Newsletters

Newsletter - 2026-27 - Issue 4

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2026 – 2027

Issue 04 – 16.10.26

Easy fundraising here,
My School Fund via ESPO here.
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As we approach the end of what has been a very successful first half term, I would like to thank all of our children, staff and families for the positive start to the school year. The children have worked incredibly hard, embraced new learning opportunities and settled brilliantly into their classes. There is still plenty to look forward to next week, including 'Break the Rules' Day on Friday - more details below. The children will certainly have earned a well-deserved break when half-term arrives.

It was wonderful to welcome so many parents and carers into school for our Parent Evenings this week. We hope you found the meetings valuable and appreciated the opportunity to catch up with your child's class teacher, celebrate successes and discuss next steps for the year ahead. Strong partnerships between home and school are so important, and we are grateful for your continued support.

Many of our children also represented the school at the Cross Country event at Wimpole Hall this week. We were incredibly proud of the way they demonstrated our 5Rs values throughout the event, showing determination, resilience and excellent sportsmanship. A full report from Mrs Turian, along with photographs from the event, will be available on the school website shortly.

Finally, as the weather becomes colder and more unpredictable, please ensure that children come to school with a suitable coat each day. Outdoor learning, playtimes and fresh air remain an important part of the school day, and having the right clothing helps everyone stay comfortable whatever the weather.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We look forward to a positive final week before wishing everyone a happy and restful half-term break.

Behaviour Policy Parental Consultation

At Swavesey Primary, we want every child to feel safe, supported and ready to learn. Over the past few months, we have been reviewing our Behaviour Policy to ensure that it reflects our values, supports positive behaviour and promotes a calm and respectful learning environment for all.

We are now seeking feedback from parents and carers on our proposed draft policy before it is finalised. The full draft policy has been sent out to all parents via email, and the 'Quick Guide' below provides a summary. We would be grateful if you could review the documents and share your thoughts.

Your feedback is important to us and will help ensure that our approach reflects the views of our wider school community. The consultation will remain open until 23rd October.

Positive Behaviour Policy Consultation  – Fill out form

Thank you for taking the time to share your views and for your continued support.

Mrs Ogilvie

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New Reception Intake 2027 Talk and Tour Dates

If you have a child due to start Reception in Sept 2027 and would like to come and look around our school, please book using the following link:

We are holding four 'Talk and Tours' this term for families with children starting in Reception in September 2027. The format will be a tour with Mrs Ogilvie, our headteacher, across the school 'at work', to see our environment, organisation and an opportunity to ask questions.

They will last approximately an hour. The dates are as follows:

  • Wednesday 21st October at 9.30am
  • Wednesday 4th November at 9.30am
  • Monday 9th November at 2.30pm 
  • Tuesday 12th January at 2.30pm

If you would like to attend one of these meetings, please complete the form below.

Talk and Tour Dates

Swavesey Bake Off – A Recipe for Success! 🍰🧁

A huge thank you from both the PTA and the school to everyone who took part in this year’s Swavesey Bake Off. We were amazed by the creativity, effort and baking talent on display, and especially grateful for all the wonderful cakes and biscuits that were made and shared. We hope you enjoyed eating them as much as we did!

Congratulations to our winners:

🏆 KS1 Biscuit Winner: Rosie
🏆 KS2 Biscuit Winner: Freddie

🎂 KS1 Cake Winner: Isla
🎂 KS2 Cake Winner: Ava

🌟 Overall Swavesey Bake Off Winner: Isla

Thank you again to everyone who baked, entered, judged, bought treats or supported the event. Your enthusiasm helped make it a fantastic success!


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Break the Rules Day
All Day
23
October
SEND Parents' Evening Meetings
All Day
from 02 Nov until 06 Nov
02
November
Vision Screening Checks - Reception
All Day
03
November
PTA Fireworks
All Day
06
November
Weights & Measures - Reception & Year 6
All Day
10
November
Governor's Meeting
6:30pm – 8:30pm
11
November
Children in Need
All Day
13
November
Anti-Bullying Week
All Day
from 16 Nov until 20 Nov
16
November

PE Days and School PE Kit

Please ensure that your child comes to school wearing their full school PE kit, including appropriate footwear on their allocated PE days. Please note that football kits are not part of the school PE Kit.

Our PE Kit - children come to school in their PE kit on PE days - please ensure it is appropriate for the weather conditions.

