Latest News

2023 - 2024 

Latest News: Summer Term

18.04.24

Thank you to all those who have already completed and returned the form to register for the Ilkley and Otley Carnival Parades. Please can others complete and return the forms tomorrow, so that enough resources can be purchased for every child taking part to make a mask. Alternatively, email the requested information to askwth@ycatschools.co.uk. Masks will be made on Friday 26th April during the whole school parade craft afternoon. Those not making masks will help make the larger items for our ‘walking float.’

Children who have been signed up, have been enjoying milk at break times through the Cool Milk scheme. If you would like your child to have milk, go to www.coolmilk.com to register and pay. Children under 5 years old receive free milk but need to be registered. A reminder that if your child receives Free School Meals, they are entitled to free milk, please contact the school office for information.

Today, the children in year 5 took part in an interactive zoom call with Dr Robin Hayward (a forest ecologist and science communicator at the University of Leeds) to learn about how trees have evolved to regenerate and thrive in changing conditions.

We are pleased to be able to share with you the new menu that will be used from Monday 29th April. If you would like your child to have a school lunch from Monday 29th April, then please complete the form and return to school on Monday 22nd April.

Please see attached information about how to book onto a free interactive zoom session ‘How to support your child with math’s difficulties at home.’ This is suitable for parents of all school aged children.

Exciting new date for your diaries! We have been successful in securing paces for all children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to take part in the Brownlee Foundation Mini-Triathlon Event on Friday 14th June in Harrogate. This is a very inclusive event and we are confident that all of our children will enjoy taking part, even if they cannot swim or ride a bike. Further details will be sent home soon.

Please be advised that we currently have cases of chicken pox in class 2 and class 3. Please be vigilant for symptoms in your own children. Children with chicken pox need to be off school for at least 5 days from the onset of the rash and until the last blister has scabbed over.

We hope everyone going to tomorrow evening’s PTA Glow in the Dark Disco has a fun time! Any last minute ticket enquiries should please be made via email to akersnicola@gmail.com.

11.04.24

I hope you all had a restful Easter break.

The Cool Milk scheme commences next week. Thank you to all those who have already registered for the start of the scheme. Others can register at any time. Children under 5 years old receive free milk, but parents need to register. To register go to www.coolmilk.com.

We enhance our teaching of the music curriculum with school funded group lessons, taught by Mr Morgan from the NYCC Music Service. Last term, the children in years 3 and 4 had guitar lessons. This term, the children in Reception will have singing lessons, the children in years 1 and 2 will have glockenspiel and singing lessons, and the children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will have singing lessons.

Our hardworking PTA have been planning lots of events for this term. See attached letter about how to get involved in The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and the Otley and Ilkley Carnival Parades, this year’s theme—Welcome to the Jungle!

Please see attached a further copy of the ‘Dates for your Diary’ for this term, with events for all children and parents, including the new PTA events!

Also attached is the list of clubs for this half term.

**Important dates for parents of children in year 6 this term:

• KS2 SATS will take place Monday 13th—Thursday 16th May. 

•  Y6 parents invited to the leavers’ assembly & afternoon tea on Thursday 18th July at 1.30pm

Drama club update—please note there will be no drama club on Tuesday 4th and 11th June. After school club will be on as usual on those days.

We will soon be planning our Nursery for next year. If you have any younger children, or have any friends or relations that may be interested in a nursery place, do get in touch soon as places are limited.

A reminder that holidays should not be planned for during term time. See below the term dates for the remainder of this school year. Term dates for 2024-2025 are on the school website. For leave due to exceptional circumstances, please complete and return the attached form.

14.03.24

Tomorrow, we are greatly looking forward to welcoming freestyle kayaking champion Rebekah Green into school for the Sports for Champions event. Children can come to school dressed in ‘sports wear.’ This does not have to be school PE kit, but please make sure children will be warm enough for playtimes outside. Thank you for the generous amount of sponsorship money that has been handed in. We will use our share to buy playground equipment.

Tomorrow is also Red Nose Day! To raise money for the charity Comic Relief, we will be holding a cake sale. Any donations of home made or bought cakes, buns or tray bakes should please be brought into school tomorrow morning. Children will be given the opportunity to buy a cake at break times (20p each) and any remaining will be sold in the playground at the end of the day.

A reminder about this year’s ‘Design Technology Challenge’ - ‘Healthy Easter biscuits!’ See attached flyer for suggested websites with healthy biscuit recipes and the judging criteria! The biscuits should be brought into school on Monday 18th March. The biscuits will be judged and then sold for the school charity for 20p each at break times. There will be a prize for the best in each year group. The children will be given time in school to research and plan. **BISCUITS MUST NOT CONTAIN NUTS** Good luck everyone!

As announced last week, after Easter, we will be introducing daily milk through the well known company Cool Milk. Children in Nursery, children under 5 years in Reception and children who receive statutory Free School Meals will be entitled to free milk. Parents of other children will be able to buy the milk at a subsidised price. Parents need to register their child in advance. See attached a letter explaining how to register your child for free milk (if they are under 5 years old) or how to register to buy the subsidised milk if they are over 5. This scheme is open to all children in the school. Please register by 5pm Tuesday 9th April for your child to receive milk when the scheme commences on Monday 15th April. If you need help registering, please contact the Customer Service team on 0800 3213248 or email registrations@coolmilk.com.

‘Bags2School’ bags have been sent home this week. Help raise money for the PTA by having a spring clear out and bagging up all your unwanted clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery, soft toys, curtains and towels and leaving them outside the village hall by 9am on Monday 22nd April. Spare bags are in the office or any bag e.g. a bin bag, can be used. Please don’t bring filled bags into school.

 A reminder that we close for Easter at 2pm on Friday 22nd March. There will not be any after school clubs on Friday 22nd March. To help the local parking situation, please collect years N, R, 1 & 2 at 1.50-2.00pm, and please collect years 3, 4, 5 & 6 at 2.00-2.10pm. The school buses will depart school at 2pm.

School re-opens for the children on Tuesday 9th April.

If you need early breakfast club (from 7.30am) on Tuesday 9th April, please, if possible, book by midday Thursday 21st March, or email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk over the Easter holidays.

07.03.24

 It has been wonderful to see the children dressed as their favourite literary character for World Book Day today! The class (and staff!) photographs are on the school website now! T

hank you to all those who have handed in sponsorship forms and very generous sponsorship money for the Sports for Champions event taking place next Friday (15th). We are greatly looking forward to welcoming freestyle kayaking champion Rebekah Green into school. Please can any remaining sponsorship money be handed in by Monday latest. An average donation of £6 per child will ensure that all costs are met. Your support of this event is greatly appreciated.

Friday 15th March is also Red Nose Day! To raise money for the charity Comic Relief, we will be holding a cake sale. Any donations of home made or bought cakes , buns or tray bakes should please be brought into school on the day. Children will be given the opportunity to buy a cake at break times (20p each) and any remaining will be sold in the playground at the end of the day.

We are excited to announce that this year’s ‘Design Technology Challenge’ is ‘Healthy Easter biscuits!’ See attached flyer for suggested websites with healthy biscuit recipes and the judging criteria! The biscuits should be brought into school on Monday 18th March (new date). The biscuits will be judged and then sold for the school charity for 20p each at break times. There will be a prize for the best in each year group. Good luck everyone!

The charges for school lunches for children in years 3,4,5 & 6 are now on Parent Pay. The school lunches for February should please be paid for within the next 5 days. The cost of school lunches for March (for a child in KS2 having a lunch every day) is £46.40. Please ensure your school lunch account stays in credit. A reminder that if you have credit remaining on SchoolGrid, you need to contact Dolce Customer Care on 01942 707709 or email customercare@dolce.co.uk to have your money refunded.

We are pleased to announce that after Easter, we will be introducing daily milk through the well known company Cool Milk. Children in Nursery, children under 5 years in Reception and children who receive statutory Free School Meals will be entitled to free milk. Parents of other children will be able to buy the milk at a subsidised price. Parents need to register their child in advance. See attached a letter explaining how to register your child for free milk (if they are under 5 years old) or how to register to buy the subsidised milk if they are over 5. This scheme is open to all children in the school. Please register by 5pm Tuesday 9th April for your child to receive milk when the scheme commences on Monday 15th April. If you need help registering, please contact the Customer Service team on 0800 3213248 or email registrations@coolmilk.com.

Please can we remind parents about the school uniform requirements, see attached. In particular, please note that all children in years Reception to year 6 need to change into pumps (KS1) or trainers (KS2) for PE every Monday and Thursday, and hair accessories should not be oversized.

In our continuing series of flyers about internet safety, please see attached a flyer entitled ‘How to Combat Online Bullying’

22.02.24

Our first few days of ‘in-house’ YCATering have gone very smoothly. A reminder that if your child has a school lunch booked but will not be eating it due to illness / medical appointment / packed lunch, to please inform the school office before 9.30am. A copy of the completed School Lunch Order Forms were sent back home before half term, but if you need another copy of what you have ordered, please ask the school office.

For you information, please find attached the updated YCAT Allergens Policy and School Meals Allergen Policy. Please note: The Role of Parents / Care givers and the responsibility of keeping school informed of your child’s medical information, in writing / email.

Payment for school lunches is now through ParentPay. School lunches should be paid for in advance. Lunches are £2.90 per day for children in years 3,4,5 and 6. For February, if your child has a lunch every day from the start of YCATering on the 19th February, school lunches will be £26.10. School lunches for March will be £46.40.

On Tuesday, some of the children in years 5 and 6 went to Young Voices in Sheffield! A great time was had by all! A selection of photographs will be put onto the school website.

Please see attached a copy of the Extra Curricula Newsletter for last half term, and information about the clubs that are taking place this half term, including new spring crafts club and a science club!

We hope parents who had an online Parents Evening appointment before half term found them useful. Those who missed their appointments due to complications caused by the snow or technical difficulties, will be contacted by the class teachers by the end of next week.

A reminder that World Book Day this year is Thursday 7th March. On that day, all children are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite character from a book. World book Day book tokens are being sent home today and are valid until 31st March.

As announced before half term, on Friday 15th March, we will once again be holding a Sports for Champions Day. All children from Nursery to Year 6 will be involved. The sponsorship forms were sent home before half term, copies available from the office if yours has gone missing. After the costs of the event have been covered, 60% of the money raised from the sponsorship will go to school to purchase sports equipment and the remaining 40% will go to Sports for Champions to help unsponsored athletes. Please can sponsorship forms and any monies raised be returned to school by Thursday 7th March. An average donation of £6 per child will ensure that all costs are met. Your support of this event is greatly appreciated.

Please see attached a notice that we have been asked to circulate about a Home to School Travel Policy Consultation that is taking place. This may be of interest to those parents whose children currently use the home-school transport service.

In our continuing series of flyers about internet safety, please see attached a flyer entitled ‘Safe and Healthy Online Habits’.

08.02.24

This week, the Family Cooking Workshop made ‘Dare Devil Dip!’ The recipe is attached for you all to try at home.

Our Governors have been in school today looking at the work we have been doing around mental health, outdoor learning and spelling. The support we receive from our governors is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your co-operation in completing and returning the School Lunch Order Forms ready for the start for YCATering on Monday 19th February. The orders have been put on to our new system and these lunches will be cooked for your child unless they are absent from school. Your order forms have been copied and will be sent back to you for your records. Please make a note of what you have ordered for your child, particularly if there is a combination of school lunches and packed lunches. For your reference, a note of which is week 1 and which is week 2 will be put on the bottom of this newsletter. In preparation for this change, please ensure you pay for any remaining lunches for this half term on SchoolGrid (up to and including Friday 9th February) and make a payment on to ParentPay for lunches for after half term. If you have any questions about the changes, please email or phone the school office. Thankyou for your co-operation whilst we make this change.

We hope parents who had an online Parents' Evening appointment today or yesterday found it useful. If you didn't have an appointment, but would like to discuss your child’s progress, please contact school via phone or email and an appointment can be arranged for after half term.

Some of the children in years 5 and 6 are going to Young Voices in Sheffield on Tuesday 20th February. We look forward to hearing all about it! Mrs Longford is sending home a final letter this week with all the information, please check your child’s bag for the paper letter.

As listed in the Dates for you Diaries, on Friday 15th March, we will once again be holding a Sports for Champions Day. We will be welcoming Rebekah Green, a freestyle kayaking champion who has represented Great Britain! She will talk to the children in an assembly about her sporting career and leading a healthy lifestyle, and then lead the children in a sponsored fitness circuit. All children from Nursery to Year 6 will be involved. The sponsorship forms are being sent home today. After the costs of the event have been covered, 60% of the money raised from the sponsorship will go to school to purchase sports equipment and the remaining 40% will go to Sports for Champions to help unsponsored athletes. Please can sponsorship forms and any monies raised be returned to school by Thursday 7th March. Your support of this event is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all those who entered ‘Being Safe on the Internet’ poster competition, the winners will be announced on Friday.

In our continuing series of flyers about internet safety, please see attached a flyer entitled ‘Smartphone Safety Tips for Young People.’

01.02.24

This week, the Family Cooking Workshop made Super Salmon Dip and Bread Rolls! The recipes are attached for you all to try at home.

After a break due to the COVID restrictions, today we have resurrected the buddy system, where the year 6 children are paired up with a Reception child to help them with pre-lunch hand washing, their lunch trays and cutting up food if needed. This system of cross year friendships is great for increasing confidence in the younger children and responsibility and leadership for the older children.

To parents of children who bring packed lunches, we have noticed that an increasing number of children are throwing away some of the lunch items that you are packing for them. So you can see what they have or have not eaten, we will be telling the children not to throw any items of food away, but to take them back home.

I hope you have all had time to read the information that was sent home on Wednesday (paper copies and via email) about the changes to school lunches after February half term. Thank you to those who have already completed and returned the School Lunch Order Form and the Allergen Form. A completed form is needed for every child by Monday 5th February. Thankyou. However, if your child always has a packed lunch then please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk to inform us, no need to return the forms. In preparation for this change, please ensure you pay for any remaining lunches for this half term on SchoolGrid (up to and including Friday 9th February) and make a payment onto ParentPay for lunches for after half term. If you have any questions about the changes, please email or phone the school office. Thankyou for your co-operation whilst we make this change. Information about the online Parents’ Evenings, taking place on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th February for all children in years Nursery to Year 6, was emailed out earlier today and the booking system for the video appointments opened at 2pm today. A further copy of the information is attached. The link to access the booking page was also texted out at 2pm. If you have any problems making a booking, please contact the school office. This week, the children have had an assembly about ‘Being Safe on the Internet.’ During the assembly, it was announced that there will be a poster competition! All children in years Reception to year 6 are invited to enter. The posters should be A4 size, and should inform other children on how to be safe on the internet. The closing date is Tuesday 6th February. In our continuing series of flyers about internet safety, please see attached a flyer entitled ‘Open Discussions about Digital Lives.’

25.01.24

This week, we have welcomed another two student teachers into school, Miss McIntosh and Miss Palmer. They will primarily be working with class 1 and class 2, do say hello if you meet them.

We are proud to share with you a letter we have received from the Minister for Schools, Damian Hinds, congratulating us on our 2023 Phonics Screening check results. With 100% of our children reaching the expected standard, Askwith is in the top 1% of all primary schools in the country!

As you will have heard through the national press, there have been localised outbreaks of measles. We attached guidance from North Yorkshire Education Service and  a link to NHS guidance which includes details of the symptoms; Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk) DfE has published an Education Hub blog with guidance on measles and the MMR vaccine for parents, nurseries and schools. Please be vigilant for symptoms in your own children. We currently do not know of any cases of measles within our school community.

Yesterday, the first of the Family Cooking Workshops took place with ‘Lynn’s Easiest Pizza Ever’ on the menu. The recipe is attached for everyone to try at home. We are currently creating a Healthy Food page for the website with links to the ‘Phunky Foods’ recipes and photographs from the workshops.

The extended hours of our breakfast club and after school club are proving to be useful for parents. Now these arrangements have been running for a couple of weeks, please can we highlight the following-

-Bookings for early breakfast club (7.30-8.00am) need to be made (or cancelled) by midday Thursday the week before. If the booking isn't required and hasn't been cancelled by then, the breakfast club will then have to be paid for as staffing costs will still be incurred.

-After school club is open until 6pm every day, however, if you will be collecting after 5pm, please book through the office & let school know at approximately what time you will be collecting so staffing can be arranged.

-Friday after school club currently has a low uptake. If you will be using this club at all, please book through the office so staffing can be arranged. Thank you for your support.

A further reminder about the online workshops for parents on the subject of ‘How to support your child at home with reading difficulties,’ being presented by YCAT Special Educational Needs coordinator Claire Ashton on Wednesday 31st January. 

18.01.24

Luckily, the forecast snow did not affect us too much, but please be careful on your journeys to and from school if the roads where you live are ever icy.

This week, we have welcomed two new student teachers into school, Miss Foster and Miss Oughton. They will primarily be working with class 3 and class 4, do say hello if you meet them!

A reminder that Storytelling Club is on at 8.30am every morning in the school hall. Free to all children!

The family cooking workshops taking place from next week are now fully booked. We hope those who have booked enjoy the workshops and we look forward to seeing the results!

On Wednesday 31st January, the Special Educational Needs coordinator for YCAT, Claire Ashton, is presenting online workshops for parents on the subject of ‘How to support your child at home with reading difficulties.’ This is particularly relevant for parents of children who may have Special Educational Needs, but will be interesting for all parents. See attached flyer for links to register your interest for either 1-2pm, or 4-5pm. As listed on our ‘Dates for your Diary,’ online parents evenings will take place 2.30-6.00pm on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th February. Further information will be sent out nearer the time. A reminder that children should please not bring toys or teddies to school. Children in nursery and reception have a designated ‘show and tell’ day when they can bring an item into school. In the first of our series of flyers about internet safety, please see attached a flyer about setting up parental controls on new devices.

11.01.24 

I hope you all had an enjoyable break over the Christmas holiday. A big welcome to the new families who have joined Askwith Primary School and nursery this term. We are very much looking forward to working with you all.

This half term, the sports clubs are fencing on a Monday and archery on a Thursday. Drama continues on Tuesdays for years 3,4,5 and 6. Children who attend the drama club will once again be given the opportunity to be part of the group entering the Wharfedale Festival of Performing arts, which takes place in May.

A reminder that if you wish to make use of the early breakfast club (drop off between 7.30-8.00am) then this must be booked via the school office by midday the Thursday of the week before. Staff will always be at school for drop offs from 8am. After school club is now available until 6pm every day (including Fridays), but if you know you will be collecting after 5pm, if possible, please could you let the office know so staff can make plans. Thank you for your cooperation.

For those planning holidays, copies of the academic term dates for this year and 2024-2025 are attached. The term dates are also on the school website.

To parents of children in the nursery, a reminder that the deadline to apply for a place in Reception in September is Monday 15th January. Registration for places in the nursery is ongoing. If you have a younger child and wish them to attend Askwith nursery, please complete a registration form (available from the office) at your earliest convenience, as places are limited.

The weather is forecast to be very cold over the coming days, so please ensure children bring coats into school; gloves and hats are also recommended. In case we get heavy snow, a copy of the School Closure Procedure is attached. If you have changed your mobile phone number over Christmas please let us know ASAP.

A reminder that children in years Reception to year 6 should have their PE kits in school every day, and every child needs a water bottle in school every day.

Autumn Term 

14.12.23

The KS2 Pantomime ‘Cinderella’ on Friday evening was a resounding success. A special thank you to all of the children who rose to the occasion magnificently. Thank you also to the wonderful audience who cheered, booed and laughed at all the right moments!

Thank you to the PTA for all the fundraising activities they have organised this term. The total from the Christmas Fayre and the infant Nativity and KS2 Pantomime raffles was £471.50. Many thanks to all involved.

Thank you too for all the donations that have been made in school and online and for the Save the Children Christmas jumper day, a wonderful £173.33 has been raised so far. There is still time to make a donation to Save the Children, see the link below, or cash can be sent into school in an envelope. Thank you for helping us support this important charity. https://christmas.savethechildren.org.uk/fundraising/CJD230015473

Thank you to all those who were able to attend our Carol Concert yesterday evening. It was such a lovely occasion and a special start to the festive season. Well done to Olive (year 6) who made and sold biscuits at the Carol Concert in aid of the school charity, Yorkshire Cancer Research, she raised £27.53!

The phone box in the village has once again been decorated with art work produced by the children in nursery and reception and illuminated by the village committee. Do have a look when passing.

Tomorrow is Miss Imran’s last day with us. As a trainee teacher, she has been a wonderful addition to our staff this term. We wish her all the best for the completion of her course and her future teaching career.

Next week, we have lots of festive activities for all children, see below. If you have not yet booked your child a Christmas lunch for Tuesday but they would like to join in, please book on SchoolGrid or contact the office on Friday. The menu for next half term is also now available to book on SchoolGrid. A reminder to please make payments on SchoolGrid for school lunches and on ParentPay for breakfast and after school clubs. Contact the school office if you need help or have forgotten your passwords.

After school clubs next week—Football will not be on. Drama is on. Christmas crafts for 3,4,5 & 6 is on.

**Please note, due to a staff team building event, after school club on Thursday 21st December will finish at the earlier time of 4.30pm.**

A reminder that school will close early on Friday 22nd December. The buses and taxi will depart at 2pm.

23.11.23

Thank you to all those who baked, brought and bought cakes for Children in Need last Friday, a wonderful £71.27 was raised.

Yesterday, we had a very successful open day. It was lovely to hear all the positive comments made by prospective families visiting our school. Thank you to those who recommended their friends to visit.

A reminder that tomorrow, we are having a ‘home clothes’ day. In return, we hope that every child will bring in an item for the PTA for the raffles and Christmas Fayre. See attached for ideas of what to bring and further ways to help the PTA with their festive fundraising activities! Your support is greatly appreciated. Donations of pre-loved toys in a clean and good condition would also be welcome for the toy stall.

At the Christmas Fayre, in addition to Father Christmas, stalls and games, there will also be the popular PTA café. Any donations of bought or baked cakes / buns / tray bakes can be brought into school on Friday 1st December or to the fayre on Saturday 2nd December.

The PTA are also organising a Christmas Wreath Making event on Thursday 7th December. See below for details. Limited places available.

The children’s Eco Committee will be having a stall at the Christmas Fayre to sell any uniform items that your child may have grown out of. Items will be sold for 50p per item. Items of uniform can be brought into school anytime before the fayre on the 2nd December. Thank you for helping us to recycle!

The Christmas Crafts club for children in years N, R, 1 and 2 has now finished and was very popular. We are already planning a Spring Crafts club for next term! Christmas crafts club for children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 commences next week after school until 5pm on Wednesday 29th November, Wednesday 6th December and Wednesday 20th December. Many children have already signed up; if your child is also interested, please complete and return the letter (spare copies going home today and attached) or email the requested information to askwith@ycatschools.co.uk. Thank you.

The infant Nativity performances are taking place on Wednesday 29th November at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets will be sent home early next week. When attending the performances, please park with consideration for the local residents. The PTA will be selling mince pies, please feel free to bring your own warm drink. Tickets will also be on sale for the raffle, priced at £1. Please bring cash if possible but card payments will be accepted.

This year, we will once again be supporting the charity ‘Save the Children’ by having a Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday 7th December. Donations to this excellent charity can be made on the day with a cash donation, or through our JustGiving page, details to follow.

As listed in the Dates for your Dairy, we are holding a Carol Concert at Denton Church on Wednesday 13th December, 5-6pm. The children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will all be involved. Please invite your friends and family, all welcome to come along and sing our favourite carols!

PTA

PTA Social Event—Christmas Wreath Making—Thursday 7th December, 6.30pm in the school hall. £30 per person. Mulled wine and mince pies included. Hosted by an external business (Storm & Rose). Limited places available, to add your name to the list please message Lucy 07525 204085.

16.11.23

This week was anti-bullying week. The children wore odd socks to commemorate the occasion and have led discussions about bullying and how we tackle it in assemblies.

As previously advertised, tomorrow is Work Sharing for parents of children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Parents are invited to view their children’s work with their child in the school hall 9.15am-9.45am or 2.30pm-3.15pm, please sign in and out in the school office. Parents attending in the afternoon can take their children (including younger siblings) home after Worksharing.

Tomorrow is also Children in Need Day! To raise money for this excellent charity, we will be holding a cake sale. Please bring any home made or bought cakes, buns or tray bakes into school in the morning. All items will be sold for 20p each, so please send in pocket money. Any left over cake will be sold in the playground after school. Thank you for your support.

We are very grateful for the contribution the PTA make to Askwith from both a financial and social point of view. The money they raise benefits every child and last year, amongst other things, the money raised subsidised all the school trips and this year they have already made a contribution towards the new smart screens. Thank you too to all parents for supporting the PTA events!

The PTA are currently busy planning the Christmas Fayre, which will take place on Saturday 2nd December 2- 4pm.

Next Friday, the 24th November, we are having a ‘home clothes’ day. In return, we hope that every child will bring in an item for the PTA for the raffles and Christmas Fayre. See attached for ideas of what to bring and further ways to help the PTA with their festive fundraising activities! Your support is greatly appreciated.

The PTA are also organising a Christmas Wreath Making event on Thursday 7th December. See below for details. Limited places available.

As listed in the Dates for your Dairy, we are holding a Carol Concert at Denton Church on Wednesday 13th December, 5-6pm. The children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will all be involved. Please invite your friends and family, all welcome to come along and sing our favourite carols!

