Welcome to Bridgelea Primary School

Headteacher’s Newsletter – Spring Term Update Dear Parents and Carers, As we move through the spring term, I am delighted to share with you the many wonderful experiences our children have enjoyed, along with some significant milestones the school has achieved. The past few weeks have been filled with enriching opportunities that continue to nurture our children’s engagement, confidence, and love of learning. Curriculum Enrichment and Experiences Our children have taken part in a wide range of educational visits and activities that complement their classroom learning.  Trips to BMX sessions, the cinema, and swimming have provided valuable opportunities for children to develop new skills, resilience, and confidence in different environments. Our Forest School sessions have enabled children to connect with nature and deepen their understanding of the natural world. In addition, our ongoing partnership with the school artist has been instrumental in developing pupils’ creativity and fostering a lasting appreciation for art. We are also thrilled with the installation of our new playground equipment, which has already proved to be hugely popular. Children have been actively engaged in play, developing both their physical confidence and positive social interactions with their peers. Digital Learning and Online Safety Recognising the growing importance of digital literacy, our pupils have been learning about artificial intelligence and how to stay safe online through sessions supported by Smoothwall. These lessons have helped equip children with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the online world responsibly and safely. Elklan Award Achievement I am extremely proud to share that Bridgelea Primary School has been awarded the Elklan Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates best practice in supporting children with speech, language, and communication needs. It reflects the commitment, expertise, and dedication of our staff in ensuring we provide an inclusive and supportive environment where all children can thrive. Farewells As we approach the end of term, we must also say goodbye to two valued members of staff. Beth Ogiliev (TA3) will be travelling and embracing new adventures, while Chloe Washington (Admin) is moving on to a new role in a mainstream school. We thank them both for their contributions to Bridgelea Primary School and wish them every success in their future endeavours. End of Term Wishes We would like to extend our warmest wishes to you and your families for a lovely Easter break. We hope you enjoy a well‑deserved time for rest, reflection, and making special memories together. Looking Ahead to the Summer Term Physical Intervention Policy – Parental Consultation As part of our commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing, the school is currently reviewing its Physical Intervention Policy in line with the latest national guidance. This policy is essential in supporting the safety of both pupils and staff. Parents are invited to engage in the consultation process in the following ways: Individual meetings with me on Monday 20th April (in person or by telephone) A parent coffee morning on Tuesday 21st April Completing a short online parent survey to share your views Further information on the national guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-reasonable-force-in-schools Year 6 SATs Please note that Year 6 SATs week will take place during the week commencing Monday 11th May. Tests will be administered from Monday to Thursday. Teachers will be in contact with Year 6 parents to discuss which tests individual children will be sitting, ensuring appropriate preparation and support for every pupil. Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Policy Consultation We will also be contacting parents to gather feedback on the RSE Policy, in preparation for new guidance that will come into effect in September 2026. Further information about this guidance can be found at: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2025/07/new-rshe-guidance-what-parents-need-to-know/ Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the matters above, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  I look forward to welcoming your children back to school on Monday 20th April 2026. Warm regards, Kelly Eyre Headteacher

We look forward to welcoming our families back into school on Monday 20th April. We hope you are having a wonderful Easter. ☀️ Sun Safety in School With warmer, sunnier weather forecast, we are reminding families of our sun safety arrangements to help keep children safe and comfortable during outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to: -Wear sunscreen (minimum SPF 25) applied before school and re‑applied during the day -Bring a named sunscreen for their own use -Wear sun‑safe clothing, including tops that cover shoulders and a wide‑brimmed or legionnaire‑style hat -Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated Children will be supervised and encouraged to apply sunscreen themselves. For younger children, or those who need extra support, staff can assist with application where written parental consent has been provided. Assistance is limited to visible areas only (face, neck and arms), in line with safeguarding guidance. A small supply of school sunscreen is available for pupils who forget theirs. Parental consent and allergy information must be provided in advance. Sunscreen is just one part of our approach — we also make use of shade, adjust activities where needed, and teach children about sun safety through the curriculum. Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe in the sun! If you have any questions or need a consent form, please contact the school office. Best wishes, Kelly Eyre Headteacher

British Cycling Easter Track Cycling Sessions are now open for sign-ups! These fun, beginner- friendly sessions are perfect for 10-14 year olds who can ride a bike and want to try track cycling. The Free Track Cycling Taster Sessions are running on Monday 13th April for 10-14 year olds. The spaces for these sessions are limited and sign up is by a  https://forms.office.com/e/Wd7VjXFn3Y There is also the QR code above attached if this is an easier link to share out via parents. Please note these specific sessions are for children aged 10 +.