  • Black, grey or navy shorts

  • Plain short-sleeved T-Shirt in your child's house colour (with or without school logo) - red, blue, purple, yellow or green

  • Black, grey or navy jogging bottoms/leggings

  • Plain jumper/top (no hood) which is appropriate for PE sessions, i.e. does not restrict movement and provides warmth for outdoor PE

  • Trainers for outdoor PE with good grip

  • Plain sports socks

Jewellery and Makeup - children should not wear jewellery or make up.  The following number of exceptions are permitted 

  • One small single stud earring in each ear is allowed but these must be removed for PE and outdoor sporting sessions

  • Wristwatches may be worn - but these should not be internet accessing 

  • Medic alert bracelets and necklaces may be worn and need to be visible 

PE Days by Class

  • Hedgehogs & Rabbits: Thursday and Friday
  • Otters: Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Foxes: Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Squirrels: Monday and Tuesday
  • Badgers: Wednesday and Friday
  • Swans: Wednesday and Friday
  • Kingfishers: Wednesday and Friday
  • Owls: Tuesday and Thursday
  • Swallows: Tuesday and Thursday
  • Ravens: Tuesday and one additional day, which has been communicated in a separate email.

Swimming Lessons

We are also pleased to share that targeted swimming lessons for Key Stage 2 pupils will be starting this term.

Parents and carers of children taking part should check their emails for details of their child's allocated swimming session and any specific arrangements or requirements.

Thank you for your support in ensuring children arrive prepared and ready to participate in these important physical education opportunities.

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16 Oct 2026
SCSSP 'BIG SCHOOLS' CROSS COUNTRY 2026
A morning full of sunshine and excitement at the Wimpole Estate.
Read more
16 Oct 2026
Hello Yellow! - Charity Event - 9th October 2026
a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb;}tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;}tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5;}On 9th October, Swavesey Primary School proudly took part in Hello Yellow, a national fundraising event in support of YoungMinds and childre...
Read more
11 Oct 2026
'BEE' NETBALL, Round ONE of the new season 2026/27
Challenging and competitive games, throughout the first round of tournaments, for both Swavesey teams!
Read more
11 Sep 2026
Year 4 Ethan is a 'DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPION' for Team GB
A proud moment for Ethan, his family and the school community.
Read more

Medical Information Update

If there have been any changes to your child's medical information over the summer holidays, please ensure these are shared with the school office as soon as possible.

Parents of children with asthma are reminded that an in-date, clearly labelled inhaler should be kept in school at all times.

Thank you for helping us keep our medical records accurate and up to date.

Thank You for Your Generosity

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our families who have supported our Hello Yellow fundraiser and Harvest donations this term. We have received wonderful messages of thanks from the charities involved, who have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our school community.

Your kindness and support are greatly appreciated and are helping to make a real difference to others. Thank you for living our values and supporting these important causes.

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Please find below links to all the curriculum information for each phase for this term.

You will find the slides from this week's Parent Information Sessions, topic overviews outlining what your child will be learning this term, optional homework menus, and additional information about other aspects of your child's school life.

Reception

(Rabbits & Hedgehogs)

Year 1 & 2

(Hedgehogs, Otters, Foxes & Squirrels)

Year 3 & 4

(Swans, Badgers, Kingfishers)

Year 5 & 6

(Ravens, Swallows, Owls)

Early Years and Preschool Updates

Starting Reception Reminder
A reminder for families with children due to start Reception. Please see the attached poster for key information and guidance to support a smooth transition into school.

Preschool Christmas Open Day
We are delighted to invite all Preschool families to our Christmas Open Day on Wednesday 16th December, 9:30am to 11:00am.

Come and join us for:

  • Christmas crafts
  • Festive snacks
  • Play activities
  • Singing
  • Dressing up

We look forward to welcoming you for a fun and festive morning together.

Breakfast Club Reminder
Please note that the Breakfast Club kitchen closes at 8:25am. If your child requires breakfast, please ensure they arrive at Kids Club before 8:25am. Children arriving after this time cannot be guaranteed breakfast.

Changes to bookings /arrangements 

Please make sure that you let EY and P know if there are any last-minute changes to collection at the end of the day. 

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We are delighted to have launched our new catering service this term and have been pleased to see children enjoying the range of options available.

Each day, children can choose from:

  • A hot meal option
  • A pasta option
  • A jacket potato option

Parents can continue to book meals through SCOPay, including:

  • Hot school meals
  • Cheese packed lunches
  • Ham packed lunches
  • Tuna packed lunches

Please ensure that meal choices are booked in advance through SCOPay. The latest menu can be found attached to this newsletter and on the school website.

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Photographs on Our Website and Social Media

You may have noticed that many of the photographs we share on our website and online platforms now either show children from behind or have identifying features obscured.

This is not a change we have made lightly. As a school, we have recently received safeguarding advice highlighting the rapidly developing capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and other online technologies. While we value celebrating our pupils' achievements and sharing the wonderful experiences they have at school, we also have a responsibility to consider emerging risks and put children's safety first.

As a precautionary measure, we have therefore decided that we will only publish photographs where we are confident that a child's identity is appropriately protected. This may include photographs taken from behind, at a distance, or with identifying features covered.

We completely understand that some families may feel this is a shame. We share that sentiment, as we know how much parents enjoy seeing and celebrating their children's involvement in school life. However, after careful consideration, we believe that taking a cautious approach is the right decision in the current digital landscape.