**Football club update—Due to the increasingly dark evenings, football club on Tuesdays will now end at 4.30pm. Children not collected at 4.30pm can enjoy crafts and puzzles until they are collected.

We are pleased to be able to confirm our plans for extended wrap around care commencing 9th January 2024. Please see attached a flyer with all the details and revised prices. We have carefully considered the prices we charge for breakfast club and after school clubs, and can confirm we are still cheaper than all other local schools.

09.11.23

I hope you all had an enjoyable half term break.

Thank you to the PTA for organising the hugely popular Halloween disco, many thanks to all involved.

Royal British Legion Poppies and other commemorative items are on sale this week. Suggested donations: traditional poppies 50p, zip pull £1, poppy reflector £1, silicon wristband £1, snap band £1.50.

Next week is anti bullying week, to mark the start of this week, on Monday we will be joining in with ‘Odd Socks Day.’ Children should wear their usual school uniform but with ‘odd socks’ if they wish.

The PTA AGM is Wednesday 15th November at 3.30pm, all are welcome to hear the review of the fundraising from last year and the plans for this year. New date for your diaries, the PTA are organising a Christmas Wreath making event, see below for details, limited places available!

Next Friday, the 17th November, is Worksharing for parents of children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Parents are invited to view their children’s work with their child in the school hall 9.15am-9.45am or 2.30pm-3.15pm, please sign in and out in the school office. Children should come into school at the usual time in the morning for registration, parents attending in the afternoon can take their children (including younger siblings) home after Worksharing.

Friday 17th is also Children in Need Day! To raise money for this excellent charity, we will be holding a cake sale. Please bring any home made or bought cakes, buns or tray bakes into school in the morning. All items will be sold for 20p each, so please send in pocket money. Any left over cake will be sold in the playground after school. Thank you for your support.

We will be once again using the Clark Foley Centre in Ilkley for our KS2 Pantomime. The experience of performing on a proper stage with sound and lighting is fantastic for the children and the younger children love to watch the dress rehearsal. This year, we are offering you the opportunity to advertise your business in the programme in return for a contribution towards the cost of the pantomime. If you are interested, please complete and return the attached proforma or email the requested information to askwith@ycatschools.co.uk. Thank you for you support.

A letter about the Pantomime is being sent home with children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 today.

The children’s Eco Committee are starting a ‘recycled uniform’ initiative. Please bring any uniform into school that your children have grown out of and it will be sold (for 50p per item!!) at the Christmas Fayre. Thank you for helping us to recycle!

We are now on Facebook! Please do visit our page and ‘like’ and ‘share’ the posts. 

www.facebook.com/askwithprimaryschool

26.10.23

We hope that all parents who booked a Parents’ Evening appointment found the opportunity to talk to their child’s teacher useful. If anyone missed their appointment or didn't book, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk to make other arrangements for after half term.

Please see attached the Extra Curricula Newsletter for this half term. We have lots of activities planned for next half term, including lots of festive events for the whole family to enjoy!

See attached an update copy of ‘Dates for your Diary’ including the Infant Nativity and the KS2 Pantomime. Also attached is information about the clubs for after half term including a new ‘Christmas crafts club’, see attached letter. (Please note that football club is now on Tuesdays.)

Healthy Eating Poster Competition! - We are having a whole school healthy eating poster competition. The deadline is Tuesday 7th November and the Healthy Eating Ambassadors in year 6 will judge the competition at the end of the first week back! Good luck!

A reminder to please order school lunches for your child on SchoolGrid for after half term, please place orders up to the end of term, including the special Christmas lunch on Tuesday 19th December. Please remember that your SchoolGrid account can no longer be paid using direct debit, please make payments using a bank card to keep your account in credit.

Over half term, please check your Parent Pay account and pay for any outstanding items eg breakfast club, afterschool club or swimming lessons. Thank you

Royal British Legion Poppies and other commemorative items will be on sale in school after half term, until 10th November. Suggested donations: traditional poppies 50p, zip pull £1, poppy reflector £1, silicon wristband £1, snap band £1.50.

A reminder to parents of children in year 6, that the deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31st October. Applications are usually made on line.

A reminder to parents in years 3 and 4 that swimming lessons commence on Monday 6th November (first day back after half term!). Thankyou to those who have already paid, please can others pay their £15 contribution over half term. Thank you.

19.10.23

Thankyou to all the parents who attended our Harvest Assemblies. The children thoroughly enjoyed their performances and sang beautifully. Well done everyone! Thankyou to all those who generously donated to the collection for this year’s school charity ‘Yorkshire Cancer Research,’ a wonderful £208.95 was raised.

Please see attached information about nasal flu catch up clinics for those children who did not have a vaccination in school. Appointments must be booked.

Change to drama club—Please note that drama club will not take place on Tuesday (24th Oct), it will resume after half term.

Work to the roof over the Early Years classroom and offices will begin next week. The first stage will be to erect the scaffolding, this may mean that one of the gates will be temporarily out of use. Once the scaffold is complete, safe walkways will be available so both gates can be used. The work to remove the old roof will hopefully be completed during half term, fingers crossed for suitable weather! School will remain open to all children throughout the roof works.

Information about how to order a Tempest photograph of your child has been sent home. The deadline to place your order online, for free delivery back to school, is today!

A reminder that Parents’ Evenings for all children in years Nursery to 6 will take place via video call appointment on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th October, 2.30pm—6.00pm. See attached information about how to book an appointment using our new system ‘School Cloud.’

**New date for your diaries—We will be holding a Carol Concert at Denton Church on Wednesday 13th December at 5pm. All welcome! Further information to follow.

A reminder to parents of children in year 6, that the deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31st October. Applications are usually made on line.

This week we have welcomed two trainee teachers into school, they are here on placement for a number of weeks. Miss Imran will be working with the children in nursery and reception and Miss Spragg will be working with the children in years 1 and 2. Do say hello to them both!

12.10.23

Well done to the year 3 boys (Joey, Jacob and Thomas) who came second overall in the cross country race on Saturday! Details of the race this Saturday (14th) were sent out earlier this week. Good luck to all!

Yesterday, we had two new interactive smart screens installed in school! Many thanks to the PTA who have agreed to make a contribution towards these screens as one of the fundraising goals for this year.

Today, parents of children in Reception have had the opportunity to watch a Phonics lesson and have an individual reading session with Miss Brierley and their child. Parents found the sessions very informative.

A reminder that parents / carers / grandparents are invited to watch our Harvest assemblies on Tuesday 17th October. The infant assembly (years R, 1 and 2) will start at 9.30am, and the junior assembly (years 3, 4, 5 and 6) will start at 2.30pm. Due to the limited size of the school hall, only 2 adults per child please. Please park with consideration for the local residents. A collection for our school charity will be made at the end of each assembly.

Thank you to all the parents who have checked and returned the contact information for their child. If you haven’t already done so, please check and return the contact details for your child (sent out in brown envelopes last week) as a matter of urgency. Please sign and return even if all the information is correct. Thankyou for your help.

Information about how to order a Tempest photograph of your child was sent out last week. Please place your orders online by Thursday 19th October for free delivery back to school.

A reminder that Parents Evenings for all children in years Reception to 6 will take place on-line on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th October. Information about how to book appointments will be sent out next week.

We are pleased to announce that we will be extending the hours of our wrap around care (breakfast club and after school clubs) from January. The new hours will be from 7.30am to 6pm every day, for all children from nursery to year 6. More details to follow after half term

05.10.23

On Friday we celebrated European Day of Languages. The children had a fantastic day learning about life in France. Our Swiss student, Gian, led sessions with the children about life in Switzerland and the Swiss German language.

Thankyou to those parents in years 5 and 6 who have already checked and returned the contact details that were sent home last week as part of our annual checking exercise. All parents should now have received an envelope containing the contact details we hold for your child (please check bags). Please check, edit as required and return by Wednesday 11th October. A return is please needed from every family. Thankyou for your help with this important exercise.

Forms to enable you to order a copy of the Tempest individual / sibling photographs were sent home this week. Please place your order online or return the form to school (together with payment) by Wednesday 11th October.

Many thanks to those parents who attended our Curriculum Information events on Tuesday. All materials used will shortly be on the school website.

Please find attached ‘Dates for your diary’ for next half term, including the dates of the PTA AGM, the Infant Nativity, the KS2 Pantomime and the PTA Christmas Fayre! Also attached is a further (updated) copy of ‘Dates for your dairy’ for this half term.

A reminder about the clubs that are taking place after school this half term, Monday = football, Thursday = gymnastics, both until 5pm and open to all children in years R to 6 no need to pre book, just let your child’s teacher know on the day. On Tuesdays after school, our drama club continues for children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. For the past 2 years, children from our drama club have had success in the Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts and we will be entering again next June. Do encourage your children to try out these clubs as they are a great way of trying out new activities and making friends with children in other year groups.

Please find attached a ‘Blog’ from the UK Health Security Agency, which we have been asked to share with parents, entitled ‘A parent’s guide to keeping kids healthy this school year.’

Also attached is some guidance from NYCC about Bonfires and Bonfire Night.

28.09.23

Links to enable parents in years Reception to 6 to give consent for their child to receive a nasal flu vaccination in school were sent last week via email. Please click on the link to give consent. In addition, please find attached a further copy of the leaflet about the vaccinations, which also contains the link to give consent. The vaccinations will take place in school next Thursday (5th October) and consent must be given by 4pm on Wednesday 4th October. Thank you.

A reminder that all children in years R to 6 should have their PE kits in school on Mondays and Thursdays (including a change of footwear) and children with long hair should have it tied up or a bobble brought with them. All children please need a water bottle in school every day. Thank you.

We have started our annual checking exercise of contact and medical information that we hold for each child. This week, parents of children in years 5 and 6 will have received envelopes containing a copy of the data we hold for their child. Other year groups will be sent out over the coming days. When you receive your envelope, please check the contents carefully, particularly phone numbers and email addresses, edit as required and return back to school asap in the envelope provided.

The next event for parents is the Curriculum Information Event on Tuesday 3rd October, again at 3.45pm in school (after school club will be free) and via zoom at 6.30pm. This event is relevant for all parents and will show examples of progression in English and maths throughout the school.

Tomorrow is our Celebration of European Languages Day when the children will be learning about the geography and culture of France and where French is spoken around the world.

Following the success of our open day last week, we have planned another open day on Wednesday 22nd November. Please tell any friends or neighbours who have children due to start in Reception in September or are seeking a change of school for children in other years. Alternatively, they can contact the school office to arrange a tour around school, by appointment, on a different day.

For those planning ahead for holidays, please find attached term dates for 2024-2025, and a further copy of this year’s term dates. These dates are also available on the school website,

21.09.23

Links to enable parents in years Reception to 6 to give consent for their child to receive a nasal flu vaccination in school were sent out this morning via email. Please click on the link to give consent. Thank you

Music at Askwith! - The children in years 5 and 6 have started their term of guitar lessons, it was great to hear how much they had remembered from last year. The children in years 3 and 4 will have guitar lessons next term and then in the summer term, the children in years N, R, 1 and 2 will have glockenspiel and singing lessons. If any parent would like to arrange individual musical instrument lessons for their child, see attached a flyer from the North Yorkshire Music Service about how to book lessons.

It was lovely to see so many new families looking around the school on our Open Day on Wednesday. If you know anyone who may also be interested in a place at Askwith in Reception next September, or in other classes in the school, please ask them to get in touch, as we are happy to show prospective parents around on other days.

Yesterday, we held our Phonics Information Events, thank you to those parents who attended the session in school and the zoom session later in the evening. We hope you found these sessions useful.

The next event for parents is the Curriculum Information Event on Tuesday 3rd October, again at 3.45pm in school (after school club will be free) and via zoom at 6.30pm. This event is relevant for all parents and will show examples of progression in English and maths throughout the school.

Today, we have hosted the first of the ‘Come and Read’ sessions for parents in years 1 and 2. Parents were able to watch a phonics lesson and read with their child. Information about a similar event for parents of Reception children will be out soon.

Tomorrow, Tempest Photographers will be in school to take individual photographs of all the children. If you have a nursery aged child who does not usually attend on a Friday, or you have a younger sibling and you would like a photograph of your children together, please bring them to school ready for a prompt 8.30am start. All children should wear their usual smart uniform and big smiles!

Next Friday (29th), is our Celebration of European Languages Day when the children will be learning about the geography and culture of France and where French is spoken around the world.

The menu for after half term is now available to book, including the school Christmas lunch on Tuesday 19th December. If you don’t regularly use SchoolGrid, but would like to book your child onto the Christmas lunch, please contact the school office.

14.09.23

Further to the note last week about drop off and pick up times, we have made a change, if you have children in both infants and juniors, please drop off at the earlier time and collect at the later time.

**New date for your diaries—Harvest Assemblies Tuesday 17th October—Parents are invited to come and watch the Harvest Assemblies, infants at 9.30am and juniors at 2.30pm.

Next Wednesday, the 20th September, we will be holding an Open Day for families with nursery or school age children, who may be interested in moving their child to Askwith Primary School. Please help us to advertise the event by telling your friends, family and neighbours!

Also next Wednesday, we will be holding Phonics Information Events, at either 3.45pm in the school hall (after school club will be free to help you to attend) or at 6.30pm online. Details of how to join the online event will be sent out on the day. Parents of children in years Reception to 3 are strongly recommended to join one of the sessions, as the teaching of Phonics has recently changed.

Next Thursday (21st) and Friday (22nd), we will be repeating the popular ‘Come & Read’ events for parents of children in years 1 and 2. A letter with all the details is being sent home today, please book to help us make plans. For parents of children in Reception, you will be invited in for a ‘Come & Read’ session in a few weeks time.

On Friday 22nd, Tempest Photographers will be in school to take individual photographs of all the children. Details of how to buy a photograph of your child will be sent home the following week. If you have a nursery aged child who does not usually attend on a Friday, or you have a younger sibling and you would like a photograph of your children together, please bring them to school ready for a prompt 8.30am start. All children should wear their usual smart uniform and big smiles!

**Important for parents of year 6 ** —Please note that the deadline for applying for a secondary school place is 31st October. We will pass on any Open Day information that we receive, but you are strongly recommended to make your own enquiries about your preferred secondary school.

PTA NEWS—See attached newsletter from the Chair, Liz Berry.
Dates for your diary—PTA meeting—Friday 29th September, 7.30pm at The Roebuck—All welcome!
PTA Halloween Disco—Friday 20th October—More information to follow

07.09.23

Welcome back! I hope you all had an enjoyable summer break.

The funeral for Helen Barker, previous Chair of Governors, parent and dear friend of the school, was incredibly moving and the overwhelming turn out was a fantastic testament to how well loved she was in the community.

A reminder of the drop off and pick up times. For those that have children in both groups, please drop off and pick up at the time of the eldest child. Please do not arrive early and wait, as this causes problems with the parking. Please pass this information to any family members who may also do the school run, thank you.

A reminder that all children in years R to 6 need to have their PE kits in school every day. Water bottles are also needed and, during this period of sunny weather, a named bottle of sun cream and a hat.

Apologies for the ongoing problems with the menu on SchoolGrid, unfortunately this is not something we can edit ourselves. The menu for Friday is correct (fish fingers or jacket potato), as is Monday (pizza or jacket potato) . Lunch on Tuesday will be cottage pie or vegetarian equivalent, please do not book the jacket potato as this option is not available. We are in discussions with our caterer, Dolce, to have this issue resolved as soon as possible. A reminder to parents in year 3 that, unless your child is eligible for Free School Meals, school lunches are no longer free and payment is via SchoolGrid. A reminder to all junior parents that, as notified last term, the price of a school lunch is now £2.90 and that the option of paying via direct debit is unfortunately no longer available. Please make a payment on the SchoolGrid website using your log in to put your account into credit. All SchoolGrid accounts must be kept in credit. Please ask Mrs Bentley in the office if you have any questions about SchoolGrid.

Parent Pay is still being used for breakfast club, after school clubs, class trips, swimming and extra nursery sessions and accounts must be checked and paid at the end of every month.

Please see attached ‘Dates for your Diary’ for this half term including online Parents’ Evening dates for all children in years Nursery to 6 and Harvest assemblies. Also attached are the ‘Term Dates’ for this year; parents are reminded not to book holidays during term time. Finally, please see attached ‘Autumn Term 1 Clubs’; clubs are a great way for children to socialise outside of the classroom and discover new activities. Children are invited to try the clubs, attendance every week is not required.

2022 - 2023

Well done to the year 3 boys (Joey, Jacob and Thomas) who came second overall in the cross country race on Saturday! Details of the race this Saturday (14th) were sent out earlier this week. Good luck to all! Yesterday, we had two new interactive smart screens installed in school! Many thanks to the PTA who have agreed to make a contribution towards these screens as one of the fundraising goals for this year. Today, parents of children in Reception have had the opportunity to watch a Phonics lesson and have an individual reading session with Miss Brierley and their child. Parents found the sessions very informative. A reminder that parents / carers / grandparents are invited to watch our Harvest assemblies on Tuesday 17th October. The infant assembly (years R, 1 and 2) will start at 9.30am, and the junior assembly (years 3, 4, 5 and 6) will start at 2.30pm. Due to the limited size of the school hall, only 2 adults per child please. Please park with consideration for the local residents. A collection for our school charity will be made at the end of each assembly. Thank you to all the parents who have checked and returned the contact information for their child. If you haven’t already done so, please check and return the contact details for your child (sent out in brown envelopes last week) as a matter of urgency. Please sign and return even if all the information is correct. Thankyou for your help. Information about how to order a Tempest photograph of your child was sent out last week. Please place your orders online by Thursday 19th October for free delivery back to school. A reminder that Parents Evenings for all children in years Reception to 6 will take place on-line on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th October. Information about how to book appointments will be sent out next week. We are pleased to announce that we will be extending the hours of our wrap around care (breakfast club and after school clubs) from January. The new hours will be from 7.30am to 6pm every day, for all children from nursery to year 6. More details to follow after half term

Latest News: Summer Term

13.07.23

Thank you to everyone who took part in the school walk and PTA barbeque on Friday. It was a lovely occasion! A big thank you to the PTA, their team of helpers and all who attended, a tremendous £560 was raised! This year, the PTA have contributed towards transport for the residential and the class trips, the cost of the literature events, the chocolate prizes for the D&T challenge, the resources for the headdresses for the parade and the new netball posts in the playground! All children have benefitted from their fundraising. A big thank you to the PTA committee and all who have helped with or attended PTA events this year.

On Monday 17th, the PTA has organised a pizza and movie night for the year 6 children, 6-8.30pm, in the school hall. Year 6 children are invited to come in pyjamas and onesies and bring a bean bag or blanket! The PTA are covering the cost of this event out of their funds.

On Tuesday, the children in years 3 and 4 went on their class trip to Chevin Forest to reinforce their knowledge of the Stone Age. They participated in den building, animal tracking, fire building and axe making. The children had a fantastic time and the team leader was impressed at their excellent behaviour and responsible attitudes throughout the whole day. Well done children!

Thank you to those who have already returned the updated permissions form that was sent home on Wednesday. Please can others complete and return ASAP. A response is needed from everyone, including year 6. Thank you for your support with this important exercise.

All library and reading books should now have been returned to school. Please bring any final books into school tomorrow.

PE kits will be sent home next Thursday.

Class representative and any other badges should also be returned to school.

Please can all parents check their SchoolGrid and Parent Pay accounts and ensure all outstanding sums are paid for by Friday 21st July at the latest.

A reminder that we close for summer on Friday 21st July. On that day, children may come into school in home clothes and bring a small toy or game that does not make excessive noise. No valuable items, phones or ipads please. School will close at 2pm for all children.

**Parents of Y6, please be in the playground ready for the traditional Y6 Leavers’ Arch which will commence promptly at 1.30pm.**

06.07.23

Yesterday, the children enjoyed a taster session of Taekwon-do! The children greatly enjoyed the experience!

Tomorrow is the school walk and PTA barbeque! A reminder that the long walk departs at 2.15pm and the short walk departs at 3pm. The buses / taxis that are needed will depart at 3pm. Those children not walking should please be collected by 3pm latest. All children may come to school in home clothes. The weather forecast tomorrow is warm and sunny, so children who are walking should be dressed for a walk including suitably sturdy shoes. Sandals are not recommended. Please also ensure they have a water bottle, suncream and a sun hat. Please remember to bring water for yourself if you are walking. Please do not gather more than 10 mins before the time of your walk. Dogs on leads are welcome on the walk but must not be brought into the playground. Please park with consideration for the local residents. There will be no access into the school buildings for parents or children after the walk. School bags etc will be left in the infant playground for collection after the walk. Many thanks to the PTA for organising the barbeque, it promises to be a great event! Monday is our whole school ‘moving up day’ when the children will visit their new class and spend some time with their teacher for September. Children should be dropped off and collected at their usual times.

To enable us to organise the library, please can all library and reading books be returned to school by next Thursday (13th July).

Advanced notice to parents of children in current years 4 and 5, that swimming lessons commence on Monday 11th September. A letter to give permission will be sent home next week.

29.06.23

On Friday, the children in Reception, years 1 and 2, greatly enjoyed their trip to Harlow Carr where they explored the woodland, identifying plants and trees matched to the science curriculum. Year 1 and 2 planted calendula seeds and Reception planted peas, which will all come home today. Throughout the day, several members of the public stopped us to comment on the exceptional behaviour of the children.

The Early Years and KS1 Creativity Exhibition yesterday was wonderful! There were so many lovely comments from parents about the various colour techniques on display. Well done to all the children for their incredible hard work. Thank you to all the parents who supported the event, for those who were unable to attend a ‘virtual tour’ of the exhibition will be put on the school website soon. Thankyou, once again, to the PTA for organising the café and all who contributed by baking, bringing or buying cakes!

As you may have seen in the local press, we are having an Open Day on Wednesday 5th July for parents / carers who are interested in sending their child to our nursery or school in September, 11am-12pm and 1.30pm-3.00pm. Please let friends or neighbours, who may be interested in visiting, know about this event. Lessons will carry on as usual for the children.

We are greatly looking forward to the school walk and PTA barbeque on Friday 7th July. Thankyou to all those who have already responded to the letter about the school walk, please can others respond tomorrow. Tomorrow is also the deadline to return the slip to buy tickets for the PTA barbeque after the walk. Spare letters are available from the office.

Reminders—Please remember water bottles, sun hats, named sun cream and PE kits (including pumps / trainers) every day. Thankyou!

22.06.23

I am thrilled that our ‘walking float’ came second in the Otley Carnival Parade on Saturday. Many thanks to the PTA and all who helped in advance or were able to join in on the day. Photographs will be on the website soon.

On Wednesday afternoon, we had a special assembly for our retiring Chair of Governors, Mrs Helen Barker. The children showcased the musical skills they have been learning this year including a variety of songs and glockenspiel playing, ably led by the music teacher Mr Morgan. At the Governors’ meeting on Monday evening, the current Deputy Chair of Governors, Mr Nigel Muttick was voted to be the new Chair of Governors. We look forward to continuing working with Mr Muttick and thank him for his ongoing support of the school.

The KS2 Art Exhibition yesterday was fantastic. There was a wide range of techniques on display, which demonstrated how hardworking and talented our children are. Well done everyone. Thank you to all the parents who supported the event, for those who were unable to attend a short film of the gallery will be uploaded to the school website soon. Thankyou to the PTA for organising the café and all who contributed by baking, bringing or buying cakes!

We are now looking forward to the Early Years Creativity Exhibition on Wednesday 28th June. It would be much appreciated if parents of children in N, R, 1 and 2 could bake or buy cakes for the PTA café. Please invite any friends who may be considering moving schools for their children in September, as tours of the school will also be taking place until 5pm for prospective parents and I will be available to answer any questions.

As previously advertised, the popular ‘School walk and PTA Barbecue’ event will take place on Friday 7th July and all are invited! Please see attached a letter from school about the walk. A response is please needed from each family by Thursday 29th June. Also attached is a letter from the PTA about the barbecue and how you can get involved. Paper copies of both letters are being sent home today.

Reminders—Please remember water bottles, sun hats, named sun cream and PE kits (including pumps / trainers) every day. Thankyou!

15.06.23

Thank you to all parents / carers who were able to join us for a lovely sunny Sports Day this morning! Children thoroughly enjoy performing in front of their parents. Thank you too, to the PTA for organising the refreshments.

Otley Carnival—Saturday 17th June—We are greatly looking forward to the parade on Saturday! Members of the PTA have kindly offered to come into school tomorrow afternoon to help make the headdresses for the parade. Please ensure your child knows whether they are going to be a bee or a flower, so they can make the correct headdress (parents of children in nursery and reception please tell Miss Brierley or Mrs Bentley). 

A reminder that next Wednesday is the KS2 Art Exhibition. Parents are invited to collect their child/children and view the art work from 3pm. The PTA will be running a café during the event. We would be very grateful if parents of KS2 children bake or buy cakes for the café (can be brought into school in the morning). Thank you. Through the local press, we have invited members of the public to view the exhibition from 3.30-5pm. We will also be showing any prospective parents around school, so if you have friends with school age children, who may be considering changing schools for September, do encourage them to come along. Places available in nursery, reception and in other years. 

The Early Years and Key Stage 1 Creativity Exhibition will take place on Wednesday 28th and tours of the school will also be available on that date. Parents of children in N, R, 1 and 2 are asked if they could bake or buy cakes for the PTA café on that date.

It is with sadness, that we announce that our Chair of Governors, Mrs Helen Barker, is stepping down from the Askwith Governing Body. Mrs Barker has served as a governor for many years, even after her children had left school. She has been a strong and supportive presence for the school, particularly during the recent Ofsted Inspection, and will be greatly missed.

