‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ Philippians 4:13
“Be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Letter No. 6 Christian Value: Thankfulness
10th October 2025
X.X.MMXXV
Dear Parents and Carers,
Our Amazing School #TeamBanks
We warmly invite friends, family and our wider community to come and explore our classrooms, meet our passionate team, and experience the welcoming spirit of our school — any day, any time.
As a small school with a big heart, we pride ourselves on creating a nurturing environment where every child is truly known, deeply valued and continually inspired to thrive.
With our very own minibus, learning goes far beyond the classroom. From nature walks and museum visits to exciting end-of-year adventures, we bring the curriculum to life. When children are curious, we go the extra mile. Big opportunities, small school feel. ‘Learning together with resilience and faith’
We’re proud of our passionate staff, engaging families and amazing children who make our school the special place it is. Let’s keep building something great together #TeamBanks
Year 5/6 Small School Netball Tournament
What a fantastic performance from our netball team in the first round of the West Lancashire Sport Partnership Small Schools Tournament!
The team played brilliantly, showing amazing teamwork, great movement around the court, as well as superb shooting and defending throughout every game.
Their hard work and determination paid off - finishing 2nd overall in the first round
We’re so proud of how they supported each other and represented the school with such positivity and sportsmanship
Farewell and Thank You, Mrs. Layton
After 14 wonderful years at Banks Methodist Primary School, Mrs. Layton has decided to hang up her boots and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Her last working day will be Thursday, 16th October 2025.
Throughout her time with us, she has been a dedicated and much-valued member of our school community, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless children. Her warmth, commitment and tireless hard work have not gone unnoticed, and she will be truly missed by children, staff, parents, and all stakeholders.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Layton for everything she has contributed over the years, and we wish her all the very best for a happy, healthy and relaxing retirement.
Cutting Fruit for Safety
We love seeing our children enjoy healthy snacks like fruit in their lunch boxes. However, to help keep everyone safe, we kindly ask that any fruit sent to school, especially small, round or firm pieces be cut appropriately to reduce the risk of choking.
Here are a few helpful examples:
Thank you for helping us keep lunch time both healthy and safe
Attendance
If your child(ren) is ill and not attending school it is important that you inform school by 9:15am. If the phone is engaged it is fine to leave a message using option 1 (reporting a pupil absence) or email bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk.
Our whole school attendance is currently 95.6%, which is above our target of 95%, which is amazing – let’s aim to keep it above 😊
Squirrels – 95.3% - an increase from the previous week
Hedgehogs – 95.7% - an increase from the previous week
Foxes – 96.52% - very similar to the previous week
September 2026 Primary and Secondary School Admissions
Applications for places are now online and open. Closing dates are: 31st October 2025 for secondary applications, and 15th January 2026 for primary applications, we would however advise that you register children as soon as possible.
To assist parents there are links on our website www.banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk under ‘Admissions’ for Reception.
For children in Foxes, Year 6, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools. If you are unable to access this, please speak to Miss Callander in the school office as soon as possible.
After School Clubs for Autumn Term 1
Monday’s will be ‘Booster Fun’ for all children in Year 6 with Mr Draper and Mrs Winstanley and ‘Times Tables’ Club for children in Year 3, 4 and 5 with Miss Hepworth.
Tuesdays will be Sporting Activities for any child in Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm, delivered by a coach from the West Lancs Sports Partnership.
Thursday’s will be football club with Mr Draper and Mr Wedlin for children in Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm (there will be no football club on Thursday 18th September as it is film night)
Friday mornings will be Active Club with Mr Draper, where children will be encouraged to keep moving for 20-25 minutes whilst getting some morning fresh air and socialising with their friends 8:15am.
Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision
Breakfast and Afterschool provision is available, booking on-line through Eduspot.
Breakfast Club:
7:45am drop off £3
8am drop off £2.50
8:30am drop off £1.50
ASC
3:15-4:30pm £5 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-5:30pm £7 (Monday –Friday
If you require after school care at short notice (e.g. for the next day) and are unable to book in through the usual system of EduSpot, please contact Miss Callander in the office to let her know, particularly if your child will need to stay until 5:30pm.
Please be aware that if a child has not been booked in and no other children are attending, there may be no staff scheduled to supervise.