As technology continues to evolve, some families may wish to reconsider permissions they have previously given, while others may remain comfortable with their existing choices, so please do let school know if you would like to amend these.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care.

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have a great opportunity for female students in Year 3–6 to attend a free trial training session at our Cambourne and Ely Development Centre. If offered a place, players join our programme under a modest participation fee, which grants them the following benefits:

  • Weekly training sessions delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches — educational, fun, and skill-focused
  • Training alongside talented peers to push development
  • Access to the club’s full development pathway
  • Full NCFC training kit
  • Opportunities to travel on residential training retreats
  • Competitive fixtures against other development programmes and local clubs

Training schedule:

Cambridgeshire - Cambourne Girls Development Centre

Address: Cambourne Village College, Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6FR

Date: Wednesday 14th of October 2026

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Age group: U8 - U11 (Year 3 - Year 6)

Outfield and Goalkeeper Centre

Cambridgeshire - Ely Girls Development Centre

Address: The Hive Leisure Centre, Leisure Park, 15 Downham Rd, ELY CB6 2FE

Date: Friday 23rd of October 2026

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Age group:U9 - U11 (Year 4 - Year 6)

Outfield and Goalkeepers welcome

 

All sessions take place at our excellent facilities in Cambourne and Ely.

If your daughter would like to attend a free trial session, please sign up via our trial form or please contact me at Phil.turner@canaries.co.uk to arrange as free trial session.

Sign up trial link: https://forms.gle/n6Wu5f1RskpVgD3q6

We look forward to welcoming any new players to the centre!

Kind regards,

Phil Turner

Norwich City FC

Head of Girls Football

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Guitar Lessons

Our resident guitar teacher, Mr Cory, may have some available spaces for guitar lessons for the upcoming term.

If your child is age 7 or above and interested in learning the guitar, please contact Mr Cory via email at jimmypagefans@hotmail.com. Please include:- pupils name, parent/guardian name, school name, class teachers name for 26/27 academic year, home address, mobile phone number and whether you require 30min (£20.25) or 15min (£10.12) lessons.

Please book early to avoid disappointment. Please note if you have already been added to my waiting list, you will be the first to be offered any spaces that become available.

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Message from the Local Football Clubs:

Hi Everyone. The green is having work done with the grant money secured from the football clubs.

This is to try and get football back on the green for all teams. Youth and Adult teams. This is also so that the green is safer for kids and animals in general.

We’re all currently spending money we don’t have playing at the college and need to get back on the green asap. We could do with some rain though.

I know it’s almost impossible, but please be aware that there’s seeded areas with fresh soil spread and rolled in.

And we would all ask if your children are playing in it, or your dogs are digging it up. Please try and prevent that. We don’t really want to have to cordon it all off again.

I know it’s hard to monitor, but we’d really appreciate everyone being aware of this.

Many thanks!! From all the football clubs.

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SEND, Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Links

SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) information can be accessed through our SEND website pages here

Safeguarding Information - please click here for our Safeguarding page especially should you have concerns relating to the safeguarding of our children and families. Please click here to go directly to our Safeguarding policy.

Attendance Policy -please click here for the school's attendance policy. It is vitally important parents and carers are aware of their responsibilities and the formal processes for attendance matters. The NHS have created a useful webpage to support decision-making when children are unwell - you can click here for the link.

SEMH (Social Emotional Mental Health) resources for parents - Please click here to access an overview sheet with signposted resources for you to use at home to support your children. The overview sheet can also be found at the bottom of the SEND page on our website here. 

H.A.Y Cambridgeshire Community Wellbeing support -  How Are You South Cambs? | Home (haysouthcambs.co.uk)

NHS Mental Health Services www.keep-your-head.com and SHOUT - a new Text service on 85258 which provides real-time support to people of all ages who are struggling with their mental health (text the word HEAR to 85258).

Chat Health is a NHS confidential NHS service for help and advice. It’s safe and easy for you to speak to a qualified health professional. Just send a message, you don’t have to give your name. Discreet and quick. It only takes one message to start making a difference. You’ll get confidential advice from trained health staff in your area. Click here to access the site to start a web chat today.

NHS Pharmacy First Service - the NHS Pharmacy First Service enables children and adults to get convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment where appropriate, for seven common conditions without the potential delay of having to wait for a GP appointment. There is no need to make an appointment; parents or carers can pop into their local Pharmacy with their child and ask for help under the service.

Support for the following conditions can be accessed under the service, free of charge (unless NHS prescription charges apply):

Common condition

Patient eligibility

Earache

1 to 17 years

Impetigo

1 year and over

Infected insect bites and stings

1 year and over

Sore throats

5 years and over 

Sinusitis

12 years and over

Uncomplicated urinary tract

Women 16 to 64 years 

Shingles

18 years and over