: All About Me and Lets Celebrate! – exploring personal identity, feelings, and special occasions.
Year 1: Very Important People – learning about influential figures from the past and present.
Year 2: Gunpowder Plot and The Great Fire of London – investigating key historical events that shaped our nation.
Year 3/4: Romans – studying life in historical periods, their cultures, and lasting legacies. - Year 5/6: Britain at War – exploring life in Britain during wartime, including the impact of conflict on communities, families and everyday life..
- We encourage parents to visit our website for a more detailed view of the curriculum, including learning outcomes and resources. Our aim is to keep you informed and involved in your child’s learning journey.
Well Done, Alba!
A big well done to Alba, who had a fantastic weekend, a few weeks ago, with her football team, Cradley Town DC U10 Lionesses. The girls entered a tournament at West Hagley and came away as winners! They worked their socks off throughout the tournament and didn’t concede a single goal, making their victory very well deserved. Alba also had a brilliant tournament, scoring two goals and getting an assist. Alba is very proud of her trophy and is bringing it into school this week to show her friends. We wanted to share her lovely achievement with you, as football is such an important part of Alba’s life.
Well done, Alba!
Year 3/4 Roman Workshop
What an exciting and memorable Roman Day we had! The children had a fantastic time stepping back in time and experiencing what life was like as a Roman in Britain. They loved getting involved in a range of fun activities, from learning about Roman soldiers and exploring Roman life to discovering fascinating facts about the past. It was wonderful to see their excitement and enthusiasm as they immersed themselves in the day and shared their learning with each other. The children looked fantastic and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn in such a fun and hands-on way. We are so proud of how enthusiastically they took part, and it was certainly a day that they will remember for a long time!
Pupil Voice
Logan H - I liked looking at the Roman swords and other artefacts
Aiden - It was like the romans had taken over the school!
Zailey & Manahal - both said it was really fun, especially the stories - we liked the acting
Anaya & George T - it was really fun when we got to shoot a bow and arrow at Boudicca
Archie H - I really liked looking at the Roman toys
Year 1 Grandparents Day
Year 1 children had a fantastic time learning what life was like for children their age in the past (within Living Memory).
Parents and grandparents were invited in to be “interviewed” by the children to assist their historical research into how toys, clothes, celebrations, food and holidays have changed from when their parents and grandparents were young children. Families and staff brought in photos, old toys and even some 'hand written' school reports to share with the children.
Here are a few comments from children about some facts they learned about childhood in the past...
"My mom had a birthday party at McDonalds and there was a clown there who used to hit children with a bouncy hammer!!!"
"There was no soft play but they did have birthday cake."
"There were no chicken nuggets!"
Feedback from parents and grandparents was overwhelmingly positive with many telling us they loved having the opportunity to spend time with the children and reminisce about their childhoods.
Thank you once again for everyone who attended.
HSA
A big thank you to the HSA for providing us with fine motor and sensory equipment to support our leaners in the hub and around school. The HSA generously provided £600 worth of resources that will help all children in school to secure their foundational skills such as early pencil grip and letter formation.
Sports Ambassadors
Here are the successful children who have been chosen to be Sports Ambassadors this year.
Bonnie
Zara
James
Oliver
Marnie
Annabelle
Fergus
Amelia
Lilah
Rocco
Archie
Heather
Please support us in the following ways:
Working Hard
This term, we’ll be focusing on giving our best effort in all we do, whether it’s in lessons, play, or supporting one another.
Uniform Pride
A big thank you to everyone who is already showing pride in our school by wearing the correct uniform. It really does make a difference. Just a reminder that children should wear school shoes, NOT trainers, as part of our school uniform.On PE days, please ensure children come to school wearing their PE kit, pumps and school jumper/cardigan. Please do not send children in tracksuit tops or hoodies. Looking smart helps us feel ready to learn and reminds us that we are all part of our Blanford Mere.
Being on Time
Arriving at school on time every day makes such a difference! It means we can start the day calmly, ready to join in and not miss out on any of our learning.
Nuts in School
A reminder that Blanford Mere is a nut-free school, including products such as Nutella and peanut butter. In line with Benedict’s Law, please do not send nuts or nut-containing products into school.
Birthdays
To celebrate their special day, children may wear their own clothes to school. Outfits should still be suitable for a normal school day. If a birthday falls on a weekend or holiday, children may wear their own clothes on the following Monday. Families are also welcome to send in sweets if they wish.
Talking with Teachers
We value strong communication with parents. If you would like to speak with your child’s teacher, please make a note in their planner and we will arrange a time to talk.
Collection Arrangements
If your child regularly attends After School Club, Playbox, or is collected by someone else, please record this in their planner. For any changes on the day, call the office on 01384 818365. Thank you for keeping us informed.
Healthy Tuck
To support healthy habits, tuck from home should only include:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Plain water
Not fruit bars/bags, cereal bars, yoghurts, fruit winders etc.
Children may also order daily fruit each half term. Thank you for supporting our Healthy Tuck. Please remind children that plain water is allowed in class; juice and squash are fine in lunchboxes.
Date for the diary
Wednesday 14th October – Parents Evening
Thursday 15th October – Parents Evening
Thursday 22nd October – VIP Day
Friday 23rd October – INSET Day – closed to children
Monday 2nd November – Back to school – usual time
Friday 6th November – Remembrance Day. Children who are members of Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Beavers, or similar organisations are warmly invited to wear their uniforms to school on this day. It’s a great opportunity for them to proudly represent their associations.
Friday 13th November – Loudmouth Bully Busters - Year 3
W/C 16th November – Anti-bullying week. Break the Silence.
Monday 16th November – Odd Socks Day. Odd Socks Day is designed to be fun! It’s an opportunity to encourage people to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes us all unique! There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or to buy expensive costumes. All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks to school, at work or at home! Odd Socks Day will take place on the first day of Anti-Bullying Week each year to help raise awareness of bullying.
Friday 20th November – Children in Need. Wear own clothes and donate via School Money.
Thursday 3rd December – Yr 1- Yr 6 St Mary’s Church rehearsal
Thursday 3rd December – Rec – Year 6 Film Night – More details to follow.
Thursday 10th December – Year 1- Year 6 St Mary’s Church Service KS1 9.20-10.20am. KS2 10.45-12pm
Friday 11th December – Christmas Breakfast and Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day. More details to follow
Tuesday 15th December – Blanford Babies – 9am-10am
Tuesday 15th December – Nursery and Reception Christmas Craft and Singalong. More details to follow.
Wednesday 16th December – Christmas Lunch for children. More details to follow.
Thursday 17th December – Santa’s Grotto. More details to follow.
Friday 18th December – VIP Day. School closes for Christmas break.
Monday 4th January 2027 – School reopens at the usual time.
Next Years Academic Dates
Autumn 2026
Term starts – Tuesday 1st September 2026
Half term – Monday 26th to Friday 30th October 2026
Term Ends – Friday 18th December 2026
Spring 2027
Term starts – Monday 4th January 2027
Half term – Monday 15th to Friday 19th February 2027
Term Ends – Thursday 25th March 2027
Summer 2027
Term starts – Monday 12th April 2027
Half term – Monday 31st May to Friday 4th June 2027
Term Ends – Wednesday 21st July 2027
Bank Holiday
Monday 3rd May 2027 (Early May Bank Holiday)
INSET Days
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Friday 23rd October 2026
Friday 12th February 2027
Friday 28th May 2027
Wednesday 21st July 2027
Polling Day
Thursday 6th May 2027
Warm regards,
Mrs Crook and Miss Stanton
