Dear Parent/Carer                                                                                                                      12 October 2026

 

The first few weeks of term have been incredibly busy, with the children settling into their new classes extremely well. We have already had several events, with year 3 having begun swimming lessons, year 5 have started flute tuition, Year 5 First Aid training and Year 4 have taken part in Bikeability training.  The first school disco of the year was a great success with a large majority of the children attending.  Parents from year 5 and 6 have received initial  information about trips to Winchester Science Centre and the PGL Osmington Bay residential trip.

Year 6 Parents: Can we remind all year 6 parents that they need to complete an application for a secondary school place by Monday 31 October 2026.

 

Parents' Evening - Online Appointment Booking for Face to Face meetings which will be held in school

 

You will be able to book your appointment on line to see your child’s teacher in school - Parents' Evening on Tuesday 20  Tuesday  and Wednesday 21  October 16:00 – 19:00 hrs.  This is an important evening which provides you with an opportunity to discuss your child's progress.

The school will continue to use the online appointment booking system (Schoolcloud) for your meeting.  It allows you to choose your own appointment times with teachers and you will receive an email confirming your appointment. 

Parents Evening appointments can be made from Tuesday 13  October at 18:00 hours and will close at 15:00 hours on Monday 19 October.  Please visit https://mudefordjunior.schoolcloud.co.uk/ to book your appointments. 

 

Clubs

Please note that due to Parents’ Evenings there will be no teacher run clubs during the week beginning Monday 19 October due to Parents Evenings.

 

Christmas Fair

The school will be running the Christmas Fair this year on Saturday 28 November 12.00-2.00pm.  Please put this date in your diary and look out for further information.  We look forward to welcoming children, parents and grandparents to the start of the Christmas festivities!

 

Year 3 and 4 Christmas Performances

We would like to give you early notice that the Year 3 and Year 4 Christmas performances, will be held in the school hall, on Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th December with a 10.00am start. These performances will last approximately one hour if you are required to organise time to attend. Two tickets will be allocated to each family.

 

Absence

We need to know why your child is absent from school. Please telephone (from 8.30am onwards) or email the school office@mudefordjs.co.uk on the first day of absence. It is essential that we are given a reason for every absence as Government legislation requires that we report any unauthorised absence. We may be required on occasions to discuss a particular absence with you and it may be necessary for us to refuse to authorise the absence and record it as unauthorised. We are also required to contact parents if the school has not received a reason for absence.

  

Holidays in Term Time

BCP continue to allocate an Attendance Officer to all schools. She has asked us to remind parents that Government legislation makes it clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term times unless there are exceptional circumstances.  It is extremely unlikely that time out of school for a holiday will be considered exceptional circumstances.  As a school we are committed to ensuring that pupils miss as little time as possible.

 

Mobile Phones

The Government has directed schools regarding the banning of mobile phones in schools. Mudeford Junior School does not expect mobile phones to be brought to school.  There is no need for the children to have access to phones during the day in order to support their learning. The school is required to formalise the use of Mobile Phones and connected devices in policy format. The new policy will continue to state that mobile phones (and any internet connected devices) will not be required for schooling and will not need to be brought into school.

 

Dropping off children

Can we please request that you park considerately whilst dropping off and collecting children, not parking on double yellow lines or blocking driveways. We have received correspondence from neighbours asking the school to request that parents park respectfully. Your support is much appreciated.

 

Dates for your Diary. All dates for the term can be found on the school website in the school calendar section.

 

Monday 19 October – Friday 23 October - No teacher led after school clubs this week

Tuesday 20 October – Parent’s Evening 4.00 – 7.00pm

Wednesday 21 October – Parent’s Evening 4.00 -7.00pm

Monday 19 – Friday 23 October. Community Cohesion Week - The children will be off the normal class timetable and exploring local, national and global issues. During these weeks the children will learn about the lives of others, find out about different cultures and at the same time evaluate aspects of their own lives

Thursday 22 October - Online Safety Briefing for Parents of all year groups 2.40pm - 3.10pm.  A Safety Briefing Discussing Online Risks, Trends and Data. All parents invited to attend.

Monday 26 – Friday 30 October – Half term

Friday 6 November - Year 3 Family Assembly - Family Workshop Introductions 09:00 - 11:00   All year 3 parents invited to attend.

Monday 16 November – Last swimming session for Year 3 children

Saturday 28 November – Christmas Fair 12-2pm

Tuesday 8 December – Year 3 and Year 4 Christmas Performance 10am

Wednesday 9 December – Year 3 and Year 4 Christmas Performance 10am

Thursday 10 December – Year 3 and Year 4 Christmas Performance 10am

Thursday 10 December – Year 5 trip to Winchester Science Centre

INSET Days 2026 - 2027

Friday 27 November 2026                                        Friday 22 January 2027                                               Friday 18 June 2027

 

As always, the dates of activities, including term dates 2026 - 2027, can be found on the school website in the News and Events, Calendar section.

 

Yours sincerely

Mr Partridge

Headteacher