We have made a strong start, with children — and adults! — settling quickly into routines and showing a positive attitude to learning. I have been particularly impressed by our youngest pupils in Reception, Octopus Class, who have adapted so confidently to school life — and our new parents too!

We have also welcomed some new staff, new parents and carers and new pupils into many other classes across the school, but our Nursery still has some spaces available, so please do promote our school and our Nursery with friends, family and the local community so that more children can enjoy our wonderful setting and get a great start to their education.

Thank you to all parents and carers who attended our Meet the Teacher sessions last week. I have received very positive feedback from both staff and families about how useful these meetings were in helping everyone begin the year with clarity and confidence.

You will also have noticed the scaffolding around the school. The children enjoyed learning more about the roof works from Joe the Builder, and are managing the reduced play areas responsibly. Thank you for your patience while these important improvements to insulation and ventilation are completed.

Please also take a look at the reminder section just below this letter. These simple routines help us maximise learning time, keep children safe and ensure the school day runs smoothly.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Kind regards,
Mrs Peake
Proud Headteacher

A 'Peake' into school life from the Headteacher

Start of Term Reminders

A few reminders to help every day run smoothly

We know there is a lot to remember at the start of a new school year, so we have pulled together a few simple reminders to help children arrive ready to learn, stay safe and make the most of every minute in school.

For Years 1–6, children need to be in class by 8:50am so they do not miss the early learning teachers have prepared. Remember: ten to nine is on time!

A few other helpful reminders:

School uniform = black school shoes. Trainers are for PE kit only.
Please walk bikes and scooters in and out of school. We are very happy for children to travel to school actively, but the playground needs to stay safe for everyone on foot.
Flat book bags are best for everyday use. They fit neatly into children’s trays and are easy to access. We understand that, occasionally, a rucksack may be essential, but please avoid bringing one every day where possible.
Please keep water bottles separate from book bags to help protect reading books from leaks and spills.
Label everything! We already have a growing collection of lost property, especially fleeces and jumpers that have been taken off during warmer parts of the day. Please check lost property regularly and make sure all clothing and belongings are clearly named so we can return them home safely. Unclaimed items will be cleared at the end of each term.
Packed lunches should be healthy and nut free. If you choose a packed lunch instead of the fully funded school lunch, please give us two weeks’ notice and keep that choice in place for the rest of the term. Please follow the guidance on the website: no nuts, chocolate, sweets or drinks.

We hope the new posters throughout the newsletter make these expectations easier for children to remember too. Thank you for working with us — these small routines really do make a big difference to safety, organisation and learning time.

Thank you for your support.

HM Highlights and Happenings

Year 1

RE

✨ Where does the world come from? ✨🌍

Year 1 had a tricky question to tackle in Religious Education: “Where does the world come from?”

To begin exploring this big question, we went on a Nature Creation Walk 🌿🍂🐞. We looked closely at the world around us, discovering sticks, minibeasts, trees, leaves and much more. As we explored, we asked ourselves: Where did these things come from? Who made them?

Back in the classroom, we shared our ideas and discussed our different thoughts and questions. It was wonderful to see the children thinking deeply, listening to one another and beginning to explore different beliefs about creation. 💭🌎✨

Long service awards

🎉 **25 YEARS OF SERVICE!** 🎉

A huge HM round of applause for **Mr Moorcroft and Ms Atkinson**, who both received their **Long Service Awards** this week! 👏👏

Their experience, expertise and dedication have made such a difference to generations of children and families in our community. We are incredibly proud — and very lucky — to have them as part of the HM family. 💛

**25 years each — what an amazing achievement!** 🌟

choo choo is back!

🐔💛 **Look who came back to visit HM… CHOO CHOO!**

Born right here at Herbert Morrison as a tiny chick, Choo Choo returned today for a final hello before moving out of London.

Wow… what a glow-up! 🐣➡️🐔

Sporting a lead AND a nappy, Choo Choo caused quite a stir and absolutely made the children’s day.