Please see attached a letter from Dolce, for parents of children who have school lunches, about the requirement for any allergy or dietary need to be backed up by a letter.

Reminders—Please remember water bottles, sun hats, named sun cream and PE kits (including pumps / trainers) every day. Thankyou!

25.05.23

On Tuesday, Tempest Photography took the annual class photographs, the details to enable you to order a copy will be sent home after half term.

Otley Carnival—Saturday 17th June—Further to last week’s announcement, that the theme for this year will be ‘Bees’, here are some further details. All children will be making a ‘bee’ or ‘flower’ headdress in school. The children taking part in the parade will then simply wear a plain black t-shirt and black leggings or trousers. Parents and carers are very
welcome to join in the parade, either dressed as a bee, a flower or a gardener—complete with watering can or trowel perhaps! All children will need to be under the supervision of a responsible adult (1 adult can look after more than 1 child). School staff will be taking part but will not be there to look after individual children. A form for you to sign up to the event will be sent home after half term. We hope lots of families will join in the parade.

Today, we have hosted parents for ‘Come and Do Maths’ in years 1 and 2, and ‘Worksharing’ for years 3 and 4. Tomorrow, parents of children in nursery and reception are invited to ‘Come and Play’ 9-9.30am and parents of years 5 & 6 to ’Worksharing’ 2.30-3pm. We hope these opportunities to come into school are enjoyable and useful for parents.

Thankyou to those parents who have already sent in named bottles of suncream into school, please can others do so after half term. It is also important that every child also has a named water bottle in school, these can be refilled from the water coolers in each classroom. Sun hats are also recommended.

After half term, please can PE kits be in school every day, to enable sports day practices when the weather is fine. It is important that children have suitable footwear in their PE kit, the suggestion is black pumps for Reception, years 1 and 2, and trainers for years 3, 4, 5 and 6. (Nursery children do not need PE kit).

Please see attached the Extra Curricula newsletter for this half term. After half term, we have lots of activities planned. See attached a reminder of ‘Dates for your Diary’. Parents of year 6’s please note the date of the Leavers’ Assembly—Thursday 20th July.

A reminder that school closes tomorrow at 3.30pm for half term, and reopens on Monday 5th June, with breakfast club from 8am.

18.05.23

We have had a very successful week!

The Otley Carnival Committee have been in touch to inform us that after the children took part in the poster competition, we had the winner and runner up in the age 4-6 category and the winner and runner up in the age 7-9 category! Well done to Forrest P, Ava F, Sophie D and Poppy B! Their posters are on the Carnival website and Facebook group. In addition, Lilybelle from year 6 has also been successful in her application to be one of the 15 Carnival Stars—well done Lilybelle!

We had further success in this week’s Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts, we came second and third in the ‘Duo Verse Speaking’ category and second in the ‘Theatre Time’ category. Well done to all the children involved. Drama club for children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 continues after school on Tuesdays and we intend to enter this competition next year.

This week, all children have been taking part in our International Arts & Diversity week. Children in class 1 have studied the Lebanese artist Etel Adnan and explored primary colours through painting and collage. Class 2 will be creating art inspired by a North American artist tomorrow. Class 3 have focused on Brazilian artist Beatrice Milhaze and recreated an installation and collages which explore the vibrant art typical of the country. Class 4 have been inspired by Hiila Ozdemir, a Turkish artist whose artwork is epitomised by pattern and colour. All this art work will be on display on 21st and 28th June.

Today was ‘Outdoor Classroom Day!’ Activities included planting the wildflower seeds that were sent to all schools as part of the Coronation celebrations.

Now the sunny weather has finally arrived, a reminder to please send in named bottles of suncream (to stay in school) for your child to top up their suncream at break times (children in years N and R will be helped, other children will be supervised). Sun hats also recommended.

Next Tuesday, Tempest Photography will be coming into school to take class photographs. All children should please be in their usual smart uniform.

Otley Carnival News—The children have voted and the theme for his year will be ‘Bees’! Full details about how to get involved and costume ideas in next week’s newsletter!

A reminder that school closes at 3.30pm on Friday 26th May for half term, and reopens on Monday 5th June, with breakfast club from 8am.

04.05.23

To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, we have a variety of activities planned for tomorrow. The younger children will be making bunting, stamps with their own faces on, union jacks and learning about the new King and Royal family tree. They have also created art work which is currently on display in the Askwith phone box. The older children will be creating Coronation themed art and learning about the history and meaning of the Coronation ceremony. The art work will form part of the art exhibitions on 21st and 28th June. School have bought each child a commemorative Coronation pencil, these are being handed out today.

Assessment season is upon us. Next week, the children in year 6 have their Key Stage 2 SATs. The children have worked hard preparing for these National Tests and I know they will do their best. During May, the children in year 2 will be assessed for the Key stage 1 SATs. The children have been preparing for these less formal assessments as part of their usual lessons. During the first two weeks after half term, the children in year 4 will do their Multiplication Tables Check. The relevant information about these assessments for parents of children in years 2, 4 and 6 is being sent home today.

As listed in Dates for your Diary, parents are invited to come into school at the end of this half term to share in their child’s learning. See timetable of events below. Please sign in for the ‘Come & Play’ and ‘Come & Do Maths’, no need to sign in for 'Work Sharing'.

27.04.23

Many thanks to the PTA for organising a very popular ‘Glow in the Dark’ disco for the children on Friday, an amazing £694.00 was raised! Thankyou too to all the parents who supported the event and helped make it so successful.

A special thank you too, to Mr House who has built a sand pit for the children in Early Years. It is already getting lots of use!

A further thank you to the Askwith toddler group who have kindly donated some of their toys for use by the Early Years children.

This week is World Immunisation Week. This year’s theme is ‘The Big Catch Up,’ urging parents to check that their child’s vaccinations are up to date, particularly the MMR vaccine. 

Please click here to see information about the traditional ‘Dancing at the Otley Maypole’ on Monday 1st May, 2.30pm to 4pm.

A reminder that Monday 1st May is a bank holiday and, as such, school will be closed. We re-open on Tuesday 2nd May with breakfast club from 8am.

We will soon be confirming places in our nursery for September. If you have a younger sibling or friend with a child of the correct age (3 years old by 31st August 2023), who may be interested in a nursery place, do get in touch as soon as possible as places are limited.

The children in year 6 are looking forward to the Askwith tradition of a continental breakfast on each morning of SATS week (9th-12th May), when they will enjoy pastries and fresh fruit juices. Please ensure the children have arrived in good time so they can enjoy their breakfast! Following SATs week, the year 6 children will compete in the popular ‘Askwith Bake Off!’ Photographs of the creations will be put on the website.

Plans are in place for our ‘International Arts and Diversity’ week when the children will be focusing on female artists, the style of their work and the culture of their countries. The nationalities of this year’s artists are Turkish, Brazilian, African American and Lebanese American. The art work produced will form part of the art exhibitions on 21st and 28th June to which parents will be invited.

As part of our intent to expand the children’s future career aspirations, if you have a particularly interesting or unusual job and would be willing to talk to the children, please do get in touch!

20.04.23

I hope you all had an enjoyable Easter break.

As some of you may have heard, during the Easter break, Miss Brierley flew / trekked to Everest Base Camp! She is preparing a special assembly for all the children to tell them all about her adventure and the challenges of taking on such an amazing journey! We are all glad to see her safely back in Askwith!

I am excited to share with you the news that we are now on Instagram and Twitter! Links to access these accounts will be on the school website soon. We will be using these social media platforms to highlight some of our achievements and activities that take place here in school.

The new playground equipment, that was bought with the money raised from the Sports for Champions event, has arrived! The children have already enjoyed playing with the new balls, bean bags and skipping ropes at break times and after school club.

As part of our Coronation celebrations, the children are learning a special Coronation song that has been written by children’s author Banji Alexander, entitled ‘New King.’ Our visiting music teacher, Mr Morgan, will be helping the children to learn this song as part of the singing lessons that all children are having this term.

There are lots of activities planned for all children this term and opportunities for parents to come into school, see attached an updated copy of the ‘Dates for your Diary’ for details, please note the change to the date for sports day, now Thursday 15th June.

Parents of children in Year 6, please note the dates of the KS2 SATS (Tuesday 9th May to Friday 12th May) and the Leavers’ Assembly on Thursday 20th July.

All parents, please note that both Monday 1st May and Monday 8th May are bank holidays and school will be closed on both of those days.

Also attached is an updated copy of the clubs taking place this half term, please note the changes to debating club (now on Fridays) and sports club on Thursday (now cricket).

Please can parents ensure that all children have their PE kits in school every day, including pumps/trainers, as we will sometimes practise for sports day on none PE days.

We have been asked by Dolce, the caterer, to distribute the attached important letter about paying for school lunches via direct debit.

Spring Term 

30.03.23

Today, the judging of the Design Technology Challenge has taken place. The ‘egg mobiles’ were fantastic and very difficult to judge! Well done everyone! The PTA have kindly bought chocolate prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each year group, which will be given out tomorrow.

As part of British Sign Language Week the children took part in a workshop where they learnt to finger spell the alphabet, sign greetings, colours, pets and family members.

The children in years 3 and 4 have now completed their course of school funded guitar lessons. Next term, school funded group music lessons will consist of Reception children having singing lessons, years 1 and 2 singing and glockenspiel, and years 3, 4, 5 and 6 continuing with their singing lessons.

Please see attached the Extra Curricula newsletter for this half term. Also attached is the ‘Dates for your Diary’ for the summer term. Clubs for summer term 1 will be sent out at the beginning of next term.

As per the text sent out earlier in the week, a reminder that the Bags2School collection will now take place tomorrow. Please leave bags outside the village hall by 9am. Please do not bring any bags into school. Thank you for your support.

A reminder that the school and nursery will close early for Easter tomorrow. To help ease congestion in the local area, children in N,R,1 & 2 should please be collected 1.50pm-2.00pm. Children in years 3,4,5 & 6 should please be collected 2.00-2.10pm. Older siblings can be collected with younger siblings at the earlier time. School buses will leave at 2pm. Once you have collected your child, please leave the local area quickly to free up parking spaces. Thankyou.

I hope you all have a lovely Easter break. School re-opens for the children on Tuesday 18th April, with breakfast club from 8am.

23.03.23

On Friday, the children greatly enjoyed the inspirational assembly and fitness circuits with our visiting Sports Champion, Danny Evans! Thankyou again for all the sponsorship money, it will be used to buy playground sports equipment for all children to use.

Many thanks to all those who made, brought or bought items for our Red Nose Day cake sale, £72.65 was raised for the Comic Relief charity. Thankyou everyone!

Cross country news—Congratulations to Rosa and Francis who were given special awards on Saturday to mark their commitment to the Askwith Primary School cross country team. A special mention to Olive who received a prize for ranking 4th overall. Well done to all the children who have taken part this year!

The children in years 5 and 6 safely returned from their residential last week. Rosa, year 6 reported; “Northumberland was really fun. We got the opportunity to go on a boat trip and see lots of seals and birds. We all had a great time!”

This week, the children in years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 have taken part in drama workshops led by Konflux Theatre. The children in years 1 and 2, with the theme of ‘Animal Magic,’ had a wonderful time travelling around the world, learning interesting facts about animals from the different continents. They enjoyed taking on roles of different animals including Connie the crab and Bertha the butterfly. The children in years 3 and 4 explored ‘Lean on Me,’ a play about friendships and conflict resolution. They worked really hard together to learn their lines and positions and performed to the whole school at the end of the day. ‘Peace of Mind’ was the title of the workshop for years 5 and 6 who tackled the important subject of mental health with maturity. Chris, the workshop lead, was particularly impressed by their engagement and behaviour.

Just one week to go until the Design Technology Challenge! The children have planned their designs in school and they should now be busy at home with the ‘making’ part of the task. All entries should please be brought into school on Thursday 30th March for judging.

A reminder that school closes for Easter at 2pm on Friday 31st March. School re-opens for the children on Tuesday 18th April, with breakfast club from 8am.

09.03.23

Thank you to all those who have already returned their sponsorship forms and money for the Sports for Champions event taking place on Friday 17th March. If you have misplaced your form, spares are available from the office. A suggested donation of £4.50 per child will ensure that all costs are covered. After costs, 60% of the remaining money raised will go to the school and 40% will go to Sports for Champions to help unsponsored athletes. Please can all forms and sponsorship money be returned to school by Monday 13th March latest. *Years 5 and 6, please ensure you hand any sponsorship money in before you go on the residential.* Thank you for supporting this event.

Friday 17th March is also Red Nose Day. To raise money for this charity we will be holding a cake / bake sale at break times, all items priced at 20p. Home made or bought cakes / buns can be brought to the school hall in the morning. PLEASE ENSURE ITEMS DO NOT CONTAIN NUTS. Many thanks for your support.

On Tuesday next week, the children from years 5 and 6 will be going to Northumberland for their residential trip. We hope the weather warms up for them and look forward to telling you all about their adventure away from home!

The Design Technology challenge this year, for all children from Reception to year 6, is to: ‘Design and make something that will transport a hard boiled egg over a distance of 1 metre.’ There are no rules, so feel free to think of methods of adding propulsion to your entry! The judges will be looking for innovative solutions, speed, eggs that travel in a straight-ish line and Easter themed decoration! Children will be given time in school to plan and design their entry. The entries will be judged on the playground on Thursday 30th March.

New date for your diaries—The PTA have organised a Bags2School collection on Thursday 30th March, a good opportunity to have a clear out and donate unwanted clothes before Easter. The blue bags will be sent home nearer the time, but any bag can be used to start collecting items to donate. Thank you. 

02.03.23

It has been lovely to see the children (and staff!) dressed as their favourite character today for World Book Day! Photographs will be on the website soon.

The World Book Day book tokens were sent home last Thursday (stapled to the Sports for Champions sponsorship form). If your child’s has gone missing, replacement book tokens are available from the office. The children have also enjoyed World Book Day activities.

As part of World Book Day, some of the children have brought books from home to ‘swap.’ The books were disguised with wrapping paper and were labelled with a short blurb. Those children taking part thoroughly enjoyed the ‘surprise’ of unwrapping a book and have started reading them already.

Thankyou to all those who have already returned their sponsorship forms and money for the Sports for Champions event taking place on Friday 17th March. If you have misplaced your form, spares are available from the office. A suggested donation of £4.50 per child will ensure that all costs are covered. After costs, 60% of the remaining money raised will go to the school and 40% will go to Sports for Champions to help unsponsored athletes. Please can all forms and sponsorship money be returned to school by Monday 13th March latest. Thank you for supporting this event.

Friday 17th March is also Red Nose Day. To raise money for this charity we will be holding a cake / bake sale at break times, all items priced at 20p.

As listed in the Dates for your Diary, the Design Technology Challenge will take place during the last week of term, week commencing 27th March, details will be sent out next week. We sometimes receive enquiries from parents interested in moving their child to Askwith from another school. If you have any friends or relatives who may be interested in our ‘Outstanding’ school, we currently have spaces in some of the years. Parents who are interested should initially make enquiries through Mrs Bentley to arrange a tour of the school and a meeting with Mrs Nayler.

Good luck to the children taking part in the cross country race on Saturday!

23.02.23

I am pleased to announce that Mrs Dibb has agreed to be a parent governor. She has been nominated by the Askwith Primary School local governing body and approved by the YCAT Trustees. On behalf of the other governors, I welcome Mrs Dibb and look forward to working with her.

World Book Day is next week—Thursday 2nd March! All children are invited to come dressed as their favourite character from a book. We are also going to be holding a ‘book swap.’ If your child would like to take part, please send in a book which your child has enjoyed and is happy to give away and swap for a different book. Books should be wrapped, with a tag attached describing what the book is about. This will hopefully prevent, ‘judging the book by its cover’, as the saying goes!

**World Book Day vouchers are being sent home today, 1 per child. They are valid until 26th March.** A reminder that we will once again be having a Sports for Champions event. On Friday 17th March, we will be welcoming Danny Evans, who is a British basket ball star! The sponsorship forms were sent home before half term, a spare copy is being sent home today. Thankyou for supporting this event.

As mentioned before half term, Budokai Karate Ltd are possibly going to be running a karate club at school in September, if there is enough interest. The cost would be £29.95 per month payable by standing order directly to Budokai Karate. If your child would be interested in this club, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by the end of February.

We will soon be planning the nursery for next year. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in a nursery place for your child for next year please complete the Registration Form (see attached) and return it to Mrs Bentley as soon as possible, as places are limited.

09.02.23

Well done to the children who took part in the cross country race on Saturday. The next race is Saturday 4th March, details will be sent out after half term.

We have received a lovely letter from the YCAT Chair of Trustees, Jenny Baynes, about our recent Ofsted success. See attached.

In addition, watch out for articles in the local press in the coming weeks!

Parents’ appointments have been taking place yesterday and today. If you were not able to make an appointment but would like to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk to make arrangements.

World Book Day this year is Thursday 2nd March. All children are invited to come dressed as their favourite character from a book. We are also going to be holding a ‘book swap.’ If your child would like to take part, please send in a book which your child has enjoyed and is happy to give away and swap for a different book. Books should be wrapped, with a tag attached describing what the book is about. This will hopefully prevent, ‘judging the book by its cover’, as the saying goes!

Please see attached the ‘Extra Curricula Newsletter’ for this half term.

The clubs taking place next half term—Spring 2—are also attached.

As described last week, we will once again be having a Sports for Champions event. On Friday 17th March, we will be welcoming Danny Evans, who is a British basket ball star! The sponsorship forms were sent home last week. Suggested donation per child to ensure all costs are covered is £4.50. Please can all forms and sponsorship money be returned to school by Monday 13th March latest. Thankyou for supporting this event.

We have been sent some information from Budokai Karate Ltd, who are interested in running a weekly after school karate club, here at school, from September. The children would gain an introduction to martial arts and work through a grading system to gain badges and awards. The first 2 weeks of the club are free, and then the cost would be £29.95 per month payable by standing order directly to Budokai Karate. This cost includes lessons, insurance and grading costs. If your child would be interested in this club, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by the end of February.

A reminder to all parents to please ensure your child has a water bottle in school every day.

School closes for half term tomorrow at the usual times (N, R, Y1 & Y2 at 3.15-3.30pm and Y3, 4, 5 & 6 at 3.30-3.45pm) and reopens on Monday 20th February.

02.02.23

On Tuesday, we had an exciting visit from members of the Fire Service, complete with a fire engine! The children saw the important equipment stored in the fire engine, tried on helmets and the fire fighters even turned on the sirens! The children also learnt about the work of the fire fighters and fire safety.

Reminders for all parents: If you have booked a school lunch on SchoolGrid but your child is then absent from school, please remember to cancel the lunch before 8.55am. This avoids parents of nursery and KS2 children being charged for a lunch their child has not had, and reduces food waste.

If your child has sickness or diarrhoea, then your child must not attend school for 48 hours after the last episode. This is a rule set by the UK Health Security Agency that we must follow.

If your child wears earrings to school, a reminder that on PE days (Monday and Thursday) they should either not be worn (the safest option) or covered with micro pore tape or plasters for PE. Parents should please send in their own tape / plasters.

As previously notified, online Parents’ Evenings for all children in years Nursery to year 6 are taking place on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th February, 2.30-6pm. The links, to enable you to book an appointment, were sent out via text and email on Monday afternoon. The booking system will close at 9am on Wednesday 8th February.

As listed in ‘Dates for your Diary,’ we will once again be having a Sports for Champions event. On Friday 17th March, we will be welcoming Danny Evans, who is a British basket ball star! He will talk to the children in an assembly about his sporting career and leading a healthy lifestyle, and then he will lead the children in a sponsored fitness circuit. All children from nursery to year 6 will be involved. The sponsorship forms are being sent home today and the children will watch a DVD about the event next week. After the costs of the event have been covered, 60% of the money raised from sponsorship will go to school and the remaining 40% will go to Sports for Champions to help unsponsored athletes. Please can all forms and sponsorship money be returned to school by Monday 13th March latest. Thankyou for supporting this event.

A reminder that school closes for half term on Friday 10th February at the usual times (N, R, Y1 & Y2 at 3.15 -3.30pm and Y3, 4, 5 & 6 at 3.30-3.45pm). School reopens on Monday 20th February.

26.01.23

As previously notified, online Parents’ Evenings for all children in years Nursery to year 6 are taking place on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th February, 2.30-6pm. Click here to see details of how to book an appointment. The links to enable you to book an appointment will be sent out on Monday 30th January at 2.30pm. If you have changed your mobile number or email address since the last parents’ evening (20th October 2022), please inform Mrs Bentley, by midday on Monday, so your details in the booking system can be changed.

As listed in ‘Dates for your Diary,’ we will once again be having a Sports for Champions event. On Friday 17th March, we will be welcoming Danny Evans, who is a British basket ball star! He will talk to the children in an assembly about his sporting career and leading a healthy lifestyle and then lead the children in a sponsored fitness circuit. All children from nursery to year 6 will be involved. The sponsorship forms will be sent home next week. After the costs of the event have been covered, 60% of the money raised from sponsorship will go to school and the remaining 40% will go to Sports for Champions to help unsponsored athletes.

Click here to see a further copy of the information about the cross country race taking place on Saturday 4th February.

As announced in the press, please note, there will be an extra bank holiday on Monday 8th May for the Coronation of King Charles III. Year 6 parents please note—As a result of this extra bank holiday, the year 6 KS2 SATS will now take place Tuesday 9th May to Friday 12th May inclusive.

19.01.23

As you can imagine, myself and the staff were thrilled to receive our Outstanding Ofsted Inspection Result!! Thank you for all the kind messages, cards & emails we have received from parents passing on their congratulations. As you may be aware, the requirements that must be met to achieve Outstanding are much stricter than in previous times. To put this into context, in academic year 2021/22, of the Outstanding schools that were inspected, only 17% retained the Outstanding grade. Be assured that we are not now ‘resting on our laurels,’ and will continue to strive to achieve the highest possible standards in all areas.

Last Friday, the children enjoyed an assembly from charity ‘Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue’ about how to look after hedgehogs if found in the garden.

Thank you to the year 5 and 6 children who baked or brought cakes for the charity bun sale on Monday. Thank you also to those children throughout the school who brought their pocket money to buy the buns and cakes, a wonderful £28 was raised for this year’s school charity, Lineham Farm.

Today, the children have enjoyed a special lunch for Chinese New Year. The younger children have also enjoyed Chinese New Year themed craft activities.

With the current wintery weather, please click here to see a further copy of the School Closure Procedure.

Please click here to see details of nasal flu vaccination ‘catch up clinics’, for those that either gave permission but were then absent from school on 14th December (when the nurse visited) or did not previously give permission but would now like their child to receive the nasal flu vaccination. (The Harrogate clinic is on 25th January.)

As previously notified, online Parents’ Evenings for all children in years Nursery to year 6 are taking place on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th February, 2.30-6pm. Details of how to book will be sent home next week.

16.01.23

Ofsted Inspection Result

We are delighted and very proud to announce the result of the Ofsted Inspection that took place in November 2022.

We are ‘Outstanding’!

Please see attached the full official report, which describes what the Inspectors looked at during their visit and their judgment in the different areas to be assessed. This report will also be put on to the school website.

We are thrilled that the sustained hard work of our incredible pupils, the consistent support of parents and governors and the dedication and commitment of the staff, since the last inspection in 2008, have led to this result.

As you may be aware, the standard required to achieve ‘Outstanding’ has changed considerably since we were last inspected and it is now rare for an ‘Outstanding’ judgement to be given.

As a school, as stated in our Ofsted report, we will continue to strive to achieve “the perfect balance between motivating pupils to achieve the highest academic standards alongside an equally ambitious commitment to pupils’ wider personal development”.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs E Nayler and the Askwith Team

Please click the link to read the Full Inspection Report.

12.01.23

Last Thursday, children from years 5 and 6 travelled to Sheffield to take part in Young Voices—in a choir made up of 4642 children! Following the afternoon rehearsal, parents were able to watch the evening performance. The children (and staff and parents!) all greatly enjoyed themselves. The children were very well behaved as usual. Well done children!

This week we have welcomed a family from Ukraine who are staying with a local host family. The children in class 3 have already made him feel very welcome.

It has been lovely to see children joining in with the clubs this week, click here to see clubs taking place this half term.

On Monday, the children in years 5 and 6 will be holding a bun sale of baked items which they have made, for this year’s school charity, Lineham Farm. All items 20p.

A reminder to nursery parents that the deadline to make your application for a school place for September is 15th January. If any parent would like to have a tour of the school, please contact Mrs Bentley to make an appointment.

The special Chinese New Year lunch will take place on Thursday 19th January. See menu here. This has now been put onto SchoolGrid, please book by Monday if your child would like to join in. Please note, all existing bookings for that day have been cancelled so all parents need to please book for that day, or email Mrs Bentley who can book for you.

Please click here to see additional health advice that has been sent to us by North Yorkshire County Council.

05.01.23

Happy new year! I hope you all had an enjoyable break.

Please click here to see the extra curricula newsletter from last half term—what a busy time we had!

Please click here to see Spring Term Clubs for this half term, new clubs include fencing, debating, sewing and table tennis!

Also attached is the latest ‘Dates for your Diary’, notable dates include online parents’ evenings for parents of all children from nursery to year 6 on 8th and 9th February, World Book Day on Thursday 2nd March and the return of ‘Sports for Champions’ on Friday 17th March.

