Dear parents and carers,

Welcome back. I hope you all had a restful break and hopefully, like me, you are ready to get back to the usual routine. We would like to welcome Sian Hudson who will take over from Lindsay as Head of School at St Edmund’s and will also remain Head of School at Lilycroft. It will feel strange without Lindsay but we know she will enjoy her much deserved retirement.

30 hours

If both parents are both working and your child is 3 1/3 they are likely to be eligible for an additional 15 hours of nursery education. There is more information about how to apply in this newsletter or you can ask Zieadh at Reception.

Severe weather

This is the time of year when we can expect frost and ice and even snow.  It is important for children to experience all different types of weather and we will continue to offer outdoor play every day. Please ensure your child is well wrapped up for playing outdoors. Staff will keep an eye on children to make sure they are not getting too cold. We feel it is important that we stay open even if it snows. The Pulse radio and Bradford Schools Online - www.bso.bradford.gov.uk/Schools/Home will give up to date information regarding school closures. If we are not listed in either of these places than we are open as usual.

Photographs

Every child has their very own Record of Achievement and we want this to be a special record of your child’s time with us. If you have a photograph of your child you would like to be included in their file you are very welcome to email it to office@stedmundsbradford.org.uk. You do not need to include your child’s name but please make sure to include their class/room and key person.

Children’s Centres

Although we fully understand the financial pressures the council is facing we are very concerned about their plans to drastically reduce the Children’s Centre offer in Bradford. We have been running Children’s Centres since 2007 and have seen at first hand the crucial role they play in supporting families with young children. The key element of success is the relationships the staff build with individual families and we feel this is likely to be lost in the new service. Please respond to the consultation and have your say before it is too late.

‘Better Together’ day

Finally, our annual ‘Better Together’ day is fast approaching. This year it will take place on Friday 9th February. We have decided to organise the day in a different way this year – more details to follow soon.

Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie Merifield, Executive Headteacher