Hello all,

Welcome to this weeks newsletter.

From Monday to Wednesday this week, I had the pleasure of joining children from years 5 and 6 on their residential visit to the Frank Chapman Centre. The children seemed to have a fantastic visit, and set their aims at the start of the visit to have fun; develop their listening skills; face fears and be independent. Reflecting at the end of the visit, they certainly felt like these objectives had been met. The children showed real resilience when faced with their fears and perseverance to push themselves 'just a little further' when climbing or going through the mine system. It seemed as though some children had set an alternative objective of getting as muddy as possible - this objective was also well achieved.

Next week children in year 5 also have the opportunity to participate in Bikeability training, so it will have been a very active fortnight for some!

Back at school this week lunchtime supervisors underwent play training on Tuesday, this was an opportunity to learn some new play ground activities that children will be able to participate and I am sure they will enjoy them - especially when the weather improves!

Next Friday we will be breaking up for February half term and children will be back in school on Monday 23rd February, when we have singing workshops for children across school led by Becky Drake https://songsforschool.com/ .

There are a couple of additions to the calendar I wanted to draw your attention to. We will be celebrating World book day on Friday 6th March and we we be inviting children to wear some funky/ bright/ odd socks on Friday 20th March as part of World Down Syndrome day on Saturday 21st March.

Thank you all for your continued support. 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mr S Jones

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

Friday 6th March: World Book Day

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)

Friday 20th March: Lots of Socks Day https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campaigning/world-down-syndrome-day/ 

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

Once upon a time, children would spend hours outside, playing tag and hide and seek. Today, many of those moments have been replaced by the glow of a screen.

The shift is not just nostalgic. It raises serious questions about what kind of childhood we are offering our youngest pupils and what this means for their development.

Recent UK research has found that more than a third of children do not play outdoors after school, and 1 in 5 do not play outside at weekends, highlighting how easily screen-led routines can crowd out the simple, active experiences that once shaped early childhood.

A new kind of childhood

Smartphones and tablets have moved from luxury items to everyday essentials. Many children now have access to a personal device during primary school, with a growing number owning a smartphone by the end of key stage 2. Social media, online games and video apps offer constant, fast-paced entertainment (despite many of these having age limits of 13-plus).

For families, technology can feel unavoidable. Parents rely on devices for logistics, communication and occasional moments of calm at the end of a long day. Children see screens as normal and fun. The challenge is not that technology exists, but that it now occupies so much of the time that used to be filled with outdoor or imaginative play, conversation and rest.

Increasingly, teachers are seeing the impact of this shift in the classroom. Shorter attention spans, difficulty coping with boredom, and the need for immediate gratification are becoming common themes. When we ask pupils to settle to a task that is not instantly rewarding, many find it hard to stay engaged.

The impact on child development

Research is beginning to reflect what many schools are observing in the classroom. A global survey by Cambridge International (2025) found that 88% of teachers believe pupils’ attention spans have decreased, with many identifying increased screen exposure as a contributing factor. 

Small-scale initiatives reported by the BBC have shown that removing phones from teenagers’ bedrooms can support better sleep routines and reduced anxiety, offering parents a simple starting point for change. Alongside this, Ofcom continues to highlight rising device use among children and teenagers and the pressures that constant connectivity can place on sleep, focus and wellbeing. Findings from this year’s Media use and attitudes report (Ofcom, 2025) show:

• An increase in 3 to 5-year-olds using social media platforms.
• Among 3 to 5-year-olds, 19% have their own mobile phone, rising to 82% of 10 to 12-year-olds.
• Among 3 to 5-year-olds 31% play games online rising to 77% of 10 to 12-year-olds.
• Among 3 to 5-year-olds 85% use any kind of device to go online rising to 100% of 10 to 12-year-olds.

While the evidence is still developing, there is growing agreement that schools and families share a responsibility to help children build healthier digital habits from an early age. 

Screen use can crowd out real interaction, disrupt sleep, and train the brain to expect novelty and instant gratification. These patterns make it harder for children to sustain attention on demanding tasks. Technology is not inherently negative, but many children’s lives are weighted too heavily towards the screen. 

The issue of screentime is not going away. Technology moves faster than regulation, and schools cannot wait for definitive evidence before acting. Primary schools are well placed to lead this work by engaging families early, modelling balance and creating environments where offline childhood thrives.

