End of Spring Term Newsletter
Message from the Headteacher
Dear Families,
What a whirlwind term it has been — only 11 school weeks, yet we’ve managed to pack so much in! A roundup of this term’s events can be found below.
It was lovely to see so many of you at our parent/carer meetings this week. We hope you found them helpful and a good opportunity to discuss your child’s progress. Ahead of these, Mrs Kearney and I met with each year group teaching team for our Pupil Progress meetings. It was wonderful to reflect on how far the children have come, celebrate their learning, and discuss next steps.
We also reviewed Attendance. We were a little shocked to see a significant number of pupils with attendance below 90%. In real terms, out of 129 school days so far, these children have missed more than 12 days— over two weeks of learning. While we understand that illness happens, our overall attendance is currently 95.2%, the lowest it has been. Our aim remains 96–97%. If Pinner Wood is to continue being an exceptional school, improving attendance is essential and without this it will not qualify.
On Monday, School Council met to share feedback from their classes. It was great to hear so many positives — from trips and learning to school lunches. Their main request was new lunchtime equipment, and Mr Mainwaring will be leading this project next term. You can find their full feedback here.
We are already planning ahead for next term, and key dates can be found below to help you get organised.
A reminder that our Big Spring Day is on Monday 13th April (the first day back). A farm will be visiting school, and it will be a non uniform day. We will also be holding a Spring Headdress Catwalk — children are welcome to bring a headdress from home or make one in school. If you would like to donate an easter egg for prizes please bring it to the school office on Monday 13th. More information is included below.
Finally, I want to end the term by saying a huge thank you to our wonderful staff, who always bring a “can do” attitude and make so much happen at Pinner Wood. This term we have been impacted by some sickness in our support team, but everyone has stepped up to keep Pinner Wood the happy place it is.
Wishing you a lovely holiday, and to those celebrating, a very Happy Easter or Happy Passover.
Thank you to our community for all your support this half term.
Kind regards,
Sarah Marriott
Value of the Half Term - Enjoy Learning
This term, our focus has been Strength through Positivity. We’ve used this value to highlight key events such as International Women’s Day and World Down Syndrome Day, which inspired thoughtful oracy assemblies on fairness, equality and inclusion across the school. We also explored how life isn’t always easy, but there are positive ways to face its challenges.
Next term, we’ll shift our focus to Ozzie Owl – Enjoy Learning. As part of this, we’ll be covering relationships education. On Tuesday 14th April, Mrs Adcock will be hosting a coffee morning on this topic in school at 9 am, with a second session online 2pm. You’re very welcome to join in person or online to learn more about how we teach this area and how you can talk about it with your child. The online link will be shared after the holidays.
The Data
House Winner | Topaz |
Attendance this Term | 94.77% |
Percentage of unauthorised attendance | 0.7% |
Please check your Arbor App and let us know of any unaccounted attendance.
School Attendance
We would like to draw families’ attention to school attendance, which is currently lower this year than in previous years. As we move into the summer term, we are asking for a big community push to help bring attendance back to expected levels.
Good attendance is essential for:
Academic progress and achievement
Social development and friendships
Emotional wellbeing and routine
Safeguarding, as regular attendance ensures children are safe, supported, and seen
This term, we will be following the new Harrow AIM Attendance Strategy, which has been shared on our school website. This policy sets clear expectations and procedures for schools and families, and we will be implementing it consistently and in full.
Where attendance becomes a concern and families are not actively engaging with the school to improve it, we will be working closely with Harrow Attendance Services in line with the new guidance.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring your child is in school every day they are well enough to attend. Attendance and achievement are closely linked, and by working together, we can give every child the best possible chance to succeed.
Summer Term Clubs
Just a reminder that our Summer term clubs are available to book on Arbor!
If you are interested in an external club, all the information can be found on our website here and below - there are still some spaces in external clubs so have a look and book your space.
New teacher led clubs!
