We would like to wish all of our families observing Ramadan and Lent this next few weeks a very blessed and peaceful month.

The children were absolutely captivated as they learned fascinating facts about each animal, from what they eat to how they behave in the wild. They also had the chance to ask lots of questions and even touch some of the animals—an experience that sparked plenty of wide‑eyed wonder!

Talking with your child, even for a short time each day, helps them learn new vocabulary, understand how conversations work, and develop curiosity about the world. The more children practise speaking and listening in a relaxed, familiar environment, the more prepared they are for learning in school.

Here are a few simple ways to support speaking and listening at home:

• Make time to talk: Chat during car journeys, meal times, or bath time. These little moments add up.
• Ask open‑ended questions: Try “What was the best part of your day?” or “Why do you think that happened?” to encourage longer answers.
• Build vocabulary naturally: Introduce new words in everyday situations—cooking, shopping, playing outside—and discuss what they mean.
• Tell stories: Share family memories or make up stories together. This supports imagination, sequencing and confidence.
• Limit interruptions: Give children time to find their words and express their thoughts fully.
• Thank you for everything you do at home to support their development.

You don’t need special books or lots of time to make reading part of your routine. Little and often is best. Five to ten minutes before bed, while waiting for dinner, or curled up on the sofa at the weekend can make a huge impact. Children also love hearing stories read aloud, even when they’re capable readers themselves—it models fluency and helps them hear language in a natural, enjoyable way.

Here are a few simple ideas to help at home:

• Make reading a habit: Pick a regular time each day. A cosy routine helps children look forward to it.
• Let them choose: Comics, recipe books, magazines, football facts—if they’re reading, it counts!
• Talk about the story: Ask gentle questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Which character is your favourite?”
• Show that reading matters: Let your child see you reading too—even a newspaper or shopping list sends the message that reading is useful and enjoyable.
• Celebrate progress: Praise your child for effort, curiosity, and sticking with a tricky word.

Remote learning opportunities for Friday 9th January 2026...

Reading - Collins E-Books, Reading Plus, reading the book project book received before Christmas.

Writing - In your notebooks received for Christmas write a recount of your snowy day!

Maths - TT Rockstars, Numbots,

PSHE - with your family enjoy time in the snow! 

Build a snowman what shapes did you use? How did you decorate your snowman?

Make a snow angel in the snow!

Can you spot any wildlife out in the cold weather?

Track Animal Prints: Look for paw prints in the snow and guess which animals left them.

Go for a snowy walk (if safe to do so) with your family.

Make a Snow Maze: Shovel paths to create a maze and challenge friends to navigate through it.

Take a snowy photo of your day to share in school on Monday.

Play board games with your family.

If you are a child worried about something and you don’t have a trusted adult you can speak to then you can speak to the NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 

If you are a child worried about something and you don’t have a trusted adult you can speak to then you can speak to the Childline - 0800 1111 

Reporting online abuse CEOP

For Sandwell residents Sandwell Residents Help

Support services in Sandwell SCVO – 0121 525 1127

The Samaritans are here to help people struggling with mental health Samaritans - 116 123

Struggling to cope with how you are feeling text Shout – Text 85258

Struggling to cope with how you are feeling Mind  -  0300 123 3393

Struggling to cope with how you are feeling No Panic  -  0300 7729844

Struggling to cope with how you are feeling  Campaign Against Living Miserably  -  0800 58 58 58

Worried about drinking too much Drinkline - 0300 123 1110

Worried about drugs Talk to Frank - 0300 123 6600

Worried about finances and money issues National Debtline  -  0808 808 4000

Worried about homelessness Shelter  -  0808 800 4444

Worried about being abused by someone National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247

Support with death and bereavement Cruse Bereavement Care - 0808 808 1677

Support if you are dealing with cancer Macmillan Cancer Support  -   0808 808 00 00

Support for the elderly Age UK - 0800 055 6112

Support for the elderly The Silver Line - 0800 4 70 80 90