Please find attached a further copy of the latest advice from the UK Health Security Agency amid concerns of rising cases of Covid-19, flu and scarlet fever. We are continuing with our regular hand washing regime with the children in school and enhanced cleaning of ‘touch points’ during the day. A reminder not to send your child to school / nursery if they have a fever (a high temperature of 38 deg or above).

A reminder to nursery parents that the deadline to make your application for a school place for September is 15th January. Registration for nursery places for next year is on going, if you have a younger child of nursery age, it is recommended to put their name down as soon as possible as places are limited. Children may start at the nursery the term following their 3rd birthday. If any parent would like to have a tour of the nursery or whole school, please contact Mrs Bentley to make an appointment.

A reminder about the current vacancy for the role of Parent Governor. Information was sent out with newsletter number 13 before Christmas, a further paper copy is available on request. The deadline to put yourself forward for the role, by completing the nomination form, is Thursday 12th January.

The Spring term menu is now available to book on School Grid up to Easter. Click here to see the Spring term menu. Jacket potato option now available on Mondays and Fridays!

Autumn Term

15.12.22

What a wonderful festive week we have had! On Wednesday we all enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch, many thanks to Antoinette our wonderful cook! This morning, the children were busy with Christmas crafts, the younger children have made calendars, biscuits and baubles, and the older children have made mini bobble hats, Christmas cards, tree decorations and festive wreaths! This afternoon, the children greatly enjoyed their Christmas parties.

Tomorrow, children may wear home clothes & bring a quiet game to share with their friends, whilst they watch Christmas films & finish their Christmas crafts. No phones, ipads, electronic devices or valuable items please.

Reports are being sent home tomorrow with children, please check bags.

The next parents’ evening will take place before February half term.

The Spring term menu is now available to book on School Grid up to Easter, see attached summary. New for next term - jacket potato option on Mondays and Fridays!

Clubs and ‘Dates for your Diary’ for the Spring term will be sent home in the new year.

A reminder that the school and nursery will close early for Christmas on Friday 16th December. To help ease congestion in the local area, children in N, R, 1 & 2 should please be collected 1.50pm-2.00pm. Children in years 3,4,5 & 6 should please be collected 2.00-2.10pm. Older siblings can be collected with younger siblings at the earlier time. The school buses will leave at 2pm. Once you have collected your child, please leave the local area quickly to free up parking spaces.

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas break.

School re-opens on Wednesday 4th January, with breakfast club from 8am.

08.12.22

The KS2 Pantomime ‘Once Upon a Time’ on Thursday evening was a fantastic success! The children’s performances were excellent. Well done everyone!

Many thanks to the PTA for organising the Christmas Fayre that took place on Saturday, £1011 was raised from the fayre and the raffles—thank you to all who contributed!

Yesterday, the children in years Reception, 1 and 2 had a very exciting trip into Leeds to watch ‘Stickman’ at the Playhouse. The children enjoyed interacting with the performance and their behaviour, was as usual, exemplary! Thankyou to the PTA for funding this trip!

The children in years 5 and 6 have now finished their school funded guitar lessons, they have certainly improved since September! Next term the children in years 3 and 4 will have guitar lessons.

It has been lovely to see the children in Christmas jumpers for ‘Save the Children’ today! £45 has been raised on line and we received £32.50 today in cash donations. Many thanks. If you haven’t yet donated, but would like to, please use the link on the cover email. The link will be live until the end of the year. Thank you.

Please see attached a letter about a vacancy for the role of Parent Governor, if interested please return the nomination form by Thursday 12th January 2023. A paper copy of the letter, appendix and nomination form is being sent home today.

Now the weather is cold, please can parents ensure children are dressed appropriately for playtimes - hats, scarves and gloves recommended!

Please note, due to a staff team building event, there will be no after school club on Thursday 15th December. Please collect children promptly (N, R, 1 & 2—3.15pm-3.30pm, years 3, 4, 5 & 6—3.30pm-3.45pm)

A reminder that we close for Christmas at 2pm on Friday 16th December. School buses will leave at 2pm.

01.12.22

On Friday, we had a visit from the police. They talked to the infant children about ‘stranger danger’ and to the older children about internet safety.

Thank you to those who brought in donations of children’s hats, scarves, gloves and coats to support the Bradford council initiative, they have been gratefully received.

Thank you too to all those who bought commemorative poppies and other items, £195.32 was raised for The Royal British Legion. Thank you to those who attended the PTA AGM on Monday.

If anyone is interested in taking on the role of Secretary for the PTA, then please contact Mrs Berry, the Chair.

The infant nativity performances on Wednesday were fantastic. The children sang and acted beautifully— well done everyone!

The dress rehearsal for the KS2 Pantomime ‘Once Upon a Time’ on Tuesday went very smoothly—all children rose to the occasion and are very excited about the performance tonight. We are all greatly looking forward to the main performance. A reminder that children in years 3,4,5 & 6 need to be at the Clarke Foley centre by 6.15pm to get changed. The Clarke Foley bar will be open from 6.15pm.

Please remember to bring cash for the PTA hamper raffle and Christmas quiz! As you will be aware, the PTA Christmas Fayre is taking place in school on Saturday 2-4pm. Baking for the café and any final donations for the tombola, class hampers or stalls can be brought into school tomorrow.

Next Thursday, we are having a Christmas jumper day for ‘Save the Children.’ See attached letter for how to donate to our ‘just giving’ page online or send your donation in with your child on Thursday. Christmas jumpers, socks or hats may be worn!

See attached details of our Christmas lunch taking place on Wednesday 14th December. If your child would like the Christmas lunch, please book via SchoolGrid.

24.11.22

Thank you to all those who brought and bought cakes on Friday to raise money for Children in Need Day, £57.16 was raised.

Thank you to those who have already brought in donations of children’s hats, scarves, gloves and coats to support the Bradford council initiative. Donations by the end of November would be appreciated so they can be passed on to those in most need. Thank you for your support.

A reminder that the PTA AGM is taking place on Monday 28th at 3.45pm in the school hall. All parents / carers welcome. To help with child care, after school club will be free that day until the end of the meeting.

The infant nativity (years R, 1 and 2) is taking place on Wednesday 30th November at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets are not needed as there is plenty of space for everyone. The PTA will be selling mince pies (feel free to bring your own warm drink), a Christmas quiz and there will be a raffle for a hamper, so please bring some cash. There will also be a collection for this year’s school charity, Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm.

The dress rehearsal for this years KS2 Pantomime ‘Once Upon a Time’, is taking place on Tuesday 29th November at 11.45am, with the main performance taking place on Thursday 1st December at 7pm in the evening. Tickets are being sent home today with the eldest child. (Dress rehearsal tickets are black & white, main performance tickets are in colour.) If you haven’t yet ordered your tickets please contact Mrs Bentley. Please note that the ticket allocation is per household, so split families can have an allocation per parent. Please remember to bring your tickets to the performances!

Thank you for all the donations that have already been received in school for the PTA Christmas Fayre on Saturday 3rd December. See attached a further copy of the flier with ways in which you can get involved.

For parents of children in nursery, click here to see information about the nasal flu vaccination for pre-school children. A reminder that the nasal flu vaccinations for children in years Reception to 6, whose parents have given permission, will take place in school on Wednesday 14th December.

17.11.22

Thank you to all those parents who were able to join us for Come & Play in nursery and reception, and Worksharing for years 1 and 2 last week. Worksharing for years 3, 4, 5 and 6 is tomorrow **new time, from 2.30pm. These events will be repeated in the summer term.

A reminder that tomorrow is Children in Need Day. To raise funds for this excellent charity, we will be holding cake/bake sales at break times. Please bring any home made or bought cakes, buns or tray bakes into school in the morning. All items will be sold for 20p each so children bring in your pocket money! PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN ANY ITEMS CONTAINING NUTS. Thank you.

A reminder that PE lessons continue to be outside when the weather is dry, so please send in clothes (eg sweatshirt & joggers) suitable for outdoor activity, including spare socks. Thank you

Thank you to those who have already brought in donations of children’s hats, scarves, gloves and coats to support the Bradford council initiative. Donations by the end of November would be appreciated so they can be passed onto those in most need. Thank you for your support.

Plans are coming together for the PTA Christmas Fayre. A reminder of the donations that have been requested for the fayre:

N & R—Baking for the café & white or silver items for the class hamper

Y 1 & 2—Baking for the cafe & brown or gold items for the class hamper

Y 3 & 4—Jars or small bags of sweets or items for the tombola & green items for the class hamper

Y 5 & 6—Jars or small bags of sweets or items for the tombola & red items for the class hamper

See attached another copy of the Christmas Fayre letter for other ways to help and get involved!

A reminder that if your child is going to be absent from school, please inform school with the reason before 9.30am and cancel any lunch on SchoolGrid before 8.55am.

Christmas Fayre Flyer

10.11.22

Thank you to all parents for your support and best wishes during our Ofsted inspection this week, I will share the official result with you when it is received.

Thank you to Mrs Brown who came into school on Monday to talk to the older children about the Green Belt. The children are now aware of the reasons why green belt land should be protected, balanced against the need for more housing in certain areas.

On Tuesday, all children in school took part in First Aid workshops. The younger children learnt about dialling 999 in a medical emergency and the older children learnt basic first aid skills including CPR.

As detailed in the letter sent out on Monday, tomorrow, parents of children in nursery and reception are invited to Come & Play 9-9.30am and parents of children in years 1 and 2 are invited to Work Sharing 2.30- 3pm. A further copy of the letter is attached.

Good luck to all those taking part in the cross country race on Saturday! Fingers crossed for good weather.

Friday 18th November is Children in Need Day. To raise funds for this excellent charity, we will be holding cake/bake sales at break times. Please bring any home made or bought cakes, buns or tray bakes into school in the morning. All items will be sold for 20p each so bring in your pocket money! PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN ANY ITEMS CONTAINING NUTS. Thank you.

Thank you to those who have already brought in donations of children’s hats, scarves, gloves and coats to support the Bradford council initiative. Donations by the end of November would be appreciated so they can be passed onto those in most need. Thank you for your support.

Letters have been sent home today (via email and paper) for the parents of children in years 3,4,5 and 6 about the KS2 Pantomime. There are also letters for the parents of children in years Reception, year 1 and 2 about the infant nativity and a trip to watch the KS2 Pantomime dress rehearsal in Ilkley.

New dates for your diaries:

The postponed nasal flu vaccinations will now take place on Wednesday 14th December.

As announced in the press, there will now be an additional bank holiday on Monday 8th May.

03.11.22

On the Friday before half term, the children in year 6 visited an event at Ilkley Literature Festival. The children listened to an inspiring talk by author Sharna Jackson about writing her new book ‘The Good Turn’ and then took part in a question and answer session. The children were very well behaved as usual—well done children!

Today, year 6 visited Harlow Carr for a Healthy Schools workshop. They learnt about healthy eating, healthy food choices, ideas on how to reduce food waste and how to ‘grow your own’ fruit and vegetables. They also made their own ‘pot noodle’ and planted seeds. The children will cascade this information to the other children in school through their ‘family groups.’

Our special bonfire lunch took place today, which was greatly enjoyed by the children.

The next special meal is the Christmas lunch on Wednesday 14th December, book now on SchoolGrid!

Royal British Legion Poppies and other commemorative items are now on sale. Suggested donations: traditional poppies 50p; zip pull £1; poppy reflector £1; silicon wristband £1; snap band £1.50.

Next Friday (11th November), sees the return of our Work-sharing for years 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 / Come & Play for nursery & reception days, more information out next week.

See attached information for the next cross country race taking place on Saturday 12th November. If your child would like to take part, please inform Mrs Bentley by Wednesday 9th November.

See below for a summary of clubs that are taking place this half term.

It would be great to see more children from years 3, 4, 5 and 6 attending the (free) choir club on Mondays (after school until 4.30pm). We are hoping that our ‘choir’ will be able to go out and sing to the older members of our local community before Christmas.

Please can you help us support an initiative led by Bradford council and the police who work with some of the most deprived families in Bradford? They are asking for donations of children’s hats, scarves, gloves and coats. Please bring any items (new or second hand in good clean condition) to the school office any time and they will be passed on. Thank you for your support.

Clubs Autumn 2

Cross country information for Saturday 12th November 2022

PTA newsletter

Christmas Fayre poster

20.10.22

***A reminder to book a nasal flu vaccination for your child by 1st November, see attached information.

Well done to all the children who took part in the cross country race on Saturday! Particularly to those who were running for the first time. The next race is Saturday 12th November, details to follow.

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the Harvest assemblies on Tuesday, and thank you for your generous donations for the Otley Food Bank. Thank you also for the donations towards this year’s school charity, Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm, £75.18 was collected.

Many thanks to the PTA for organising the very popular Halloween disco last Friday, a tremendous £650 was raised! See below information about the next PTA event—Christmas Fayre—Saturday 3rd December.

A reminder to ensure you have booked school lunches for your children, if required, for after half term. The bonfire lunch on Thursday 3rd November and the Christmas lunch on Wednesday 14th December are also now available to book on SchoolGrid. If you don’t yet have a SchoolGrid account, but your child would like to join in with these special lunches, then please contact Mrs Bentley who will help you set up an account.

A reminder to all parents to please name all items of uniform and PE kit to help lost items find there way back to you! Please see attached the Extra Curricula newsletter for this half term and clubs for next half term.

A reminder that we close tomorrow for half term and re-open on Monday 31st October.

PTA CHRISTMAS FAYRE - SAVE THE DATE!! - SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2-4pm

The Christmas fayre is taking place at school on Saturday 3rd December 2-4pm. Pop the date in your diary to enjoy a festive afternoon, meet Santa and get your Christmas tree. If you are interested in having a stall at the event or would like to contribute a prize to the raffle, we’d love to hear from you. It’s a great opportunity to promote your business to everyone that comes to the event. Please contact emmadunnett1@gmail.com to discuss. Donations requested! - We are looking for donations for a Toy Stall and a Christmas Jumper Sale. If you have pre-loved toys (that are clean and in good working order) or old Christ mas jumpers to donate, please bring them to school.

Further details about the Christmas Fayre after half term.

13.10.22

Please can all those who use the village hall car park be reminded that, in order to maximise its usage, we recommend that cars are parked without gaps, see attached sketch. If you do use the car park, please accept that you may have to wait for others to go before you can leave. If you need to leave quickly, please consider parking elsewhere. Please also remind any grandparents, family or friends who use the car park. Please also note that breakfast club opens at 8am but that the school does not open until 8.30am, so please do not arrive too early. Please click here to see a map of where to park. 

***A reminder to book a nasal flu vaccination for your child: www.hdftsais.co.uk/Forms/Flu

school code: HD142189                deadline to give permission: 1st Nov

On Wednesday, we had a visit from Powerdown Pete from the North Yorkshire County Council Energy and Sustainability Team, who talked to all the children about recycling, conserving energy, and other environmental issues.

A huge thank you to Mrs Wilson who shared her forensic science expertise with the year 3,4,5 and 6 children this week. The children were thoroughly engrossed and particularly enjoyed the hands-on experiences. Photographs will be on the website soon.

As listed in the ‘Dates for your Diary,’ the harvest assemblies are taking place on Tuesday in the school hall.

Years R, 1 and 2 at 9.30am and years 3, 4, 5 and 6 at 2.30pm. (Please note, nursery children will not be performing in the harvest assembly.) Donations to Otley Food Bank can be left in the box at the beginning or end of the school day, or brought to the Harvest Assemblies, thank you.

A reminder to please check, amend and complete the contact details information that was sent out recently in a brown envelope. Please return even if all of the information is correct, thank you.

On Thursday 3rd November, we will be having a special bonfire lunch, this is available to book through SchoolGrid, menu attached. If your child would like to join in the bonfire lunch but you don’t have a SchoolGrid account, please contact Mrs Bentley in the office who will be able to help you set up an account.

Please click here to see Dates for Diary for next half term including the infant nativity and the KS2 Pantomime. Good luck to all those taking place in the cross country on Saturday!

A reminder that we close on Friday 21st October for half term and re-open on Monday 31st October.

06.10.22

***A reminder that if you wish your child to have the nasal flu vaccination, that permission needs to be given via the online website, the log in issues have now been resolved:

www.hdftsais.co.uk/Forms/Flu                     school code: HD142189          deadline to give permission: 1st Nov

Following the survey about the future format of parents’ evening, the majority of parents opted for ‘on line appointments’ or ‘didn’t mind’, so we will continue with the zoom appointments. Information of how to book will be sent out next week.

We are bringing back the ‘worksharing’ events, where parents are invited into school to look at their child’s books, the first will take place on Friday 11th November, further information to follow.

Please send any final order forms for Tempest individual photographs into school tomorrow, or place your order on line over the weekend. Thank you

Last Friday the children in nursery, reception, years 1 and 2, enjoyed an online session with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. They shared their new book, “The Baddies” and sang songs together.

Well done to those children who took part in Saturday’s cross country, A particular well done to Evie, Jacob and Olive who received a certificate for their performances in their age groups. The next race is on Saturday 15th October at Ashlands Primary School, see attached. Please give the names of children wanting to take part to Mrs Bentley by Wednesday 12th October.

Thank you to those who joined us for the online curriculum evening on English Writing on Tuesday. For those that weren’t able to join in, a recording of the presentation can be found on the Parental Support page of the school website.

Today for National Poetry Day, we had a visit from a poet. The children sang songs, explored poetry using props and completed poems.

A copy of the contact details we hold for each child have now been sent home with the youngest sibling in years 1 to 6. Please check, amend and complete the requested information and return to school next week. We assume the emergency contacts for children in the same family are the same unless told otherwise.

Please can parents check that if their child has school lunches, that they have booked a lunch for them on SchoolGrid. The bookings on SchoolGrid are used by the kitchen to cook the correct number of lunches to minimise food wastage. Bookings can be made all the way up to Christmas.

Please see below, attachments sent out with this week's newsletter:

Ashlands Primary School Cross Country - details

Ashlands Primary School Cross Country - map

The Playstation - October Holiday Club flyer

PTA Halloween flyer 

23.09.22

This week we celebrated European Languages Day. Each class was given the opportunity to spend time with Alex, the trainee teacher from Switzerland. He talked to them about the different languages in Switzerland and taught them various words and phrases in German.

This week, some parents of children in years 1 and 2 joined us for a Phonics and Reading lesson, to see first hand how we teach these important skills in school. We hope the parents found this useful and are now better able to support their child at home.

A letter, inviting your views on the future format of parents evenings, was emailed out earlier this week. A paper copy is going home today. Thank you to those who have already responded.

Order forms for parents to order the Tempest photographs taken last week have been sent home. Photographs can be ordered either online or by completing and returning the paper form. The deadline for either order method is Thursday 6th October.

Tomorrow, children in years Reception, 1 and 2 will be having an online session with Julia Donaldson (author of the Gruffalo and many other books). We are greatly looking forward to this event!

The postponed online curriculum evening for all parents on English Writing will now take place on Tuesday 4th October at 6.30pm. A reminder of the zoom codes: meeting ID 772 417 9931, passcode Taa2s0.

For National Poetry Day on Thursday 6th October, we are having a visit from a poet who will read poems with the children and help them to create their own poems.

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, parents of all children in years R to 6 are now able to give permission for the nasal flu vaccinations that will be taking place in school on 9th November. **We have been advised of an error on the online permission site for the flu vaccinations, updated information to follow**.

Good luck to all those taking part in the cross country race on Saturday! Thank you to Mrs Brown and Mrs Akers who are helping with race days again this year.

22.09.22

Thank you to all those who joined us for the online Phonics Information Evenings. For those parents of children in years Reception to year 3 who were not able to join the event, a recording of the presentation will be put onto the school website for you to view at your leisure.

Tomorrow morning, Tempest photography will be in school to take individual class photographs of all children in years nursery to 6. Nursery children who are not usually in school on Fridays are welcome to have a photograph at 8.30am prompt. Parents please stay to take your child home after the photograph.

In a slight change to the published date, we will now be celebrating European Languages Day on Monday 26th September. Children should come to school in uniform as usual and look forward to expanding their knowledge of French and German!

This week we have welcomed a student from Switzerland. Alex Goetzl, who is bilingual, will be helping us all with our German and talking to the children about Switzerland.

Next Tuesday, 27th September, there will be an online curriculum evening for all parents at 6.30pm on the subject of English Writing. This is highly recommended for all parents as early writing is an important part of the presentation. Zoom codes: meeting ID 772 417 9931, passcode Taa2s0.

Over the next two weeks, parents of children in years Reception, 1 and 2 will be invited to come into school to watch phonics and reading lessons. Letters are being sent home today to enable parents to book on to these events.

The weather is now more autumnal but our PE lessons on Mondays and Thursdays will continue to be outside unless it is raining. Please include clothes suitable for outdoor PE in your child’s PE kit. School hoodies & jog bottoms are available from Sue Knowles (see attached) but any similar items from home are acceptable.

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, parents of all children in years R to 6 are now able to give permission for the nasal flu vaccinations that will be taking place in school on 9th November. To give permission, please go to www.hdftsais.co.uk/Forms/Flu and use the school code HD142189. 

15.09.22

A reminder about the online Phonics Information Evening taking place this evening at 7pm for parents of children in year Reception to year 3. This session will be repeated on Tuesday 20th September at 7pm, parents only need to attend one session. Please use zoom codes: meeting ID 725 582 1141, passcode jrk1Z5. If you cannot join us for either of these zooms, a recording of the presentation will be put onto the school website for you to view at your leisure.

As detailed in ‘Dates for your Diary’ sent out last week, there will be a curriculum evening for all parents on Tuesday 27th September at 6.30pm, details to follow.

A reminder that after schools clubs have now started! In addition to the regular after school crafts & puzzles (Mon-Thur), we have sport for all children: Monday: gymnastics & Thursday: football, drama on Tuesdays (years 3,4,5 & 6), gardening on Wednesdays (years R,1 & 2) and ukulele (years 3,4,5 & 6). Other clubs are taking place during the school day. See further copy of the clubs list attached. Clubs are a great way to make new friends and try out new activities.

Letters about the annual nasal flu vaccination, available to all children in years Reception to year 6, taking place in school on Wednesday 9th November have been emailed home. To give permission, please go to www.hdftsais.co.uk/Forms/Flu and use the school code HD142189.

SchoolGrid is now working very well in school. A reminder to parents to please ensure they have booked a lunch (before 8.55am) or send in a packed lunch every day. Lunches can be pre-ordered all the way up to the end of term. If your child will not be in school at lunch time, e.g. due to illness or an appointment, please remember to cancel any pre-ordered lunches before 8.55am. If you have not yet used SchoolGrid and would like some help, please contact Mrs Bentley in the office.

A reminder to year 6 parents that it is now possible to make your online applications for a secondary school place, please refer to your home county council website for further information. The deadline for applications is 31st October.

08.09.22

Welcome back! I hope you all had an enjoyable summer break.

A special welcome to the new families we have welcomed to Askwith Primary School this week.

Welcome also to our two new teaching assistants, Mrs Pullan and Miss Wilson and our new graduate trainee teacher Miss Bailey.

A reminder of the drop off and pick up times.

For those that have children in both groups, please drop off and pick up at the time of the eldest child. Please do not arrive early and wait, as this causes problems with the parking. Please pass this information to any family members who may also do the school run, thank you.

Thank you for your support in implementing the new SchoolGrid system for ordering and paying for lunches. If any parent does not yet have an account or needs help with SchoolGrid, please ask Mrs Bentley in the office. A reminder that children in years Reception, years 1 and 2 receive Universal Free School Meals, but parents with children in the other years (nursery, 3, 4, 5 & 6) should either set up a direct debit on SchoolGrid (recommended) or must ensure the account stays in credit.

Parent Pay is still being used for breakfast club, after school clubs, class trips, swimming and extra nursery sessions.

A further copy of the menu is attached. There will be a special lunch for bonfire night and Christmas, details will be sent out nearer the time.

Please see attached ‘Dates for your Diary’ for this half term including online Parents’ Evening dates for all children in years Nursery to 6 and Harvest assemblies. Also attached are the ‘Term Dates’ for this year and 2023-2024; parents are reminded not to book holidays during term time.

Finally, please see attached ‘Autumn Term 1 Clubs’; clubs are a great way for children to socialise outside of the classroom and discover new activities. Children are invited to try the clubs, attendance every week is not required.

A reminder that all children in years Reception to year 6 need a named water bottle and their PE kits in school every day.

21.07.22

How lovely, after 2 years of lockdowns and bubbles, that we were able to enjoy our traditional end of term celebrations. On Monday, children from years 3, 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed the Leavers’ disco kindly organised by the PTA. On Tuesday, year 6 had their mystery trip. This afternoon, the years 6’s have performed for their parents in the Leavers’ Assembly and then enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Paraschiv for providing the gorgeous food!

Tomorrow, we will finally say goodbye to the children in year 6 as they pass through the Leavers’ Arch at 1.30pm. We wish year 6 every success for the future as they move on ready to embrace KS3. Many thanks to all parents for their continued support throughout this year, it is much appreciated by all staff.

Thank you also to the PTA for their hard work in organising activities to raise funds for school this year.

A special thank you to all of our children who have shown incredible resilience this year.

Click here to see the Extra Curricula Newsletter for this half term. Details of clubs and events for next term will be sent out in September.

Parents of years 5 and 6, please note that the first swimming lesson will be Monday 12th September; all children will need a swimming costume and a towel.