There are two new after school clubs now available to book on Arbor! NOW AVAILABLE ON ARBOR TO BOOK!
Glee Club - Tuesdays at 3.15
Year 1 - 6
Squirrels Classroom
Meditation Club - Thursdays at 3.15
Year 5 and 6
Sagano Classroom
External Clubs
Lunch time Clubs
Please see the Summer term lunch clubs below. No need to book, please just speak to your children about any they would like to attend during the week.
Half Term Messages
INSET Days
Our term dates and INSET days can be found here
Term will end for children on Friday 17th July 2026.
All children are expected to attend during this week, and we cannot authorise holidays at this time.
HCL Catering
HCL (Herts Catering Lunches are going well, and the children’s feedback has been really positive. They’re enjoying the pre-ordering system, and the new trays are proving very popular.
We meet with HCL weekly and managers are often on site – they are very responsive to our feedback and the partnership is working well.
Thank you for supporting this initiative as we’ve set it up. We are still seeing a few children without preordered choices, which can be disappointing for them when they receive a cheese roll instead of something they would prefer. Please do make sure you are pre-ordering your child’s meal.
If your child is absent, please don't forget to cancel your meal.
For children with allergies, please ensure you’ve logged into the portal (sent via email) and registered them. These pupils wear a lanyard, and their meals are pre-plated to help keep them safe.
If you have any issues signing up, just come and speak to us.
Please see the Cultural Diversity Day menu for the 21st May below.
STEAM Week
We will be celebrating Steam Week in week beginning 20th April so please save the date for our Steam Fair on Friday 24th April! Below is a Digital Detox to enjoy exploring curiosity and experiments over the break!
Upcoming Workshops
After our extremely successful RWI and Maths workshops, we are now excited to share the next upcoming workshops.
Our first Summer term workshops will be Early Writing for our EYFS and KS1 families. Please use the QR code or this link to sign up to these workshops.
Early Writing
Reception - Year 2 families
Friday 24th April, 1st May, 8th May
9 - 10 am
The dates for our future workshops can be found below:
Oracy and beyond (Oracy, Science and our foundation subjects at PW)
Reception - Year 2 families
Friday 5th June
9 - 10 am
Writing in Year 3 and beyond
Year 3 - 6 families
Friday 12th, 19th and 26th June
9 - 10 am
We always welcome suggestions for future workshops so please do let us know!
All our previous workshops can be found here.
Pinner Wood Press
Our next issue of Pinner Wood Press will be on sale after the Easter break. Keep an eye out at the Office and in the playground!
A HUGE thank you to Vikas Gandhi, a parent at the school who works for GelaroGrace Studio who have very kindly sponsored the printing of our Pinner Wood Press this term - we really appreciate it.
Please do contact the school if you or your company/business would be happy to sponsor the next edition.
Poetry by Heart
A huge well done to our pupils who went to Pinner High this week to perform as part of the Pinner Schools' Cluster Poetry by Heart event. Children learnt and performed a poem off by heart with confidence and passion - well done everyone!
We look forward to more events and poetry performances in the future.
Big Spring Day
Our BIG Spring Day is coming! We will be celebrating on the first day back after the Easter break so please ensure your children are in school this day.
On the day, we would welcome any donations of Easter Eggs. Please bring these on on the first day back.
We will also be holding a Spring Headdress Catwalk — children are welcome to bring a headdress from home over the break or make one in school.
It will also be own clothes day!
A round up of the term - Trips so far this year ...
