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Prioritising Safety: Please Use the A316 Footbridge

Following recent concerns about safety at the A316 crossing, particularly during the busy morning school drop-off, we are strongly encouraging all parents and children to use the footbridge to cross the main road.

When large numbers of people gather on the central reservation, it can create a less safe environment and restrict visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.

Why Use the Footbridge?

Maximum Safety: The footbridge offers the safest way to cross the busy A316, completely eliminating any traffic risk.
Reduce Congestion: Using the bridge helps to reduce the number of people waiting on the central reservation, improving safety for those who still need to use the crossing lights.
Set a Good Example: By choosing the footbridge, you help reinforce safe crossing habits for your children and the wider school community.

We understand using the crossing lights is sometimes more convenient, but children's safety is top priority!

Upcoming Workshop for parents - Let's talk about... supporting your child with separation anxiety

Wednesday 10th December, 9am

Is the morning drop-off challenging for your child? Do you want to feel more confident and equipped to help your child manage those difficult feelings when coming into school? Join us for this focused, one-hour workshop hosted by the Mental Health Support Team (MHST). We understand how challenging separation anxiety can be, and this session is designed to offer practical, evidence-based tips and strategies specifically for parents. You will leave with actionable steps to confidently support your child, helping them feel safe, settled, and ready to learn after separating from their caregivers each morning.

Lost Property: Do you recognise any of these items?

If any of these items belong to you, they are waiting for you at the school office.

Free Christmas Holiday Activities for Young People (FUEL/HAF)

We are delighted to share details of the FUEL (Feed Ur Everyday Lives) Programme offering free Christmas activities and food for young people aged 9-16!

Part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, these sessions are run by Achieving for Children (AfC) and aim to provide fun, engaging activities and nutritious meals during the school holidays.

What's On Offer?

The sessions will be running at Hampton Youth Zone and Whitton Youth Zone on:

22nd December (includes a trip to Heatham House)
23rd December
5th January

Activities include: Art, Cooking, Arcade Gaming, Music, Roller Skating, a wide range of Sports (football, basketball, tennis), Team Games, and Festive themed activities! Food will be available at all sessions.

Who Can Sign Up?

Free places are primarily for young people aged 9-16 who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM).

A limited number of free spaces are also available for children who meet other criteria for support, including those accessing Pupil Premium or being supported by AfC Early Help/Social Care.

How to Book Your Place:

Families whose children are eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals should receive a FUEL code from their school which is used for booking.

For more information on the activities, concessions, or to inquire about non-FSM spaces, please contact:

Email: justin.johnson@achievingforchildren.org.uk

Spring 1 Clubs bookings:

Bookings will open via ParentPay on Thursday 27th November at 12pm

Stars bookings for Spring 1:

Bookings for Spring 1 will be loaded into ParentPay early December and we wanted to notify you ahead of the Christmas period that the payments for Spring 1 bookings will be due by Sunday 4th January 2026.

Reminder about waterproof clothing:

If your child attends Stars, please ensure that they have waterproof clothing to wear - we want to be able to use the outside space as much as possible. Thank you!

Donations needed!

If you have any outdoor play equipment that you no longer use, please consider donating it to Stars! Additionally, donations of colouring pens are always welcome. Thank you for your kind support.

ARE YOU FOLLOWING US?

For regular updates on all the exciting things we are getting up to in school, you'll need to follow us on Instagram @ststephens.cofe

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