Newsletters

Newsletter 6 – Friday, 10th October 2025

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Headteacher Message

Dear all,

This week, for family reasons, I have  been working from home.  It has given me a chance to reflect on how we support your children and you at Darell School. I am extremely proud of our nurture team, not just because they are two fantastic individuals who support so many of our children, but also because I believe nurture is at the heart of everything we do. Darell truly has a big heart. I am also proud that we are leading a family support project across 6 schools in Richmond.  It takes time to establish these initiatives, and it is now great to see caseloads increasing. This really is a unique provision. A family support worker whose job is to support you and your family. Pretty much what says on the tin. Please do use this support. Belinda, our family support worker, is lovely and always up for a chat.  I know from my current situation there is no stigma to seeking support. In fact, I think it is a sign of strength.   

This week in school we had a very successful open morning for prospective parents. The feedback from the visitors always speaks so positively about the warm, calm atmosphere in the school and how articulate and confident our year 6 tour guides are. We have a number of open days coming up. The next date is the 5th November at 9.15am. Please spread the word with local families. 

During these open days we talk about the Darell family and what a connected community we are. It's something that sets us apart from other schools and this week we have had support from a number of parents and grandparents. We had a parent offer to take professional photos for our website, assistance with attaching our new green screen in the KS1 playground, helping our children planting bulbs in our garden areas, support running clubs and giving talks on nutrition to our year 3 class. We thank you all for your time and support. You help make a positive difference at Darell. 

I wish you a lovely weekend. Be kind to yourselves and your families.

Joe Porter

Moving up to secondary school in September

Applications for September 2026 start

Children born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 are due to start Year 7 at secondary school in September 2025.

Applications open on Sunday 1 September 2025 and will close on Thursday 31 October 2025.

You must apply through the local authority which is responsible for administering the council tax for your home even if you intend to name a school located in another area.

We require a separate application for each child if you are applying for children of a multiple birth.

https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/community-information/information-and-advice/school-admissions/apply-for-a-secondary-school-place-in-september

Free Communication Clipart Pictures - Clipartix  Communications Sent Home

  • Museum of Richmond Trip - Year 3. Please sign up via Arbor.
  • Reminder sent: Nut and Sesame free school. 
  • Moving up to secondary school in September.
  • Netball Club - change of day. 

Office Updates

     Scooters

A gentle reminder that scooters and bikes must not be ridden in either of the playgrounds before or after school.

For everyone’s safety, please ensure they are walked through the school grounds

     Parent-Teacher Meetings

We are holding our parent/teacher consultation meetings after half-term.

These meetings will take place on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, 18th November, 3:40 pm - 6:00 pm

Thursday, 20th November, 3:40 pm - 7:00 pm

All appointments are booked via Arbor, meetings will go LIVE on the 17th October 2025.

To secure your preferred time slot, we encourage you to book early. If you have any difficulties in booking your appointment, please contact the school office on 0208 876 6721.

We look forward to meeting with you after half-term and discussing your child's learning.

 

Breakfast Club

At Darell, our Breakfast Club operates from 7:30 AM to 8:40 AM. You must book a spot at least 24 hours in advance for the session you wish to attend. All children need to be registered in order to participate.

Children from Reception to Year 6 who are eligible for the Pupil Premium grant are entitled to a free space in the Breakfast Club. However, you still need to book through Arbor for your child to attend the desired sessions.

We are unable to admit any children into breakfast club on the day unless they have a booking.

If you have any issues booking a session, please speak to a member of the office staff.

Thank you.

 

Medical locker symbol (Marine Sign ...Medical Update

One of our pupils has a compromised immune system. With this in mind, we kindly ask all parents and guardians to inform us immediately if their child is diagnosed with any childhood illnesses, such as chickenpox, scarlet fever, slapped cheek syndrome, or if they experience sickness or diarrhoea.

Additionally, we request that you follow the recommended guidelines regarding school attendance. For instance, if your child has experienced sickness or diarrhoea, they should not attend school until at least 48 hours have passed since their last bout. 