Year 6 | London Docklands Museum Thorpe Park Northwood Theatre Show at Northwood school VR Workshop – South America Bikeability Crime and Punishment Workshop Starlight Express Year 6 Drugs workshop Change speeches |
Year 5 | Science Museum Bikeability Ancient Greeks Portal to Past |
Year 4 | British Museum Thorpe Park Bikeability Mozart Concert London Zoo Change Speeches |
Year 3 | Library trips Panto Trip Bikeability - |
Year2 | Nursery and Year 2 Owls Falcon visit Library trips Panto trip Synagogue Roald Dahl Museum |
Year 1 | Montesole Park Reception Church visit - St Edmonds Bonfire Night Meteorologist Visitor Perform Toys workshop Bekonscot Village |
Reception | Mr Marvel Autumn Walk Perform Explorer workshop Tesco’s Trip |
Nursery | Nursery and Year 2 Owls Falcon visit Police Visit |
Arms | Park Trip Bus Trip Part of Class Trip |
Other | Circus at Pinner Wood Earth Friends VR Workshop HAF Winter Fun Day BETT show – Year 6 digital leaders Houses of Parliament – School Council Formula 1 Museum DT Challenge day at St Johns Sustainability Charter Maths Competition Poetry by Heart |
Sport | Cross Country Boys football at The Hive Girls football at The Hive Gymnastics competitions Year 6 Girls Football Year ¾ Gymnastic Competition Table Tennis at Salvo College Dance Showcase Hockey at Merchant Taylors |
Music | Guitar Fest Choir Showcase String Fest John Lyon Music Day |
Curriculum/ Events | Community Events |
Key Stage 1 Maths Workshop | Lunar New Year Banquet – Reception |
Year 3/4 Bikability | Fund Raisin Challenge |
Year 5/6 Bikability | Holi reception event |
Storytelling Night -Reception and year 1 | World Book Day |
Key Stage 2 Maths Workshop | Mother’s Day Tea Party – Reception |
RE Day | Iftar Dinner |
Fall in Love with Reading | Big Walk and Wheel Week |
World Thinking Day | Birthday Bunch |
PINS Project – coffee morning for families | Parent/ Carers Evening |
Mental Health Team Workshop |
|
Year 5 Assembly – ‘Positive Pinner Wood.’ |
|
Launch of Harrow Sustainability Charter |
|
Year 4 Rainforest Spark Speeches |
|
Year 6 Change Speeches |
|
World Down Syndrome Day |
|
Pupil Progress Meetings |
|
Poetry By Heart Competition |
|
A round up from our leaders
Staff Member |
|
Sporting News Mr O’Brien | As the Spring term draws to a close, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the fantastic progress made in PE at Pinner Wood. Inter-House Games have once again been a highlight of this term and a great success. I look forward to announcing the winners of our Spring Term games after the Easter holidays. What I can say for now is that the children have demonstrated fantastic teamwork throughout and the results are incredibly close. A number of pupils from Years 5 and 6 have also represented the school exceptionally well in football and netball, demonstrating both talent and sportsmanship. Our Year 3 and 4 gymnastics team delivered an excellent performance in their recent competition. In addition, 30 children from Year 5 had the exciting opportunity to visit Merchant Taylors’ School, where they were introduced to hockey. This was a valuable experience and we hope to offer similar opportunities to more pupils in the future. Finally, a special mention must go to our talented dance squad, who performed with great confidence and enthusiasm at their showcase at Hatch End High School. I look forward to seeing what the Summer term brings for PE at Pinner Wood. |
Music News Mrs Stephenson | The Spring Term has seen Classical and Romantic music being enjoyed in class as our listening focus and many pupils enjoying performing in Assembly. The young musicians are really stepping up and taking their opportunity to shine. We were successful in our application for a series of workshops as part of the Mozart 250 Discovery Project. ‘The Mozartists’ (a self-funded group of professional musicians and animateurs) worked with the Year 4s over six days in January and February. They brought in composers, performers, drama specialists and opera singers to create a new mini opera ‘The Parrajaguog’. The pupils learnt about Mozart and the 18th Century, they wrote the story, text and music. This was performed to Years 1, 3 and 5 and then to parents and carers. The final performance included period instruments from the time of Mozart, such as the harpsichord and cello, which accompanied the pupils as they sang opera. A huge thank you to the parents and carers who supported with the learning of songs and came along on the performance day. We hope the memory of this project stays with the pupils for a long time. Another new musical opportunity was enjoyed when some of our most talented pupils were invited to attend the