Friday 3rd July
Message from the head
As we come to the end of another busy week, I would like to thank all of our families for their support during the recent hot weather. The temperatures have certainly tested us all, and I am grateful for the way families have worked with us to keep children safe and comfortable. With more hot weather forecast next week, please continue to ensure that children arrive at school each day with a named water bottle, sun hat and sunscreen already applied.
Like many of you, we have been enjoying the excitement surrounding the football this week. We have received communication from the Local Authority reminding schools that all children are expected to attend school and arrive on time on Monday morning. We know it may be a late night for some families, but we appreciate your support in ensuring that children are in school on time, ready to learn.
Our transition day today was a huge success. It was wonderful to see children spending time with their new teachers, exploring their new classrooms and beginning to build excitement for the year ahead. We know that transitions can bring questions for both children and families, so please do join us for Coffee at the Gate next Friday at 8:30am if there is anything you would like to discuss.
Many families are eagerly awaiting our Year 6 SATs results. We had expected to receive these this week; however, a national issue with the marking process has delayed the publication of results across the country. We have now been informed that results will be released on 16th July. We will, of course, share further information as soon as we receive it. Let's hope the new date holds!
I would also like to address a small number of emails I have received recently regarding attendance letters sent to families. These letters are generated in line with our Attendance Policy and are based on attendance percentages, not individual circumstances or personal judgements. Schools have a statutory responsibility to monitor attendance, identify patterns of absence and work with families where attendance falls below expected levels. I appreciate that receiving a letter can sometimes feel frustrating, particularly when absences have been unavoidable, but please be assured that these communications are part of our duty to ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to succeed. Our attendance expectations are clearly outlined in our Attendance Policy, which can be found on the school website, and I would encourage families to refer to this if they have any questions.
At the end of this academic year, we will be saying goodbye to Ms. Clark, our wonderful SENDCo.
Ms. Clark has made an extraordinary contribution to Queen’s Park Primary School. Through her exceptional skills, knowledge and unwavering determination, she has transformed the provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable pupils receive the support, care and opportunities they deserve. Her expertise is widely respected, and her relentless commitment to children and families has helped shape the inclusive culture that we are so proud of today.
Ms. Clark is the ultimate professional, consistently going above and beyond in everything she does. Her impact on our school has been profound, and the legacy she leaves behind will be felt for many years to come.
On a personal note, I thank Ms. Clark for the immense support she has given me throughout my time as headteacher. Her advice, honesty, dedication and friendship have been invaluable, and I know that she will be greatly missed by staff, children and families alike.
Whilst we are incredibly sad to see Ms. Clark leave, I know many families will understandably be wondering what comes next. I am delighted to reassure you that Ms. Whitehead will be taking over as Inclusion Lead. We all know and love Ms. Whitehead, and I have no doubt that the baton could not be passed into a safer pair of hands. Ruth knows our children, families and school exceptionally well, shares our commitment to inclusion, and will continue to build upon the strong foundations that Jo has established.
Please join me in thanking Ms. Clark for everything she has done for our school community and wishing her every success and happiness in the future.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We have just two weeks left of the academic year and lots still to celebrate and enjoy.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Best wishes,
Emma Gale
Headteacher
Attendance challenge
We're so pleased that our whole school attendance is still improving!
All schools look at patterns around attendance and absences from school, and this term the registers show that our children in Year R are missing more days of school than other children of their age at other schools across Brighton & Hove and across the country.
We're going to have a real "push" on this and we're sure that Year R can catch up with their peers! Families can help by carrying on making sure that children don't miss any days of school unless absolutely unavoidable!
Hot Choc
Stars of the week
new date for years 1-6 sports day!
After the disappointment of cancelling our Sports Day this week, we are pleased to announce a rescheduled date -
Wednesday 15th July.
Sadly, Brighton College are unable to host a rescheduled date, so we will hold the sports day in QUEEN'S PARK on the large grassy area below the clock tower.
Please note the following timings for the day as we are splitting the year groups into two sessions:
9:15am - 10:45am = Year groups 1, 2 and 3
10:45am - 12.15pm = Year groups 4, 5 and 6
The children will be taking part in a carousel of physical activities in their house teams, followed by some sprint races at the end. We welcome families to come along and support your child on the day. Please note that if you have siblings across both sessions that you can, of course, attend both sessions.
On the day, please could your child be wearing a t-shirt with their house colour. Please also ensure they come to school in sensible trainers, with a hat and suncream. Finally, there will be some extra water supplied, but please ensure they have a full water bottle on the day.
We look forward to seeing you all on the morning of Wednesday 15th July in Queen's Park for some sporting fun!
Best wishes,
Mr Taylor
Come and meet our Tarner Family Hub - open invite
On Thursday the 9th of July 9am - 10.30am please come and meet our Tarner Family Hub for an informal coffee morning in The Hive.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Rock and pop band lessons with Rocksteady - Exciting news!
From September 2026, we will be partnering with Rocksteady Music School to deliver fun and inclusive rock and pop band lessons, right here at Queen's Park. These weekly music lessons will take place in school and are led by professional musicians who make learning music fun.
It’s the perfect way for children to learn new musical skills, make friends and have a great time – all at school! Rocksteady lessons are also shown to amplify confidence, wellbeing and social skills.
Here’s what else you need to know:
• There’s no experience necessary and all instruments for lessons are provided.
• Watch as your child performs in their end of term concerts, showing just how far they have come.
• Children learn up to 300 instrument, band, and performance skills, whilst playing songs they love.
• Children can achieve an Ofqual-regulated Music qualification, accredited by Trinity College London, without having to take a single exam.
• You’ll receive regular progress updates, including photos and videos. There’s a money-back guarantee for the first month and you can cancel at any time. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Please visit rocksteadymusicschool.com/parents to sign up.
Bohunt Manor, Portsmouth Road, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7DL 0330 113 0330
(Mon–Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm, local rate) rocksteadymusicschool.c
Kind regards,
Mrs. Keating
Raring2go Summer Brighton & Hove - Summer Edition
Please click here for the Summer edition of Raring2go Brighton & Hove - packed with fun activities and ideas for all the family!
Attendance
Term dates 2026/2027
There are many holidays throughout the school year; where possible please plan celebrations, schedule appointments and take holidays during these breaks. If your child needs to attend a medical or dental appointment, we strongly encourage you to make the appointment(s) out of school hours. Where this is not possible (usually an emergency/hospital appointment), please notify the school office in advance of the appointment.
Please see below the term dates for 2026/2027
Many thanks
