Newsletters

16 January 2026 - Newsletter

Dunalley News

Happy New Year!

It has been a pleasure welcoming families back the last two weeks, and we are very much looking forward to the year ahead. We began the new term with a whole-school assembly, where we celebrated the positive behaviour, attitudes and efforts of our wonderful learners.

As we reflected on the year to come, we talked together about the benefits of consistently positive and productive behaviour. Our Positive Behaviour Policy focuses on helping all children understand the importance of behaving responsibly and making good choices. These skills support children to grow and thrive personally, socially and academically, both now and in the future.

During the assembly, children were encouraged to think about the behaviours and attitudes they show in school and how these link to the different levels outlined in our behaviour policy. It was lovely to see pupils embracing the chance to celebrate their successes while also reflecting thoughtfully on how they might continue to improve.

If your child has come home talking about behaviour levels and you would like to find out more, further information can be found in our Positive Behaviour Policy, which is available via the link provided or on our school website.

We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with you to support every child in having a happy, successful year ahead.


Attendance

We open our doors at 8.40 am for KS1 and 8.45 am for KS2 to enable children to be in class and ready to learn at 8.50am. 

Please try and arrive at school at the time doors open, as arriving after 8.50am is disruptive to your child and their friends.

Attendance Registers – How It Works

We’re required by law to take the attendance register twice each day:

  •  Morning: At the start of the school day
  •  Afternoon: Confirmed just before home time

Each time, we record whether your child is in school and, if not, the reason for their absence using official attendance codes.

Arrival and Departure Codes
  • Arrive before 8:50am → / code – On time
  • Arrive between 8:50am and 9:20am → L code – Late (before registers close)
  • Arrive after 9:20am → U code – Late (after registers close)
  • Leave early or arrive late for a medical appointment → M code
  • Leave at normal time (3:10pm KS1 / 3:15pm KS2) → \ code – End of school day

If your child leaves early for another reason, we’ll update the register with the correct code based on the reason provided.


School Grid – Lunch Booking Reminder

To help us streamline morning registration, please ensure that if your child is having a school lunch, their meal is ordered on School Grid at home by 8:49 am on the day.

You can log in here: https://app.schoolgrid.co.uk/

If you need your login details resent, please contact the School Office.

You can also view this term’s menu [HERE].


Le Marché Dunalley

Year 5 are running a French market (Le Marché Dunalley) this coming Friday 23rd after school. 

Everyone is invited to come along.


OPAL - Dressed for Fun

“There’s no bad weather—only unsuitable clothing!”

As part of the OPAL Play programme, children are encouraged to enjoy outdoor play every day, in all seasons (except weather deemed unsafe).

Dressed for Fun is the simple message to families that children need appropriate clothing so they can fully take part, stay comfortable, and have fun outdoors.

Please ensure that your child comes to school wearing a WATERPROOF COAT and has spare outdoor shoes or WELLIES for lunch time play.

We do have our Wellie Swap. If you need to access that, please do.

If you need anything out please reach out to us and we will do our best to help.

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Supporting our Families

At Dunalley, we believe that children learn and flourish best when school and home work closely together. We are committed to creating a warm, inclusive and non-judgmental environment where every family feels welcome, supported and able to ask for help when they need it.

Our Child and Family Support Worker is available to work alongside parents, carers and children, offering time to listen, share advice and explore positive ways forward. Support may relate to emotional wellbeing, behavior, routines, attendance, communication, or any challenges a family may be experiencing at home or in school. When specialist or community services may be helpful, we can provide clear signposting and guidance so families know exactly where to turn.

We also recognise that practical support can make a real difference. Dunalley provides a pantry stocked with food and essential items, which families are welcome to access discreetly at any time. In addition, our pre-loved uniform shop offers good quality school uniform at very low cost, or free when needed, helping to reduce financial pressure and waste while supporting our commitment to sustainability.

Everything we do is centered around relationships, early help and working together with kindness and understanding. If you would like information, support or simply a friendly conversation, please contact our Child and Family Support Worker through the school office, or speak to a member of staff at drop-off or pick-up. No question or worry is ever too small — we are here to help.

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PTFA News

Welcome back! We hope you had a lovely break over the Christmas/New Year period. Looking ahead to this first Spring Half-Term we thought we’d share some dates for your diary:

- January Christmas Gift Amnesty
- FREE Family Tea and Toast event - date TBC
- Valentine’s-themed Bake Sale on Wednesday 11th February (after school)
- PTFA Volunteers Social on Thursday 12th February (evening) - location TBC

Don’t forget we’ve got plenty of pre-loved and new Dunalley branded uniform that you can order! The shop operates on a pay-as-you-can basis. If your child or family needs uniform but you cannot donate, please contact our Family Support Worker, Miss Alway.

Information about our Uniform Shop is available – HERE


Upcoming Events

All events that we are aware of till the end of the academic year have now been added to the SCHOOL CALENDAR.

Yr5 French Cafe
3:10pm – 4:00pm
23
January
YR / Yr1 / Yr2 Phonics open morning for parents/carers
9:00am – 9:40am
02
February
Yr1 - DT Family event 9:00am
until 10:00am
04
February
YR / Yr1 / Yr2 Phonics open morning for parents/carers
9:00am – 9:40am
10
February
NO CLUBS - due to Teacher / Family Meetings
3:10pm – 4:15pm
10
February
Teacher / Family Meetings
3:30pm – 6:00pm
10
February
Chance to Shine Cricket Engagement Day
All Day
from 11 Feb until 12 Feb
11
February
Yr3 Visit
9:00am – 12:00pm
11
February
Teacher / Family Meetings
3:30pm – 6:00pm
11
February
Half Term Holiday
All Day
from 14 Feb until 22 Feb
14
February

External News

Bikeability

Gloucestershire County Council is offering Bikeability courses during all 2026 school holidays. These courses are designed for children aged 9–14 and help build cycling confidence and safety skills in small groups with qualified instructors.

2026 Course Locations & Dates:

  • February Half-Term: Ashley Manor Prep School, Cheltenham
  • Easter Holidays: Bournside School, Cheltenham
  • May Half-Term: Kingshill School
  • Summer Holidays: Skillzone (2 sessions available)
  • October Half-Term: Pineholt Village Hall

Course Details:

  • Cost: £10 per course (2 x 2-hour sessions)
  • Bikes: Available subject to availability
  • Booking: https://forms.office.com/e/vBSvziEEBk