We’re fast approaching the end of half-term, marking the half way point of the school year. Despite the dark and cold mornings (this morning being one of them!), it’s lovely to see our children coming in happy and healthy with a smile on their faces. The positive energy in school was noticed this week by our Chair of Governors who paid us a visit.

2026-27 training days

Last week, we let you know that the 2026-27 holidays are in our school calendar. We can now confirm the five training days are all confirmed and in the calendar, too. They are:

• Tuesday 01 September 2026
• Friday 02 October 2026
• Friday 23 October 2026
• Monday 07 December 2026
• Friday 28 May 2027

There are three in Autumn 1 half-term because this is a long half-term (eight weeks), giving children a chance to have a couple of longer weekends to rest.

A happy and healthy place to work

As well as welcoming helpful constructive questions, comments and concerns, every year we invite you to complete a survey. We do the same with staff – sometimes just teachers and sometimes all staff. Here’s a couple of comments from this year’s survey of teachers:

• ‘It feels like staff wellbeing is considered across the federation. Everything seems well considered and you can see the impact in the children and their learning.’
• ‘I feel very well supported by the school, and I really value the open communication and guidance from leaders and colleagues. There is a strong sense of shared responsibility and teamwork, which makes it easy to ask questions and feel confident in my role.’

Scholes (Elmet) Primary is a happy and healthy place to learn and also to work!

Charging, remissions and outstanding payments

We’ve recently updated our policy. Check this out, especially if your child attends wraparound care, after-school clubs or Nursery, or has tuition for an instrument. Main updates are around what we do if we’re waiting for a payment for these services.

Morwick Grove

At regular intervals, we like to remind everyone about the agreement that the school has with our Morwick Grove neighbours…

The long strip of grass down the side of Morwick Grove, adjacent to the school boundary hedge, is actually owned by neighbours on Morwick Grove and not school, Leeds City Council or the Parish Council. Access to the Nursery and Out of School Club is granted to us by them as a goodwill gesture – it’s not a right.

We obviously like to maintain the good relations we have. If you have to use this space, please ensure that you park and use this area respectfully. Please don’t park on the double yellow lines or grass verge, and please don’t block residents’ driveways.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Have a happy and healthy weekend.