May Newsletter
23rd May 2025
What an incredibly busy month we have had from fantastic sporting events, class worships and SIAMs inspection to Y6 SATs and educational visits!
I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly proud we are of all the Year 6 children who took their SATs this month. They approached them with maturity, enthusiasm and composure.
Thank you to our governors, Mrs Laycock-Brown and Mrs Ray who supported in invigilating the tests.
Thank you also to our fabulous team who supported and prepared the children for the SATs, in particular, Mrs Foster, Mrs Firth and Mrs Horrocks. A huge thank you also to Year 5 who have supported their Y6 classmates during this time. Last but not least - thank you to Mrs Scott for keeping the children well fed with a hearty breakfast!
Thank you to you, our parents and carers for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Mrs Rawes & Mrs Batty
Attendance
Our Attendance to date is: 96.2%
Authorised Absence: 2.8%
Uauthorised Absence: 0.97%
VE Day Celebrations
Everyone had a fantastic time celebrating VE Day. The weather was just perfect for our picnic. Our thanks go out to the kitchen staff who made and packed 118 sandwiches and treats for everyone to enjoy. Children thoroughly enjoyed all the activites put on by our staff as well as dressing in red, white and blue, helping them get into the 1945 spirit of VE Day.
Swimming Finals
This week we made a visit to Beverley Leisure Centre on Tuesday 20th May for the ERYC swimming finals - the twelve children swam fantastically throughout the event, showing incredible determination, skill, and sportsmanship. The competition was tough, with strong opponents from across the region, including Yorkshire County Swimmers, but our children rose to the challenge. We’re extremely proud to share that the team finished in 8th place overall — a fantastic achievement! Well done to all involved!
Sporting Celebrations
There have been some great sporting events happening over the summer term, and these are set to continue right through to July. We are very proud of all our children taking part in these events and in our school pe lessons where we are seeing real talent blossoming. Our thanks go to Mrs Horrocks and Miss Abbott for coordinating these.
Cricket Competition
Y5/6 also attended the mixed cricket competition at Carlton Towers Cricket Club. Once again, the children showed fantastic team spirit with the Balne team finishing in an amazing 2nd place!
Well done to all of the children - they have been amazing!
A massive thank you to all of the parents who have supported in transporting children to events; we couldn't take part in these without you.
SIAMs Inspection
What an absolute pleasure it was to showcase our fabulous school and share all that we do here at Pollington-Balne with Mr Madeley, inspector of SIAMs. He was extremely complimentary about our school and children and commented on what a unique and wonderful family we are. We hope to receive the final report soon after half term and will share the outcome of the inspection with you as soon as we can. Mr Madeley asked me to extend his sincere thanks to all the children, staff, parents and governors with whom he spoke on the day.
Congratulations Miss Habbishaw!
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Miss Habbishaw for the successful completion of her NPQLL (National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy). Miss Habbishaw has studied for this over the past 12 months, culminating in a postgraduate certificate at masters level. We will be utilising the units studied and evidence based reserach to further enhance our literacy across the federation.
Mrs Hartley-Dell
It is with a heavy heart that we announce Mrs Hartley-Dell will not return from maternity leave. We understand the importance of family and the exciting journey that lies ahead for her. While we will miss her many contributions at Pollington-Balne and the massive impact she has made on individuals and families, we wish her every happiness in this new chapter of family life.
Oak Class
What a busy month May has been. We are loving our class story ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’
In our knowledge and understanding of the world we have been collecting seeds from the fruits and vegetables we eat in class and planting them in our outdoor ‘Green House’. So far, we have planted tomato and pepper seeds.
We are also carrying out close observations of our beans, which we have attached to the windows in a plastic bag. All of the children placed a wet paper towel inside their zip lock bags and then carefully popped their bean inside. We have already seen some changes as roots have started to appear. I wonder if they will grow as big as the one in our story.
Mrs Batty
Ash Class
In Ash Class we have been learning 'Who do Christians think created the world?', with a focus on the Bible story of Creation. After representing the 6 days of God's creation through actions and movement in the hall, the children worked together to create beautiful pictures for each day including the sky, water, sun, moon and stars as seen in this photo!
Mrs Pears
This term, we were delighted to celebrate our History topic with a special Parent Worship, marking a wonderful end to our learning journey. The children took full ownership of the event, planning their own assembly and dedicating themselves to rehearsals in the week leading up to the performance. On the final Wednesday of term, they proudly presented their work to parents, impressing everyone with their confidence, creativity, and enthusiasm. As part of the assembly, the children showcased their stunning paintings of the Titanic, demonstrating their developing skills in line, tone, and shade. They also shared the knowledge they had retained throughout the topic, performed a traditional folk song, and brought history to life with dancing – the girls gracefully performed a Waltz, while the boys delighted the audience with an energetic Irish Jig. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the memorable performance they delivered.
