Hello all,

Welcome to this weeks newsletter.

It has been a very busy week in school and it has been a pleasure going around school and seeing the children working and interacting well. This week I have been especially impressed with the work in maths and writing books, it is delightful to see the effort that children are putting into improving and maintaining high standards of presentation, and the pride they are taking with their work. Well done!

The start of next week sees a return of St Margaret's children visiting the Frank Chapman Centre for a 3 day residential. I am sure that the children in years 5 and 6 attending will have a fantastic experience and make memories that will last through their lifetimes. I certainly remember attending residential trips as a child as I am sure many parents and carers will. I am sure you will agree that the memories of those events stick out more than other school memories.

The children will be learning a lot about the outdoor environment, working as part of a team, and finding out about their own resilience- as I am sure the accompanying staff will also.

Some of you may be aware that we have had some issues with the heating system in some parts of school at points this week. The cause of the issue has been outside of schools control and the caretaker, Mr Heath, has been working closely with Sandwell Council, to find solutions. Fortunately, outside temperatures have not been as low as they could have been this week. We currently have an operational heating system and are hopeful that the issue is largely resolved for the time being, however we are continuing to work with the council to ensure comfortable temperatures across school. Should the situation change we will of course keep you updated.

Perhaps a contributing factor to some of the issues we face with the school building stems from the fact that this year, the school will celebrate it's 170th birthday! We will be looking at some ways to celebrate this ahead of an event towards the end of the summer term. I would like to invite all parents, carers, children and staff to contribute ideas for ways to celebrate. One thing I would like to do is to compile some testimony from pupils and staff past and present about their memories of the school. I would be delighted if any one knows of people who may be able to contribute and could put them in touch with us. Further information on this will follow.

Thank you all for your continued support. 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mr S Jones

Monday 2nd February -Wednesday 4th February: Year 5&6 Residential visit to the Frank Chapman Centre

Week beginning 9th February: Bikeability sessions for Y5 pupils

Monday 23rd February: Singing workshops with Becky Drake (All year groups)

Tuesday 24th February: Y6 visit to St Margaret's Church

Tuesday 3rd March: Y5 visit to St Margaret's Church

Tuesday 10th March: Y4 visit to St Margaret's Church

Tuesday 10th March: Whole school individual photographs

Tuesday 17th March: Y3 visit to St Margaret's Church

Wednesday 18th March: Rocksteady Concerts (Times TBC)

Tuesday 24th March: KS2 Easter Service at St Margaret's Church. Starting at 2pm.

Wednesday 25th March: Y6 visit to RAF Cosford

Friday 27th March: Pupils break up for the Easter Holidays

Monday 13th April: Pupils return to school

It seems that a lot has been in the news recently about schools. From concerns around mobile phones to the upcoming reforms to the SEND system nationally, there seems to have been something in the news almost daily. One thing that you may have missed is guidance on preparing children for school and school readiness. A recent article in the Guardian newspaper reported that 40% of children arrive for the start of Reception not 'school ready'. In the West Midlands, this is 42%, the second highest region in the country, only behind the North East. This figure has been steadily rising over the past few years, and is something that we have been seeing in school ourselves.

A coalition of children's organisations, have worked with the government to share guidance and advice with parents on preparing children to be school ready. I have linked this below. Whether Nursery parents are applying for places at our school or elsewhere, we hope you will find the information linked below useful.

https://startingreception.co.uk/

https://kindredsquared.org.uk/

Story: A toy company called Mattel has released a new Barbie doll designed to represent people who have autism, with features such as a fidget spinner and noise-cancelling headphones.
Question: Does seeing yourself in a toy or story help you feel like you belong?
Virtual Picture News: www.picture-news.co.uk/discuss

Climate Change Consultation

The Council’s Climate Change Strategy sets out the how the Council plans to face the challenges and opportunities climate change brings and what we will do to help meet those challenges whilst supporting our residents.

This survey is all about getting different perspectives to help us shape better policies and initiatives to tackle climate change. By joining in, you’ll help us understand what you know, what you're worried about, and what solutions you want to see.

