Emergency Access to

Washing Machine Facilities

We are pleased to announce a new initiative at the school to support our families with emergency washing machine access.

Thanks to the generosity of Smol, who donated a washing machine and limited detergent, and Richard, a friend of the school, who kindly volunteered his time to provide the plumbing installation, we are now able to offer emergency washing machine access on-site.

When Might This Be Useful?

We understand that life can be unpredictable. This service might be helpful if:

• Your home washing machine has unexpectedly broken down.
• You are experiencing a temporary gap in utility services.
• You are in a transitional housing situation with limited facilities.
• You have limited levels of electricity/water available to you for any reason
• An emergency has occurred (such as a leak or flood at home) and you need a quick cycle for school uniforms or essentials.

How it Works

This resource is intended to support families who are struggling with access to laundry facilities only.  Please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Eligibility: This is a support measure for those in need; it is generally not intended to replace your home machine if it is in working order.
• Booking: You must book access via the school office.
• Not a Laundry Service and we are not a laundrette. This is an offer of access to a machine only. School staff are not responsible for washing, drying, or managing your laundry, loading or emptying your clothes.
• Limited use:  One load per day, which is why booking is essential.
• Self-Service: Parents are required to operate the machine themselves
• Washing Only: Please note that we do not have drying facilities. You will need to take your wet laundry home to dry immediately after use.

How to Book

If you find yourself in need of this resource, please contact the school office directly. We will handle all requests with sensitivity and discretion, and we will work with you to find a suitable day for your booking.

Again, we are very grateful to Smol and Richard for helping us provide this extra layer of care for our school community.

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITION ACTIONS

Speculation is that, over the next few days, adverse weather conditions are possible.  Forecasts vary in terms of the extent this may impact in the East Midlands.  Whilst I do not anticipate the weather to be bad enough to cause a closure, it is apt to share the advice now.

The school will only close if:

• Advised to do so by the Local Authority.
• Met Office warnings advise ‘non travel’ in and around the immediate vicinity of the school.
• Limited numbers of staff at school prevents ‘acceptable’ adult to pupil ratios (This can not often be pre-empted), or conditions are reported to worsen making it challenging for staff or children to get home.

A summary of the points in this announcement:

• We are not at the time of writing anticipating school closure.
• The school will close only if there is no safe alternative.

• Parents and carers should assume the school is open unless told otherwise (text/dojo, radio, website).
• Only parents can decide if it is personally safe to travel.

• Children should come prepared to go outside, even in the snow.
• Every opportunity will be provided for pupils to keep safe, whilst enjoying the conditions.
• Working conditions may require adaptation if other schools close or staffing is restricted.

Remember: Staff at Ashgate Primary School are also impacted on if other schools close, in the same way that you are.  This can reduce staffing levels even if we intend to open.

Deciding to travel to school or take your child out of school, even if it is open.

A minority of parents express that keeping a school open places them at risk by remaining open as it was it can be unsafe to travel.

It is the responsibility of parents and carers to decide if it is safe for them to travel to school. 

The Headteacher cannot make such decisions on your behalf.  

In exceptional cases, the school can authorise absence as a result of problems caused by adverse conditions, such as road closures, traffic delays and similar.  However, parents electing to take their child out of school when it is not closed should assume that absence is unauthorized unless told otherwise.  Authorisation, in such cases, will be the decision of the Headteacher in consultation with the parent and if necessary the governing body.

School should be informed if you deem it unsafe for you to travel.

Limited staffing resulting from adverse conditions or ‘other school closures’

Should the number of staff in school be reduced, ‘best fit’ actions may be taken to meet the needs of pupils, including; combining classes, ‘skeleton’ curriculum delivery or in extreme cases, some non-academic activities. 

Should a change of circumstance occur after school has started, we will inform you of this as soon as we can.

