Dear Families,

Welcome back everyone after what was a beautiful half term, we’re now back to the usual rain and cold!

Alumni

Do you know of anyone who used to come to Friarswood as a child?

Do you think they would like to come in and share their successes in life?

We’re trying to find people who used to come to Friarswood and are now working/retired who would like to come and share their experiences with some of our children.

Careers Fair - Monday 13th July, 1pm

As you know, all of our children take part in CRL lessons throughout the year (careers related learning).  Our children are fascinated with what skills you need to do certain jobs and love hearing about different types of jobs.  

Years 5 & 6 take part in a careers fair each year.  The children plan some questions for our visitors to answer.  Last year we had over 10 people come in and talk to the children about their own careers and skills needed.   Each visitor had a small group of children to talk to for about ten minutes, then the children groups changed and they spoke to the next group of children.

If you or you know someone who could spare a couple of hours on Monday 13th July, please let either myself or Mrs McConvey know.

Uniform Exchange

Please can we ask that you do not send in shirts as they will no longer be part of the uniform from September.  Thank you.

Important changes to Free School Meals

From September 2026, free school meals (FSM) in England are changing under the new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act.

What is changing?

• Expanded Eligibility: Free school meals are expanding to all households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of your total earnings.

• End of Old Protections: Previous rules that automatically kept children on free school meals for several years are ending. Under the new guidelines, all families must have their eligibility checked every year.

• Two Types of Funding: If your household earns £7,400 or less, your child will receive meals and the school will get extra funding (Pupil Premium) to support their learning. If you earn over £7,400 on Universal Credit, your child will still get free meals, but without the extra school funding.

If you think you could be eligible, please use the links below to sign up before the school term starts in September (note that the council will be accepting applications from 15th June onwards). 

https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/financial-support-school/free-school-meals

https://fsm.app.staffordshire.gov.uk/

Safeguarding - Online safety support for parents

I have been sent the following information which sounds really useful.  I hope you find it helpful.

For Parents - A Practical Toolkit for Families

The Molly Rose Foundation has some wonderful resources for parents including guides and other resources. One of these guides helps families understand who and what may be shaping a child's online world and how these influences can affect mood, confidence and safety. To download this guide and check some of the other resources see the link below.
Link - Molly rose Foundation - A Practical Toolkit for Families

Thank you as ever for your continued support.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Wilmer