The links to activate your SchoolGrid account were sent via email yesterday at 2pm. Thank you to all those who have already created SchoolGrid accounts. For those that didn't get chance, more links will be sent out towards the end of August. See attached the menu for next term, which is available to view and choose from on SchoolGrid when you have set up your account.

A reminder to please clear all outstanding balances on Parent Pay by 10th August latest. Many thanks for your co-operation whilst we change systems.

‘Askwith’s Got Talent’ takes place tomorrow, 20p to enter or 20p to watch. All children welcome.

Tomorrow, all children may come to school in home clothes and bring a small toy or game that does not make excessive noise. No valuable items, phones or ipads please. School closes at 2pm for all children.

**Parents of Y6, please be in the playground ready for the traditional Y6 Leavers arch’ starting at 1.30pm.

I hope you all have a lovely summer break! We return on Tuesday 6th September with breakfast club at 8am.

Please click below to view flyers for local summer clubs:

Drama club (with Susan Hughes) 

Karate 

Otley cycling

Pots2Go

14.07.22

The school walk and PTA barbeque on Friday was a huge success! It was lovely to see so many families take part and then enjoy their food in such lovely weather. A special thank you to the PTA for all their hard work in organising this event.

I hope you have all had time to read the letter about ‘SchoolGrid’ that was sent out on Monday. Please ensure, if you pay for your child’s school lunches, that you set up an account and either make a payment or set up a direct debit before the first day of term in September. All SchoolGrid accounts must be kept in credit. Any changes to school lunches / packed lunches in September will be done through SchoolGrid, and must be done before 8.55am on the day, not through the school office. If you have any questions about this new system, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk or phone Mrs Bentley on 01943 462896.

On Tuesday, all children took part in a Dance Workshop celebrating African and Indian cultures. All the children learned traditional dance sequences and performed to one another at the end of the day. This week, the year 6 children have been on transition days to their chosen secondary schools. Today, the remainder of the children in school have had a ‘moving up’ day. This provided those moving classes the opportunity to get to know their new teacher and their new classroom ready for next year.

In preparation for the end of the year, please can all library books and text books be returned to school by Monday at the latest. Please also return any class representative or other badges.

PE kits will be sent home on Thursday.

Swimming lessons for children in years 3,4,5 and 6 will take place in the autumn term. Lessons for years 5 and 6 will commence in September and lessons for years 3 and 4 will take place after October half term.

A few reminders for next week:

Mon 18th July—Leavers’ disco for years 3,4,5 & 6, 6-8pm, Village Hall. Tickets must be paid for in advance.

Tue 19th July—Y6 Mystery trip!

Thur 21st July—Y6 Leavers’ assembly and afternoon tea for Y6 parents, 1.30pm on the school field (weather permitting)

Fri 22nd July—All children may come to school in home clothes and bring a small toy or game that does not make excessive noise. No valuable items, phones or ipads please. School closes at 2pm for all children.

**Parents of Y6, please be in the playground ready for the traditional Y6 ‘Leavers’ arch’ starting at 1.30pm.

07.07.22

The KS2 SATS results were released on Tuesday. We are delighted to say that our children performed incredibly well—they achieved at least Expected Standard in all subjects (reading, writing, grammar and maths.) A fantastic effort! Well done to all our year 6 pupils!

Last week we held interviews for teaching assistant vacancies in school and are pleased to announce that, subject to DBS checks, two new teaching assistants will be joining us in September.

Details of other staff:

Nursery & Reception—Mrs Mort

Years 1 & 2—Mrs Timiney

Years 3 & 4—Miss Fox

Years 5 & 6—Mrs Longford and Mrs Nayler

Existing teaching assistants Mrs Burgess, Mrs Cattlin, Mrs Dockar, Mrs Muttick, Mrs Sido, Mrs Thompson and Mrs Yorke will continue to help across the school. We will also be joined in September by a graduate SCITT student who will mostly be based in Year 1/2.

We are sad to announce that on Friday, Miss Webster will be moving to a new role in a secondary school and at the end of the school year, Miss Johnson will be moving to a role nearer to home. We wish them both well for the future and thank them for their contributions to Askwith Primary School.

I am greatly looking forward to the school walk and PTA barbeque tomorrow. A reminder that the long walk departs at 2.15pm and the short walk departs at 3pm. All children can come to school in home clothes tomorrow. Children who are walking should come to school in clothes and shoes suitable for the walk. The forecast is for a warm, sunny day so please ensure your child has a water bottle, sun cream and sun hat in school and that you bring water for yourself if walking. There will be a ‘water stop’ at a half way point of the walks to refill water bottles / have a drink. Please do not gather more than 10 minutes before the time of your walk. Dogs on leads are welcome on the walk but must not be brought into the playground. Please park with consideration for the local residents. School will close at 3pm so if your child is not walking, please collect promptly. School buses will depart at 3pm. After the walk, unaccompanied children will return to school, please collect your child and take them over to the field behind the village hall if attending the PTA barbeque. All school bags, coats etc will have been left safely in the infant playground so there will be no need for children to go back into the school buildings after the walk. Please remember to bring cash to buy ice cream and drinks if going to the barbeque. Feel free to bring a picnic blanket if you wish.

Click here to see a reminder of the school uniform requirements and an order form if needed for next year.

Click here to see the flyer for the Leavers' Disco (for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6).

30.06.22

The Sports Day this morning went very well. Fortunately, the rain stayed off. Thank you to all parents who were able to attend. A special ‘well done’ to all pupils who really tried their best.

Yesterday, the Early Years and KS1 creativity exhibition was a huge success. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed producing their art work. It was lovely to hear so many positive comments from parents. Thank you. A ‘virtual tour’ of this creativity exhibition and last week’s KS2 art exhibition are on the school website.

This week, children in years Reception to 6 have each been given a book entitled ‘Queen Elizabeth—A Platinum Jubilee Celebration.’ The books, provided by the Department for Education, are being given to every primary school child in the country to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A reminder to current nursery parents about the meeting for next year’s Reception intake at 9.30am on Tuesday 5th July in the school hall.

A reminder to please return the form about the school walk taking place on Friday 8th July ASAP. Children in nursery need to walk with an adult member of their family; children in reception, years 1 & 2 need a nominated adult; children in years 3,4,5 and 6 can walk with school staff. The long walk departs at 2.15pm, the short walk departs at 3pm. Please gather in the playground no more than 10 mins before the start of your chosen walk. Whilst dogs on leads are welcome on the walk, they must not be brought into the playground. The information about the PTA barbeque was sent out yesterday, please return the slip to place orders for food by Monday 3rd July latest.

The PTA have organised a Bags2School collection for Friday 8th July, bags are being sent home today.

The PTA Leavers’ disco, for years 3,4,5 and 6, is taking place on Monday 18th July. Click here to see the flyer containing details and how to pay.

The process for any parents to apply for Free School Meals for their child has changed. Applications can now be made online, click here to see the poster explaining how. Alternatively, the paper form can be completed, click here for a copy of the paper form if preferred, copies also available from the school office. Parents of children in year 2, please note that school lunches in year 3 must be paid for, £2.50 per meal.

There will be a bookmark sale held next Friday for all pupils. This is being organised by children in class 4. More details to follow.

23.06.22

The year 6 residential was a great success! The children took part in abseiling, canoeing, raft building and orienteering! The children all coped very well with being away from home and their exemplary behaviour was commented upon by the centre staff. Well done children!

Many thanks to all those children and parents who joined in the Otley Carnival Parade on Saturday. It was lovely to see so many children (and parents) dressed as the seasons. Follow the link to see the Yorkshire Evening Post article featuring our school! https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/19-of-the-best-photos-from-otley-carnival-2022-3737043 

The KS2 art exhibition was, once again, to a very high standard. I hope those, who came to view, enjoyed seeing the variety of art styles and media the children have used over the course of the year. Well done children!

We look forward to the EYFS and KS1 Creativity Exhibition next Wednesday at 3pm.

Today, we have held a 'Come and Share’ day with some parents kindly coming into school to talk about their careers. This is part of an ongoing programme of events to broaden the children's future job aspirations.

Sports day is planned for Thursday 30th June at 9.30am. All children from nursery to year 6 will be taking part. All parents / carers / grandparents are welcome to watch, but please park with consideration for the local residents. Unfortunately, the weather next week looks a little unpredictable, so a text will be sent out by 7.30am on Thursday to confirm if the sports day is going ahead. If not, we will try again on Friday 1st July.

Please click here to see the letter about the school walk taking place on Friday 8th July. A paper copy is also going home today. As all staff will be on the walk, school will be closing early at 3pm. A response is please needed from every family to either opt in or out of the walk and confirm home time arrangements. Details of the PTA barbeque, which will follow the walk, will be sent home next week.

A wide range of extra curricula activities are taking place this half term, click here to see the extra curricula newsletter from last half term.

I’m sure you have all seen the ‘20’s Plenty’ banner which is now on the school railings. The current speed limit on Askwith Lane is 60mph, reducing to 30mph just outside the school. ‘20’s Plenty for Us’ calls for a 20mph speed limit to be adopted throughout the whole village, making our roads safer for our children to walk or travel to school and also for the whole community.

Please click on the links below to see information about the following clubs (out of school): 

Girls' Football with Otley Town AFC

Under 12 Girls' Footbal with Pool AFC

Otley All Stars Cricket

16.06.22

The children greatly enjoyed our Jubilee celebration day last week. They enjoyed eating the cakes at break times and whole class Jubilee themed art. The art will be displayed as part of the art exhibitions at the end of the month. The children were given a Platinum Jubilee souvenir mug, kindly organised by the PTA and a bookmark purchased by school. Thank you to all those who bought or brought in cakes. There are some cake tins in the office, please collect asap.

Last Wednesday, Years 3 and 4 visited Eureka! The children participated in The Energy Show workshop which developed their understanding of sound, light, electricity and forces. They really enjoyed exploring different parts of the museum and their behaviour was exemplary. Well done children!

On Friday, children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 visited Leeds Art Gallery and Kirkstall Abbey. The children were art detectives searching the art gallery for colour, shape and pattern. They also created a giant piece of art work which will be unveiled at the Early Years and KS1 creativity exhibition on Wednesday 29th June at 3pm. At the end of the day, the children had a picnic at Kirkstall Abbey and enjoyed the outdoor space and nature.

On Wednesday, the year 6 children set off for their residential trip to Northumberland. They have so far enjoyed abseiling, canoeing, orienteering and raft building! There will be a full report in next week’s newsletter.

The Otley Carnival Parade is on Saturday! We are greatly looking forward to taking part. Our theme is ‘The Seasons’ and we ask that the children come dressed in the following colours:

Class 1—nursery & reception—SPRING—Pale spring colours

Class 2—years 1 & 2—SUMMER—Bright bold colours

Class 3—years 3 & 4—AUTUMN—Autumnal colours

Class 4—years 5 & 6—WINTER—Winter colours

See attached details of when and where to meet, the route and information we have received from the organisers of the carnival. The PTA have purchased identity bracelets for all the children (for phone numbers to be written on) and these will be handed out on the day. Fingers crossed the good weather continues!

Forms to enable you to order a Tempest class photograph were sent home last week. Orders can be placed on line or by returning the form and payment to the school office. All orders should please be placed / forms returned by Monday 20th June at the latest.

The KS2 Art Exhibition will take place in the school hall on Wednesday 22nd June from 3pm. Parents / carers are invited to look at the art the children have completed this year. All parents welcome.

For those interested in the ‘Come and Share Day’ on Thursday 23rd June, please see attached a form to complete to give an indication of your field of expertise, just so that we can avoid duplications!

Children in years Reception, 1 and 2 have now started their tennis lessons with a specialist tennis coach. These lessons will take place every Tuesday morning until the end of term.

Please see attached a further copy of the clubs for this half term. The sports clubs are now cricket on a Monday and Tri-golf on a Thursday. Drama continues on a Tuesday for years 3,4,5 and 6 but is expanded to cover musical theatre! Children in years R, 1 and 2 have a new drama club on Mondays after school.

Please click here to view the Extra Curricula Newsletter for Summer 1.

The vacancy for the post of teaching assistant is now available to view on the school website. The closing date is Wednesday 22nd June.

A reminder of other dates for your diary:

Sports Day—Thursday 30th June at 9.30am (Friday 1st July of weather is bad on 30th June)

New Reception parent meeting—Tuesday 5th July at 9.30am

Whole school walk and PTA barbeque—Friday 8th July

PTA disco for years 3,4,5 & 6—Monday 18th July 6-8pm

Year 6 mystery trip—Tuesday 19th July

Year 6 Leaver’s assembly—Thursday 21st July 1.30pm

School closes for summer—Friday 22nd July at 2pm

26.05.22

Tempest photographers were in school on Tuesday to take the class photographs. The information to enable you to order a photograph will be available after half term.

Thank you to all those who have already returned their form to indicate their involvement in the Otley Carnival Parade. Please can others return their forms after half term. Spare letters available from the office. To answer a ‘frequently asked question’: if you have more than 1 child, as long as 1 parent is present in the parade that is sufficient.

Please click here to see a flyer advertising the ‘Royal Knees-up’ at Askwith Village Hall on Friday 3rd June.

We will be having our Platinum Jubilee celebration in school on Thursday 9th June. Children are invited to come into school wearing red, white or blue or pretty dresses. At break times, on the 9th, we will be having a cake sale, we look forward to seeing Jubilee themed cakes! Any left over will be sold at the end of the day. Funds raised will go to the PTA. We will also be having a special lunch, click here to see the menu. 

Some of the lunchtime and after school clubs are changing after half term. Click here to see an overview of our Summer Clubs.

Please see the updated ‘Dates for your Diary’.

During the first week after half term, the children in years 3 and 4 are visiting Eureka and the children in Reception, Years 1, 2 are taking part in a workshop at Leeds Art Gallery. If parents of these children are able to make the suggested contribution, please do so before the date of your child’s trip. Contributions can be made via Parent Pay, cash, or cheque payable to Askwith Primary School.

The ‘Come and Share Day’ will now take place on Thursday 23rd June. As part of the PSHE curriculum, we are expanding the children’s aspirations about future jobs and careers. If any parent / carer / grandparent would like to come and talk to the children about what they do, please get in touch via askwith@ycatschools.co.uk, and we will then put a timetable together. Just a summary of what you do, how you got into that line of work and why you enjoy it would be great and very beneficial for the children to hear.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in working as a teaching assistant at Askwith Primary School, please see the website (under Home / Vacancies) for details of posts available for next year. The posts are also being advertised on the North Yorkshire County Council website.

A reminder that we return after half term on Tuesday 7th June. Happy extended bank holiday everyone!!

Early Talk Boost

Your child is involved in Early Talk Boost sessions. As a supplement to these sessions, your child will be sent home with the book that they are reading and discussing in school. These will also stay in your child’s book bag and will be changed when appropriate.

Please visit www.earlytalkboost.org.uk to view the presentations on how to support your child when reading the books together.

19.05.22

All children have enjoyed a very creative International Arts Week! Children in Reception and Nursery have been exploring African cultures. They found Africa on a world map and discussed the differences between a country and a continent. They were inspired by the photographer Thandiwe Muriu and created their own camouflage collages. The children also made their own Maasai necklaces using primary colours and pasta threading. Class 2 have been learning all about the culture of Japan. They have created artwork inspired by the work of Yayoi Kusama and the traditional Japanese blossom trees. They have enjoyed listening to calming Japanese music whilst creating their traditional art including a recycled piece based on The Great Wave by Kanagawa by Hokusai. The children in class 3 have looked at the artist Jane Ash Poitras who created artwork related to the Cree tribes of North America. They have created paintings and their own totum pole sculptures. Class 4 children have spent the week exploring Mexican culture. They have looked at the work of Frida Kohlo and been inspired by her resilience and robustness. The children have been able to make links to our work in PSHE about manipulating images and have looked at the ways Frida Kahlo empowered women through her work.

On Tuesday, the children in year 5 went to Nell Bank for a team building workshop. The children took part in a variety of team building activities including orienteering and finished with a fun water based activity.

On Wednesday, some children, who have been attending the after school drama club, took part in the Wharfedale Performing Arts Festival in the ‘Choral Speaking’ category and won!!! Congratulations to the children who took part. We will certainly be entering next year to see if we can retain the cup!

The class photographs will be taken on Tuesday morning by Tempest. All children should please wear their usual smart school uniform. If nursery children, not usually in on a Tuesday morning, would like to be in the nursery class photograph, then they can be brought into school for 8.45am prompt for the photograph. Parents should please wait in their cars and will be contacted when the photograph is complete to collect their child.

Please click here to see the letter about taking part in the Otley Carnival Parade, I hope many of you will be able to join us on the day.

Please can all children have their PE kits and a water bottle with them in school every day this term.

As part of our wider curriculum, we regularly talk to the children about healthy eating habits. Leaflets, provided by NYCC, are being sent home today with tips and ideas for healthy packed lunches.

12.05.22

The year 6 children have now completed their SATS! They have worked incredibly hard—well done children! The children in year 6 will now finish other areas of the curriculum to ensure they are fully prepared for moving to secondary school.

In addition, they have the residential, sports day, the mystery trip and the leavers’ assembly all to look forward to! Many thanks to Mrs Richards, a year 6 parent, for organising the year 6 leavers’ hoodies, which the children are now proudly wearing.

Art competition success!! We are pleased to share the news that we have had great success in this year’s Otley Carnival Poster Competition! Daisy from class 3 was the overall winner and her artwork will be published on the front cover of the carnival programme. Florence from class 4 won her age group and her artwork will be on the back of the programme along with Ella class 4, Elena class 4 and Joey class 1, whose art work also impressed the judges.

Next week is ‘Arts Week’! Children in all classes will be taking part in a range of exciting art workshops to explore cultural diversity. They will be working with a range of media to create 2D and 3D pieces. Photographs of the completed art work will be put on the website and will be on show at the art exhibitions on 22nd June (KS2) and 29th June (Early Years and KS1).

As previously advertised, on Thursday 9th June, we will be having a celebration day for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As part of the day, we will be having a special lunch. See attached for details. If your child does not usually have a school lunch on Thursdays but would like to join in, then please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk

With the weather forecast next week due to be sunny, please can children in nursery, reception, years 1 and 2 bring in a named bottle of sun cream to school which will be kept in school until the end of term. These children will be helped to top up their sun cream on sunny days. In addition, all children need a named water bottle. Sun hats also recommended for sunny days. Children in years 3,4,5 and 6 can also bring in sun cream to apply themselves at break times when sunny. Any sandal type shoes must fasten, strictly no flip flops please.

We have a limited number of places remaining in the nursery for next year. If you have any friends or family with a child who will be 3 before September, and may be interested in a place, please ask them to get in touch with Mrs Bentley via phone or email.

See attached the next in our series of keeping safe on line leaflets: ‘Setting up new devices’

05.05.22

Coronavirus update—You will be aware that the rules around testing and isolation have changed and there is no longer a need to do COVID tests. If your child has a high temperature or is not well enough to attend school, then they should remain at home. When your child’s temperature returns to normal or feels well enough to attend school, then they should return. If a COVID test has been done, then children are recommended to isolate for just 3 days, day 1 being the date of the test.

Thankyou to those who joined the zoom on Thursday evening about how we encourage your child’s personal development. Please see attached a summary of the information that was discussed during the meeting. Full information is available on the school website under Training & Support / Parental Support / Pupil Personal Development.

A reminder to year 6 parents that the ‘drop in zoom event’ to ask any questions about next week’s SATS is 6.30pm-7pm this evening with Mrs Nayler. Meeting id: 970 805 4068, passcode: f9wSgt As is traditional at Askwith, the year 6 children will enjoy a breakfast of pastries and fresh juice before the SATS tests each morning next week. The children have worked hard to prepare for these tests and we are confident they will do their best.

A reminder that children in years nursery, reception, years 1 and 2 should arrive between 8.30 and 8.45am and can be collected between 3.15 and 3.30pm. Children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 should arrive between 8.45 and 9.00am and can be collected between 3.30 and 3.45pm. The staggered starts and finishes are to maximise use of local parking and the times have been calculated to ensure children receive their full teaching time. If you have children in both groups please arrive at the earlier time and collect at the later time.

We are now starting to plan the nursery for next year. If you have a younger child who you have not yet registered for a nursery place, please do so before the end of next week as places are limited.

Please see attached a letter about prices for chargeable items from September 2022.

We often talk to the children about keeping safe on line, see attached this week’s leaflet about ‘snapchat’.

28.04.22

Coronavirus update—You will be aware that the rules around testing and isolation have changed. If a child has
tested positive, the advice is that they should now isolate for just 3 days (5 days for those over 18) after the
day the test was taken. After that, if the child does not have a high temperature (38 deg and above), then
they can return to school. If a child has symptoms including runny nose, sore throat or mild cough but are well
enough to attend school, then they should come to school. Children with a high temperature should stay at
home until their temperature returns to normal and feel well enough to come to school. Click here to see information about how to book a COVID-19 vaccination for your 5-11 year old child.

The Queen’s Green Canopy update—Further to the Askwith tree planting day last term, we are now on the
online ‘Queens Green Canopy Map’! https://queensgreencanopy.org/map-education-hub/qgc-map/#/?id=8683 

The first session of the new Ukulele club on Wednesday after school was a great success! If your child in
years 3,4,5 & 6 would like to take part, please book by emailing askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

Today, the children in Reception went on a very enjoyable class trip to Harlow Carr. They learnt about the
different parts of plants and planted seeds and then had time to play on the new playground. The excellent
behaviour of the children was commented on by the staff at Harlow Carr. Well done children!

A reminder about the zoom presentation for parents taking place this evening at 6pm about 'How we encourage
your child’s personal development'. All parents and carers welcome.
Meeting id: 970 805 4068 passcode: f9wSgt

We often talk to the children about keeping safe online, click here to see this week’s leaflet about ‘Tik Tok.’

Click here to see attached a further copy of ‘Dates for your Diary’ for this term including class trips for all
children. Year 6 parents please note the date of the Leavers’ Assembly—Thursday 21st July at 1.30pm.

Please click here to see a further copy of the clubs taking place in the summer term.

A reminder that school will be closed on Monday for the bank holiday. School will be open on Tuesday as usual.

Latest News: Spring Term

07.04.22

Coronavirus update—We currently do not have any cases in school.

As part of our connections with the local community, the phone box in the village has once again been decorated with art work produced by children in nursery and reception, on this occasion with a spring theme.

On Tuesday morning, we had a visit from a local vicar. He talked to the children about why Easter is important to Christians and taught them some traditional songs.

There were some tremendous entries for this year’s Design Technology Challenge. Many thanks to ’an Askwith resident’ for judging the entries. Well done to all the children who entered!

On Wednesday afternoon, thanks to Mrs Wilson from the Buttercross Bells, the children had the opportunity to take part in maypole dancing. Great fun was had by all! Photographs are on the website.

A reminder to year 6 parents that there will be a zoom meeting tonight about the residential at 7pm to give you further information and to let you ask any questions. Attendance is strongly recommended. Please use zoom codes: meeting id = 970 805 4068, passcode = f9wSgt.

A reminder about the PTA ‘Easter fun day’ on Friday. Children are invited to come to school dressed in home clothes and for a suggested minimum donation of £3, will be able to take part in ‘name the cuddly chick’ competition, an Easter egg hunt and Easter crafts. Please send your donation in a named envelope or transfer direct to the Askwith PTA Virgin Money account: sort code 050661 account 32322357 with your child’s name as a reference. Many thanks. Funds raised will go towards subsidising school trips for all children.

We often talk to the children about keeping safe on line, see attached the first in a series of information leaflets for parents about internet safety at home, this week’s leaflet is about age appropriate online content.

**NEW CLUB starting after Easter—Ukulele club! Wednesday after school until 4.30pm for children in years 3,4 5 and 6, initially up to half term. £4 per child per session. Places limited to 20 children. If your child would like to book a place on the 5 week course, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

A reminder that children should have PE kits in school every day next term as we have additional sports’ sessions planned. School will close for Easter at 2pm tomorrow and reopen on Monday 25th April.

Wishing you all a restful Easter break.

31.03.22

Coronavirus update—We currently do not have any have positive cases in school. We have been advised that
parents will be able to book COVID vaccinations for children aged 5-11 from 1st April. Please refer to the
NHS website for more information.

The Askwith tree planting day on Tuesday was a great success!! Many thanks to all those parents who
generously gave their time to help. The class representatives and the children of the volunteers helped with
the planting and greatly enjoyed the experience. Photographs are on the school website. Many thanks to Mr
Akers for sharing his tree planting expertise and Mrs Crabtree for taking the lovely photographs.

The class musical instrument lessons for years 1,2,3 and 4 have now finished. During the final lessons on
Wednesday, the children sang to other year groups. A video and photographs of their final glockenspiel
lessons will be put onto the website. Thank you to Mr Morgan from the NYCC Music Service for leading these
class lessons. Individual music lessons will continue next term, if your child is interested see attached flier.

On Wednesday evening, there was a very successful PTA meeting. Many fund raising events were discussed,
the first being the Easter fun day on Friday 8th April. Children are invited to come to school dressed in home
clothes and for a suggested minimum donation of £3, will be able to take part in ‘name the cuddly chick’
competition, an Easter egg hunt and Easter egg decorating. Please send donation in a named envelope or
transfer direct to the Askwith PTA Virgin Money account: sort code 050661 account 32322357 with your
child’s name as a reference. Many thanks. Funds raised will go towards subsidising school trips for all children.

A reminder that the deadline for entries for the Design Technology Challenge is Tuesday 5th April.