The survey is open to anyone who lives and/or works in Sandwell and closes on 28/02/2026:

https://consultationhub.sandwell.gov.uk/energy-climate-change/climate-change-consultation-2025/

 Choices: Free Family Cooking Sessions

Please see attached Choices Family Cooking flyers for family cooking at The Salvation Army, Cradley Heath starting 26^th January, 4:30pm – 6:15pm and Dorothy Parkes Centre, Smethwick, both starting 27^th January, 4:30pm – 6:15pm.

Booking link here: https://bookwhen.com/choices

 Free Cycling Club

Tuesdays 6pm – 7pm at YMCA, West Bromwich

See attached flyer YMCA Cycling Club for details of a Cycling Skills club, currently running Tuesdays in the Sports Hall at YMCA, with a focus on learning the basics of cycling and maintenance.

This is a free session for anyone over 16.

To book, call 0121 524 1950 or email joy.chatwin@ymcabc.org.uk

 Free Computer Classes

Every Friday starting 30^th January, 9:30am to 11am, Wood Lane Community Centre

Do you want to learn how to use a computer? Build your confidence in IT and Digital Skills at Wood Lane Community Centre’s free Computer Classes. See attached flyer Computer class poster for 30.01.2026 for more information.

 Children’s Half Term Activity

Please see attachment ‘Paddington in Peru,’ for details of a Movie Day scheduled for Tuesday 17^th February from 11am-1pm at Myra Harris Bungalow, Brickhouse Lane, B70 0DT.

Antenatal Workshops

The Breastfeeding Network Sandwell Support Team are hosting antenatal sessions both virtually and in person FREE of charge! 

They also have sessions running in partnership with Sandwell Public Health which include an Antenatal workshop with trained Breastfeeding Peer Supporters and an Ask the Midwife session where a local community midwife will be on hand to answer questions and offer support to Sandwell families as they embark on their parenting journey.

All sessions are bookable via: www.bookwhen.com/sandwellbfn

 To find out more about The Breastfeeding Network and the support on offer please visit: https://linktr.ee/sandwellbfn

Free Walking Netball – Fun, Friendly & Active

Running every Friday starting 23^rd January , 11:30am-12:30pm, West Bromwich Community Sports Hall, Halfords Lane, B71 4LG

Walking Netball is a slower-paced version of the game, perfect for those who want to stay active while enjoying the social side of sport. It’s netball at a walking pace, with sessions full of fun, laughter, and camaraderie.

Our sessions are led by a friendly Walking Netball host who will support you whether you’re brand new to netball or simply looking for a refresher. We aim to build a welcoming, social, and supportive female network while keeping active together.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please email Sophie.brown@englandnetball.co.uk

 Friendship Club

Running every Monday starting 26^th January, 10:30am – 11:30am, St Albans Community Association, Smethwick, B67 7NL
This weekly friendship group is open to anyone looking to meet new friends and enjoy games, advice, and fun activities in a friendly environment. See attached ‘friendship group post for facebook’

 You OK Mate Events

Monday 26^th January, between 1:30pm and 3pm, Tipton Muslim Community Centre (Wellington Road, Tipton, DY4 8RS)

Friday 30^th January 2026 between 10:30 and 12:30pm, Jubilee Park Community Centre (Powis Avenue, Tipton, DY4 0RJ)

Ideal for All have 2 events scheduled in Tipton for Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing, please see attached leaflets (You OK Mate x 4 attachments).

Blooming Menopause Group

Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6pm-7pm, Portway Lifestyle Centre, Oldbury, B69 1HE

Blooming Menopause Group at Portway, Oldbury is set to continue with a few changes:

• The group will initially be ran by volunteers, and led by Sarah Hill with the support of other volunteers
• Meetings are now on the FOURTH Tuesday of each month - next dates: 27^th January, 24^th February, 24^th March, 28^th April
• Meeting time remains the same 6pm - 7pm
• Attendance remains FREE! 🙂
• Refreshments are changing: bring your own drinks or some tea, coffee, milk - there will be access to cold water, hot water and mugs
• New members are still welcome to join, so feel free to share the attached poster far and wide, social media, newsletters, workplace, local coffee shops and community settings, GP surgeries...
• The WhatsApp group for Portway Oldbury continues to run. If interested, message Sarah or Aline and we can add you to the group - sarah1001@msn.com / aline@menopauseknowledge.org

And another thing... You are also invited to join the MenoTalk Halesowen group!

