Goodbye 2025!
Message from the Head Teacher
Dear Families,
As we come to the end of an exciting first term at Pinner Wood, I would like to wish you all a happy holiday and, to those celebrating, a very happy Christmas with your families. On behalf of the staff, thank you so much for your kind words, cards and gifts — never expected, but always very much appreciated.
Last week, the senior leadership team took time to reflect on the term and plan ahead. We were delighted with how much has been achieved, from modernising our PSHE curriculum to reflect our school values, to introducing Maths Missions and updating how we teach writing. Alongside this, the children have enjoyed a wide range of trips, visitors, experiences whilst learning lots.
We have summarised the term in the table below and included as many dates for next term as possible to help you plan ahead.
Many families have asked about Ozzie’s Maths Missions, and Mr Parnell will be running an information session on Friday 23rd January at 9 am. He will also be running a series of workshops for Year 3/4 parent/carers, more information on which can be found below — we hope you can join us.
On Tuesday, we were excited to host Scout Productions, who filmed an advert for Tesco promoting free fruit for children. While this is not something we would usually do during a school day, it worked very well. Thank you to the production team, Carl for managing the logistics and to our wonderful families for your support and flexibility.
Last week, the School Council held its final meeting of the term. They reflected on the highlights of this term and began planning for next term, using ideas gathered from their classes. You can view their feedback here.
Over the past few weeks, we have also enjoyed our PW Christmas celebrations — from fabulous early years and key stage 1 shows, Christmas lunches and mince pies and melodies, Mr Marvel parties, and a last-minute trip to the Watersmeet Panto. These joyful events were made possible by our incredible PW team, who always go above and beyond. Thank you to them all. It is always worth it to see the sense of joy and pride in your children.
Kind Regards,
Miss Sarah Marriott
Staffing News
Today we say goodbye to Mrs Bridget Cosgrave, our wonderful Early Years Nursery Nurse. She has brought so many creative ideas to our school, and her classrooms have always been filled with exciting activities for the children. Her displays truly reflect her talent and care. Bridget will be greatly missed at Pinner Wood, but we wish her every happiness and success in her next adventure — hopefully in the countryside.
This week, we appointed Miss Lena Rahman who will be joining Holly Class in January as the teaching assistant.
Value of the Half Term - Choose Kind
This term, our focus has been on Heart of the Community. Through assemblies and PSHE lessons, we have explored the many ways we can make a positive difference. This work culminated in our very successful Community Week last week, where all children took part in projects that helped support and strengthen our community.
Next term we will move to focus on Barney Badger’s Value – ‘Choose Kind.’ This will be our spotlight value of the term and children will receive a badge for completing a kindness mission more details will follow.
Michael Rosen visits Pinner Wood
Last week, we had the absolute honour of welcoming Michael Rosen to Pinner Wood. As part of a new film about his life, he requested to visit his first school. We arranged for our oldest children to meet him, and it was truly unforgettable. The pupils were mesmerised as he shared stories, memories, and even gave a performance. Thank you, Michael, for visiting — we’re sorry not everyone could take part, so we hope you’ll come by again soon!
Enjoy Learning
The Data
House Winner | Emerald |
Attendance this Term | 92.25% |
Percentage of unauthorised attendance | 0.52% |
Please check your Arbor App and let us know of any unaccounted attendance.
INSET Days
Our term dates and INSET days can be found here
Please note that we have had to adjust our INSET days in July.
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.
Welcoming HCL (Herts Catering Limited)
We are excited to welcome Herts Catering, starting in January 2026. The new menu can be found here.
From January, children in Year 1 and above will choose their meals in the classroom each morning, so please discuss the menu with your child at the start of the week.
We understand this may be tricky for our youngest children, so Reception will continue to choose at the counter, supported by their teachers.
After February half term, we will officially launch the new catering system, allowing parents to pre-order meals online from home. More information will follow next term.
Children with Allergies – please make sure you have logged onto the portal (sent out via e-mail) and registered your child. Without this they will not be able to provide hot meals.
Road Safety around Pinner Wood
We’ve had reports this week of children crossing roads without paying attention. There was a very near miss recently when a child ran out without looking.
Please take a moment to remind your children about the importance of crossing safely, especially if they walk to and from school on their own.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.
Upcoming workshops
Following our successful RWI workshops in Autumn term, we are excited to now be running our Maths Family Workshops for Year 3 and 4 parent/carers in Spring term from 9 - 10 am! Please see the dates and coverage of each workshop below and you can book your place in any workshops here.
On the 23rd January at 9 am, we are inviting all parents (from Year 1 - 6) to join us in the hall to hear about the updates we have made to our Maths Passports. This will last around 20 - 30 minutes before the workshop then begins.