Next Wednesday, the children will be taking part in Maypole dancing! Many thanks to Mrs Wilson from The
Buttercross Belles for offering this experience to the children. Please see attached details of the Maypole
dancing in Otley on Sunday 1st May.

A reminder to year 6 parents that there will be a zoom meeting about the residential on Thursday 7th April
at 7pm to give you further information and to let you ask any questions. Attendance is strongly recommended.

Please click here to see the menu for next term. If your child would like to change their meal pattern, please
email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by Sunday 24th April.

Click here for next term’s ‘Dates for your Diaries,’ details of next term’s clubs and this term’s extra curricula newsletter.

School will close for Easter at 2pm on Friday 8th April and reopen on Monday 25th April.

24.03.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 6 positive cases across the school and other children are awaiting
PCR results. Thank you to those who carried out a lateral flow test on their child as requested yesterday. This
was not compulsory but an attempt to find any other cases and keep everyone safe whilst in school. We don’t
want anyone's Easter holiday being spoiled! A reminder to all parents that if your child has any COVID
symptoms (headache, cough, high temperature and tummy ache / sickness) to please book a PCR.

Many thanks to all those who contributed towards our Red Nose Day charity collection by either wearing
home clothes, making or buying cake. A wonderful £137.53 was raised! Thank you all for your generous
support.

Well done to those children who took part in the cross country relays on Saturday, and to all those who have
represented Askwith at cross country races throughout the season.

On Monday, a researcher from the University of Leeds visited years 3 and 4 to start her ‘Cooking in
Yorkshire’ project. The children took part in a survey about food literacy and were asked to keep a food
diary. The children found out about her work as a researcher and enjoyed discussing their own experiences.

Konflux Theatre has been in school this week. Through drama, the children in years 1,2,3 and 4 explored how
to keep safe online and years 5 and 6 discussed diversity and equality and how differences should be
celebrated. At the end of each day, the groups shared a performance with the rest of the school.

Our new drama club started on Tuesday after school for years 3,4,5 and 6 and was greatly enjoyed by all
those who attended. Please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk if your child in years 3,4,5 or 6 would like to join.

The Askwith tree planting day is next Tuesday! Thank you to those who have volunteered to help. As well as
the field, we will also be planting some of the trees in the patch of grass in front of the school.

As advertised last week, if your child would like to join in the special Easter lunch on Thursday 7th April,
please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by 9am Monday 28th latest. Please click here for details.

A reminder that the next PTA meeting will be Wednesday 30th March at 7pm at The Askwith Arms. All
welcome and help needed! I hope to see you at the meeting!

17.03.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 4 positive cases in class 4. A reminder to all parents that if your
child has COVID symptoms (including sickness, which is a symptom in children) to please book a PCR.

The children greatly enjoyed the Sports for Champions day last Friday. Photographs are on the school
website. Thank you once again for your generous sponsorship of this event.

Tomorrow is Comic Relief Day. Children may come to school in home clothes (red if available), and make a
suggested contribution of 50p per child. In addition, there will be a cake sale at break times, min 20p per
item. Please bring home-made or bought cakes / buns / tray bakes to the school hall in the morning and give
your child 20p if they would like to purchase a cake. PLEASE ENSURE ITEMS DO NOT CONTAIN NUTS.
Thank you for your support!

Good luck to those children taking part in the KS2 cross country relays on Saturday. Many thanks to Mrs
Akers and Mrs Brown who have been a great help with the cross country throughout the season.

Next week, Konflux Theatre group will once again be visiting school to lead workshops for children in years 1
to 6. Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be learning about the importance of keeping safe online and years 5 and 6 will be
exploring equality and diversity.

The next PTA meeting will be Wednesday 30th March at 7pm at The Askwith Arms. All parents / carers
welcome to join this friendly group! The PTA are hoping to organise an Easter Egg hunt, participation in the
Otley Carnival, a celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the return of the traditional Askwith walk
and barbeque, but help is needed! All children in school benefit from the funds raised by the PTA. This year
the PTA have bought new laptops for school and will be subsidising all school trips. For more information
about the work of the PTA, please call / text Mrs Thompson (The Chair) on 07983 344607 or email
askwith@ycatschools.co.uk. I hope to see you at the meeting!

Date for diaries—The Design and Technology Challenge entries should be in school on Tuesday 5th April.
Local residents of Askwith have been invited into school to help with the judging.

Important dates for year 6 parents—SATS will take place between Monday 9th May and Thursday 12th
May inclusive. More information about these tests will be sent out nearer the time.

Please click here for details of the special Easter lunch on Thursday 7th April. To book please email
askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by Thursday 24th March.

10.03.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 2 members of staff (1 from class 3 and 1 from class 4) and 2 children (1 from class 3 and 1 from class 4), isolating with coronavirus. Whilst the restrictions to everyday life have been lifted, the virus is clearly still around. Please ensure your child takes a PCR test if they develop symptoms. Thank you.

Please click here to see guidance for parents about vaccinations for vulnerable children and other young children, including information about the vaccination programme for 5 to 11 year olds.

Well done to all the children who took part in the cross country on Saturday and particularly to Jacob who won the year 1 boys’ race. The final event of the season is the relays at Nell Bank for KS2 children on Saturday 19th March. Details were sent out with last week’s newsletter. Please email: askwith@ycatschools.co.uk (by Monday please) if your child would like to take part.

It was great to see some new faces at the PTA meeting on Tuesday after school. There will be another meeting soon at The Askwith Arms, date and time to be confirmed. For more information about the work of the PTA, please call / text Mrs Thompson (The Chair) on 07983 344607 or email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

Tomorrow is the Sports for Champions day! Children should come to school dressed in PE kit / appropriate clothes for the fitness circuit (but with enough layers for play times outside!) Through your generous sponsorship of this event, we have covered the costs and have raised over £180 for the school which will be spent on sports equipment. Thank you everyone!

On Friday 18th March, it is Comic Relief Day. To raise money for this excellent charity, children may come to school in home clothes (red if available), and make a suggested contribution of 50p per child. In addition, there will be a cake sale at break times, min 20p per item. Please bring home-made or bought cakes / buns / tray bakes to the school hall in the morning and give your child 20p if they would like to purchase a cake. PLEASE ENSURE ITEMS DO NOT CONTAIN NUTS.Many thanks for your support.

Askwith tree planting day for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy—Tuesday 29th March— Volunteers needed to help plant the saplings! Please click here for more information and volunteer if you can. Thank you!

Following last week’s survey about the format of future meetings for parents, there will be a presentation via zoom on Thursday 28th April at 6pm about how we support your child’s personal development.

A further date for your diaries—on Wednesday 25th May, we will be holding a ‘Come and Share’ Day when we will be inviting parents / carers to come into school and share / talk about their interests or careers. More information will be sent out after Easter

03.03.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 2 cases of Coronavirus. Whilst it is no longer a legal requirement to
isolate, if you or your child develops any COVID type symptoms, you are still advised to take a PCR test and
isolate until the result is known. We will continue with the frequent hand washing, ventilating the classrooms,
enhanced cleaning and school lunches in ‘bubbles.’ The staggered drop off and pick up times will also be
maintained as this has eased the local parking situation.

It has been wonderful to see the children (and staff) dressed as their favourite book character today for
World Book Day. Photographs will be on the website soon!

A reminder about the Sports for Champions event on Friday 11th March. Please return sponsorship forms and
sponsorship money back to school by Monday 7th March. Spare sponsorship forms are available from the
office. Many thanks for your support with this event.

This week we have welcomed our new sports coach Mr Rose to school. He will be running the after school
sports clubs for children in years R to 6 on Monday (hockey) and Thursday (benchball).

Click here to see a reminder of the clubs taking place this half term. Please do encourage your child to try out these clubs if they have not previously been, they are a great way to enjoy new activities and learn new skills with their friends.

Many thanks to the PTA who have funded 15 new laptops for use throughout the school and new resources
for the Early Years classroom. If you would like to get involved with the PTA, there is a meeting at 3.45pm on
Tuesday 8th March in school. All welcome. Children may go into after school club for free during the meeting.

The Design and Technology Challenge this year, for all children in years R to 6, will be to decorate an egg and design a structure to hold it. Details of this challenge will be sent home with the children tomorrow.

Before the end of term, we will be making a presentation about how we support your child’s personal development. The timing /format of this meeting will be set following the results of the attached survey.

17.02.22

Coronavirus update—We currently do not have any cases of Coronavirus.

The second February Parents’ Evening is taking place this afternoon. If you didn't make an appointment, your child’s teacher will be in touch to make arrangements to speak to you about your child’s progress.

Well done to all those who took part in the cross country race on Saturday. A particular well done to Thomas and Jacob who came first and second in the year 1 race! The next race is Saturday 5th March, see here for details.

As I mentioned last week, World Book Day this year is on Thursday 3rd March. As it is the 25th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book, the staff will be dressing as Harry Potter characters. We invite all children to come dressed as a character from a book. Feel free to join in with the Harry Potter theme! World Book Day vouchers were handed out last week.

A reminder about the Sports for Champions event on Friday 11th March, when we will be welcoming to school Beverley Jones, a Paralympian discus thrower who won bronze at the London 2012 Summer Paralympic games! Sponsorship forms for the fitness circuit were sent home last week. Suggested donation to ensure costs are covered is £4 per child. Please return forms and sponsorship money back to school by Monday 7th March.

Parent Pay—A reminder to please pay any outstanding amounts on your Parent Pay account over half term. If you have any queries about your account, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

A reminder of the clubs that will be taking place after half term is attached.

Unfortunately our sports coach, Dan is leaving us today. We thank Dan for all of his hard work this year. After half term, we will have a new sports coach and we look forward to welcoming him to Askwith.

We finish on Friday 18th February for half term at the usual times and open on Monday 28th February with breakfast club from 8am. I hope you all have an enjoyable half term break.

10.02.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 1 child in class 2 isolating at home. We continue to maintain the system of ‘bubbles’ and enhanced hand washing and cleaning routines across the school.

Thank you to those parents who talked to Mrs Robinson, CEO of YCAT on Monday morning. She reported that the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, which is good to hear!

On Tuesday evening, we held our first ‘Questions & Answers’ session. I hope those who were able to join us found the session useful.

This week, the children in year 6 organised a bun sale for their ‘bubble.’ They have raised £39.03 from their home baked cakes for this year’s charity Martin House Hospice. Well done children!

A reminder that parents’ evenings will take place next week on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th February via zoom. If you have not already made an appointment, please do so. If you need help with the booking system, please contact Mrs Bentley in the office. Bookings will close at 9am on Wednesday 16th February.

World Book Day this year is on Thursday 3rd March. As it is the 25th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book, the staff will be dressing as Harry Potter characters. We invite all children to come dressed as a character from a book. Feel free to join in with the Harry Potter theme! World Book Day vouchers are being handed out today and are valid from 17th February to 27th March.

We are once again hosting a Sports for Champions event. On Friday 11th March, we are pleased to be welcoming Beverley Jones, a Paralympian discus thrower who won bronze at the London 2012 Summer Paralympic games! Sponsorship forms for the fitness circuit are being sent home today. After costs have been covered, 60% of the money raised goes to school and the remaining 40% goes to Sports for Champions to help un-sponsored athletes. Suggested donation to ensure costs are covered is £4 per child. Please return forms and sponsorship money back to school by Monday 7th March.

We have reviewed the food that is offered at breakfast club and after school club, please click here to see our poster. Feedback from children this week has been very positive!

Please click here to see our Extra Curricula Newsletter for Spring 1. 

03.02.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 1 child in class 1 and 1 child in class 2 isolating at home. We are continuing to maintain the system of ‘bubbles’ across the school to try to minimise the spread. Please be advised that we have had cases in both children and staff where the initial symptom was an upset tummy. A reminder that if anyone in a household is positive, then all members of the household, including any child over 5 years, should do daily lateral flow tests for 7 days. Children under 5 years in a household with a positive case should go for a PCR test. PCR tests are now widely available and results are coming back very quickly, the same day in some cases. Thank you for you continuing cooperation.

Well done to all the children who took part in the cross country in chilly and windy conditions on Saturday. Photographs are now on the website. The next race is Saturday 12th February at Ghyll Royd School. A further copy of the information is attached. Please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by Wednesday 9th if your child would like to take part.

The children greatly enjoyed their Chinese New Year lunch on Tuesday. Thank you to Claire who is currently covering for Antoinette while she is off ill. Antoinette will hopefully be back next week.

A reminder about the ‘Questions & Answers’ session with Mrs Nayler and her team via zoom on Tuesday 8th February at 7pm. The questions should be general in nature about the school or the curriculum and not about an individual child. The zoom details are: meeting ID 725 582 1141 passcode jrk1Z5.

On Monday morning, Mrs Robinson the CEO of YCAT, will be in the playground with me as parents and pupils are arriving at school. She is interested to find out about your views concerning remote learning during lockdown. Please feel free to chat to her. Thank you.

Details and booking information for the online Parents’ Evenings on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th February has now been sent out. Thank you to those who have already booked an appointment. The booking will close at 9am on Wednesday 16th February.

New date for your diary!! - As part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, we are excited to share our plans for an Askwith tree planting day! The Woodland Trust have donated 100 samplings to school. Land in Askwith has kindly been made available to us. Our hope is that pupils, parents and residents will all get involved on tree planting day—Tuesday 29th March. More details to follow!

27.01.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 3 children and 1 member of staff positive in the school. 3 of the
cases have a family link. Parents of the classes affected have received a separate letter giving advice. As the
threshold for number of cases within 10 days has now been has been met in class 1, we have put into place our
contingency plan and class 1 will now be kept separate from the rest of the school.

However, class 1 will still be in the hall with other children for breakfast club and after school club, although kept at least 2 metres apart. Children in class 1 may also continue to use school transport. We continue to follow the latest advice
from the DfE and NYCC. Please click here to see the letter from Mrs Nayler containing the latest advice about Tracing Close Contacts and Self-isolation.

Please click here to see details of a special Chinese New Year lunch we will be having on Tuesday 1st February.

If your child usually has a packed lunch on Tuesdays but would like to join in, please email
askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by midday on Monday.

There is a vegetarian option, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by midday Monday if your child would like the vegetarian option. 

A reminder about the Parents’ Evenings on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th February via zoom, 3pm—
6.30pm, for all children from nursery to year 6. Details of how to book will be sent home next week.

To supplement the sport that the children do in school, we have entered some Harrogate area small schools
competitions. Further details and team lists will be forwarded nearer to the event dates:

Netball— Tuesday 8th March, Ashville College Harrogate, 4-6pm, years 5 & 6

Football— Wednesday 9th March, Harrogate High School, 3-5pm, years 3,4,5 & 6

Cricket— From 24th May to 9th June, Ashville College Harrogate, years 3,4,5 & 6

Tennis— either 21st or 28th June, Ashville College Harrogate, years 3,4,5 & 6

20.01.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 1 child and 1 member of staff positive in class 1. Parents in class 1 have received a separate letter giving advice. As you may be aware, the period of self-isolation has been reduced to 5 full days if a lateral flow test is negative on days 5 and 6, for full details see a further revised risk assessment on the school website.

The children in nursery and reception had a wonderful surprise on Monday morning when they discovered that the role play area in their classroom had been completely renewed over the weekend. They have been having birthday parties, buying groceries, practising their waiting skills in the cafe and making breakfast! Photographs are on the website under Gallery / Class 1.

New date for your diaries—On Tuesday 8th February at 7pm we will be holding a question and answer session for parents via zoom. This will be an opportunity to ask questions about anything school related. Zoom details will be sent home nearer the time.

When you get chance, do have a look at our website which has lots of information about our plans for this term for the curriculum and enhancements as well as lots of photographs from past events.

A reminder about the Parents’ Evenings on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th February via zoom, 3pm— 6.30pm, for all children from nursery to year 6. Details of how to book will be sent home next week.

We have been asked to help with a survey being carried out by Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Freshwater Habitats Trust of wildlife in ponds. Postcards with information of how to get involved are being sent home today. A reminder that children should always be supervised near open water.

Please click here for more information about the cross country race on Saturday 12th Februrary 2022. 

13.01.22

Coronavirus update—We currently have 1 case in class 3. Please be advised that this came to light when the child did a lateral flow test, but the child did not have any symptoms at the time. Parents in class 3 have received a separate letter giving advice. A further updated Coronavirus Risk Assessment has been put on the school website with the most recent changes highlighted.

Music news—Last term the children in years in 5 and 6 enjoyed school funded guitar lessons. This term, the children in years 1 and 2 will experience making music with percussion instruments and learning about pulse and rhythm. Children in years 3 and 4 will have singing lessons and play glockenspiels. Both sessions will be led by Mr Morgan, from the North Yorkshire County Council music hub, who is helping us to further enhance our music curriculum within school.

A reminder to parents of children due to start school in September, that the deadline to apply for a school place is 15th January. Applications for a school place are made online to the county council in which you live. Applications for a nursery place are made by filling in a nursery registration form and handing it into the school office, it is advisable to do this at least 12 months before the place is needed. Nursery registration forms are available from the office or can be downloaded from the school website.

Parent Pay—A reminder that school lunches for children in nursery and years 3, 4, 5 and 6 should be paid for in advance on Parent Pay and any payment for clubs should be made on a regular (suggested monthly) basis.

06.01.22

Happy new year! I hope you all managed to have an enjoyable Christmas despite the large number of COVID cases in the local area.

Coronavirus update—We currently do not have any cases. An updated Coronavirus Risk Assessment has been put on the school website with the most recent changes highlighted.

I am delighted to be able to share some wonderful news with you all. Mr Don Parker, one of our school governors who was also headteacher of this school and previous CEO of YCAT (although he continues to work for our Trust), has been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the New Year’s Honours List for Services to Education in North Yorkshire! This honour is truly deserved and we are very proud that his long, dedicated service to pupils in North Yorkshire has been recognised.

This term we welcome a new graduate SCITT student, Mrs Hunt. She will predominantly be working with children in years 1 and 2. We have also welcomed 3 new children to the nursery, we hope they enjoy their time at Askwith.

We are aware that heavy snow is forecast for early morning tomorrow but is currently not expected to last throughout the day. Should we have to delay opening, you will receive a text by 7am tomorrow morning. If opening is delayed, the school buses will be cancelled for the morning journey. Work packs are being sent home with every child today, in case school has to be closed for the whole day, to keep children occupied until zoom lessons start. Teachers will send messages about work packs and zoom lessons if required. Please click to see the School Closure Prodedure.

Please click to see ‘Dates for your Diary’ for the spring term and details of clubs and wrap around care provision for all pupils.

04.01.22

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to welcoming the children back into school on Thursday. Please see
below updates and reminders of the rules that will be in place to keep everyone safe.

Start and finish times
We will continue to use the one way system and the staggered start and finish times, see table below. Please do
not start to queue until the time for your child. Families with children in different groups should drop off / pick up
at the time for the eldest child.

Years                               Drop off times                                 Pick up times
Nursery, Reception, Y1 & Y2            8.30 – 8.45am                                    3.15-3.30pm

 Years 3, 4, 5 & 6                             8.45 – 9.00am                                    3.30-3.45pm

Visitors into school
We are continuing to restrict the number of visitors into school, this unfortunately means that parents are not
allowed into school buildings unless for a confidential meeting with a teacher, when masks should be worn.

Staff
Luckily, all our staff are currently well and will be in school. The staff continue to do twice weekly Lateral Flow
Tests and are wearing masks in staff meetings and communal areas.

Bubbles
Whilst bubbles are no longer mandatory, we will continue to keep the classes apart wherever possible, including
separate lunchtimes and play times, for teaching and for most after school clubs.

Enhanced hygiene
We will be continuing with our regular handwashing and touch point cleaning routines.

Reporting of absences
It is important that we are able to track the number of cases within school as these must be reported daily to the
Department for Education. As with all absences, COVID related absences must be communicated to the school
office (via phone or email) by 9.30am. If the absence is COVID related, please include in the message if your child
has had a positive lateral flow and is awaiting a PCR test, is awaiting the results of a PCR test, or, has had a
positive PCR test and is isolating.

Self - Isolation periods and testing of close contacts
As you may be aware, the rules about isolation and testing of close contacts have changed, see below extracts
from the latest government guidance:

‘Information on the changes to the self-isolation period for individuals who test positive for COVID-19'
Since Wednesday 22nd December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason.
Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than
day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to your education or childcare setting from day 7.’

‘Daily testing for close contacts of COVID-19
People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.

Children under 5 are not being advised to take part in daily testing of close contacts. If a child under 5 is a contact of a confirmed case, they are not required to self-isolate and should not start daily testing. If they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 they should limit their contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19, and arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible. They can continue to attend an education or childcare setting while waiting for the PCR result. If the test is positive, they should follow the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.’

Remote learning
If your child is absent for COVID related reasons, but is well enough to learn, then work will be set home for them.
If the whole class is learning from home, then lessons will take place via zoom. Please refer to Covid-19
Contingency Plan, Curriculum Delivery Plan and the Remote Learning Policy sent home last term and on the
school website for further details.

Many thanks for your continuing support.

Latest News Autumn Term

16.12.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have 1 child learning from home who is awaiting a PCR result.

On Monday, the year 6 children had a water safety skills lesson at Ilkley Pool. The children learnt survival skills in the water whilst dressed in pyjamas and leggings, to simulate falling into the water whilst dressed.

This week, all the children have enjoyed a range of festive activities. The Christmas lunch, prepared by Antoinette and Claire on Tuesday, was delicious and enjoyed by all. The children have also enjoyed seasonal crafts including decorating ginger bread men, making calendars, Christmas cards and Christmas tree decorations. The children have also enjoyed Christmas parties, singing Christmas songs and watching festive films.

Tomorrow, the children are invited to come to school in home clothes and bring a small inexpensive toy to play with their friends in the afternoon. No electronic devices / phones / ipads etc.

A reminder that school closes early tomorrow. Please can children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 2 be collected 1.45-2.00pm and children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 be collected 2.00-2.15pm.

Families with children in both groups should collect at the later time. The buses will depart school at 2pm.

School re-opens on Thursday 6th January, with breakfast club from 8am.

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable break over Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all in 2022!

09.12.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases.

The KS2 Pantomime performance last week was fantastic! All pupils performed extremely well. A special well done to our year 6 pupils, their acting was brilliant!

The Infant Carol Concerts this week were lovely. The children sang beautifully. A special well done to our nursery children who kept going through all of the carols.

Thank you to all those who donated to the PTA festive hampers and bought raffle tickets, or bought a mince pie at the carol concerts, a total of £162 was raised. From funds raised in previous years, the PTA have kindly donated £5000 to purchase some new pupil laptops. The laptops will be arriving in school next term and will be used by all children.

The children have had a vote to choose which charity they will raise funds for this year, the charity is Martin House Hospice.

Please click here to find the menu for next term. If your child would like to change their meal pattern for next term, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by 9am Thursday 6th January.

Over the Christmas break, do take the opportunity to have a look at our school website. Highlights include links to all this term’s presentations (see Training and Support), details of what the children learn in each year (see Curriculum) and lots of photographs (see Gallery).

Please click here to see the extra curricula newsletter for Autumn 2. 

02.12.21 

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases.

Following the discovery of the Omicron variant, and following DfE and NYCC advice, we have changed our risk assessment, the upated version is on the website. The only changes for us are a reduction of visitors to essential only and for staff to wear masks in communal areas and meetings.

On Friday, three senior female construction industry professionals joined the children on zoom to discuss their career choice and explain a little about what they do to the children. The children were very interested and some now want to be engineers. Next term, we will be having more visitors to talk about careers to the children to help challenge stereotypical mind sets about future career choice.

Tonight is the KS2 Pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ The children have worked very hard in recent weeks, not only learning lines but also choreographing many of the dances themselves - well done everyone and good luck for tonight!

A reminder to parents of nursery, reception, year 1 or year 2 pupils to please complete and return the slip (letter sent home last Thursday) to book a seat for next week’s Infant Carol Concert.

Thank you to all those who donated items for the PTA raffle hampers. The hampers will be raffled at tonight's KS2 Pantomime and next week’s Carol Concert.

Please see below a reminder about other festive activities taking place in school over the next few weeks.

Tue 7th—Infant Carol Concert 2pm (Reserve date Wed 8th) (Please book a seat)

Tue 14th—Christmas lunch (Please book if your child usually has a packed lunch). Christmas carol afternoon

Wed 15th—Craft morning & Christmas party afternoon

Thur 16th—’The Christmas Story’ morning, film afternoon

25.11.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have 1 child in class 3 and 2 children in class 4 who have had positive PCR
tests and are learning from home. We continue to follow all the latest government guidance and local public
health advice. In addition to this, we are continuing to keep the classes separate where at all possible to
reduce the chance of spread.

On Friday last week, we raised a wonderful £81 for Children in Need. Thankyou to all who contributed.

We have been thanked by The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal for raising a fantastic £170.57 this year,
thank you to all those who contributed.

On Monday, the children in Reception went on a trip to Grass Woods near Grassington. The children had a
wonderful time exploring the woods and learning about habitats, woodland animals and trees.

On Wednesday, all pupils took part in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) assemblies and
workshops. The younger children explored ‘states of matter’ whilst the older children learnt about ‘light.’

Welcome to our new Dolce cook Antoinette! Antoinette has been training in school for the past few weeks
but will be full time in the kitchen from next week. See attached details of the special Christmas lunch that
we will be having on Tuesday 14th December. If your child doesn't usually have a packed lunch but would like
to join in, please email or leave a message on the telephone by Monday 6th December latest. 

