Wood End Primary School Newsletter
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www.woodendprimaryschool.com
Tel: 0208 422 6175
Email: admin@woodendprimaryschool.com
9th January 2026
Your weekly round up of events
Welcome Back!
Welcome Back!
We hope you all had a wonderful, restful break and are feeling refreshed for the start of this new term. It has been lovely to see the children return with such enthusiasm and energy, ready to dive back into their learning. We have a busy and exciting term ahead, and we look forward to working together to ensure every child continues to thrive.
We are absolutely delighted to welcome back Mrs O'Leary, our Early Years Lead, as she returns to school following her maternity leave. It is wonderful to have her expertise and smiling face back in the Early Years department, and we know the children and staff have missed her dearly.
We also have a bittersweet update to share regarding Miss Dykas, who will be starting her own maternity leave at the February half term. Miss Dykas is a valued member of our teaching team, and while we will miss her greatly, we are sure you will join us in wishing her all the very best as she prepares for the birth of her new child. We look forward to hearing her happy news soon after half term!
To ensure consistency and continuity for the children, we are pleased to share that Mr Greeves will be taking over the class for the remainder of the academic year. Mr Greeves is already a familiar face within the school, and he will be working closely with Miss Dykas over the coming weeks to ensure a seamless handover.
We are confident that the children will continue to make excellent progress under Mr Greeves’ care, and we thank you for your continued support during this exciting time for our school family.
Break The Rules - Fundraising day
Break The Rules - Fundraising day
Break the Rules Day - Friday 16th January 2026
On Friday 16th January, we will be holding a Break the Rules Day as a fun fundraiser for our pupils. Children can choose to “break” some light-hearted school rules, such as wearing non-uniform clothes, having crazy hair, or bringing an extra snack for playtime. A £1 donation is suggested for each rule chosen, and children may take part in as many (or as few) rules as they wish.
Even on Break the Rules Day, our most important rules still apply – children are expected to be Ready, Respectful and Safe throughout the day.
Children may bring one extra snack for playtime (such as a small chocolate, a bag of crisps or a piece of cake). Please note: no nuts, in line with our allergy procedures.
All money raised will go towards class budgets for wet-play games and class resources, with children helping to decide how the money is spent.
Thank you for your support.
Parent Governors
Parent Governors
We are delighted to announce the appointment of our newest Parent Governor, Sophia Shah. She joins David Hackett in this vital role, ensuring that the views and perspectives of our parent community are represented within the school’s governing body.
As Parent Governors, both Mrs Shah and Mr Hackett serve as a key link between the school leadership and our families. They are here to provide a parental perspective on school decisions and to help ensure we continue to provide the best possible environment for our students. Please do feel free to say hello if you see them around the school gates or reach out if you have feedback you would like shared at the governance level.
Sophia Shah's Personal Statement
I’m Sophia, and I’d love to be one of your parent governors.
My daughter, Halima, is in year 1 and since joining Wood End, I’ve been so impressed by the school, its leaders and its community. I’d be a great addition to the governing body as I’m passionate about the education and wellbeing of our young people, and believe I can support the SLT to make the right choices for our children.
I work in education policy ensuring equality for all young people in our schools. Working in the public sector has given me the knowledge and understanding of how government policies impact schools. Previous to this, I taught science at a nearby secondary school, so I know first-hand what a privilege engaging with young people is. Their insight, creativity and enthusiasm is awe-inspiring and deserves to be nurtured by a caring and well-informed school. If elected, I’ll use this background to inform all decision-making ensuring the best outcomes for our children for years to come.
I’m hugely dedicated to our community – you’ll regularly find me at a local playground, taking walks around Horsenden hill, or shopping at one of the many superb local businesses. I’m friendly and always happy to have a chat. I strongly believe that diversity is our strength, and love attending different community events with my family, meeting the diverse residents of North Greenford and Northolt.
And it's their views that I’d be honoured to represent on the governing body for Wood End Primary School.
New Year New Start - Set your alarm clocks ⏰
New Year New Start - Set your alarm clocks ⏰
Being punctual and on time is one of life’s most important qualities, whether you’re a child, adult, teacher or parent. It shows you are reliable, dependable, can be trusted and demonstrates respect to other people and for their time. Last term it has become noticeable that incidents of lateness, have slowly increased. As a school we would like to highlight this issue with you as parents and we hope with your help we can improve and help promote the lifelong benefits of being punctual.
There will always be occasions when things can get stressful, things go wrong in the morning and can cause a family to be a few minutes late. However, our role as educators, in partnership with parents, is to also prepare pupils for the next step in their school careers and beyond. This means young people need to value the importance of being on time.
Being on time
Helps young people to be organised;
Helps to build children’s confidence and enables children to start the day ready and relaxed.
Reduces stress and anxiety, helping young people to maint their routines and focus
Maintains and improves academic achievement;
Is a sign of respect - one of our core values
Impact on pupils who are late
Unfortunately, but understandably, there are a number of negative consequences for pupils who arrive late to school:
Arriving late can cause some pupils to feel very anxious as they go into the classroom or assembly by themselves once everyone else is settled, calm and working.
