Embedded Files
10th October 2025
Message from the Headteacher
Message from the Headteacher
As we move forward into another exciting week at Grafton, we are filled with enthusiasm and determination to build on the strong start we’ve made this term. Our focus remains firmly on enhancing the quality of education across all year groups, with particular emphasis on three key areas: writing, oracy, and reading. These areas are essential in supporting our pupils to become confident communicators, creative thinkers, and well-rounded learners.
We are incredibly proud of the progress our pupils are making. This includes our children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as those who are disadvantaged, who continue to demonstrate resilience, determination, and growth.
To ensure we maintain the highest standards of teaching and learning, our dedicated team of educators—including the new teachers who joined us this year—are actively engaged in ongoing professional development. Through targeted training and leadership coaching, we are equipping our staff with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to meet the diverse needs of our pupils and to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
At the heart of everything we do is a shared belief that every child matters. Together, as a school community, we are committed to making Grafton a place where every pupil feels seen, heard, supported, and inspired to achieve their very best.
MESSAGE for this week: Put away the mobile phones, ipads and other devices. Have a conversation with your child to support us in building their communication skills.
Warm regards,
Mrs J. Bana
Headteacher
Important Safeguarding Notice: Children’s “Spy” Books
We want to make you aware of a recent issue affecting some popular children’s books by Andrew Cope, including the Spy Dogs, Spy Cats, and Spy Pups series.
Some editions of these books include a printed web address at the back. This link used to go to the author’s website, but the domain is no longer under his control. It has since been taken over by another party and now leads to inappropriate adult content.
The publisher, Puffin, has paused sales and distribution of the books and is working with schools, libraries, and retailers to remove copies from circulation. They have stressed that the website has no connection to the author or publisher.
What this means for you:
If your child has any Spy Dog, Spy Cat or Spy Pups books at home, please check the back for website links and make sure they do not try to visit the site.
It is safe for children to continue reading the stories themselves — the concern is only with the outdated link.
We recommend talking with your child about the importance of not following web addresses in books without checking with an adult first.
We will continue to share updates from the publisher as more information becomes available.
🗓️ Parents’ Evening
22nd and 23rd October
📲Book Your Appointment!
Appointments are now available to book via the Arbor App. Don’t forget to secure your slot!
📚 Book Fair
The Book Fair will be open during Parents’ Evening – come and explore some fantastic reads!
🍽️ Free Food Samples!
On Wednesday 22nd, from 3:30–4:30pm, Nourish will be offering delicious food samples for parents to try. Come and have a taste!
Parents’ Evening – SEND Info ✏️👩🏫
All children will have a meeting with their class teacher during Parents’ Evening. 🗓️
If you’d like to discuss your child’s special educational needs further, please book a separate meeting with our SENDCO.
👉Appointments are now available to book via the Arbor App under "Meet the SENDCO"
We’re here to support your child every step of the way!
⚕️ Height and Weight Team Visit – Year 6
⚕️ Height and Weight Team Visit – Year 6
The Height and Weight Team will visit Year 6 on 15th October as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).
✔️Checks are quick, respectful, and done by trained NHS staff.
📬Results go directly to parents/carers, not the school.
❓Questions or want to opt out? Contact the school office or see the NCMP info letter.
🪔 Year 4 Diwali Assemblies
🪔 Year 4 Diwali Assemblies
We are delighted to invite parents and carers to our Year 4 Diwali Assemblies as we come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Friday 17th October
Simmonds Class: 🕘 9:10am
Ali Class: 🕝 2:45pm
Tuesday 21st October
Worthington Class: 🕘 9:10am
Farah Class: 🕝 2:45pm
We look forward to celebrating this occasion with you and highlighting the hard work and creativity of our Year 4 pupils.
🚸 Playground Safety Reminder 🚲
For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that children do not ride scooters or bikes on the playground before or after school. These are very busy times and riding can lead to accidents.
Please also ensure children do not use the climbing equipment before school starts or after the bell goes.
🛑 Staff are not on duty to supervise, and we want to keep all children safe.
Thank you for your support! 😊
School Gate Opening Times
🕓 Morning Gate Times
Gates Open: 8:40 AM
Gates Close: 8:55 AM
✅ Please ensure your child arrives between 8:40 AM – 8:55 AM. This gives them time to settle in and get ready for the school day.
🚪 Running Late?
After 8:55 AM, the gates will be closed.
Your child must then enter through the main office.
They will be marked late on the register.
🍽️ New School Menu Now Live – Book Now! 📲
We're excited to announce that our new school menu is now available and has gone live on School Grid! Parents and carers can now log in to view the updated meal options and book in advance. 🧑🍳👨👩👧
The new menu will take effect after the half-term break, so please take a moment to explore the delicious choices on offer and make your selections early.
As always, we aim to provide nutritious, balanced, and tasty meals🥦🍎🍝that children will enjoy. If you have any questions or dietary concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the school office.
📅 Dates for the Diary
Keep up with key events and activities this term
Wed 15 Oct
⚕️Height and Weight Team Visit - Year 6
Fri 17 Oct
🪔 Year 4 Diwali Assemblies to Parents
Simmonds: 9:10am
Ali: 2:45pm
🏊♂️ Swimming: Year 5 Bonnin & Attenborough 10:30 – 11:15am
Tue 21 Oct
🪔 Year 4 Diwali Assemblies to Parents
Worthington: 9:10am
Farah: 2:45pm
Wed 22 Oct
👨👩👧👦 Parent’s Evening 3:30 – 7:00pm
Thur 23 Oct
👨👩👧👦 Parent’s Evening 3:30 – 7:00pm
🍲 Special Lunch Menu – Celebrating Black History Month
Fri 24 Oct
🏊♂️ Swimming: Year 5 Bonnin & Attenborough 10:30 – 11:15am
🛑 Half Term
🏫School Closed: 27th – 31st October 2025
🛑Mon 03 Nov
🧑🏫Staff Training Day - School closed to children
Thur 06 Nov
📚Year 6 SATS prep workshop for parents/carers
Mon 10 Nov - Fri 14 Nov
👥Anti-Bullying Week
Mon 10 Nov - Thurs 13 Nov
🧩Reception 'Phonics & Play' parent sessions 9:00-10:00am
Mon 10 Nov
🧑🏫Headteacher's Forum 4:00-5:00pm
🧦Odd Socks Day - Wear Odd Socks with School uniform
Thur 13 Nov
🧑🏫Headteacher's Forum 9:00-10:00am
Mon 17 Nov
🍜Special Lunch Menu -Harry Potter Themed
Thur 27 Nov
🚑London Air Ambulance Talk (Rights Ambassadors)
Wed 03 Dec
🎄Christmas Fayre 3:30-5:30pm
Thurs 11 Dec
🍽️Christmas Dinner/Christmas Jumper Day
Mon 15th & Tue 16th Dec
🧑🎤Reception classes Christmas Sing-a-Long
Thurs 18 Dec
🧑🎄Non-uniform (party clothes) Class parties
Fri 19 Dec
❄️End of Term 12:30pm
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