PTA News 

Request for festive items — Please bring in a chocolate or festive treat (with a use by date no earlier than 1st January) into school by Tuesday 30th November to go into the festive hampers that will be raffled at the KS2 Pantomime and the Infant Carols. Collection boxes are now in the office and the junior building foyer. Many thanks for your support.

18.11.21

Coronavirus update—We currently do not have any cases.

It was great to see so many children wearing odd socks today for Anti Bullying Week. The children were
involved with assemblies and discussions about the types of bullying, how it can be prevented and what to do
if they see others being bullied.

The year 6 children went to the Clark Foley Centre in Ilkley this morning for the first of their rehearsals for
this years KS2 Pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Early rehearsals show promise of an entertaining
performance on the 2nd December!

Children in year 5 and 6 today took part in online COP26 workshops organised by North Yorkshire CC. The
children considered ‘Why does what we do here matter for the rest of the world?’ and ‘How can you make a
difference?’ Following lots of discussion, the children came up with ideas of things that can be done at school.

Following a further COVID review of our planned events, unfortunately we will no longer be taking part in the
swimming gala on Friday 3rd December, as this would involve our children mixing indoors with other schools.

Tomorrow is Children in Need Day. To raise money for this excellent charity, we ask children to come to
school wearing brightly coloured clothes and make a donation of £1 per child.

PTA News

Bags2School—A reminder that there will be a Bags2School collection on Friday 3rd December—a great op-
portunity to have a clear out before Christmas. Bags should be left outside the village hall on that morning by

9am. Thank you

Request for festive items — At the KS2 Pantomime performance and the infant carol concert, we
are hoping to hold a festive hampers raffle to raise funds. If you are able to get involved, please
bring in a chocolate or festive treat (with a use by date no earlier than 1st January) into school by
Tuesday 30th November. There will be collection boxes in the school office and the junior entrance
area from next week. In addition, if anyone has any baskets that could be used as hampers they
would be gratefully received. Many thanks for your support.

Please click to view the School Closure Procedure

Please click to view the Snow/COVID teaching timetables and Zoom codes

11.11.21

Coronavirus update—We currently do not have any cases.

Following receipt of the advice from the NYCC local health team about increasing local COVID cases, we have been reviewing our plans for the KS2 Pantomime at The Clark Foley Centre (2nd December) and the Infant Nativity in the school hall (8th December). Taking into consideration the size of venues, the risk of cross contamination between pupils/ classes and groups of parents, balanced with the positive benefits for the children of taking part in these performances, we have made the following decisions.

The KS2 Pantomime will take place at The Clark Foley Centre on the 2nd December, but only parents from years 5 and 6 will be able to watch. A video of the event will be sent to parents of years 3 and 4 after the event. Protocols will be in place during rehearsals and the performance itself to reduce transmission. A letter with further details is being sent to parents of years 3, 4, 5 and 6 today.

As the school hall is quite small, it will unfortunately not be possible to invite parents to watch the Infant Nativity, but a video of the performance will be sent to parents of those year groups. However, we would like to invite parents of years N, R, 1 and 2 to join in an outdoor carol concert on the 7th December (reserve date 8th if bad weather) at 2pm. Details will be sent out next week.

Please see attached a revised ‘Dates for your Diary’ for this half term reflecting the above changes.

On Tuesday, a mixed team of year 5/6 children took part in the Small Schools Football Festival. Despite playing against some tough opposition, all teammates demonstrated excellent sporting values. The children can take great pride in their committed performance. Congratulations in particular to two of the players who were recognised by the organisers for their perseverance, resilience and hard work. Well done to the whole team!

It was lovely to see nursery and reception parents in school this week for the ‘Come and Play’ events. Parents enjoyed watching how their children learn through play in the outdoor learning space at school.

Friday 19th November is Children in Need Day. To raise money for this excellent charity, we ask children to come to school wearing brightly coloured clothes and make a donation of £1 per child.

A reminder that the school day for years nursery, reception, 1 and 2 does not start until 8.30am. To avoid queueing in the cold, please do not start queueing until 8.30am. If you need to drop off earlier, children can go into breakfast club from 8am, £2.50 per child. 

04.11.21

Thank you to the parents who attended our presentation on 'Building Knowledge in Non-Core Subjects and Science' on Thursday. All of the slides are available on the Parent Support page and a recording of the presentation will be uploaded soon. 

04.11.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have only 1 child (class 4) learning from home due to a positive PCR test.  However, we have been advised by the local health team that COVID cases are rapidly increasing locally.  Please see attached a letter for parents /carers.

As precautions, this week, we have introduced the following: 

∙ No whole school assemblies or gatherings. Infants and juniors kept separate throughout the school day.  However, to enable the wide range of before and after school clubs to continue, infants and juniors do  sometimes share the same space (usually the hall) but are kept at opposite sides of the available space. 

∙ Staff in meetings are wearing masks when a 2m distance is not possible 

∙ Visitors to school are being kept to a minimum or remain outside. (Please note, the ‘Come and Play’ for parents of nursery and reception children next week will be outside). 

A reminder about the curriculum evening taking place this evening at 7pm via zoom entitled ‘How we build knowledge in the foundation subjects.’ All parents are welcome. Please use the following codes to access the  zoom meeting; meeting id=725 582 1141 passcode=jrk1Z5. 

Please see attached a reminder of the extra curricula clubs taking place this half term. Please note, the painting and sculpture club is now full. 

The Royal British Legion have commenced their annual Poppy Appeal. Poppies and other commemorative items  are now being sold at break times. Suggested donations as follows-traditional poppies 50p; zip pull 50p;  reflector 50p; silicon wristband £1; snap band £1.50.  

The next cross country race is on Saturday 13th November at Ghyll Royd school. Please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by Wednesday 10th November if your child would like to take part. 

As detailed in the newsletter before half term, due to the extra bank holiday to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the term dates for this year have slightly changed with an extra training day on Monday 6th June. 

A reminder to nursery parents that the deadline to apply for a school place for September 2022 is 15th January. If you would like a tour around school or to speak to myself, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.  If any families have younger siblings who are interested in a nursery place for next school year (2022-2023),  then please request and complete a registration form from the office as places are limited and filling fast. 

21.10.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have two children who have had a positive PCR (1 in class 3, 1 in class 4) and are now learning from home. If your child has COVID type symptoms a reminder to please get a PCR test. We have been advised that Lateral Flow Tests should not be used for anyone with symptoms. If your child tests positive during half term, please inform school via askwith@ycatschools.co.uk as, in line with our Contingency Plan, further preventative procedures may be put in place if the number of cases reaches a threshold. Thankyou for your support.

Parents’ evenings for all children from year 1 to year 6 have been taking place this week. If you were not able to make an appointment, but would like to discuss your child’s progress, please contact your child's class teacher via askwith@ycatschools.co.uk. Parents’ evenings for N and R will now take place after half term.

The nasal flu vaccinations took place in school yesterday, if your child was absent or consent was not given in time, but you would like them to receive the vaccination, there are catch up clinics available, see attached. Please note, appointments at the catch up clinics must be booked in advance.

Today, the children have had zoom assemblies with Yorkshire Water on the subject of water safety. The children discussed the dangers of different bodies of water and KS2 learned about the steps to take if they were to ever find themselves in difficulty in the water.

Recordings of the harvest assemblies will be uploaded to the school website tomorrow. We hope you enjoy listening to them.

A reminder to parents of children in years 3 and 4 that their school swimming lessons commence on Monday 1st November—first day back after half term. All children need a swimming costume and a towel.

A reminder that if your child does not usually have a school lunch on a Friday, but would like to join in with the bonfire lunch, then please book by midday 1st November, see attached a further copy of the details.

After half-term, we will be collecting for The Royal British Legion as part of their annual Poppy Appeal. Poppies and other commemorative items will be sold by the year 6 children at break times.

Due to the extra bank holiday to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the term dates have been changed by North Yorkshire County Council and we have, this week, been asked to move one of our training days. Please see attached the updated dates for this school year with a training day now on Monday 6th June, making the celebratory weekend extra special for all!

A reminder that we finish for half term tomorrow at the usual times and return on Monday 1st November with breakfast club at 8am and story club at 8.30am.

We wish you all a lovely half-term break.

Also, ‘Dates for your Diary’ for November and December is here.

We are hoping that it will be possible to invite parents to watch the infant nativity performance and the KS2 Pantomime performance in a COVID safe way, details about these performances and the other events will follow.

Please find details of the clubs and activities already planned for next half term here. If your child attends a club out of school and the provider would be able to run a club in school to enhance our provision, then please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

Details of the special bonfire lunch we are having on Friday 5th November are here. If any child does not usually have a lunch on a Friday but would like to join in, then please book by midday 1st November.

A reminder to parents of children in years 3 and 4 that their school swimming lessons commence on Monday 1st November—first day back after half term. All children need a swimming costume and a towel.

The PTA have arrange a ‘Bags2School’ collection for Friday 3rd December. Bags are being sent home today for those planning a half term sort out! Please read the guidance carefully about what can be donated.

A reminder that we finish for half term on Friday 22nd October at the usual times and return on Monday 1st November with breakfast club at 8am and story club at 8.30am.

07.10.21

Coronavirus update—We currently do not have any positive cases amongst our pupils or staff.

On Friday, we had a visit from the Police who taught the children all about staying safe online and who to tell if they have any concerns / worries.

Well done to those children who took part in the cross country race on Saturday, the next race is 13th November, details will be sent out the week before.

Thank you to those parents who joined in the zoom curriculum presentation ‘How we build knowledge in the core subjects’ on Tuesday evening. For those that missed the presentation, a recording is available here.

This week, Reception parents have had the opportunity to watch a Phonics lesson and join an individual reading session with their child and Mrs Bennett. The children greatly enjoyed having their parents watch their learning and we hope the parents found the opportunities useful.

Thank you to those who have completed and returned the parental questionnaire. The feedback is very useful to us and it was pleasing to see that the vast majority of responses were very positive. I shall be consulting with parents before half term about our extra curricular provision.

Further to the ballot asking whether parents would prefer an online or face to face parents’ evening, the majority were happy with online or didn't mind. Therefore, parents evening will take place via zoom on Wednesday 20th October and Thursday 21st October 2.30pm—6.00pm for all children in years Nursery to year 6. The zoom details and information about how to book an appointment will be sent out next week.

A reminder to parents of children in year 6, that the deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31st October.

A reminder, to those who have not done so already, to please complete and return the ‘Parent and Pupil Acceptable Use of Zoom’ agreement slip, which was sent out with the Covid-19 Contingency Plan, Curriculum delivery Plan and Remote Learning Policy last week. A response is needed for every child from nursery to year 6. A further copy of the zoom policy is available here.

A further copy of the nasal flu vaccination consent letter is available here. Parents who wish to give consent, but haven't yet, are encouraged to act as soon as possible.

05.10.21

Curriculum Evening - Building Knowledge in the Core Subjects

Thank you to all of our parents who attended our Curriculum Evening on 'building knowledge in the core subjects' on Tuesday 5th October 2021.

30.10.21

As is usual at this time of year, colds and bugs are beginning to spread despite our enhanced cleaning and hand washing regimes. Thank you to all parents who have followed the request to please do a lateral flow test on your child if they are ill for any reason, as we have found that some children have tested positive for Coronavirus who have not had the ‘typical’ symptoms displayed by adults. If your child has the ‘typical’ symptoms (high temperature, cough, change to sense of taste or smell), the advice remains to get a PCR test.

A further reminder for parents, who wish their child to have a nasal flu vaccination, to please give consent as soon as possible. Please find the consent form here.

The forms to order photographs taken by Tempest Photography were handed out to children on Monday. Photographs can be ordered on line, or the completed forms and payment handed back to the school office by Tuesday 5th October. 

The children greatly enjoyed the activities on Friday when we celebrated European Languages Day. The children created artwork, explored Europe on maps, sang songs and practised conversations and poems in French.

On Monday, the children had a fantastic time on their Mini Medics course. The children in KS2 had the opportunity to learn CPR and some basic first aid. The Nursery, Reception and KS1 children learnt abut ringing 999 and practised the recovery position. Photographs from the European Languages Day and the first aid lessons are now on the school website.

It has been lovely to see parents in school this week for the ‘Come and Read’ for years 1 and 2. Parents of children in Reception were emailed a letter this morning inviting them to Phonics and reading sessions.

Well done to those children who took part in the cross country race last Saturday, and good luck to those who are taking part this Saturday. If any other child would like to join in, please contact the parent coordinator for this week, Mrs Akers tel 07901 208965. Please see further race details here. 

We are sad to confirm that for family reasons, Naomi the cook will not be returning to Askwith. She will be greatly missed by the pupils and the staff. Claire, who covered the kitchen during Naomi's’ maternity leave and knows the children, is with us until a new cook can be recruited. 

The PTA committee met this week and have started to plan fund raising events for this year. If you would like to get involved with the PTA, please contact the chair, Mrs Thompson, on bthompson.askwith@ycatschools.co.uk. Please do help if you can, the more the merrier!! 

Please click here to view the parental questionnaire, paper copies are being sent home today. Your responses would be much appreciated. 

23.09.21

We currently do not have any confirmed cases of Coronavirus but have a few children off with sore throats and coughs. As a precaution, we are asking that any child who is unwell for any reason, including but not limited to — cough, cold, sore throat, head ache, upset stomach or high temperature— to please take a lateral flow test and inform us, via email to askwith@ycatschools.co.uk, of the result asap.

A reminder for parents, who wish their child to have a nasal flu vaccination, to please give consent as soon as possible. A further copy of the letter explaining how to give consent is here.

Yesterday, was the online safety presentation for parents and staff. We hope you found it useful. For those that missed the presentation, a summary of the advice is here.

A reminder that Tempest Photography will be visiting school tomorrow to take individual school photographs of all children in years nursery to 6. Nursery children not usually in on Fridays are welcome to have a photograph at 8.30am prompt. Parents please stay to take your child home after the photograph.

Tomorrow, we are celebrating European Languages Day. French is taught throughout the school as part of the curriculum and tomorrow all children will be enjoying language activities and learning about different places in Europe.

Good luck to all those children taking part in the cross country race on Saturday. The time of the races, route, and details about parking can be found on the website www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk/jh/wpsxcl. If any other child would like to join in, please contact the parent coordinator, Mrs Brown, directly on 07944 672396. The next race is on Saturday 2nd October at Ilkley Rugby Club. If your child would like to take part in that race, please email Mrs Bentley on askwith@ycatschools.co.uk including a mobile contact number for use on the day.

On Monday, we have Mini-Medics visiting school to give all children age appropriate first aid knowledge. Key staff receive regular first aid training but it is also a valuable life skill for the children to have from an early age.

Next week, on Tuesday 28th and Thursday 30th September, we are inviting parents of children in years 1 and 2 to come into school for a ‘Come and Read’ session. Please complete the booking slip and return to school by Monday 27th September. Parents of children in years Nursery and Reception will be invited into school the following week.

All children are invited to join a story telling session everyday from 8.30am. Years R,1 and 2 in the infant library and years 3-6 in the junior library. All welcome to join regardless of drop off times. We look forward to seeing the children at the first story club tomorrow! 

16.09.21

It has been lovely to see how well all of the children have settled back into the school routines. Many children have already enjoyed the breakfast club and after school clubs. Please refer to last week’s letter for all the details or contact Mrs Bentley for information.

Thankyou to all those parents who were able to join us for our online phonics information evenings. Parents of children in years Reception to 3, who were not able to attend, should please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a time to be given the information to enable you to help your child with their reading.

Whilst we currently do not have any cases of Coronavirus in school, we are required to have a COVID Contingency Plan in place in case of rising cases within school. This will be uploaded to the website.

The first of our curriculum evenings will take place on Tuesday 5th October, with an online presentation entitled ‘How we build knowledge in the core subjects.’ Details to follow.

Please see below a mini questionnaire about parents’ evenings, your response via the slip or email would be appreciated.

On Wednesday 22nd September parents are invited to attend a presentation with an industry expert about online safety. The zoom presentation starts at 4pm and the zoom details are below. I encourage all parents to join as it is important to know how to keep children safe when they are on line. Staff, many of whom are parents themselves, will be joining the zoom. Meeting ID: 830 736 0843 Passcode: 8Gskcv

On Friday 24th September, Tempest Photography will be visiting school to take individual school photographs of all children in years nursery to 6.

Sat 25th September is the first of the cross country races in the Wharfedale Cross Country League. Please see attached letter about the details of this season’s races and the code of conduct. If your child is interested in taking part in the first race, please inform Mrs Bentley by Wednesday 22nd September. More information is available on the website www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk/jh/wpsxcl. Mrs Brown (tel 07944 672396) is our parent coordinator but does need a helper/s. Please get in touch with her or Mrs Bentley if you can help.

All children in years Reception to 6 are eligible to receive the nasal spray flu vaccination. The vaccinations will take place on Wednesday 20th October and be given by the Childhood Immunisations Team. If you wish your child to receive the vaccination, please read the attached letter for how to give your consent online.

Year 6 parents please see the letter about applying for a secondary school place. 

10.09.21

Phonics Evening 

Thank you to all of our parents who attended our Phonics Evening on Thursday 9^th September 2021. We discussed how reading and phonics are taught throughout the school using the systematic synthetic phonics programme, Phonics Bug. We will be repeating the Phonics Evening on Tuesday 14^th September at 7pm.

During the autumn term, we will also be inviting parents, grandparents and carers to book ‘Come and Read’ sessions to observe how phonics and reading are taught in school. During these sessions, the focus will be on how to listen to and support your child when reading at home. 

09.09.21

Welcome back!

I hope you all had an enjoyable summer break. A special welcome to the new families we have welcomed to Askwith Primary School this week. Welcome also to our three graduate trainee teachers, Mrs Lees who is working with Early Years, Miss Harrison who is with years 1 and 2 and Mr Burgess (no relation to Mrs Burgess!) who is with years 3 and 4.

Over the summer, we have made some improvements to school, particular in the playgrounds with the addition of chalk boards in both infant and junior playgrounds and a covered reading area in the Early Years outside space. Unfortunately, due to supply issues, not all of the new windows and doors could be replaced over the summer holiday, but we are hopeful that the reminder will be installed in October half term.

A reminder about the online phonics information evening taking place tonight and being repeated on Tuesday 13th September. This is for parents of all pupils in Reception to year 3 inclusive and is highly recommended for those parents as our home reading system has changed.

The meeting can be accessed via Zoom: meeting id 725 582 1141 passcode jrk1Z5

Please note, there will also be other curriculum evenings and parents’ evening this term, more information to follow.

Please see attached details of the new drop off and pick up times, and breakfast club and after school provision for all years including times and costs. Please note, from next week, breakfast club and after school is now available for children in the nursery whose parents work. In addition, there will be a variety of teacher led clubs throughout the year which are free. For this half term we have-

• Tuesday lunch—Key Stage 2 cross-stitch
• Tuesday after school—Years R, Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 football until 4.30pm in the playground (no studs)
• Thursday lunch—Years R, Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 mindfulness

A reminder that all children in years Reception to 6 need their PE kits in school every day.

Please see attached, for your information, a further copy of the autumn term menu. In addition to the meals listed, on request (with a week’s notice), vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten free options are available. If you wish to change your child’s meal pattern please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

A further copy of the term dates for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 are also attached and are on the school website.

2020-2021

Latest News Summer Term

Askwith Phone Box Project

The children in Reception and Nursery have created beautiful artwork to decorate the village phone box. Please click the link to see the article in the local press. 

https://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/19355478.new-lease-life-askwith-phone-box/

15.07.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have 2 confirmed cases in the year 5 & 6 class and all the children and staff in years 5 & 6 and all those that travel on the bus are currently isolating. Whilst Mrs Nayler teaches year 6, she did not come into contact with either case and therefore does not have to isolate. Please continue to inform school if any member of your household has booked a PCR test and please follow the latest government guidance.

As announced on Monday evening, the roadmap is progressing to the final stage on 19th July. However, North Yorkshire County Council have advised that all current restrictions should remain in place until the end of term. We will update you via email on Monday 6th September re: any changes / relaxation of rules that will be possible for next term. However, please be aware that we intend to keep the staggered drop off / collection times as this has greatly eased the parking problems.

As some children are isolating, school reports will now be sent home on Tuesday 20th. If you would like to discuss the contents of the report then please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk to arrange a phone call with your child’s teacher.

Next week, photographs of the EYFS / KS1 art exhibition and summer performance will be put onto the website. A reminder to year 6 parents that the Leavers’ Assembly is at 1pm on Thursday 22nd.

Whilst it is difficult to book holidays abroad at the moment, for those planning staycations, please see a further copy of the term dates for 2021-2022 and newly published, term dates for 2022-2023. A reminder that holidays should not be booked in term time.

Please click the link to view the menu for the autumn term. If your child would like to change their meal pattern for the autumn term please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk by 9am Monday 6th September at the latest. If your child has any new special dietary needs, please inform school before the start of the autumn term. Vegetarian options are available every day on request but a weeks notice is needed to enable the kitchen to buy ingredients. A reminder to parents of children currently in year 2: in year 3 school lunches need to be paid for, priced at £2.50 per lunch.

Swimming lessons for children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 next year are planned to take place in the autumn term, years 5 and 6 before October half term, years 3 and 4 after half term. Further details will be sent out in the first week of term.

Please can children in years 5 & 6 bring their guitars back to school when they return next week.

Please can all children return school books / reading books by Wednesday 21st.

A reminder that we close at 2pm on Friday 23rd July for the summer holidays and return on Tuesday 7th September with breakfast club from 8am.

08.07.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have 1 pupil in the year 5/6 class who has had a positive home test and is awaiting the results of a PCR. If positive, we will unfortunately have to close that bubble and the children and staff isolate. The child also uses the school bus so all children who use the bus will also have to isolate. Parents of affected children have been informed and will be kept up to date. Please continue to follow the latest government guidance.

It was lovely to see the parents of next year’s Reception class on the Zoom meetings on Monday. I hope those that joined in found the meetings useful. If you weren't able to make the meeting, please contact school to arrange a phone call. We do have a few spaces in the Reception class for September if you know anyone who might be interested.

Due to health issues (not COVID), Miss Dunbar will unfortunately not be returning to school this term. Mrs Bennett has resumed her role as Reception class teacher with Mrs Mort supporting at times to prepare the children for transition to year 1.

The KS2 art exhibition was fantastic! All children have worked incredibly hard—please have a look at their creations which will soon be on the school website on the Gallery tab.

Thomas Atkin in year 6, very sadly lost his grandad recently due to cancer. The family are doing the Jog 31 Miles in July Challenge to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. If you would like to contribute please look up the fundraising page on Facebook ‘Rachelle’s fundraiser for Cancer Research UK.’ Donations can also be brought into school in named envelopes and Mrs Atkin will add the donations to the fundraising page.

School reports will be sent home on Friday 16th July. If you would like to discuss the contents of the report then please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk to arrange a phone call with your child’s teacher. Please see attached a flier from our tennis coach about tennis equipment that can be purchased. If you wish to buy tennis equipment, please place your order by Friday 16th July at the latest. Equipment will then be delivered to school the following Tuesday.

01.07.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases and staff testing is continuing, all results so far have returned as negative. Please be aware that cases are increasing in local high schools, so please continue to take all recommended precautions.

On Monday, the children in years 5 and 6 greatly enjoyed their class trip to Forbidden Corner. The trip to the ice cream parlour and the underground tunnels at Forbidden Corner being particular highlights! The children’s behaviour was exemplary as usual.

A reminder to parents of children moving into Reception in September that the Zoom meeting is on Monday 5th July at 1.30pm and then repeated at 6.30pm.

Zoom codes are: meeting ID = 995 1188 6677, passcode = 8Gskcv.

 I am pleased to share with you details for the class teachers for next academic year:

Nursery & Reception—Mrs Bennett

Years 1 & 2—Mrs Timiney and Mrs Mort

Years 3 & 4—Miss Fox

Years 5 & 6—Mrs Longford and Mrs Nayler

The teaching assistants will assist the teachers across the school.

On Monday, we will be having a COVID safe ‘moving up day’. Please drop off and collect at the time for your child’s year group this year.

The KS2 art exhibition takes place next week, but unfortunately, due to the continuing restrictions, parents aren't able to visit. However, a video of the exhibition will be put onto the school website.

24.06.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases and staff testing is continuing, all results so far have returned as negative. Please be aware that cases are increasing in local high schools, so please continue to take all recommended precautions.

On Tuesday, the children in years 3 and 4 enjoyed their class trip to Chevin Forest Park. They participated in Forest School activities linked to the topic, the Stone Age. They had a great time building shelters, ‘hunting’ for animals, following tracks and cooking on a campfire.

The children in years 5 and 6 have this week taken part in the first ever online Healthy Schools’ public voice and celebration events run by Healthy Schools North Yorkshire. These workshops focused on emotional health and wellbeing and how to live active lives.

On Wednesday, the children had their sports days, albeit in their bubbles and without parents. The results will be added to other sport house competitions and the winning house will be announced at the end of term.

It was great to see parents on the Phonics zoom presentation on Tuesday evening, we hope you found this session useful. For those who were unable to attend, please see attached a copy of the slides from the presentation.

The PTA is planning another second hand uniform sale next Tuesday in the playground, 3-4pm. All items £1 (buy 2 items get the third item free). If you need other items of uniform for September, please see attached uniform order form from Sue Knowles. Please communicate directly with Sue to place orders.

Thank you to all those who have made the voluntary contributions towards the cost of the class trips, it is much appreciated. Please keep up to date with other payments on Parent Pay.