Once HM, always HM.💛

Choo choo made green choices during the visit - no fowl behaviour

Meet the Teacher Info Meetings

A huge thank you to all of our parents and carers who joined us for our Meet the Teacher information sessions.✨

Strong schools are built on strong partnerships, and it was wonderful to begin the year together — sharing expectations, answering questions and making sure everyone feels informed, confident and supported.

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

HIGH (UP) CARE

ROOF NEWS

HIGH CHALLENGE

SAFETY FIRST

QUIZ TIME

🏗️ **Not Bob the Builder… JOE the Builder!** 😄

Joe came in to our assembly to explain all about our exciting roof replacement — **why it needs doing, how it is being built and, most importantly, how we can all stay safe while the work is happening.**

The children now know the rules, understand the reasons behind them and can see how the new roof will make our school **safer, stronger and better insulated**.

**High Care. High Challenge. Even from the roof up!** 💛

AND THE WINNERS ARE ......

Embracing Excellence: Celebrating

Good Behaviour for Learning

These children have been recognised for their incredible effort and excellence! They will receive a golden certificate, a big round of applause during the celebration assembly, and a coveted spot in the prestigious

IMAGINE - BELIEVE - ACHIEVE Gold Book.

We are so proud of you!

YN - Amelia and José

YR - Octopus Class for settling in to their new class

Y1 - Caterina and Shahiem

Y2 - Haroon and Baydan

Y3 - Keziah and Anthony

Y4 - Neoma and Khari

Y5 - Evan and Josiah

Y6 - Isabelle and Perla

Celebrating greatness every single week with our **Gold Book winners**! 🌟

We are so proud to recognise children who are showing determination, kindness, effort and excellence across school.

Keep aiming high, keep believing in yourselves and keep making us proud. 💛

HANDWRITING

Discuss with your child how you hold a pencil, sit up and face forwards to write neatly on a page. This is a year 2 handwriting practise sheet - can you write these words neatly and correctly joined.

Feel the flow!

What other words can you write and join up beautifully?

Your child should do the same.

Then compare and discuss your handwriting with eachother.

Have fun!

Attendance - Every Day Counts

STUDY BUGS

We are Studying Bugs with the attendance app - STUDY BUGS. Download the app to report absence and check your child's attendance.

This widget is on the homepage of the website - please click and use to report a child's absence. Thank you.

Attendance so far this year is 96.5% - this is above our 95% target and a really strong start!

A Reminder About Appointments and Holidays

We kindly ask that, wherever possible, parents arrange medical or personal appointments for their children outside of school hours. There are only 190 school days in the year, but a generous 175 non-school days available for holidays, family time, and events. By keeping appointments to these non-school days, we can work together to make sure every child enjoys the very best attendance and learning opportunities. Thank you for your support!

📢 Illness Reminder 📢

If your child is unwell at school, we will call you to collect them. Please ensure we have your up-to-date contact details.

Please remember to inform the school of your child's absence each day; even if the school knows they are home due to vomiting - this is to update school if new symptoms develop. The best way to do this is via Studybugs.
Currently, 70% of parents are using Studybugs—if you’re among the 30% who haven’t signed up yet, please do so as soon as possible!

Click here to find out what the NHS advise about 'Is my child too ill to go to school?'

Please download the STUDY BUGS app and support us in raising our attendance %.

Overall we are at 96.5% for this academic year.

Please download the STUDY BUGS app and support us in raising our attendance %.

Please help your child achieve by ensuring they are in school when they are well enough to be here.

Medical Appointment Documentation

Please ensure all appointments are made outside of school hours.

To help us accurately record absences, please email a copy of any medical appointment texts or appointment cards to the school office for confirmation when your child(ren) is absent for health-related reasons. This ensures their attendance records are kept up-to-date.