• Janet Baker, j.p.baker@blueyonder.co.uk, set up the group a few years ago and it is running strong with some amazing guest speakers!  Janet has been a wonderful supporter of our work at Menopause Knowledge and has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the menopause topic!
• This group runs on the SECOND Tuesday of each month, 7pm to 9pm at The Stag & The Three Horseshoes, Halesowen Road, Birmingham  B62 9BB.
• The group welcomes a different guest speaker each month. Entry is £2, cash only.
• The next meeting is Tuesday 10^th February
• There is a private Facebook group where Janet and other admins share a lot of useful, educational information Click here if interested in joining the group on Facebook

 Free Street Cricket for Women and Girls aged 14+

Running every Friday starting 6^th February, 7pm – 8:30pm, Wodensborough Ormiston Academy, Wednesbury

Staffordshire Cricket are offering free cricket for women and girls 14+, all abilities welcome, supported by female coaches. Please see attached poster, ‘Wednesbury Girls Street Cricket’, for more information or contact Pravin via email: pv.patel@staffordshirecricket.co.uk  or phone: 07734 754073.

Ramadan Charity Fundraiser

Saturday 7^th February from 1:30-5:30pm at The Wesley Centre, Spring Hill, Wednesbury, WS10 9AD

Please see attachment ‘Ramadan Fundraiser’ for details of a fundraising event.

Volunteers Wanted: Litter Picking in West Bromwich Town

West Bromwich BID would like to invite businesses, charities, or any other organisations to come and join the BID Team with Litter Picking round West Bromwich Town.

Organised dates are:-
10th March 2026
21st April 2026
15th September 2026
13th October 2026

🕰️ 10.30am to 12pm

Email Lisa.hill@westbromwichtown.co.uk to book your date.

 Volunteering Opportunity

Walsall Community Transport are currently looking for volunteers to support the work of the West Bromwich Let’s Chat Hub, which operates Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 2:00pm.

Volunteering at the Hub offers an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community by supporting people in a friendly and welcoming environment. The team would be very happy to meet with anyone who is interested to discuss the role in more detail and to explain the work we do at the Hub.

All volunteers will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, which can be discussed further with interested applicants.

See attachments ‘Volunteer Opportunities Let’s Chat Hubs West Brom August 2025’ for more info and ‘Volunteer Application Form Feb 23’.

Please promote to anyone who may be interested, or contact enquiries@walsallct.org.uk

Mobile Flu and Covid Vaccinations

As winter approaches and viruses spread, flu mobile vaccination clinics are being set up to encourage people to stay well this winter.

The community mobile clinics are being hosted at a range of locations in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, and Sandwell, with no appointment necessary.

Those eligible to receive their flu vaccine at the mobile clinics include:

• All adults aged 65 years and over
• All children aged 2–3 years old on 31 August 2025
• Pregnant women
• Frontline health and social care staff, including those working in care homes for older adults

Those eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine can also receive it at the mobile clinics.

You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment (check https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/ for a list of Health Conditions/Treatments that mean you are eligible)
• live in a care home for older adults

To see locations of clinics, please click the following link: Mobile vaccination clinics :: Black Country ICB

Good Boost at West Bromwich Leisure Centre

• A low level, 8-week rehab programme for those with chronic pain or MSK conditions.
• Uses AI Tablets to create individual, tailored workouts
• Options to take part in water or on land
• Supportive group class environment
• Grab & Go tablets to use outside of group classes
• Accessed via a discounted membership
• For more info & QR code, please see attached ‘goodboost.pdf’.

Home Energy Advice Support

See attached ‘Heat-A5 flyer.pdf’ flyer that outlines the Home Energy Advice support available for people who are struggling with fuel and energy costs. The service offers one-to-one support through home visits or remote advice, helping with energy bills, speaking to suppliers about billing issues or debt, improving energy efficiency, raising energy saving awareness and supporting income maximisations. Contact details are included in the flyer.