John Lyon Junior Music Day in March. Young musicians from years 5,6 and 7 were brought together for a fun day of music making which culminated in a concert. We are very proud of how the pupils represented Pinner Wood during the day and we will be applying for places next year if it goes ahead. The Choir Showcase at Elliot Hall was a wonderful evening of song. Mrs Kraft worked hard to make sure that the choir was ready to wow the audience with their performance of both the Pinner Wood song and the finale song (where all the schools sang en-mass). This busy term also saw our guitarists and violinists play at Elliot Hall for the annual Harrow Music Service Guitar - and String Fests. The Year 1’s enjoyed a delivery of un-tuned percussion instruments and are learning about rhythm and playing together with their new shaky eggs and claves. Coming up – Harrow Music Service Percussion Workshop on 30th April (invitees only) and then Song Fest in June. Please do look out for the upcoming dates for Pinner Woodstock and the Instrumental Showcase. Please contact the office if your child would like to learn an instrument in school or if you are an accomplished musician and are able to come in to perform in Assembly. |
Curriculum and Sustainability Mrs Kearney | Another brilliant term for the curriculum, enrichment, trips, activities, visitors and sustainability at the school. Some highlights have been creating and sharing the Harrow Sustainability Charter, our Year 4 and Year 6 Speech Weeks, our focus on poetry as part of World Book Day, visits from the Mayor and visits to the F1 Williams racing centre, Houses of Parliament and the theatre for Year 6. We have focused this term on writing across the school and also adapting our school PSHE curriculum to ensure it links with our school values and supports the children's sense of belonging and identity. It was brilliant to see the changes we have made to writing embedded in the books during our recent Pupil Progress meetings. We have some extremely creative and imaginative writers in our school and children are using the key writing skills they have been taught to support their writing and editing process. A big thank you to our dedicated subject leader teams who have worked hard this term on their SOAPs (subject on a page) to ensure the teaching, assessment and enrichment for our curriculum subjects across the school remain exciting, robust and challenging for our children. |
Pastoral Learning Mr Mainwaring | Lunchtime Developments – Spring Term Update This term, we have introduced a number of exciting improvements to the lunchtime experience, both in the dining hall and on the playground. In the Dining Hall We are pleased to share that the introduction of HCL as our new catering provider, along with our new online meal‑ordering system, has made a noticeable difference to the lunchtime atmosphere. Children are enjoying a wider variety of meals, and the experience in the lunch hall feels much calmer and more enjoyable for everyone. A gentle reminder to parents and carers to book meals via Citrus and to explore the new summer menu with their child. Taking a moment to look through the menu together can help children feel more confident and positive about their lunch choices. Playground Improvements We have also restructured our lunchtime model to ensure greater adult supervision and a more purposeful, enjoyable play experience for all pupils. We now operate with two playground zones: KS1 Playground
KS2 Playground Split into two purposeful spaces:
These changes have been hugely welcomed by the children, who are enjoying a more structured, positive lunchtime—helped along by the recent improvement in the weather. As we move into the summer term, we hope to open up the school fields and garden, giving the children even more space and options during lunchtime. Pastoral Support This term, we have continued to strengthen our pastoral provision. We have worked closely with our Early Support Practitioner to deliver a workshop focused on positive behaviour, supporting both pupils and staff. We are also grateful for the continued support of the Harrow Mental Health Support Team, who have been working closely with us to provide targeted wellbeing support for children across our school community. |
Oracy Updates Miss Thomas
| It's been an exciting term regarding all things Oracy. Speech week was our most successful yet with Year 4's SPARK speeches and Year 6's CHANGE speeches demonstrating the children's advanced public speaking skills. As well as this, a few children were chosen as part of our Poetry by Heart club to enter Harrow's first every Poetry recital which is a wonderful experience.