Suitable clothing

In all circumstances children should arrive at school with clothing suited for outdoors, including:

• Hat and gloves
• Wellington boots (or similar) – named with a permanent marker or similar
• A change of foot-wear

A ‘common sense’ approach to snow

Many schools are of the opinion that snow and children do not mix.  I do not agree. Although I understand that children, like all of us, are more vulnerable to slips, trips and incoming snowballs at this time of year, I will not prevent children playing out, or in, the snow. 

Of course, careful consideration will take place prior to break times as to the conditions of the playground, snow and ice, in order to assess or reduce risk, however children should anticipate being outdoors.

Snowballing

When there is sufficient snow, designated areas will be provided in which the throwing of snowballs is allowed and areas will be chosen where snowballs are not allowed.  This way children will be able to follow the ethos of the RESPECT agenda, making ‘clever choices’ and being ‘responsible’ for them, choosing where to play and what experience they want.  Those entering areas designated for snowballing must accept that they are likely to be hit and that they take this risk by playing there.

It may be useful to discuss and impart your wishes with your child regarding this matter, as they will be responsible for where and how they play.

Yours sincerely

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to share some important information regarding our after-school sports provision.

As many of you are aware, school budgets across the country are becoming increasingly squeezed. At Ashgate, we have always taken great pride in being able to offer our after-school sports clubs run by RS Coaching free of charge.

We firmly believe in the benefits of physical activity and the positive impact these clubs have on our pupils and this is why we offer free sports clubs, competitions, transport, additional swimming sessions and a multitude of other activities across all year groups and academic years.  We are one of only a shrinking minority of schools that have maintained free provision in recent years.

Temporary Suspension of Clubs

Due to these ongoing financial pressures, the school will no longer be able to provide free after-school sports clubs starting from January 2026. This means that there will be no RS Coaching sessions during the Spring term.

The Path Forward

We are working hard to ensure these popular clubs return. Our current plan is as follows:

• Recommencement: We aim to restart the clubs after the Spring term (following the Easter break).

• Funding: This return is subject to the reallocation of the DFE (Department for Education) School Sports Grant.

• Sustainability: To ensure we can maintain high-quality coaching in the long term, we will need to consider introducing a nominal charge for these clubs starting in the Summer term.

We understand that this may be disappointing news. Our goal is to find a sustainable way to keep our children active and engaged with professional coaching while managing the school's budget responsibly.

We will provide further updates regarding the new schedule and any associated costs later in the Spring term. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these financial challenges.

Warm regards,

Mr Seargent

Bookings for winter Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) clubs are now open! Check your inboxes (and junk mail!) for an email from HolidayActivities.com and follow the instructions to book. If you believe your child is eligible and you haven’t received an email, please check with the school.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to update you regarding the current situation with seasonal flu and children's absences. We have seen an increase in the number of children off school recently, which is expected during this time of year.

Keeping Our School Safe and Clean

• Intensive Cleaning: We are conducting deep cleans daily throughout the school premises to minimize the spread of germs.

• Hygiene Practices: We are placing extra focus on reinforcing the best hygiene practices with the children, including frequent and thorough handwashing.

Impact on Staffing and Timetable

We want to make you aware that our staffing levels are currently being impacted due to staff illness.

This is important: While we are doing everything possible to maintain our regular practices, the reduced staff availability may result in some necessary changes to our normal timetabled activities and scheduled interventions.  Your child may also be taught by a supply staff member on occasions.

We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate these temporary changes. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all children and staff.

Thank you for your ongoing support. If your child is unwell, please ensure they remain at home until they are symptom-free, following standard public health guidance.

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are writing to provide a update regarding the current levels of seasonal respiratory illnesses, such as flu and colds, that we are observing within the school community and nationally.

Current Situation

We have seen an increase in the number of pupils and staff absent due to flu-like symptoms and other acute respiratory infections (ARI). This type of rise in illness is a common occurrence at this time of year as temperatures drop, windows ar closed and central heating kicks in, all of which help viruses circulate widely.

