Hello all,

Welcome to this weeks newsletter. I hope you are all well.

I would like to start by saying a huge thank you to all who were able to support school with managing the conditions of last weeks heat wave, it really made a difference and I hope people were not inconvenienced too much.

This week has seen lower temperatures and a far more comfortable learning environment in school I am pleased to report. 

On Monday we were able to hold our reception sports events, and have been able to reschedule the Nursery sports- we hope the weather will be kinder this time around. On Friday morning we have KS2 Sports at Q3 Academy and then next Tuesday afternoon we have KS1 sports.

Please see the notifications below around class teachers and music tuition.

Many thanks,

Mr S Jones

Wednesday 1st July: New Reception Parents (September 2026 intake) Information evening. 6pm

Friday 3rd July: KS2 Sports at Q3 Academy Great Barr (pupils and school staff only)

Tuesday 7th July: Y5 lesson at St Margaret's Church 2pm-3pm.

                          Year 1&2 Sports (2pm)

Thursday 9th July: Children to meet their new teachers (morning)

Friday 10th July: Nursery Sports (rescheduled). Y6 Swimming. Summer term reports to parents

Tuesday 14th July: Y6 leavers assembly 09.30

Wednesday 15th July: Rocksteady Concerts 14.30

Thursday 16th July: Parents book look 15.45-18.30.

Friday 17th July: Pupils break up for the summer holidays

We are now in a position to clarify class teachers for the next academic year. This looks as follows:

Nursery: Miss Hale (4 days) Mrs Revell (1 day)

Reception: Mrs Rahman

Year 1: Miss Mistry

Year 2: Mrs Lander

Year 3: Miss Steggall

Year 4: Mrs Nokes

Year 5: Mrs Boud

Year 6: Mrs Humphries

Children will be spending time in their new class rooms, with their new teachers on the morning of Thursday 9th July. Additional transition arrangements will be in place for those pupils that may need them.

It is with a sadness that we have to let parents know that from September 2026, we will no longer be able to offer music tuition though either Rocksteady or SIPS music.

We have worked with SIPS for a very long time and the decision is purely based on the financial aspect which has seen school losing a considerable amount of money due to the low uptake of pupils participating in these sessions. I am truly sorry for the children and families that have supported the sessions and participated consistently.

While we have worked with Rocksteady Music for just under 3 years, and have loved seeing the enthusiasm with which children have performed and the skills that they have acquired, we are simply lacking the space in school currently to make continuing these sessions viable.

I would like to thank all of the teachers from SIPS and Rocksteady for their hard work in supporting children at St Margaret's over the years.

We would like to share a part time job role that has opened up at St Margaret's Church. This may be the perfect opportunity for one of our parents and carers or someone you know.

Part-Time Parish Administrator

The Parish Office, St Margaret’s Church, Chapel Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 7BA

Email: - gtbarr@btconnect.com

Hours: 16 hours per week (currently Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00am–2:00pm, with flexibility available)

Location: St Margaret’s Church, Chapel Lane, Great Barr B43 7BA

St Margaret’s Church is seeking an organised, friendly and proactive Parish Administrator to play a key role in supporting the life and ministry of our church. This is a varied and rewarding position that combines office administration, community engagement and event support.

As the first point of contact for many members of the public and church community, you will provide a warm welcome, offer practical assistance, and ensure the smooth running of the Parish Office.

About the Role

The Parish Administrator is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation of the Parish Office, supporting a wide range of church activities including weddings, baptisms, funerals, memorials and special events.

Key responsibilities include:

· Managing enquiries by telephone, email and in person

· Maintaining church records, databases, filing systems and diaries

· Coordinating bookings for weddings, baptisms, funerals and church facilities

· Liaising with clergy, church officers, funeral directors, stonemasons and families

· Processing invoices, payments and office administration

· Producing posters, flyers and publicity materials for church events

· Maintaining accurate and confidential records

· Supporting the administration of church festivals and services

· Ensuring the office and its equipment operate efficiently

· Provide two references.