A reminder that payment for school lunches should be made in advance. Weekly reminder texts are now being sent out to those families who are forgetting to make regular payments.

Unfortunately, it is necessary to remind some parents about the use of the village hall car park. Whilst the staggered start and finish times are easing congestion, the car park is still a busy place. Please park with consideration for other users and do not block empty spaces. Please pass this message on to grandparents or others who may collect your child. Thankyou for your cooperation.

17.06.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases and staff testing is continuing, all results so far have returned as negative. Please be aware that cases are increasing in local high schools, so please continue to take all recommended precautions.

Following the Prime Ministers announcement on Monday evening, we now know that the roadmap has been delayed. Unfortunately, this means that some of our planned events will have to be altered or cancelled. Please see below our revised plans for these events.

Sports Day—The children will have their inter-house competitions in their bubbles, but, unfortunately parents won’t be able to watch.

The KS2 Pantomime—This event will now be combined with the plans for the Leavers’ Assembly. The Pantomime will now be a performance by children in just years 5 and 6, on Thursday 22nd July at 1.30pm. Unfortunately, only parents of children in year 6 will be able to attend, arrangements to be confirmed. This event will be outside, so fingers crossed! Further details will be sent home.

Summer Concerts– For all other year groups. The children’s performances (in their bubbles) will be filmed and the recordings made available to parents in those year groups.

Art Exhibitions—The art exhibitions will take place to enable the children to view each other’s art, and photographs of the exhibitions will be put on the website. Unfortunately, parents won’t be able to attend the exhibitions.

Leavers’ Assembly—See KS2 Pantomime above.

Luckily, the children in year 6 have been able to enjoy some of the traditional leavers’ activities this week. They have enjoyed a continental breakfast each morning of warm pain au chocolat and fresh juices; they are now wearing their leavers’ hoodies (many thanks to Mrs Marcantonio-Jones for organising); and yesterday went on their Mystery Trip, which this year was to Go-Ape at Temple Newsom! The children had fun challenging themselves on the aerial obstacle course and then enjoyed team games. A great day was had by all!

A reminder to please return any Tempest class photograph order forms by tomorrow, or order online.

A reminder about the Phonics zoom presentation which is taking place next week on Tuesday 22nd June. This event is particularly important for parents of children in Reception and year 1, but is open to all parents. The presentation will be at 7pm via zoom using the meeting id 725 582 1141 password jrk1Z5.

10.06.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases and staff testing is continuing, all results so far have returned as negative.

We await the expected government announcement on the 14th June as to whether the ‘Roadmap’ will progress to the next stage on the 21st June. Once the government has made its announcement, and the detailed guidance has been received from the DfE, we will give further details about how our end of term events such as Sports Day, Art exhibitions, Performances and Leavers’ Assemblies, might safely proceed.

We are delighted to welcome Miss Johnson back into Early Years following her maternity leave. She will be working part time alongside the Early Years team.

In addition to the tennis being provided by ILTSC, on Tuesday, the children in Reception, year 1 and year 2 started tennis lessons with our regular tennis coach Luke, great fun was had by all!

Today, the children in Reception have been on their class trip to Bolton Abbey. The children took part in an art class using outdoor materials, explored the Abbey, went on an adventure trail and challenged themselves physically. The children were very well behaved and a great day was had by all! Well done children! Photographs of the trip will shortly be on class 1’s page of the school website.

Forms to order a Tempest class photograph are being sent home today, please return any order forms and payment back to school by Friday 18th June or place your order on line. (The order forms for the photograph for years 5 & 6 will be sent home early next week.)

On Tuesday 22nd June we will be making a Phonics presentation to parents to show how phonics is taught and what you can do at home to support your child. This event is particularly important for parents of children in Reception and year 1, but is open to all parents, including any grandparents or other family members who may help the children with their reading. The presentation will be at 7pm via zoom using the meeting id 725 582 1141 password jrk1Z5.

With the sunny weather finally here, a reminder that children in years Nursery, Reception, 1 and 2, should have sun cream applied before they come to school and bring a named bottle of sun cream into school, the children will be helped to top up their sun cream at break times. Children in years 3, 4 ,5 & 6 can also bring in sun cream (to be kept in their bag) to top up themselves during break times. ALL children should bring a water bottle to school every day. Sun hats are also recommended for all children. If children wish to wear sandals, they should be of the type that buckle or fasten, no flip flops or slip-ons please.

27.05.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases and staff testing is continuing, all results so far have returned as negative. As with previous holidays, if your child tests positive within 2 days of being in school, then please inform school via email to askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

Last Friday, the children from years 1 and 2 went on a trip to Nell Bank and focused on Senses and Habitats. Despite the rain, the children had a great day exploring how different animals use their senses to protect themselves and found lots of insects under logs and stones. They also explored a pond habitat and found lots of creatures from the water. The Nell Bank staff commented on the excellent behaviour of all the children and were very impressed with the children’s scientific knowledge. Well done children. Photos of the day are on the Class Gallery on the school website.

This week our Parent Appointments have taken place via Zoom for all children from nursery to year 6. We hope you found the appointments useful. If any parent didn't get chance to make an appointment, please contact the office to arrange a phone call with your child’s class teacher after half term.

We are delighted to have been invited to be part of a new community project here in Askwith, centred on the phone box (opposite the pub). Thanks to local residents, the phone box has now been cleaned and renovated. For the first event, the celebration of what should have been the annual Askwith Show, the children in Nursery and Reception have created some farm themed art work. The art work will be placed in the windows of the phone box at the end of school today. Do have a look (safely) if you are passing. We will keep you up to date with future events at the phone box!

We are greatly looking forward to the visit of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Athlete, Ayaz Bhuta tomorrow. Children should come to school tomorrow wearing their school PE kits or their own sports clothes (PE kits are being sent home today). Thanks to your generous contributions, all costs have been covered and the school has over £500 to spend on sports equipment and sports activities. Many thanks to all the sponsors!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all pupils, parents, staff and Governors for their continuing hard work and support of Askwith Primary School.

A reminder that tomorrow we close for half term at the usual pick up times. I hope you all manage to enjoy the forecast sunshine and look forward to seeing everyone on Monday 7th June.

20.05.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases and staff testing is continuing, all results so far have returned as negative. Regarding the ‘Dates for your Diary’ sent home last week and the concerning news about the ‘Indian variant’, please be assured that we are continuing to keep up to date with the latest guidance issued by the DfE, and the planned events will only take place if it is safe to do so and will of course be in accordance with current risk assessments.

Please see attached a letter of thanks to all parents from the children at Askwith, written by the year 6 ambassadors.

Please note, that from this week, Y1-Y6 children will bring spellings home to practise every Thursday. The reason for this change is that we have introduced dictation sessions on Tuesdays in Y1-Y6. Current research indicates that dictation is an effective way of embedding spellings and their meaning. Spelling tests will continue to take place every Wednesday and homework will continue to be sent home every Friday to return on Wednesday. Thank you for your continuing support.

On Wednesday, the children in Reception and year 1 enjoyed some free tennis lessons courtesy of Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. This was a new sport for many of the children and great fun was had by all. Please see attached some promotional material from Ilkley Tennis Club. School has paid for tennis lessons, delivered by our regular tennis coach, Luke, for children in Reception, year 1 and year 2, after half term to enable them to build on these skills. The children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are learning tennis skills on Thursdays with our sports coach.

Thank you to all those who have booked an Online Parent Appointment for next week. The online booking facility has now closed. If you have not yet got an appointment, but would like one, or wish to change an appointment, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk. Please join your child’s teacher’s Zoom appointment promptly and have the correct Zoom codes to hand. (Zoom codes were on the Parent Appointment letter sent out last week.)

Thank you to all those who have brought in sponsorship money for the Athlete led fitness circuit next week. Any final contributions should be brought in by the end of this week.

Tempest Photographers will (hopefully) be in school on Tuesday to take class photographs. Children should wear their usual smart school uniform and big smiles for the photographs, which will be available to purchase, details to follow next week.

13.05.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases and staff testing is continuing, all results so far have returned as negative. However, unfortunately 1 child is isolating after being in close contact with someone who has now tested positive. It is wonderful that, because of the lifting of some restrictions, we can all enjoy more freedom, but cases are still around and care should be taken when meeting others.

As announced in the recent government announcements, from Monday 17th May, some restrictions are being lifted. Holidays to ‘green list’ countries are now permitted. Please check the school term dates (on the website) before booking holidays and follow the government guidance in place at the time. Having reviewed the latest DfE guidance, no other current restrictions can yet be lifted i.e. the bubbles, staggered drop off and pick-up times and wearing of masks in the playground must all stay in place.

A reminder, that if your child is attending an after school club, please phone school (01943 462896) from the gate when you arrive and your child will be brought out to you. Please pass this message on to any friends or relatives who may be collecting your child. Likewise, if your child has to leave early for an appointment, please remember to phone from the gate and your child will be brought out to you. Thank you for your co-operation with this.

This week is Mental Health Awareness week. This year’s theme has been ‘nature.’ The children have enjoyed various activities centred on the ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ - Take notice; Get creative; Be active; Give to others and Connect with others. Photographs of the activities will be on the website next week.

Please find attached this term’s ‘Dates for your Diary.’ Some of the events listed depend on whether the governments ‘Roadmap’ progresses as planned and any updated guidance from the DfE. Further details about these events will be sent out nearer the time as needed.

Please see attached a letter about the Online Parents’ Appointments taking place week commencing 24th May. The links to enable you to book an appointment will be sent out at 2.30pm today. Appointments will take place via Zoom, on a different day for each class. See attached instructions about how to book from your phone if you are unfamiliar with this system.
We are very much looking forward to the visit of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Athlete, Ayaz Bhuta, on Friday 28th May. A reminder that all monies and sponsorship forms need to be back in school by next Tuesday (18th May) latest. All children will need PE kit in school on Friday 28th May. Thank you for your support with this event.

06.05.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

Please see attached a letter of thanks to parents from the Governors.

Today, we welcomed a new Premier Sports Coach to school, Daniel. Daniel will be teaching all the children aged Reception to year 6 on Thursdays during their PE lessons and on a rota for fitness sessions on Monday afternoons. Daniel will also lead the lunchtime and after school clubs clubs on Mondays and Thursdays. See below a reminder about after school clubs. The previous coach Laura, has left the sports coaching industry to become a dog groomer! We wish her well for the future.

It has been great to have Naomi back in the kitchen this week. Please see attached the new Summer Term menu which will be in use from next week (Monday 10th May). If your child would like to change the days they have school lunches, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk before 9am Monday morning.

Further to the responses received in the recent Parental Questionnaire and the success of the February Zoom ‘Parent Evening,’ we are planning a further ‘Parents’ Evening’ to be held over Zoom, week commencing 24th May, for parents of children in years Reception to 6. Booking information will be sent out next week.

We are very much looking forward to the visit of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Athlete, Ayaz Bhuta on Friday 28th May. A reminder that all monies and sponsorship forms need to be back in school by Tuesday 18th May latest. Sponsorship forms were sent home last week. Thank you for your support with this event.

29.04.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

We are excited to announce that on the 28th May we will be having a visit from Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Athlete Ayaz Bhuta! See attached letter for further details. Sponsorship forms are being sent home today.

As restrictions are lifted, your child may be returning to out-of-school activities. The government have issued guidance for parents of children who are attending after school clubs and out-of-school activities. The main points are;

• Send them to a provider that has protective measures in place
• Limit the number of settings your child attends, ideally only 1 out-of-school setting in addition to school
• Work with providers to try to ensure your child is grouped with children from the same school bubble if possible or same school or siblings
• Take practical steps to reduce risk by not sharing lifts in cars with other households
• Keep a record of when your child attends a setting and where it is, this will help if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace

As per our risk assessment, our regular handwashing routine is continuing for all children and staff. Since returning after Easter, some children have dry / sore hands, please feel free to send hand cream in for your child to apply at break times if their hands are suffering with all the hand washing.

We are delighted that next week Mrs Bennett will return from maternity leave to resume her teaching in the nursery / reception class. Miss Dunbar, who has covered Mrs Bennett’s maternity leave, will remain in school until the end of the summer term. Naomi, the cook, is also returning from maternity leave next week. Thank you to Claire who has covered her maternity leave and will move to a different school next week.

On Thursday 6th May, the Village Hall is being used as a polling station for the local elections. Please do not use the village hall carpark on this day, please park elsewhere in the village with consideration for other road users and local residents, thank you.

A polite reminder to keep up to date with payments on Parent Pay. Please check and clear any outstanding balances every month. School lunches should be paid for in advance. For those having school lunches in years 3, 4, 5 and 6, the sum now due for May is £47.50.

22.04.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

With the weather now turning sunnier, please can all children (nursery to year 6) bring a named bottle of sun cream into school which will remain in school for the duration of the summer term. On sunny days, please apply suncream to your child in the morning before they come to school, this can then be re-applied with the suncream they have in school. We consider that all children age year 1 upwards are old enough to top up their own suncream but it may be advisable to practise this at home. Nursery and Reception children will be helped to top up their suncream. Please also send sun hats in to school. If children wish to wear sandals, they should be of the type that fasten on to their feet, no slip-ons or flip flops please.

We are delighted that the DfE now permits educational day visits to take place. Every class will go on a trip during this summer term, details to follow. Unfortunately, residential visits are still not permitted so it will not be possible for the bi-annual year 5 & 6 residential trip to take place, however we will ensure their class trip is memorable!

We are pleased that all our nursery children and some children from new families have been offered places in our Reception class from September. Due to an unforeseen circumstance, we do have a spare place if you know of anyone who may be interested in a Reception place at Askwith Primary School. For any enquiries about places, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

Since re-opening on the 8th March, the attendance for most children has been excellent. Whilst our children continued to work incredibly hard during the lockdowns, it is very important that they continue to build their knowledge across the curriculum so that they know more, remember more and can do more by the end of the school year. To this end, it is imperative that NO holidays are taken during term time. Please see attached further copies of the term dates for the remainder of this school year and next school year.

15.04.21

I hope you all had an enjoyable Easter break.

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases. Staff testing continued throughout the Easter break and is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

The DfE has now changed its guidance about wraparound clubs and as per the text sent out on Tuesday, all children in years R to 6 are now allowed to attend clubs running for their year groups. No booking is needed but please inform your child’s teacher if they will be staying for an after school club. See below details of the clubs on offer this half term. Children will be in an infant bubble and a junior bubble for these clubs. A reminder to please ring from the gate when dropping off for breakfast club or when collecting from after school club and staff will come out to meet you.

We are pleased that the Whole Class Music Lessons, that usually take place in the autumn term for years 5 and 6, are able to take place this term now peripatetic teachers are allowed back into school. From Wednesday, all children in years 5 and 6 will benefit from group guitar lessons with a specialist music teacher and will be able to bring a guitar home to practise. Some children are also recommencing individual instrument lessons in school (currently guitar, piano and cello). If you are interested in your child having individual instrument lessons please contact the Music Service directly on 01609 532783 or email musicservicetuitionrequests@northyorks.co.uk

Breakfast Club—From 8am every morning, Reception to year 6, £2.30 per child per day, breakfast provided.

After School Clubs—Until 5.30pm Mon-Wed, until 5pm on Thursday. £4 until 4pm, £5 until 5pm, £6 until 5.30pm 

TEACHER LED CLUBS – no charge

Spring 2

25.03.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have 1 child isolating because a member of their household is awaiting the result of a coronavirus test. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

It was great to see the children enjoying the skip-a-thon for Comic Relief last Friday, £148 was raised. Photographs are on the website.

The children in years 1 to 6 have taken part in workshops led by Konflux theatre company this week. All workshops have been based on keeping mentally healthy. The children thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and were commended by the presenter for their impeccable behaviour and engagement. Well done children!

This week, the local vicar, Stephen McCaulay, has joined the children on zoom to discuss themes based on Easter. We thank Rev McCaulay for his time and for enhancing our RE curriculum.

The DfE has not yet changed their guidance about wraparound clubs so unfortunately breakfast club and after school clubs after Easter are still only available for those parents that need the provision to be able to work, for education or training or a medical appointment. These clubs must also still be booked in advance (by midday the day before, (midday Thursday for Friday and Monday). We will update you if the rules change.

May I take this opportunity to thank all children, parents, staff and governors for their hard work and support during these unprecedented times. Hopefully we are now on the way back to normality.

A reminder that school closes for Easter on Friday 26th March and reopens on Tuesday 13th April. Due to the roadworks taking place outside school, we will now close at the usual time on Friday.

I hope you all have an enjoyable Easter break.

18.03.21

Coronavirus update—A member of staff is currently isolating at home due to coronavirus type symptoms in their household. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

Comic Relief day is tomorrow! Unfortunately, we aren't able to hold a bake sale, instead children can come to school in home clothes. They will be taking part in an ‘inter-house skip-a-thon’ using the skipping ropes we provided during lock down. A contribution of £1 per child for Comic Relief is requested please. Can children, who didn't bring their skipping rope in today, please bring it in tomorrow.

Next week, we are continuing to focus on the mental wellbeing of our children. The children in reception and nursery will build on their discussions from this week about friendships, and how to share any worries they may have. The children in years 1 to 6 will be working with theatre company Konflux, who we have worked with for many years. On Tuesday, the children in years 1 and 2 will take part in a ‘Magical Mindfulness’ workshop which includes introducing the children to mindful breathing. The children in years 3 and 4 will take part in a ‘Play in a Day’ entitled ‘Take a Deep Breath’ which will teach them some mindfulness techniques to help cope with busy, modern life in a positive way. Then, on Wednesday, years 5 and 6, will take part in a ‘Play in a Day’ entitled ‘Peace of Mind’ when they will discuss the importance of good mental health, what it is and how we can keep it healthy.

In addition, Mrs Timiney is now running a KS1 ‘mindfulness club.’ The first session this week was a great success so will now be repeated every week.

We will soon be planning the nursery for next school year. If you have a younger child, who hasn't already been registered, then please ask Mrs Bentley for a registration form. Likewise, if you have friends who might be interested in a place for their child, please encourage them to get in touch asap.

We would usually change the school lunch menu after Easter, but as most children have just returned, we will keep the current menu until week commencing 10th May. A copy of the new menu will be sent home in advance of the change.

11.03.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

It was lovely to see all the children returning to school on Monday. Our main focus this week has been to make sure that the children are settled back into school routines and are enjoying being back with their friends.

A reminder that if your child has an inhaler to please ensure a spare is handed in to your child’s teacher in a named plastic bag to be kept in school. Thank you.

World Book Day vouchers have been given to children today. Although they say they are only valid until 28th March, participating bookshops will honour the voucher after that date if they have the special £1 books still in stock. See worldbookday.com for details. Unfortunately the tokens cannot be used online.

Thank you to those who have completed and returned the parental questionnaire, your feedback is much appreciated. Following your comments, we will be holding another parent consultation meeting via Zoom in the summer term. Details to follow.

Comic Relief day is Friday 19th March. Unfortunately, we aren't able to hold a bake sale, instead children can come to school in home clothes. They will be taking part in an ‘inter-house skip-a-thon’ using the skipping ropes we provided during lock down. A contribution of £1 per child for Comic Relief is requested. Please can children bring their skipping ropes to school on Thursday 18th to practice.

04.03.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

Thank you to the PTA for organising the school uniform sales which have been going on this week, and thank you to those who donated the items. If there are items of uniform remaining then there will be another sale.

We are very much looking forward to having all children in school on Monday. Please refer to the letter emailed out on 23rd February for details and attached reminders. To help us prepare, please email Mrs Bentley on askwith@ycatschools.co.uk to make any changes to lunch time arrangements, school transport journeys or to book breakfast club or after school clubs between 8th and 26th March. Breakfast club & after school clubs must be booked by midday the day before (by midday Thursday for Monday). Please note we are only able to provide breakfast club and after school clubs if parents need these clubs to enable them to work, seek work, for education or training or a medical appointment. 

It was lovely to see so many children dressed up for World Book Day today. The £1 book tokens have arrived in school and will be given out to children next week. They are valid until 28th March, but participating bookshops will honour the voucher after that date if they have the special £1 books still in stock. See worldbookday.com for details. Unfortunately the tokens cannot be used online.

Thank you to those who have already completed and returned the parental questionnaire sent out last week. We will send paper copies of the questionnaire home on Monday. If you haven't already completed a questionnaire, it would be appreciated if you can complete and return by Friday 12th March, thank you.

Books do not need to be returned to the shed on Thursday. Please send them in with your child on Monday together with any reading books or worksheets.

25.02.21

Coronavirus update—We currently have no cases. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

We hope the children have enjoyed playing with their new games equipment over half term. If you have any photographs of your children using the items that could be put on our website then please email them to ntiminey.askwith@ycatschools.co.uk. Teachers will be sending out challenges for the children to practise in anticipation of inter—house competitions when we are fully open.

Further to the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday, we are able to re-open to all children from Monday 8th March. Please refer to the letter emailed out on Tuesday 23rd for guidance about this re-opening. Please note we are only able to provide breakfast club and after school clubs if parents need the provision to work, seek work, for education or training or a medical appointment. Places are limited. Please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk to book places from 8th to 26th March. See below for details.

World Book Day is Thursday 4th March. Usually, we would invite the children to attend school dressed as a character from a book and have a day of special literary activities. Instead, children may dress up at home if they wish, in any character from a book of their choosing. Children will be engaging in World Book Day activities.

With schools returning on 8th March, this hopefully marks the end of lockdowns, but if it were to happen again, it would be beneficial to know your thoughts about our current procedures. Please see attached a questionnaire. I would be grateful if you could complete and email it back Friday 5th March.

A reminder to return books to the shed between Thursday 4pm and Friday 8.30am. Books can then be collected from 5pm on Friday ready for lessons on Monday morning, for one last week of zoom lessons!

11.02.21

Coronavirus update—We currently don’t have any cases. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

Action to be taken over half term—If your child has been in school this half term and develops Coronavirus symptoms within 48 hours of being in school, then please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk. If your child develops symptoms after 48 hours of last being in school, then school do not need to be informed but the current government guidance should be followed.

This week, I have been dropping into zoom lessons across the school, it has been lovely to see the children enjoying their learning. Well done children and thank you parents for your support!

Thank you to all parents who have booked a zoom appointment to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher. The online booking system has now closed but any changes or further appointments can be made by emailing your child’s teacher. We hope that those who have already had their appointments have found them to be useful.

As announced in last week’s newsletter, books should please be returned on Friday 12th between 9.30am and 3pm. The games equipment, which school have purchased for every child (years R to 6), can also be collected during this time. It would be great to see some photographs of the children enjoying using the equipment, please email them to ntiminey.askwith@ycatschools.co.uk and we’ll put a selection on the website.

• Please remember to wear a mask when coming into the playground to drop off books / collect games equipment and form a socially distanced queue using the established one-way system. If there are no staff in the playground please ring the door bell or phone 01943 462896.
• Parents of children in school that day, who collect their children at the end of the day, can collect their games equipment at the same time.
• Children who travel home on the bus will be given their games equipment to take on the bus.

The teachers will mark the books over half term and the books will be ready to collect on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st ready for lessons on Monday 22nd.

A reminder that we close for half term on Friday at 3.30pm and will be resuming the online lessons on Monday 22nd February using the same zoom codes and timetable. Children who have been coming into school this lockdown are welcome to return after half term. We await news as to when the school will be able to fully reopen but hope it is before Easter.

I hope you all manage to have a restful break over half term.

04.02.21

Coronavirus update—We currently don’t have any cases. Staff testing is continuing and all results so far have returned as negative.

The games equipment has now been delivered and will be available to collect by the parent / carer of each child next Friday (12th). Every child, whether currently learning at home or in school, will receive a skipping rope, a hula hoop and 2 balls. We hope the children will enjoy playing with these items (and hope the weather is clement enough to play outside!) After half term, teachers will send out challenges which will become a ‘sports house’ competition. Details of the Covid-safe collection process will be detailed in next week’s letter.

As explained in last week’s letter, the February Parents’ Evening will take place via zoom. A letter with the full details and booking instructions was sent out earlier today. The links to book your appointments were texted and emailed to the first contact of each child at 12.30pm today. While the parent appointments are taking place, there won’t be the usual zoom sessions, children will be set work that they can do without the teacher’s help. If you have problems booking your appointment, please email askwith@ycatschools.co.uk.

As it is half term week commencing 15th February, there will be a slight change to the book collection routine.

Thank you for your continuing help and cooperation.

28.01.21

Coronavirus update—Unfortunately, we currently have 2 children, who are eligible to be in school, but are at home as a member of their household has tested positive.

Staff testing has now commenced and so far all results have returned as negative.

With the news yesterday from the Prime Minister that schools will only be opening from the 8th March earliest, we are glad that we have managed to put in place, what we consider to be, a comprehensive system for continuing to educate Askwith pupils. We are very grateful for the support you are giving to your children and to the staff during what is a very challenging time. We are confident that currently, learning loss is minimal, and we have plans in place to ensure all children catch up when they are allowed to return.

To help children to keep active whilst they are at home, we have ordered some games equipment for every child in years R to 6. We are hoping to receive these items before half term. Keep watching your text / email for details of when to collect the items and the challenges we are going to set for the children!

Usually, in the week before February half term, we hold a parents’ evening. This year the parents’ evenings will take place via zoom. The event will take place on Friday 12th February with slots available 10am until 12pm and 1pm until 3pm. Booking will be via our usual online parents’ evening booking system. Details of this system and how to book will be sent out next week. There won’t be any zoom