When making appointments please ask your doctors for a medical slip or appointment text to give to school.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Miss Nathalie can be contacted on 0207 720 3439 or via email on admin@herbertmorrison.lambeth.sch.uk

Miss Nathalie works with us 3 mornings a week.

MEDICATION MATTERS - your questions answered

Q: My child has medication twice a day. When should it be given?
Where possible, medication prescribed twice a day should be given:

before school, for example with breakfast; and
after school, for example after collection or with the evening meal.

Q: What if it is prescribed three times a day?
This can usually be given:

before school, for example with breakfast;
after school, for example with an after-school snack or meal; and
later in the evening, for example with dinner or an evening snack, depending on the prescribing instructions.

Q: When will school administer medication?
Usually where medication is prescribed four times a day, or where the prescription specifically requires a dose to be given during school hours.

Q: What medication can school give?
We can only administer medication that has been prescribed by a doctor and has the child’s printed prescription label attached. We are not able to give over-the-counter medication in school.

Q: What do I need to do if my child needs medication in school?
Please speak to the school office and complete the required authorisation and consent form before any medication can be given.

Q: What if my child has an allergy or intolerance?
Please speak to Ms Roche, SENDCo, and share your child’s medical care plan.

Please also make sure that our school caterers are informed of any food allergies. These must be supported by medical evidence so that the correct arrangements can be put in place safely. Please see the QR code and more details in the Lunch Spot section of this newsletter.

These procedures help us keep children safe.

Dates for your diary

Please note that all letters are available on the school website under NEWS - LATEST LETTER

TERM ONE DATES

18/9 PTA NEW Parent WELCOME meeting Letter Sent

29/09 Yr6 CLASS TRIP to the Victoria and Albert Museum Letter Sent

30/09 Yr2 Class trip to Deen City Farm Letter Sent

01/10 Black History Month (BHM) starts

01/10 Sustainability Club starts Invite only - Letter Sent

7/10 BHM Open Morning (9-10am) Letter to be sent

14/10 Year 4 CLASS TRIP to The Portrait Gollery Letter sent

15/10 Parents evening, school closes at 2pm Letter to be sent

16/10 INSET - School Closed to Children

19/10 Internet Safety Week

23/10 3.30 last day of Term 1

02/11 First day of Term 2

2 Weeks at a Glance

Check if clubs are on, trips are coming up, events are happening - get excited about the many events for the next 2 weeks.

TERM 1 UPDATES

THERE ARE CHANGES TO PE FOR TERM 1

Year 4 and 6 will go to Ben Holioakes to play cricket at the Oval Cricket Ground every Monday. They will also cover their computing curriculum using the Apple Mac suite at the centre.

Year 5 will also have PE on a Thursday.

Please ensure your child comes into school wearing the full PE kit on their PE day.

Year 5 will need their swimming kit; including a swim hat and goggles EVERY TUESDAY.

Water bottles must not be kept in the book bag to prevent book damage.

Thank you.

PTA PAGE

Click here to go to the PTA page

Wrap around care 8.30am until 5.50pm

Please collect your child no later than 5.50pm

To drop off or collect your child please call the JAGs bell by the front door inside the school gate or call 07570 377 689

Discover a fun-filled daily schedule at Junior Adventures Group Breakfast & After School Clubs!

How Parents Book

Families can book wraparound care for the entire academic year using our new recurring booking model:

Bookings follow a regular weekly pattern (e.g., every Monday), secured for the full school year.
This system is similar to the existing instalment plan model that many families are familiar with.

We are making this change to:

Support demand management where waiting lists are common
Ensure fair access for families looking to secure consistent care
Enable earlier, more accurate staffing and programming plans

Rise then Shine

Rise then Shine Breakfast Club IS ON HOLD AT THE MOMENT DUE TO LOW DEMAND. IT RUNS from 7.30am - DO LET JAGS KNOW IF YOU NEED IT AND AS SOON AS WE HAVE ENOUGH DEMAND WE CAN RE-OPEN IT.