We are pleased to be running 'The Oracy Project' for the second year, this time with 11 schools from Harrow and neighbouring counties. We have also focused on the professional development of our teachers through a three-stage programme. Teachers had the opportunity to choose 1 of 3 courses focussing on curriculum design, oracy in every lesson and developing child-led discussions. We are excited to continues to these courses in the Summer term.
Finally, Miss Marriott and I were honoured to be invited to the Houses of Parliament for the launch of the Oracy Commission. It is wonderful to be part of the Oracy movement at this very exciting time.
|
Inclusion Mrs Bretayne | Being part of the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme this year has had a significant and positive impact on our whole-school environment, helping us to better support all children, including those with SEND. Through this national DfE initiative, we have been working closely with specialist health and education professionals, as well as expert parent carers, to strengthen our inclusive practice, develop early interventions, and further upskill our staff team. We have been delighted to host two well-attended parent and carer meetings, chaired by Vicky Leech, Head of Harrow Parent and Carer Forum, which have provided valuable opportunities for collaboration and shared understanding. In the first session, we spoke about the PINS project and how parents and carers can support each other, and we looked at the implications raised by the recent white paper- Every Child Achieving and Thriving and SEND reform: putting children and young people first. In addition, we are working in partnership with schools across Harrow and beyond, visiting and learning from one another to enhance our provision for all our SEND learners. As part of this ongoing work, we are also redesigning the curriculum and assessment structures within The Acorn Centre to ensure they are more responsive, inclusive, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our pupils. |
Enjoy Learning - The term in photos
Please take at look our our Instagram page here to see this term in photos.
![PHOTO-2026-03-05-18-13-05[1].jpg](/uploads/670/page/3777980_page_large.jpg)
![PHOTO-2026-03-05-18-13-05[2].jpg](/uploads/670/page/3777981_page_large.jpg)
![PHOTO-2026-03-05-18-13-05[3].jpg](/uploads/670/page/3777982_page_large.jpg)
![PHOTO-2026-03-05-18-13-05[4].jpg](/uploads/670/page/3777983_page_large.jpg)
Enjoy Learning - Learning Journeys
Dreaming Big - A message from our Head Squad
This term has been super exciting for everyone! Nursery and Reception loved exploring stories like The Magic Train and We Catch the Bus, learning about shapes, practising throwing in PE, visiting Pinner Memorial Park, and getting creative with Easter cards and eggs. Year 1 and Year 2 learned about the UK, life 100 years ago, habitats and microhabitats, and even visited the Roald Dahl Museum. They measured weight and capacity in Maths, built model houses in DT, made paper mache masks, and stayed active with athletics and gymnastics. Year 3 and Year 4 had a blast making mosaics, building kites, learning Spanish, and visiting the Museum of St Albans. Year 4 also bravely presented rainforest speeches and enjoyed a trip to London Zoo where they sketched animals. Year 5 and Year 6 had a busy term too, making granola bars, creating Scratch games, learning percussion, writing biographies, presenting Change Speeches, practising for SATs, and exploring topics like Global Trade, Crime and Punishment, and Criminal Catchers, including a trip to the London Docklands Museum.
Our next edition of the PW Podcast can also be found below!
Dreaming Big - A message from our Chair of Governors
Dear Families,
It has been a busy and productive term for the Governing Body. Governors have carried out a number of visits focusing on writing, Early Years, provision for our SEND pupils and safeguarding. Seeing the priorities from the School Development Plan in action is always a privilege, and we have been genuinely impressed by the excellent practice across the school.
Our Resources Committee has also been hard at work overseeing the school’s budget. We are pleased to share that the school will close the financial year within budget — a significant achievement given earlier concerns about a possible deficit. This is thanks to careful planning by the Senior Leadership Team, led by our Business Manager, Mrs Cindy Tong, whose expertise and sharp financial oversight ensure best value in all areas. Recent changes to our catering provider (January 2026) and cleaning contractor (April 2026) are part of this ongoing work.