· Hold, or be willing to obtain, a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. The Church will arrange a DBS check for the successful applicant if required.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

· Has excellent administrative and organisational skills

· Is friendly, approachable and professional

· Communicates clearly and sensitively, both verbally and in writing

· Can deal confidently with people from all walks of life, including those experiencing bereavement or difficult circumstances

· Is able to work independently and manage multiple priorities

· Has strong attention to detail and maintains accurate records

· Exercises understanding, discretion and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately

· Is confident using computers and willing to learn new systems and processes

· Demonstrates initiative, resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving

-

Previous experience in administration, customer service, office management or a similar role would be advantageous.

What We Offer

· A meaningful and varied role at the heart of the local community

· Flexible working arrangements

· A supportive church environment

· The opportunity to contribute to important life events and community activities

If you are an organised and compassionate administrator who enjoys helping people and making a positive difference, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role by email or letter to the Parish office.

Closing Date: 16th July 2026

Interview Date: 1st September 2026

St Margaret’s Church welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

PE days for the Summer 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: Thursday and Friday (Swimming)

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.

This is Me Parent Workshops

Please see attached ‘Helping Hands’ poster for details of workshops designed for parents and carers of children who have Autism/ADHD or are currently on a diagnosis pathway. The workshops cover:

• Introduction and understanding your child’s specific needs
• Needs and behaviours, featuring the ‘bucket model.’
• Effective communication strategies
• Sensory awareness and routine rewards
• Behaviour awareness, environmental factors and understanding meltdowns
• Creating and building a ‘This is Me’ plan

The programme is developed by the charity Family Action. For more details, see attachment or email: helpinghandsbc@family-action.org.uk

For children and families:

Free Sports sessions for children 8-16 with YCA Play Zone
Every Saturday, 1:45pm – 3:30pm, Oakwood Park MUGA, Old Meeting Street, B70 9SH

Join YCA for free multisports sessions every Saturday afternoon, 1:45-3:30pm, activities include football, basketball, cricket and dodgeball. Free for all! Just turn up and play.

See attached ‘YCA PlayZone Poster’

British Cycling After School Club
Wednesday 1^st July, 3:30pm – 4:30pm, Sandwell Valley Visitors Centre
Join British Cycling for an after school club at Sandwell Valley Visitors Centre, for children ages 7-11.

Register here: After School Cycling Club  – Fill in form
or scan the QR code on the attached poster ‘after school poster safer 6’.

 Free Rounders Session: Safer 6

Wednesday 1^st July, 5:45pm – 6:45pm, Oakwood Park PlayZone, West Bromwich, B70 9SH

Join the Active Wellbeing Society for a free game of rounders, open to all, just turn up! See attached ‘Rounders Oakwood Safer 6’ for more info.

 SDCA and Sign Health Youth Workshops
See attached ‘SDCA and SignHealth Youth Workshops’

SDCA have arranged for SignHealth to deliver two separate sessions for young people aged 8–17 years who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafblind, Cochlear Implant users, or users of other hearing devices:

Monday 6th July – Taking Care of Your Wellbeing

These sessions aim to provide valuable information, guidance, and support in an accessible environment for young people with hearing loss.

We would greatly appreciate your help in promoting these sessions and reaching as many young people and families as possible.

If anyone would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Email: craig_pothecary@sdca.co.uk
Text / WhatsApp / FaceTime: 07791 921011

 Neurodiversity Clinic for Parents and Children

Mondays, 4.30pm – 6pm, from 18^th May, Ree-Charge CIC Hub, 15-17 Bull Street, West Bromwich, B70 6EU

Prick Up Your Ears (PUYE) CIC will be running a weekly Acutherapy Seeds clinic for neurodiverse children and their parents, to try our newly developed protocols for AuDHD, covering Hyperactivity, Distraction, Executive Functioning, and Meltdowns, alongside tried and tested protocols for Anxiety, Depression, Sleep, and Stress, parents can also receive treatment to support their wellbeing.