Our Thursday after school sports club this half term is Years 1 and 2 Multiskills. Children can be signed up through: Aspire Sports Portal https://aaeg.magicbooking.co.uk/  Club times: 15.30-16.30

PE days for the Spring term:

Reception: Monday

Year 1:  Wednesday and Thursday

Year 2: Tuesday and Friday

Year 3: Thursday and Friday

Year 4: Monday and Wednesday

Year 5: Monday and Thursday

Year 6: Tuesday and Thursday

Children need to arrive at school ready for PE. PE Kit is as follows. A plain white t-shirt, plain black jogging bottoms/leggings/shorts, trainers, school jumper or cardigan. No jewellery should be worn, long hair needs to be tied back, piercings that cannot be removed must be taped up- tape/plasters provided from home. Any religious/cultural jewellery that cannot be removed must be secured/covered- sweat bands are perfect for this.

As a school we like to promote health and well being and while we allow children to bring a snack to have at break time, we ask please that this is a healthy snack such as a piece or pot of fruit. We have noticed an increase in children wanting to have crisps to take out at break time. We do not consider crisps to be a healthy snack and while these may be fine as part of a packed lunch, we ask that children do not have them for break time snack. Thank you for your support.

All reading and library books will be given to children over these first couple of weeks. We aim to ensure that the books children are issued are in line with their need and ability. Children will have 2 books, one school 'levelled reading book' and one Reading for Pleasure book. The Reading for Pleasure book is aimed to foster a love of reading. We expect children to be heard read at least 3 times per week and comments written in their reading record. Children should have their reading book and reading record in school each day. We ask for your support with this.

Any lost or books damaged beyond repair will incur a  £5 fee to allow us to replace them.  This will be issued via ParentPay. 

Many children like to bring their own pencil cases and stationary items into school. This is fine, but please remember that all items needed for school work will be provided by school. We ask that no scissors or sharp items come into school. School will provide children with safety scissors to use in school when required.

Useful items may include: pencils, rulers, crayons, a protractor (Y4+), a blue handwriting pen (KS2), felt tips and a glue stick in a sensibly sized pencil case. Again there is no requirement or expectation that pupils have their own items from home.

Children can also have a water bottle with a sports cap, containing water unless agreed otherwise, their reading book and reading record. In most circumstances there should be no need for other items to be coming into school without prior agreement. We ask for parents support with this. Please ensure all items of uniform are named to ensure that we have the best possible chance to return lost items to the right people.

A reminder to parents and carers to be careful and considerate with their parking when dropping off and collecting children. It is imperative that the front of school remains clear, and that we respect neighbouring properties and ensure they are to access and egress their homes and businesses. This seems to be a particular problem with parents parking in the Grove and on the resident car park at Sophie Gardens, and more recently in Vicarage Rise. We ask that parents and carers do not park across people drives or in residents spaces at Sophie Gardens, and remember our school value of Respect when talking to one another.  More than anything we need to keep everyone safe. I hope that you have seen the signs that we have purchased to help remind parents and carers about parking, one is outside the main gates and another on the 'island' in the layby towards the under passage on the Birmingham Road. 

We are pleased that we are able to have an arrangement with the Holiday Inn J7 to allow parents to use car parking facilities at appropriate times. If you are interested in this please contact the school office and they will help arrange a pass for you.

Safeguarding is very important to us at St Margaret's, and we firmly believe that everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe. Should you have any safeguarding concerns please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Mr Jones, or in his absence Mrs Boud or Mrs Humphries via the school office. If you have a concern for the safety of a child outside of school time you are able to report this directly to Sandwell Children's Trust on 0121 569 3100 or https://www.sandwellchildrenstrust.org/report-child-risk/ . If a child is in immediate danger, you should contact the police (call 999).

Should you have any need to contact school to discuss anything, your first port of call will most likely be your child's class teacher. The way to do this is via the school office who are happy to pass on a message, or arrange a call back. We ask that you do not engage teachers in conversation on doors when dropping off or collecting children, as the primary focus has to be the safe arrival and dismissal of children. Further information on communicating with school can be found by following the link below.

Address:

St Margaret's CE Primary School

Birmingham Road

Birmingham

B43 7AP

Telephone:

0121 357 2758

Email: postbox@st-margarets.sandwell.sch.uk

OR

Use contact us page on website: https://stmargaretscofeprimaryschool.co.uk/about-us/contact-details/

Website: https://stmargaretscofeprimaryschool.co.uk/

Information on our Communications Protocol and Procedures and Parent Code of Conduct can be found on our website.

https://stmargaretscofeprimaryschool.co.uk/parents/policies/