Spring Term 2026 – Newsletter 10
Somercotes Infant School – Newsletter
Dear Somercotes families,
Welcome back! The Spring term falls short this year due to the Easter break and Derbyshire term dates, but are no less busy. The weather seems to be getting warmer, the flowers are beginning to pop up around school and everything is beginning to feel more Spring-like / Summery.
World Book Day
We begin with an apology. World book day has come around quickly, and I have not been able to notify parents of the plans for this academic year. As always with dress up events, we aim to plan for the lowest possible cost to parents, where children can wear clothes that they already have, without the need to purchase expensive costumes (although if families would prefer then this option is always open).
Again this year, we are planning to focus our day on the importance of Bedtime Stories in building a love of reading for all children and adults too! Children will be invited to come to school in their pyjamas, or to dress up as a book character, or to attend in their normal school uniform. As always, please ensure all outfits are appropriate for a day in school, including break and lunch times. Children will listen to a range of different stories, read by different adults, with milk and biscuits too!
Congratulations
A huge congratulations to Kade, who has become the first GOLD learner of this academic year. We are so proud of the KIND, polite, READY and HARD WORKing learner that you are. Keep up the amazing work.
It has been amazing to see so many children achieving their badges already this year. The progress in every child’s learning has been nothing short of phenomenal!
A Safety Precaution
We have received reports of some concerning litter left on many of our families routes to school. We have notified the police and the PCSOs, but a note to please take extra care around hedgerows and bushes on your way to school. School staff litter pick the lane daily.
Clean Air Zones
The government are seeking to extend the ‘smoke free zones’ around schools to include vaping and all other forms of second hand smoke Click here. We already ask for our lane and surrounding areas to be ‘smoke free’ for our children, but ask for your continued support in making all of our gates ‘smoke free’ on school drop off and collection.
Animals on School Site
We love to see the friendly pets who frequent our lane and gates on school drop off, but want to remind all families that school grounds must remain pet free. Please do not bring and animals through the school gates. If your dog is enjoying a walk to school with your children, please let the teachers know to look out for you beyond the school gates.
Whole School Trip
The excitement continues! Work continues on the plans for this year’s whole school trip, with this event in the final stages of bookings ready for the Summer term. Details will be shared with families as soon as possible, once risk assessments and arrangements are completed. This note is to provide families of advanced warning that, with considerable contribution from school to offset this cost, there will be a charge to families of less than £10 per child. We are hoping to make this considerably less than the £10 initially quoted.
Uniform
Finally, a reminder that children should be READY to learn, and this includes school uniform. We work hard to make our uniform as accessible as possible to all children and families, but must insist that children are dressed READY to learn.
Our uniform policy states that school uniform should be;
- Grey or black school trousers, shorts or skirt (no tracksuit bottoms)
- Blue summer dress
- White shirt, polo shirt or blouse
- Blue sweatshirt, cardigan or fleece
- Appropriate coat
- Plain black shoes (which provide appropriate support for the feet)
- No heeled or slip on shoes
Please ensure all clothing is named or initialled.
School uniform is available to order online from MyClothing.com and we are told they are offering a 10% discount until the end of March, details are below.
Code: MYCQ110
Expires: 31/03/2026
Link: myclothing.com/discount/MYCQ110
Please ask our team if you need any support with uniform.
For PE, children should wear:
- Black / navy shorts or jogging bottoms
- White / blue t-shirt (no logos except for school)
- School jumper
- Plimsolls for indoor PE
- Trainers for outdoor PE
Children should wear PE kit to school on the days when they have PE and have any long hair tied back.
All ear rings must be removed on PE days. Staff are not allowed to remove children’s earrings. They cannot be taped or covered by plasters.
Once again, thank you for your continued support. We now look forward to the amazing time that we have ahead of us this academic year, full of learning and lots of fun! As always, should you have any questions or wish to discuss anything further please do not hesitate to ask.
Warm regards,
Mr Rowland
Headteacher
“Working together to enable our children and families to achieve their full potential and be successful in our diverse world”
Nursery consultation
Dates for Diary
23rd February – Return to school
2nd March – Bikability for the Reception class
5th March – World book day
9th March – Science week
11th March – Parents evening
12th March – Parents evening
13th March – Photographer in school (Whole class photos)
16th March – Sign language week
20th March – Recycling day
23rd March – Parent coffee morning (Compass)
24th March – Tough Rower
27th March – Easter bonnet parade
27th March – Easter craft morning
27th March – Break up day
13th April – Return to school
27th April – Parent coffee morning (Healthy futures team)
1st May – EYFS stay and play
11th May – Mental health week
18th May – Parent coffee morning (TBC)
22nd May – Break up day
1st June – Return to school
1st June – Child safety week (this is every week!)
8th June – Phonics Screening Check
19th June – Inset day
29th June – Parent coffee morning (TBC)
30th June – Ozzy Obstacle
14th July – Sports day
20th July – Parent coffee morning (TBC)
20th July – Reports to be shared with parents
22nd July – Year 2 leavers event
23rd July – Break up day