Dear Young Carer Champions, I just wanted to share this amazing news – please share with your families !   FREE JUNIOR MEMBERSHIPS IN MANCHESTER Manchester City Council has launched an ambitious new programme that puts physical activity at the heart of the city’s drive to reduce health inequalities – opening up more opportunities for residents to get active, improve their wellbeing, and enjoy inclusive, community‑focused sport and movement, all while ensuring those facing the greatest barriers are supported through targeted interventions to help create a healthier, fairer, and more connected Manchester. The programme includes the provision of a free junior membership for all Manchester residents at secondary school aged 11-16, going live from May half term. The new membership builds on the existing citywide Free Swim for 16 and Under offer and will be extended to include both free junior gym and free fitness classes. This means that from late May 2026, all Manchester resident secondary school children between the ages of 11 to 16 will be able to access a free funded membership at the following council operated leisure centres across the city. Parents / guardians of eligible children can complete the pre-registration form below and will be contacted directly with further details. PARTICIPATING LEISURE CENTRES Arcadia Leisure Centre Abraham Moss Leisure Centre Belle Vue Sports Village (no swim) Broadway Baths East Manchester Leisure Centre Hough End Leisure Centre Manchester Aquatics Centre Moss Side Leisure Centre North City Family & Fitness Centre Whalley Range Sports Centre (no swim) Wythenshawe Forum Free Junior Gym - MCRactive - Get active in Manchester  

Understanding the Use of Reasonable Force in School Please read the school's draft policy attached.  Understanding People: Our Commitment  At Bridgelea, your child’s safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. We work hard to create a calm, respectful environment where positive relationships and strong behaviour support are at the heart of everyday practice.  We have updated the school's policy based on new government guidance. Both are attached. 1. What Is “Reasonable Force”?  “Reasonable force” means using the minimum amount of physical intervention necessary, and only as a last resort, to keep children safe.  It may be used to:  Prevent a child from hurting themselves or someone else  Stop serious damage to property  Remove a children from a situation where safety is at risk  Prevent disruption to learning  It is never used as punishment.  2. How Staff Prevent Situations Escalating  Our staff are Team Teach trained to use:  Relational approaches  Calm, non‑verbal cues  Positive relationship‑building  Gentle de‑escalation techniques  Awareness of individual triggers  Trauma‑informed and SEND‑aware practices  These approaches help prevent situations from reaching a point where physical intervention might be needed.  3. How You Will Be Informed  If an incident involving physical intervention occurs:  You will be contacted as soon as possible, ideally the same day.  You will receive a written explanation of what happened. We are looking to do this through a platform called Learntrek.  We will invite you to discuss the incident and the support your child may need.  4. Recording and Monitoring  The school keeps clear written records of all incidents. Leaders review the data daily and weekly to:  Check that interventions are proportionate  Identify patterns or concerns  Reduce the need for future incidents  Report to governors for oversight and transparency  5. Support for Your Child  After any incident, we make sure your child:  Has the chance to share their perspective  Is given emotional support  Feels safe returning to learning  Is included in updates to their communication chart  6. Communication Charts  For children who might struggle with regulation, especially those with SEMH, SEND or past trauma, we create personalised plans. We call these communication charts. Parents are invited to:  Help shape the plan  Review strategies each term  Adjust calming techniques and triggers after incidents  This partnership helps us support your child in the most effective and compassionate way.  If You Have Questions  We encourage open conversations.  Please speak to your child's class teacher, SENDCo, or a member of the senior leadership team.  Key Dates & Next Steps I am available for 1:1 meetings on Monday 20th April. I am happy to phone parents or meet in person to discuss you thoughts on the school's draft policy. We will be hosting a coffee morning on Tuesday the 21st to discuss the policy as a group. I am happy to take feedback and respond to questions. If you would prefer to share your thoughts virtually please find the link attached where you can share your views in our short parent survey.  Thank you for your continuing support,  Kelly Eyre Headteacher