A Round up of the Term
Curriculum/ Events | Trips/ Experiences | Sports | Community |
Advisor Visit and safeguarding review | Saffron Severn – GB Gymnast and Sports Challenge | Boys Football Year 6 | Community Evening |
Tours for Perspective families | Thorpe Park- STEM Day- Year 4 and 6 | Girls Football Year 6 | Garba |
Seesaw and phonics meetings - EYFS/ Year 1 meeting | Great Fire of London Workshop – Year 2 | Cross Country Year 5 and 6 | Spooky Disco |
Harvest Assembly – Year 3 | Autumn Walks- Reception and Year 1 | Gymnastics Year 5 and 6 | Christmas Fair |
Hello Yellow Day Child’s Mental Health | British Museum – Year 4 | Year 6 Hockey Tournament and enrichment | Read write Inc Workshops |
School Leaders talking at: Great Oracy Exhibition
| Stone Age Workshop – Year 3 | Street Dance Performance | Circus |
Oracy Leader offering INSET at Schools and universities | Imperial War Museum Year 6 | Inter House sporting competitions in PE lessons | Mince Pies and Melodies Evening |
Pupil Progress Meetings All year groups | Library Trips Year 1, 2 and 3 |
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RE Days x 2 | Science Museum Year 5 |
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Remembrance Event – All year groups | VR Workshop Year 6 |
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Diwali Assembly Year 4 | Christmas Plays Early Years |
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Oracy Showcase- 35 leaders visited | Christmas Plays Key Stage 1 |
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Super Heroes Day (Lockdown Drill) | Mr Marvel Early Years, Year 1, 2 and 3 |
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Community Week and projects | Church visit Nursery and year 1 |
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Dr Rupert Knight in observing Oracy at PW | Talent Show
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Michael Rosen visiting and performing | Bonfire Night Year 1 |
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Antarctica Live Assembly | Band Festival – Harrow Music |
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Eco Refill shop | Year 6 South American Fiesta |
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| A visit from Santa and Pinner Rotary Club |
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| Northwood Christmas Show – Year 6 |
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| HAF Winter Wonderland |
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| Nursery Christmas Shows |
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Thank you as always to our dedicated staff team who always go the extra mile to make all the above possible!
A Round up from our Leaders
Staff Member |
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Sporting News Mr O’Brien | As the Autumn term comes to an end, it is a great opportunity to reflect on how PE has been progressing at Pinner Wood. Inter-House Games have been a huge success this term, with an exciting change introduced this year: instead of announcing a winning house every half term, we will now celebrate a winning house each term. I am delighted to congratulate Sapphire for being our first house winners of the year. The children have thoroughly enjoyed showcasing their skills and teamwork during these events. Selected children from Years 5 and 6 have also represented the school excellently in football and cross-country competitions, with particularly great success achieved by our gymnastics team. A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our Great Athlete event with Saffron Severn. Thanks to your generosity, we raised a significant amount of money, which has allowed us to purchase new PE equipment for the children to enjoy during lessons and clubs. I look forward to seeing what the Spring term brings for PE at Pinner Wood. |
Music News Mrs Stephenson | This term has seen medieval, renaissance and baroque music being enjoyed in class as our listening focus and pupils enjoying performing in Assembly. It is especially pleasing to see that some of these pupils have auditioned on their instruments for the end of term talent show. The Choir, Orchestra and Band have welcomed new, talented members and are practicing weekly. Song Assembly continues to be a highlight of the week for KS1 pupils and gives an opportunity to learn lyrics, rhythm and expand pupils’ singing repertoires. Our talented drummers and pianists have experienced full day workshops for Band Fest and Piano Fest, both delivered by the Harrow Music Service (HMS) Teachers. Each day culminated in wonderful evening performances. We are very proud of our young musicians who take part in the HMS Festivals. Thank you to everyone who came to the first Mince Pies and Melodies event after school on the 17th December. The singing helped everyone get into the festive spirit and we were treated to some lovely readings from the pupils. Coming up – Hot off the press – We have just heard that The Mozartists are coming into school in January and February to work with the Year 4’s on a mini opera production -Watch This Space! Guitar Fest is at Elliot Hall on 4th February (invitees only) School Choir Showcase (date TBC) String Fest is at Elliot Hall on the 18th March (invitees only) |