Key learning time will be missed.Pupils may miss the all-important start of the first lesson. Without question, class teachers will then repeat their delivery to the late pupil which inevitably interrupts the flow of the lesson.
ate everyday
Helpful tips and guidance to improve punctuality
There will be more traffic on the roads on rainy day which delay journey times. Consider leaving the house 10-15 minutes earlier on these days.
If children are getting up late, try putting them to bed an hour earlier each night for a week. Reduce screen time before bedtime by up to an hour.
In terms of the recommended hours of sleep for young children, 3-5 year olds should be getting 10-13 hours each night and 6-12 year olds should be getting 9-12 hours each night (as recommended by Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital)
Uniforms, lunches, homework and bags could be organised the previous evening to save time in the morning.
Establish morning routines to help children know what to do and in which order. This helps them to become more independent too. Visual prompts can help.
Provide a motivation for leaving the house early in the mornings, e.g. scoot or cycle, walking with friends and family, etc.
The Importance of Sleep
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is crucial for learning and behaviour. Most primary-age children need 9–12 hours a night.
Create a calm bedtime routine: no screens for an hour before bed, dim lights, and regular sleep times even at weekends. Good sleep supports emotional regulation and concentration.
Early Years
Early Years
Returning to School After a Break
Coming back to school after a holiday can feel exciting but also a little unsettling for some young children. In Early Years, we focus on re-establishing familiar routines, reconnecting with our friends and helping the children to feel safe and secure again.
You might notice your child feeling tired, emotional or a little more clingy than usual - this is completely normal. Clear routines, early nights and calm mornings really help children to settle back into school life. Keeping things settled and predictable helps children feel secure and ready for the school day.
At school, we are prioritising wellbeing and relationships before moving fully into new learning. When children feel happy and at ease, they are much more ready to learn.
Thank you for continuing to support your child's return to school. We are very excited for the term ahead.
Help your child feel heard.
Children are more likely to follow our rules when they feel we are listening to them. It can be hard right now especially if people are at home together, or it all feels too hectic however, taking a moment to listen to your child will really model how they respond and react to you. Sometimes its good to think what its like when us as adults are not heard or listened too, how does that make you feel? This might be how your child feels.
How can parents help?
Acknowledge what your child is asking for, even if your answer is ‘no’. For example: "I hear you. You are saying it loud and clear - NO BATH! You really do not want to have a bath! Tonight, you do need to have one, though… Which do you choose- a bath or a shower?" Offering a choice to your child can be really powerful because they feel they have some control, even if it’s small.
Sometimes we could all do with someone to talk to. If you would like to meet Helen Thorp for a confidential and non-judgemental chat about you, your child, or any other worries, they are available on Wednesdays from 9-10am. You can call/text 07429654584 or email helen@schoolscounsellingpartnership.co.uk
Curriculum Newsletters
Curriculum Newsletters
Each term, our teachers will share a curriculum newsletter with families letting them know details about the learning across the curriculum planned for the term ahead. Newsletters will be emailed out to parents and are available to access on our website. Curriculum Newsletters
Spring Term Swimming Lessons
Spring Term Swimming Lessons
Seahorse Swim School – Horsenden Primary School. Seahorse Swim School offers high-quality swimming lessons in a safe, supportive environment at Horsenden Primary School.
For more information and booking: https://www.horsenden.ealing.sch.uk/Seahorse-Swim-School/
Cost: £11 per lesson (paid in advance via online booking)
Location: Horsenden Primary School, Swimming is an essential life skill. Our structured, friendly lessons help children build confidence, technique, and water safety skills. Any enquiries please email: swim@horsenden.ealing.sch.uk
Ealing Family Support Network:
Ealing Family Support Network:
To access family services such as parent courses, financial services and food banks. Click the link: https://padlet.com/EalingFSN/EalingFamilySupportNetwork
Dates For Your Diary - Events Coming Up Soon
Dates For Your Diary - Events Coming Up Soon
13th January 2026 - Parent/Carers read with your child from 8.45am to 8.55am
13th January 2026 - Reception Assessment Meeting for parents - 9.15am and 3pm
14th January 2026 - Poplar Class start swimming (8.30am to 10.30am)
16th January 2026 - Break the Rules Day - Children can bring £1 (school fundraising event)
19th January 2026 - iRock Lessons start in school
20th January 2026 - Coffee Morning with Mr Stainbank - 9.00 to 9.30am
22nd January 2026 - Ash Class Assembly - 9.00 to 9.30am, Parent can look at books after assembly.
26th January 2026 - Year 6 SATs Assessment and Tuition meeting for parents at 9am
29th January 2026 - Birch Class Assembly - 9.00 to 9.30am, Parent can look at books after assembly.
Calendar of Events
Scan the QR code or click HERE to view the SCHOOL CALENDAR. This is on our school website to keep you updated with our range of events at school. We will do our best to inform parents and carers well in advance of any changes.
OUR 3 RULES...
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