 

Diary Dates

Year 5 & 6 Swimming
9:15am – 10:45am
from 12 Sep and on Friday each week until 13 Dec
10
October
Individual Pupil Photos
9:00am – 1:30pm
15
October
Year 5 & 6 Mixed Rugby Tournament
8:15am – 3:00pm
16
October
Year 5 & 6 Swimming
9:15am – 10:45am
from 12 Sep and on Friday each week until 13 Dec
17
October
Year 5 & 6 Swimming
9:15am – 10:45am
from 12 Sep and on Friday each week until 13 Dec
24
October
Year 5 & 6 Swimming
9:15am – 10:45am
from 12 Sep and on Friday each week until 13 Dec
31
October
Reception & Nursery Open Morning
9:15am – 10:30am
05
November
Year 5 & 6 Swimming
9:15am – 10:45am
from 12 Sep and on Friday each week until 13 Dec
07
November
Nasal flu Vaccination - Recption - Year 6
9:00am – 12:30pm
12
November
Year 5 & 6 Swimming
9:15am – 10:45am
from 12 Sep and on Friday each week until 13 Dec
14
November

The Reading Corner

Welcome to our weekly section of the newsletter all about reading. Every week, we will share a question (or two) with you about the book your child is reading in school. Please use these questions to help you find out a little more about what your child has been reading in school and continue to develop their love of reading.

Reception -  What is different about Colin and Lee? What can Lee do that Colin can’t do? What can Colin do that Lee can’t do? Why can they be 'the best of friends'? (Colin is a pea, Lee is a carrot; Lee can roll, bounce and play hide-and-seek with his friends; Colin can make an excellent tower, a fantastic bridge and a great slide; they can be the best of friends because it doesn't matter that they are different)

Year 1 –  Which poem from Big Green Crocodile have you enjoyed the most so far: Spots and Stripes, Tap The Tree or Fishy Tales? What did you like about it?

Year 2 -  Can you summarise your version of How to Hide a Lion?

Year 3 -  Do you think that Nen's dad is right about the humans in the world above? Why? Why not?

Year 4 -  What is your favourite poem and why?

Year 5 - ‘The Girl of Ink and Stars’ – Why did Governor Adori ban the people of Joya from swimming in the ocean? 

Year 6 -  Do you think Lily can trust Madame Verdigris in our class novel Cogheart?

KS2 SRP - What would you ask a boy from the Stone Age if they came to visit Darell?

Attendance

Overall, school attendance this week was 94%. Our target is 97%.

Well done to Reception for the highest attendance of 97% this week. 

Let's do our best for next week!

 

 

EYFS Star of the Week

Reception

Behati - for settling in so well at Darell school! You have made lots of new friends and are always keen and ready to learn.

KS1 Star of the Week

Year 1

Harvey –  for enjoying listening to poems and for coming up with good ideas when talking about them.  Well done, Harvey!

Year 2 

JohnPaul - for your positive and can-do attitude towards learning in class this week. Especially in your reading and phonics sessions with Miss Hedia!  

 SRP 1

Maxi - for Joining your friends in Newton Class for English sessions this week, well done Maxi!

Nurture Star

Layla - for her excellent attitude towards her learning and challenging herself to work more independently. We are proud of you, Layla!

KS2 Star of the Week

SRP 2

Loki - for his fantastic engagement and contributions to our science lesson about a balanced diet. Well done, Loki!          

Year 3

Aleksandr - for fantastic work in maths this week! You have explained your reasoning well and been ambitious with proving your mathematical thinking. Well done, Aleksandr!

Year 4

Reggie - for working hard to improve his handwriting. Your letter ‘d’ is now a thing of beauty!

Year 5

Olly - for being an ambitious learner in maths! 

Year 6

Patrick - for his amazing handwriting and settling well into Year 6. Well done, Patrick! 

 

What's going on in the community? 

Useful Links

     darell.school

 

darell.richmond.sch.uk

 

Arbor Parent Portal - darell-primary.uk.arbor

 

 

School Uniform Shop - The Shoe Station