The FREE school Breakfast Club is still available for all pupils ( Reception Class to Year 6) from 8.30am.

After School Clubs

JAG’s After School Clubs, called Stay And Play, offer fun, happy and safe places for children to play freely across age groups and take part in structured activities such as arts and crafts and active play. Providing an energising end to the school day, children can join group activities, enjoy a healthy snack, or chill out with toys and games that are all set up and ready for them to enjoy.

Find out more by clicking here - Click here to register and book

Try your new Stay And Play Club for free at Herbert Morrison Primary School!

Book your child's space now and claim a free session using code: TRYHERBERT

If you do have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call the friendly JAG team on 0333 577 1533 or drop them an email at hello@junioradventuresgroup.co.uk.

The questions of the week are-

🧭 What does being responsible mean to you?

🤝 How can being responsible help other people?

🗣️ Why is it important to admit when you have made a mistake?

🛠️ What can you do to put something right if your actions have caused a problem?

⏰ How can being organised help you be more responsible?

🌍 What responsibilities do we have for looking after our environment?

❤️ How can you take responsibility for your own wellbeing and choices?

Value and Question of the Week

We discuss the values and question of the week in assembly. Discuss these with your child at home.

The value of the week is: RESPONSIBILITY

⭐ What is one responsibility you would like to get better at this term?

SUPPORTING CHILDREN GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

The return to school after summer can be a whirlwind of emotions – a mixture of excitement, nerves, and everything in between. This guide shares ten practical tips to support children during this transition. From re-establishing routines to encouraging conversations about feelings, this guide is designed to reduce stress and build a sense of calm.

Whether children are starting a new school, heading into a different year group, or readjusting after a long break, these strategies can help to ensure a smooth transition. From planning ahead and refreshing social connections to creating calm mornings and supporting healthy sleep habits, our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide is packed with useful advice to make the back-to-school journey more positive for the whole family.

The HM Lunch Spot

SPECIAL DIETRY REQUIREMENTS

If your child has an allergy please scan this code and ensure that you complete the new caters online information. We have passed over the information we have and it is all going digital now. Please feel free to speak to a member of staff if you need any support with this.

All allergy referals must be accompanied by medical evidence.

Thank you.

The lunch menus are on a 3 week rota -Yum! All meat dishes are offered as halal and non-halal options.

Please note that on the rare occasion there may be a slight change on offer - this is usually due to delivery delays.

Well Being for Parents

OUT OF SCHOOL IDEAS

LEARNING AT HOME - TEACH YOUR CHILD ABOUT MONEY - HANDLE IT, COUNT IT, WORK OUT THE CHANGE. MONOPOLY AND PLAYING SHOPS IS GREAT FUN!

More information and a weekly update of these low cost suggestions can be found on the Oval Learning Cluster Website - Families Page. Our School works in Partnership with the Oval Learning Cluster.

For information on how to sign up to Terms 5 and 6 Clubs at HM see the clubs letter on the website.

Please note that club payments are non-refundable. If your child is not behaving in the club they may lose their place. Thank you for your support.

🌟 The Value of Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities are a vital part of school life, supporting pupils’ confidence, wellbeing and personal development. We value the importance of a broad and balanced education that helps pupils thrive beyond the classroom.

Through our extra-curricular offer, pupils are able to:

Explore interests and talents beyond the curriculum
Build key life skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience
Strengthen wellbeing through sport, creativity and positive experiences
Develop character and confidence to support future success

We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities that enrich learning and support the whole child.

Mondays - Sustainability Club 8 weeks- invite only - collect from BHLC at 5.30 and NOT from school

Click on Herbert Morrison for the School Website or X to go to the school X page or the INSTAGRAM logo to go to our NEW social media site

Please support the PTA to support the school with this easy and helpful fundraising tip - https://www.herbertmorrisonprimaryschool.co.uk/PTA-Fundraising/

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