Infant Newsletter
- Mr Davies
- Jan 16
- 5 min read
Friday 16th January 2026
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you." Isaiah 60
Headteacher's Update
What a fantastic start to 2026 we’ve had! It has been such a joy to welcome the children back after the break and to see them settle so quickly into their learning routines.
The energy and enthusiasm in the classrooms have been wonderful to witness, and it’s clear that everyone is ready for an exciting term ahead.
As always, we have a rich and varied learning programme planned, full of opportunities for creativity, curiosity, and challenge. From hands-on projects to thought-provoking discussions, this term promises to be packed with memorable experiences. I’m really looking forward to seeing the incredible work the children will produce and celebrating their achievements together.
Thank you for your continued support—it makes such a difference in helping our school thrive. Here’s to a successful and inspiring start to the year!
Could you be a Governor?
We have some opportunities for both parents and members of the wider community to join our Governing Body. If you would find out more, please click here.
Safeguarding Matters
Key safeguarding messages for parents:
Empower children to speak out: Teach children they have the right to say no and to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried, uncomfortable, or anything happens that makes them feel unsafe
Promote open communication: Have regular conversations with your child about their day, their friends, and what they see online to help them feel comfortable discussing any issues that arise
Establish boundaries: Create clear rules about personal space and online activity to help children understand and respect their own and others' boundaries
Prioritise online safety: Guide children on recognising online risks, understanding safe online relationships, and managing their use of technology and social media
Recognise warning signs: Be aware of potential indicators of abuse or neglect, which can include changes in behaviour, mood, or physical well-being
Know where to get help: Keep contact information for school safeguarding staff, Hampshire Children's Services, and charities like the NSPCC and ChildLine readily available
Work with the school: Understand that we have safeguarding policies in place and designated staff who can offer support. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mr Davies and our Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Miss Knapp, report any concerns to our Safeguarding Leads so they can act to protect the child
Report concerns immediately: If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact the police by dialling 999 or for non emergency please contact Hampshire Children Services via the contact details below:
Hampshire Children Services
Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 5 pm Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, phone 0300 555 1384
Online safety hints and tips
It is often difficult to know how to protect your children online. These two links below provide step-by-step guides and show you how to activate parental controls to manage children’s devices, apps, and platforms to give your children safer online experiences.
Attendance Matters
School attendance, as always, is a focus for our school this year.
Our Federation attendance target is 97% and above. We are committed to:
• Promoting good attendance and reducing absence, including persistent absence
• Ensuring every pupil arrives at school on time and ready to learn
• Ensuring every pupil has access to full-time education to which they are entitled good attendance means being in school at least 97% of the time (184 days or more) good punctuality means being in school at 08:45 ready to learn
Please can we remind you of the following. Parents have the legal responsibility for ensuring that:
• their child attends regularly
• their child is in school ready to learn by 08.45 hrs - pupils arriving after this time has become an issue of late as it disrupts the learning of all pupils.
• avoid medical and dental appointments during the school day
• they take holidays during school holiday periods
• they inform school of absence daily or give an expected return date
• any applications for leave of absence during term time are made in advance
• they work alongside the school and Local Authority to improve lateness and attendance
Examples of unsatisfactory explanations which will be marked as unauthorised include:
• a child’s/family member’s birthday
• shopping for uniform
• having their hair cut
• closure of a sibling’s school for INSET or other purposes
• a sibling being ill
• inability to bring your child to school
• “couldn’t get up” or "the baby had a bad night and we are tired"
• Illness where the child is considered well enough to attend school without medical intervention and in the absence of a communicable disease.
• leave during term time taken without authorisation of the school
• head lice – let the school know and communication will then be sent to all parents in a confidential manner
Strong attendance is directly linked with stronger academic achievements as well as contributing to increased sense of belonging and strong social relationships. Here is a summary of each class' attendance since September 25:
Class | Attendance |
Hedgehogs | 96.43% |
Owls | 965.49% |
Otters | 96.55% |
Friends Of The Schools of Woolton Hill
Happy New Year.
Now is a great time for having a wardrobe sort out.
Our next Bags 2 School collection has been arranged for Friday 23rd January and bags will be sent home in school bags in due course. All donations will need to be dropped off to the bike shed a the Junior School. Click on the link for details of the items that can be donated. What We Collect | Bag2School
We have some exciting activities in the pipeline for this year, so watch this space for when dates are released.
Please join our Facebook page
Dates For Your Diary
Bags 2 School collection – Friday 23rd January
Pre-loved uniform
We have a stock of second hand uniform that you can buy for a small donation. Just message Rachel Ryan on 07833 767793 who can advise on what we have. If you have out grown items that are in good condition, please let us know and we can arrange to take these from you.
Save The Date
Woolfest – Friday 26th June 2026
Get Involved
As a friendly group of volunteers we are always looking for people to join our team, whether it is to help out with one off events or more regularly, any help is greatly appreciated. Support the Friends so that we can support our schools.
Email us at Friendsofwhjs@gmail.com
Parking Safety and Respect for Our Neighbours
We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our community during drop-off and pick-up times. Please do not park on the corner of Church Road (as shown in the attached photo). Parking in this area creates a safety risk for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, and could potentially lead to an accident — something we are all keen to avoid. We also ask that everyone remains respectful of our neighbours by parking considerately and following all road safety rules. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping keep our community safe.
Parent Information Portal
Star Awards
The following children received Star Awards this week! They should all be really proud, well done!
9th January: Alfie, Miles, Evie, Thomas, Louis, Charlotte,
16th January: Della, Seren, Olivia, Eloise, Toby, Bella
Life Learning
Boundaries
9th January: Sophie M, Caleb, Arabella
16th January: Emelia, Arlo, Daisy
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