Curriculum and Sustainability Miss Reeves | Another huge year for both the curriculum and sustainability at Pinner Wood! Some highlights are receiving our Gold TFL award (bikeability and scooter training still to come!), running our Eco Refill again this year and our Earth Friends seeing a huge difference in how people recycle in the school which is amazing. Within the curriculum, the changes we have made to our PSHE curriculum have already ensured children have more ownership over their learning, are speaking and engaging as a group more and gives a huge focus to our Pinner Wood values and what we believe in as a school. I am excited to see how writing continues to progress at PW and thank you for your support in ensuring all our children have the correct pen for their writing going forward from January. With a Creative Writing week, STEAM week and Sustainability Week still to come, I know it is going to be a fabulous 2026 at Pinner Wood! A HUGE thank you to all our amazing volunteers who have supported within class, with reading and in our library this term. We really appreciate you giving up your time to come and support our school and children. It has also been amazing to work with different schools, companies, charities and businesses over the last term and we are looking forward to continuing to build our connections with these going forward. |
Pastoral Learning Mr Mainwaring | This term, we’ve reviewed our lunchtime provision and, through a tendering process, will be working with new caterers, HCL. We hope this will improve the current structure and the quality of children’s experience in the lunch hall. Please look out for more information regarding this in the new year. As part of this review of lunchtime provision, we also expect changes to extend to playground areas. This year, we’ve continued our partnership with outside agencies. The MHST (Mental Health Support Team) has supported children through group and 1:1 sessions, and this will continue in the new year. On Thursday 22nd January, an Early Help Family Support member will be on site to work with families on positive behaviour management. This will start with a coffee morning (open to all), followed by 30-minute 1:1 sessions throughout the remainder of the day, which parents, guardians and carers can book. If this is something you are interested in, please contact the school office and ask for Sophie Campbell (Pastoral Mentor). Finally, in line with our school behaviour model of ‘time in’, we’ve introduced reflection sheets (created by Mrs Devlia, Year 5) to help children reflect on their behaviour and choices when they have made mistakes. These help children share what happened from their perspective and help them to consider alternative choices for next time they are in a similar situation. We have a KS1 and a KS2 format so that all children can access them and will be used if children have to be removed from a setting for making the wrong choice. Please look out for the upcoming lunchtime changes that you may need to action, and contact us if you feel you need support at home so we can refer or signpost you to the relevant agencies. Have a lovely Christmas break, Mr Mainwaring |
Oracy Updates Miss Thomas
| This has been an amazing term for Oracy at Pinner Wood. We started the year by training all our new staff in our teaching strategies. Miss Marriott gave a wonderful talk at the Great Oracy Exhibition in Birmingham, all about how she uses Oracy to design the school council meetings. As well as hosting 35 teachers at our Oracy Open Morning back in October, we were thrilled to be visited by Dr. Rupert Knight, who is a leading figure in the Oracy world. We were praised for our exceptional Oracy practice and look forward to reading us in his new book! |
Inclusion Mrs Bretayne | We are proud to celebrate Inclusion at our school and the strong, shared commitment of our whole community. This term, our safeguarding audit with Dr Janice Howkins was highly successful, recognising the robust systems and inclusive culture in place to keep all children safe and supported. We have launched our Adaptive Teaching Toolkit, developed through last year’s collaborative work with all staff and the Educational Psychology Service, strengthening inclusive classroom practice. We are also one of forty schools selected to take part in the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) project, a needs-led initiative delivered in partnership with the London Boroughs of Hillingdon and Harrow, health and education specialists and expert parent carers, with a focus on improving learning environments, early intervention, staff development and meaningful engagement with SEN parents and carers. Alongside this, we are working with a range of schools across Harrow and the Virtual School through the Attachment Research Community (ARC), to embed attachment- and trauma-aware practice across the school. We are especially proud of the meaningful inclusion of our Acorns children within the mainstream school, fully participating in Christmas shows, assemblies and trips, ensuring they are visible, valued and able to thrive as part of the wider school community. |
Mrs Tong School Business | We have welcomed and supported new families with various administrative needs, and ensured smooth communication between home and school. A big highlight has been welcoming our new Attendance and Welfare Officer, who has settled in brilliantly and is already getting to know the children and families. Behind the scenes, we have also completed the contract catering procurement and are looking forward to introducing HCL’s exciting new menu in the coming term. As always, we appreciate your support and partnership in helping everything run smoothly. |
Enjoy Learning - The Term in Photos
For updates throughout the term please see our school Instagram @pinnerwoodsch
Enjoy Learning - Learning Journey Photos
Dreaming Big - A message from our Head Squad
This term has been amazing as Head Squad! From handing out certificates to showing new families around the school and creating podcasts. Our role has really made an impact across Pinner Wood, and we cannot wait to continue helping our community in 2026.
We’ve loved all the brilliant opportunities we’ve had and how everyone in our school is treated with kindness and respect. All the year groups have been on a couple of trips this term, and they’ve all been incredible!