Mrs Blades
Willow Class
Over the last two weeks in our computing Willow Class have been learning about computer networks, how the internet works and inputs and outputs. Last week, we designed how a talking teddy could work. This week we discussed the features of websites and what should be considered before adding to them. We discussed age-restrictions for games such as Fortnite, Facebook and Tik-Tok and why they are in place. The children had a good understanding about safety and the levels of maturity to know how to behave online.
We have also been enjoying learning or 'Big Sing' songs! We have loved the rock songs best - you should see our air guitar moves!
Miss Habbishaw
Maple Class
Maple have been investigating the Vikings and learning about all aspects of Viking life, from their homes and clothing to their longships and legendary raids. We’ve especially enjoyed using different search engines to conduct our own research, discovering fascinating facts and exploring the rich history of the Viking Age. It’s been exciting to take charge of our learning and dive deeper into the world of these fierce and fascinating people.
Mrs de Bethel
Birch Class
Well Year Five, what have I been saying all year? Time flies in Birch Class! I cannot believe how quickly May has arrived! We have had a great, shortest half term of the year!
We began with a trip to the cathedral - a couple of year six members exclaiming it was their, 'best school trip' and we all received lovely comments from the staff there too, it was a great way to start the school term.
We have worked hard to create leaflets befitting of the wonderful time we had at the Cathedral.
Year Six have been fully fueled for their SATS week - a huge thank you to Mrs Scott who looked after our breakfast needs so well!
Year Five have been very supportive - along with the rest of the school - of year six, as they took their SATS - thank you!
The final week has been busy too, beginning last Friday with VE Day Celebrations, swiftly moving on with two sporting competitions in one day - thank you to Mrs Horrocks, Ms Warren and the parents who made our attendance possible. There has been a residential parent meeting, please contact the office if you have any questions, as well as a trip to Driffield on Wednesday - sun hats and sun cream this year too would appear! Thursday sees a visit from Brayton Academy for our Year Six children who are moving there in August / September and a Fire Safety talk on Friday followed by a visit from Cannon Eleanor for our Rogation Service.
I think we need a half term to rest!
Mrs Foster
Remembrance Sunday
What a lovely memorial for the 80th anniversary of the VE Day celebrations held at RAF Pollington memorial garden on Sunday 10th May.
Thank you to eveyone that went to clean the plaques and tidy the garden with Mrs Horrocks.
Thank you to Alice, George, Jessica and your families for representing our school and placing a wreath / poppy on behalf of Pollington-Balne. You all did a fantastic job, well done!
Driffield Food and Farming trip for years five and six.
Our annual visit for years 5 and 6 to Drifffield Show Ground was a great success. The Driffield Show Ground committee run this wonderful event and put on free transport for schools from the local area. We are very pleased to be included in their wonderful day to bring farming to life.
The children learned about our local farming communities, shining a light on food production and farming life.
A great time was had by all - and the weather was fabulous!
The people we met were so pleased to meet us and happy to answer all our questions about the businesses they ran.
Forest School
At Forest School, the children have been busy planting a variety of fruits and vegetables. This area is a valuable part of their learning experience and is for the benefit of all children.
Please help us by:
Not picking or disturbing any of the plants
Supervising children at all times when entering or leaving the school grounds
Not allowing children to access the Forest School area without a member of staff present.
Thank you for supporting our Forest School!
Governors
Neil Butler
Neil Butler has been invited to join the governing body as a foundation governor. Neil is a Trust Executive Leader, Headteacher and Ofsted Inspector. He is a qualified teacher and has extensive experience of leading a number of Primary Schools as Headteacher. Neil has had numerous Executive Leadership posts within Multi Academy Trusts, with particular responsibility for Leadership, School Improvement and Outcomes. He has particular expertise in Curriculum development and Inclusion. Neil is married with three children, one of which is in Cowick's Earths class.
PTA
A few things that have happened over the last term or are coming up from the PTA…
Easter Bingo made £312.00
PTA Paying £540.00 towards buses for the big sing
PTA Paying £800.00 towards 5 topic boxes at £800
Sports Day - drinks and tuck shop will be open throughout the event
Save the date
Leavers disco Friday 26th June
End of year bike ride. Friday 18 July
Thank you to everyone for your support and a round of applause to the PTA committee for organising so many wonderful events.
Multiplication Checks
When preparing for the Year 4 MTC, it is essential that pupils understand the format of the check and have practised using the device that they will use to complete the actual check on. MathShed's MTC simulator is modelled exactly on the formatting and other rules set out by the Department for Education and is open for all children to use throughout the whole year. Follow the link for free access to Maths Shed.
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MTC Simulator |
Compliments
We are so proud of our school community and how the children conduct themselves whilst representing our school which is often commented on by visitors:
Parent involved in SIAMs visit - It was a pleasure to speak with the Inspector today and support everyone in school, good luck.