The Health and Safety Committee met earlier this term to review the recent independent audit carried out by Safety Mark. We are delighted to share that the school achieved an outstanding score of 97% — our highest ever.
A huge thank you to Carl and Frank for their relentless focus on maintaining high standards, and to our Governor, Ben Crowhurst, whose oversight and ongoing support are invaluable.
Our biggest focus at present is, of course, the recruitment of a new Headteacher. The Governing Body is fully committed to finding the right leader for our wonderful school, and we will continue this process with care and dedication until we find the right fit.
After Easter, we will also be seeking a new Parent Governor to join our board, so please look out for further information.
We have also been delighted to see the continued strength and inclusivity of the Pinner Wood community this term. Events such as the recent iftar event, which brought families and staff together, are a wonderful reflection of the school’s diversity and shared values. It was particularly heartening to see members of staff in attendance, reinforcing the strong sense of belonging that makes our school so special.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the entire Pinner Wood team, who consistently go above and beyond for our children and to the team of Governors - who give freely of their time to support the work of the school.
Wishing you and your families a restful and happy break.
Mrs Tuli Palit
Chair of Governors
Easter activities at Pinner Wood
Be Active
Upcoming events and activities
Pinner Wood will once again be participating in the St George's Day parade to start the barrel race. This year, we plan to create shields for the parade. Please can children bring in a cereal box for this arts and crafts activity on the first day back.
Summer Term Dates
Upcoming Dates for your Diary
Detailed week by week dates will be shared the first week back in the Friday Update
Summer Term | Value: Enjoy Learning | |
Term Starts and Big Spring Day | Monday 13th April | |
Tuesday 14th April | PSHE Parents workshop 9 am (in hall) and 2.30 pm (zoom) | |
Friday 24th April | Summer Term Prefects | |
Tuesday 28th April | Phonics Screening Check parents meetings 9 am (in hall) and 2.30 pm (zoom) | |
30th April | HMS Elliot hall – Percussion workshop | |
Tuesday 5th May | Year 4 Gurdwara Trip (rearranged date) | |
Monday 11th – Thursday 14th May | YEAR 6 SATS | |
Monday 18th May | Year 3 Hindu Temple trip | |
Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th, Thursday 21st May | Year 2 Florence Nightingale Museum trip | |
Thursday 21st May | Eid Family Bazaar (no clubs) | |
25th – 29th May | Half Term | |
Monday 1st June | INSET DAY | |
Tuesday 2nd June | Value: Dream Big Term Starts: 2nd June 2026 | |
Thursday 4th June | Teach Rex workshop - Reception | |
Friday 5th June | Pinner Woodstock | |
W.b. 1st June – 12th June | Year 4 Multiplication Check window | |
W.b. Monday 8th June | Year 1 Phonics check week Assessment Week | |
W.b. 8th June | Year 6 Company Week | |
W.B. 8th June | Oracy Week | |
Wednesday 10th – Friday 12th June | Year 5 trip to Thriftwood Camp | |
9th – 11th June TBC | Song Fest - HMS Elliot hall | |
Tuesday 16th June | Sports Day and Family Picnic – 2pm finish | |
Saturday 20th June | Pinner Wood Summer fair - Theme: Carnival | |
Wednesday 24th June | Nursery Willows trip | |
Friday 26th June | Reception Trip to Hertfordshire Zoo | |
Wednesday 1st July | ‘Move Up’ Morning | |
Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd July | Year 6 Show – Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon | |
Thursday 2nd July | Year 1 Southend Trip | |
Monday 6th – Friday 10th July | Year 6- Isle of Wight HMS ensemble concert – TBC 9th July | |
Friday 10th | Reports out to Nursery- Year 5 | |
Monday 13th July | Dream Big Open Evening 3.30-5pm | |
Monday 13th July | RE Day | |
Wednesday 15th July | Reports out – Year 6 | |
Friday 17th July | 8am Year 6 Leavers Breakfast and Assembly Term Ends for Children 1.30pm | |