The whole Head Squad team wishes you a wonderful break. Whether you’re going on holiday or staying at home, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Dreaming Big - A message from the Chair of Governors
Dear Families,
The Governing Body of Pinner Wood has had a productive term. It has been wonderful to make visits for PE, safeguarding, SEN, and Health and Safety, seeing the school in action and understanding how these activities align with this year’s development plan.
Our resources team, working alongside Mrs Tong, our Business Manager, has been busy, and we are excited to welcome a new catering provider from January. We have high hopes for the positive changes this will bring.
Thank you to the Friends of Pinner Wood for organising so many events this term — including the Garba, Circus, Christmas Fair, and the spooky disco. All these events raise valuable funds for the school. It was also lovely to hear of new members attend the AGM and offer their support; it is important to the Governing Board that these roles and events continue for everyone to enjoy.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their dedication in providing so many wonderful opportunities for the children. Thanks also to the Board of Governors — all volunteers — who generously give their time to support the school’s strategic direction.
A special thank you to Rinku Harjani, one of our Parent Governor, who finishes her four-year term at Christmas. We are grateful for her support and for always encouraging us to dream big and do our best. In the New Year, we will begin the election process for two new Parent Governors — watch this space!
Finally, we wish all our families a happy and healthy holiday break.
Best Regards
Tuli Palit
Chair of Governors
Clubs at Pinner Wood
Lunch time clubs
We have a large number of lunch time clubs starting again after the holidays. These do not need to be booked in advance (but please note some are Invite Only). Children can speak to the teacher leading the club for more information and these will also be shared again in assembly!
External clubs
There is still some availability at some of our external clubs. Please see the school website for more information on these clubs.
Please also continue to check back on Arbor if you would like to book a space in any teacher led clubs as spaces may become available during the term.
Final Chance to Book Before Christmas – Brain Training Club at Pinner Wood 🧠
Dear Parents and Carers,
Just a quick reminder that Super Star Sport will be launching our brand new Brain Training After School Club at Pinner Wood School in 2026 — and bookings are now open ahead of Christmas.
This exciting club is designed to challenge and stimulate young minds through fun, interactive games that build problem-solving, memory, focus, and critical thinking skills. Each week, children will enjoy engaging brain challenges, puzzles, and team-based activities that encourage creativity, resilience, and collaboration.
🔔 Spaces are limited to just 20 children, and places are filling up. We recommend booking before Christmas to secure your child’s place and avoid missing out in the new year.
📍 Available for all year groups
🗓️ Day: Monday
📅 Duration: 9 weeks
💷 Cost: £76.50 | £8.50 per week
👉 Book your child’s place here:
Brain Training Club at Pinner Wood | Book Here!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re really looking forward to bringing the Brain Training fun to Pinner Wood!
Warm regards,
The Super Star Sport Team 🌟
We are excited to be working with Ippon Judo to run a Judo club on the new day of Friday after school.
Children will need to wear a long sleeved t shirt/joggers/leggings and have a water bottle as the sessions can get very physical and tiring!
Use this link to sign up to Judo lessons
The Judo club are also delighted to offer a FREE TASTER SESSION on Friday 9th January in the hall from 3.20 - 4.15 pm. To sign up to the free taster please use the link below or the QR code in the poster below.
Leaflets and Parent Workshops
Dates for your Diary
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Looking Ahead to the Summer Term
Summer Term | Value: Enjoy Learning | |
Term Starts | Monday 13th April | |
Friday 24th April | Summer Term Prefects | |
30th April | HMS Elliot hall – Percussion workshop | |
Monday 11h – Thursday 14th | YEAR 6 SATS | |
Tuesday 19th Wednesday 20th Thursday 21st May | Year 2 Florence Nightingale Museum trip | |
Monday 18th June | RE Day 5 | |
25th – 29h 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 | |
W.b. 1st June – 12th June | Year 4 Multiplication Check window | |
W.b. Monday 8th June | Year 1 Phonics check week Assessment Week
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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 | |
| 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 | |
Saturday 4th July | PW Summer Carnival? | |
Monday 6th – Friday 10th July | Year 6- Isle of Wight – TBC HMS ensemble concert – TBC 9th July | |
Friday 10th | Reports out Nursery- Year 5 | |
Monday 13h July | Dream Big Open Evening 3.30-5pm | |
Monday 13th July | RE Day 6 | |
Wednesday 15th July | Reports out – Year 6 | |
Friday 17th July | 8am Year 6 Leavers Breakfast and Assembly Term Ends for Children 1.30pm | |
A date for Pinner Woodstock is to be confirmed* | ||