SIAMs Inspector - It has been an absolute delight to visit your school. Please thank all the children and parents. It has genuinely been a good day and is a joy to see how the vision plays a part. There is a real feeling of 'family' here.
Supply Teacher - Thank you for the opportunity to work here, it has been beautiful.
Reminders
Reminders
Appointments in School time - Please remember that the school needs informing in advance of your child's appointments in school time, confirmation of the appointment should be sent to the school office email at office@pollington-balne.eriding.net prior to picking up your child.
Please remember that we are a NUT free school. We have a number of children with allergies to nuts and peanuts which may be life-threatening. Therefore any items containing nuts and peanuts must not be on school premises, sent as snacks or in packed lunches.
As the weather gets warmer can parents also be mindful of the sunny conditions and apply sun screen before school as required and to bring a sun hat (named please). Children also need to remember to bring in their water bottle so everyone are all keeping hydrated in the classrooms.
Half Term - 26th May - 30 May
School breaks for the summer holidays on the 18th July 2025
Diary Dates for June - Please find all current June diary dates heading.
Sports Day will be held on 12th June 2025 with a reserve day on the 27th June
Term Time Holidays
Term Time Holidays
Schools follow educational welfare guidelines for term time holidays. All holidays of 5 days (10 sessions) over a 10 week period will be referred to ERYC education welfare as per official guidelines. Penalty Notice fines will be considered when there has been ten sessions of unauthorised absence in a ten week period. Inset training days are considered school days and can be included in the five or more consecutive days where there was intent to be absent for term-time leave.
In order for consideration to be given, requests for absence must be for exceptional circumstances only.
The Primary Behaviour and Attendance Partnership, the Secondary Twilight Partnership and the council agree to follow the law, which states that the provision for Headteachers to authorise absence solely for the purpose of a family holiday is not considered an exceptional circumstance.
Exceptional circumstances could include:
- service personnel returning from a tour of duty abroad, where evidence is provided that the individual will not be in receipt of any leave in the near future over school holidays
- where an absence from school is recommended by a health professional as part of a parent or child’s rehabilitation from a medical or emotional issue
- the death or terminal illness of a person close to the family
- to attend a wedding or funeral of a person close to the family.
Please note: Evidence would be required
If a request meets the above exceptional circumstances, but falls within the following times of the school year, the headteacher must be convinced that absence from school is the only option:
- The first half-term of any academic year (applies to all pupils)
- year six transition day (for pupils in Year 6)
- year six SATs week (for pupils in Year 6)
- at any time specified by the school (this will be communicated to parents by each school).
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Holidays during term-time and authorised absence from school |
| East Riding Yorkshire Council |
Starting Reception 2025
Getting your child ready for school information and support for Parents.
Ahead of the start of the new academic year in September, the starting reception website is a useful resource for parents and carers. The website provides tips and advice to give their child confidence and independence ahead of September.
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Starting-Reception-Parents-flyer-handout | [pdf 759KB] |
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Starting-Reception | [pdf 2MB] |
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Starting Reception |
| Information for Parents |
Community News
In Our Place - Emotional health, child development and parent wellbeing
Online learning: free courses and resources for all families.
Across the East Riding, we're committed to strengthening family relationships and improving the wellbeing of children and young people. Our new family help team recently launched the Solihull Parenting Approach, providing families and professionals with high-quality, evidence-based parenting guidance.
Become a more confident parent by learning about child brain development, challenging behaviour, communication and your own wellbeing needs because parenting is a journey that is always changing!
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ERYC support for parents |
| In Our Place |
East Riding Leisure
Please find further details on what ERYC offer at their leisure centres. Goole Leisure centre is closed for refurbishment, but did you know that they have Alternative classes, gym and club provision available at Goole College during the closure. Alternative swim provision is available at Axholme North Leisure Centre, with free bus transport. Follow the link for further details.
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East Riding Leisure |
East Yorkshire Parent Carer Forum
Please find details below of a free workshop for parents and carers of children and young people (0-25)
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East Yorkshire Parent Carer Forum |
| Pathological Demand Avoidance Workshop |
Operation SNAP Humberside Police
Following conversations many with parents, ERYC and our local PCSO regarding our schools parking, the PSCO has signposted us to operation SNAP. As always we rely on parents to drive with due care and attention to navigate the roads and parking area's around school.
Operation SNAP is a secure platform that allows you to submit video evidence of driving offences that you or other members of the public have witnessed. Its purpose is to improve road safety and to prosecute those that place others at risk. The service has been produced with the support of the Department for Transport.
The online service allows Humberside Police to effectively deal with the footage recorded by members of the public in a safe and secure way, whilst making the investigation process simple and straightforward. We have a determined and robust approach to policing the roads and we’ll take every opportunity to make them safer for everyone.
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Operation SNAP |
| Humberside Police Keeping our Roads Safe |