Actions We Have Taken

Within the school, we are reinforcing our preventative measures, including:

• Increased Ventilation: Maximising fresh air in classrooms and communal areas.
• Enhanced / Deep Cleaning: Our cleaning teams are prioritising the disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.
• Hygiene Reminders: Staff are regularly reminding pupils about the importance of thorough hand washing and 'Catch It, Bin It, Kill It' respiratory etiquette.
•  

How You Can Help

Your support at home is vital in helping us manage the spread of illness and protect our school community:

1. Keep Children Home if Unwell: If your child develops symptoms such as a high temperature, persistent cough, or general flu-like symptoms (shivering, aching, headache), please do not send them to school. They should remain at home until they are well enough to return and no longer have a temperature.
2. Practice Good Hygiene: Please continue to reinforce excellent hand hygiene at home, teaching your children to wash their hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds.
3. Ensure Vaccination: We encourage you to take up the offer of the flu vaccine for your child if you have not already done so. This remains the best protection against serious illness.

We are handling this matter with our usual robust approach to health and safety and will continue to follow all guidance provided by the UKHSA. We thank you for your partnership and cooperation.

Have you booked your child a place at one of the FREE holiday clubs for the winter holidays yet? If your child receives benefit-related free school meals, they are entitled to attend this winter break. Follow the instructions in your email from HolidayActivities.com to book before it’s too late! Further details can be found at: www.derby.gov.uk/derbyHAF

Did you know that if your child receives benefit-related free school meals, they are entitled to FREE holiday activities over the winter holiday? Holiday clubs are available across Derby where your child can make new friends and take part in a wide range of activities including sport, dance, drama, arts and crafts, as well as enjoying a meal each day. If your child is eligible, you will receive an email from HolidayActivities.com. Just follow the instructions in this email to book. Bookings for winter activities will open during the week of 17 November. Further details can be found at: www.derby.gov.uk/derbyHAF.

Dear parents and carers of children in Mrs Fennemore's class

We are writing concerning Mrs. Fennemore's recent absence due to a health matter. Please join us in wishing her a complete and speedy recovery.

We want to let you know that she will not be returning to school imminently as she remains in hospital care, hoping to have the all clear to leave soon.  I have messaged her today and her spirits are high and she is desperate to return to the children as soon as she is physically able. 

We are committed to providing stability and excellence in the classroom. We have put in place consistent, high-quality cover to ensure that all lessons continue to meet our high standards and that your children’s learning progresses smoothly. 

Where possible, we will ensure the children have the consistent cover of a single or limited number of supply staff, but please understand that this is not always possible.

I would like to take the time to thank the children who have continued to be hard working and committed to their learning and the staff who have been very flexible in their support.

We will share an update as soon as we have a date for her return. Thank you for supporting Mrs. Fennemore during her unavoidable absence.

Best regards,

Mr Seargent

Dear parent/carer,

Next week (10-14 November 2025) is National School Meals Week. As the catering partner to your child’s school, we understand that school meals are more than just food on a plate; they’re a daily opportunity to support your child’s physical health, mental wellbeing and academic performance.

Our approach to school meals is built around five key principles:

• Nutritious, varied meals that fuel growth, sleep, and learning
• Inclusive menus that cater to allergies, cultural needs, and ethical choices
• Sustainable practices that reduce waste and carbon footprint
• Efficient operations that keep meals affordable and accessible
• Whole-school engagement that makes mealtimes enjoyable and educational

Throughout National School Meals Week, information and activities will be available in the school dining hall to help pupils understand the nutritional and social benefits of their school lunches.

We also want to help families enjoy meals together at home, but understand how busy family life can be. That’s why our culinary teams have developed the attached recipe guide full of easy-to-cook, tasty meals that you can make with you children, which we know will help encourage them to have a positive relationship with food.

We hope you find this guide useful.

Warm regards,

Your Catering Team