 No appointment necessary, each treatment costs £10, or £15 for parent and child. (Please arrive by 5.30pm to be treated).

For parents:

 Free Community CPR Sessions in West Bromwich

Thursday 2^nd July, 2 sessions: 11am-2pm or 5:30pm – 8:30pm at West Bromwich Leisure Centre, Moor St, B70 7AZ

Join Hearts in the Stand in partnership with Sandwell Council for a FREE community CPR session as part of the Council's Safer 6 Campaign.

 These sessions are available to residents who are 18 and older.

 In the session, you will learn:

• How to perform CPR
• How to control severe bleeding
• How to respond to choking

 Let’s make Sandwell safer, stronger and ready to act!

 Spaces are limited, book using the link below to secure your spot.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-adult-first-aid-and-cpr-training-tickets-1989828017164

Please see attached ‘CPR Training’ that can be shared on social media, and ‘CPR training with QR’ that can be printed for display.

As you will have seen on the news recently, there has been a lot of discussion at government level around screen time for children, use of social media and mobile phones in schools.

Since it has been so high profile we thought it apt to review our mobile phones policy. It is on the website and I have added a summary of key points below.

• As a general rule, pupils are not permitted to bring mobile phones to school unless there is a specific reason agreed in advance with school leaders (e.g., travel safety) Travel to and from school will only apply to pupils in year 6.
• Where permitted, phones must be switched off as soon as it is on the school site and handed in at the office at the start of the day and collected at the end.
• Use of mobile phones during the school day, including break and lunch times, is prohibited.
• Mobile phones must not be used to take photographs or videos on school premises without explicit permission.
• Pupils found using mobile phones inappropriately will face sanctions in line with the school’s behaviour policy, and will lose the right to bring a phone to school.
• Pupils who need a mobile device to link with a medical device will have this written in to a care plan and this will be supported by the school.
• Pupils are not permitted to wear Smart Watches in school

• Parents and Carers

  • Support the school’s mobile phone policy and reinforce expectations at home.
  • Ensure pupils understand when and how mobile phones can be used appropriately.
  • Communicate with the school regarding any concerns or exceptional circumstances.
  • Model good mobile phone use by not using phones on the school site except in emergency situations

  • Mobile Phone and Smart Watch Use by Staff

    • Staff should use mobile phones responsibly, ensuring use does not disrupt teaching or compromise professional standards.
    • Personal mobile phones should not be used in front of pupils except in emergencies or with senior leader approval.
    • Staff must not use personal devices to photograph or record pupils unless authorised for school purposes and with appropriate consent.
    • Smart watches must be in ‘flight mode’ while on the school premises so as not to cause a distraction

Thank you for your support

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.

Allowed snacks

In line with statutory guidance, snacks should primarily be:

· Fresh fruit (e.g. apples, bananas, berries, oranges, pears, grapes etc.)

· Vegetables (e.g. carrot sticks, cucumber, peppers, celery)

· Plain dairy products (e.g. plain yoghurt, cheese portions)

· Savoury items pack size less maximum 30g (e.g. plain breadsticks)

Government guidance states that snacks should be limited to fruit, vegetables, or similar healthy options without added salt, sugar or fat.

Where there are children who, for reasons linked to SEND, have restricted diets, we are happy to work with parents to ensure that reasonable adjustments can be made.

 We also remind parents that a number of children in school have allergies, including nut allergies, and that for no reason should any items containing nuts be sent in to school. We would also like to request that birthday sweets, cakes and party bags are shared directly between parents, rather than being brought into school for distribution. Staff cannot safely check items for allergens and we will not distribute these. 

Thank you for your support.

Story: Scientists are monitoring a climate trend called El Niño, which begins in the Pacific Ocean and can affect weather in different parts of the world.
Question: How much should the weather influence our decisions?
Virtual Picture News: www.picture-news.co.uk/discuss

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 'cut out' on the Birmingham Road, next to school. 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 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/