Some of our youngest pupils are becoming used to rapid digital stimulation, and I can see how this makes it harder for them to settle to tasks that are not instantly rewarding. This expectation of immediate engagement can shape their early learning behaviours and influence how they respond to quieter or more reflective moments in the school day.

The aim is not to remove technology but to ensure pupils are ready to use it wisely. By considering the screen time of children, especially those in the early years we can aim to delay smartphones, limit social media, and build healthy routines. We want pupils to benefit from the digital age without losing the simple experiences of childhood. Sometimes that means encouraging them to put down the controller, step outside and play instead.

Story: Adults in the UK are talking about whether children under 16 should be allowed to use social media, as the government is considering new rules to help keep children safe online.
Question: Should children have social media?
Virtual Picture News: www.picture-news.co.uk/discuss

Welly to Belly: Free Half Term Sessions for SEND Children

Ideal for All are excited to be hosting Welly to Belly activities this February half term! We’ll be celebrating the season, enjoying all things nature, and spotting the first signs of Spring. We’ll be playing, making, and sharing some delicious food together. As it’s so close to pancake day too – I’m sure we’ll have lots of pancakes for pudding too.

These sessions are for SEND children, children who are querying or waiting for a neurodivergent diagnosis (such as autism or ADHD), children with an EHCP and siblings are welcome.

When & Where:
Monday 16^th February (10am–2pm) – Salop Drive Market Garden, Salop Drive, Oldbury, B68 9AG
Friday 20^th February (10am–2pm) – Barlow Road Community Gardens, Barlow Road, Wednesbury, WS10 9QA

Please see the attached poster ‘CaPS 2026’ for more details, and feel free to share it with anyone who might be interested, including families or local schools.

Hurry limited to spaces, to book your spot, email: contactifa@idealforall.co.uk or call 0121 558 5555 (option 2).

Free February Half Term Holiday Camp

9am - 1pm on 19^th and 20^th February, Tipton Sports Academy

Tipton Sports Academy are offering spaces to Sandwell residents aged 8 to 16 years on our FREE February half term holiday camp.

Expect fun, active sessions plus healthy snacks to keep children energised.

Places are limited and allocated on first come first served basis.

To book please email michelle.jones2@korewellness.co.uk

See attached ‘Feb Half Term Camp – free’

Wodensborough Amateur Boxing Club

Wodensborough ABC is offering free sports holiday sessions for children aged 8-16 at Oxford Street, Wednesbury, WS10 0QN). Activities will include football, rounders, basketball, tennis, volleyball and boxing. Sessions run from 10am-2pm on Saturday 14^th Feb until Monday 16^th February, with a free packed lunch or buffet-style food provided. See attachment Wodensborough ABC

 Family Hub Event- Smethwick

Saturday 21st February, Smethwick Family Hub

Please see attached ‘Family Health Event Poster’ for the upcoming Family Health Event.

 New ParkRun in West Smethwick Park: Volunteers wanted!

Volunteers are needed to help launch a new parkrun at West Smethwick Park. All roles are available, including marshals, timekeepers and scanners. This is a great community opportunity to support a local community initiative and make a difference. Anyone interested can get in touch via the details in the attachment: ‘West Smethwick ParkRun Poster.’

Choices Activities 

Monday 16^th February

Family Fitness and Animal Visit- Salvation Army Cradley Heath, 10am-12pm

Introduction to the Gym- Sams Gym Oldbury, 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm

Tuesday 17^th February

Family Games and Crafts- West Bromwich Central Library, 10am-12pm

Laser Combat- Laser Combat Oldbury, 10.30am-12pm and 11.30am-1pm

Wednesday 18^th February

Padel- Tipton Sports Academy, 10am-11am and 11am-12pm

Badminton- Tipton Sports Academy, 12pm-1pm and 1pm-2pm

Family Games and Crafts- Wednesbury Library, 2pm-4pm

Thursday 19^th February

Badminton- West Bromwich Leisure Centre, 10am-11am, 11am-12pm and 12pm-1pm

Bowling- Tenpin Castlegate, 2pm-3pm and 3pm-4pm

PLUS MORE TO BE ADDED!

Choices bookings can be made here: https://bookwhen.com/choices

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/