That said, we will always do our best to accommodate late requests and arrange staff cover where possible. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Online Payment System
Please remember to regularly log in to the online payment system to pay for nursery fees, dinner money, and any other school-related costs.
If you believe you may be entitled to Free School Meals, you can apply online or contact Miss Callander in the school office, by phone or email, who will be happy to assist you with the application process. If you need help using the online payment system, Miss Callander is also available to guide you through it. We kindly ask that all payments are made daily, weekly or monthly to help manage balances effectively.
Important:
If a child’s outstanding balance exceeds £50, we will unfortunately no longer be able to offer Breakfast or After School Care Provision, and your child will need to bring a packed lunch to school. This is to prevent the debt from increasing further.
If you would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact Mr Draper via email at head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Dates for the Diary
October
13th – Foxes Parbold Canal Walk – Art/Geography Curriculum
15th – 2-6pm, Parents Evening
16th – Year 1 Hearing Screening
17th – School Coffee Morning with Mrs Hothersall
21st – School Closes for Half Term at 3:15pm
November:
3rd – Back to school
6th – Firework Disco, 3:15-4:30pm - £5 per child
10th – Anti-Bullying Week – The Power for Good
11th – Year 5/6 at BSS Church for Remembrance Service
15th – Open Day 2 – Saturday, 9am-12pm
17th – Road Safety Week
18th – Stay and Learn Session 1 – Reading Focus
19th – Foxes trip to Ecotown, Farington
20th – Fire Service in school to teach Fire Safety to Squirrels and Road Safety to Foxes
21st – School Coffee morning with Mrs Hothersall
25th – Year 2 at Burscough Methodist for the ‘Hope Journey’ and meeting the characters of the nativity
December
1st – Supper with Santa, Christmas Fair and Christmas Light Switch On, all from 2pm
3rd – Year 5 Bikeability (AM)
4th – Year 5 Bikeability (AM)
5th – Year 5 Bikeability (AM)
5th – Festive Friday 1 – Festive Wear
12th – Festive Friday 2 – Festive Wear
15th – Picture Book ‘Festive Week’ – all activities to be based around the story – Writing, Craft etc..
15th – Whole School Christmas Party Afternoon
16th – Christmas Film Night
17th – Whole School Carol Concert at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2pm
19th – Festive Friday 3 – Festive Wear
19th – Break up Christmas at 1:15pm
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices for next week (week beginning 13th October 2025):
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Monday
Choice 1 – Cheese and tomato pizza with sweetcorn
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Tuesday
Choice 1 – Sausage roll with diced potatoes and beans
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Wednesday
Choice 1 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Thursday
Choice 1 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Friday
Choice 1 – Fish fingers with chips and peas
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
In the Gold Book This Week:
Mice: Gracie and Ted
Squirrels: Gracie and Harriet
Hedgehogs: Marley and Caspian
Foxes: Shannen and Charlie
Take care
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks
In the words of John Wesley:
Do ALL the good you can
By ALL the means you can
In ALL the ways you can
In ALL the places you can
At ALL the times you can
To ALL the people you can
As long as EVER you can
‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ Philippians 4:13
“Be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Letter No. 5 Christian Value: Thankfulness
3rd October 2025
III.X.MMXXV
Dear Parents and Carers,
Farewell and Thank You, Mrs. Layton
After 14 wonderful years at Banks Methodist Primary School, Mrs. Layton has decided to hang up her boots and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Her last working day will be Thursday, 16th October 2025.
Throughout her time with us, she has been a dedicated and much-valued member of our school community, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless children. Her warmth, commitment and tireless hard work have not gone unnoticed, and she will be truly missed by children, staff, parents, and all stakeholders.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Layton for everything she has contributed over the years, and we wish her all the very best for a happy, healthy and relaxing retirement.
Cutting Fruit for Safety
We love seeing our children enjoy healthy snacks like fruit in their lunch boxes. However, to help keep everyone safe, we kindly ask that any fruit sent to school, especially small, round or firm pieces be cut appropriately to reduce the risk of choking.
Here are a few helpful examples:
Thank you for helping us keep lunch time both healthy and safe
Our Vision
At Banks Methodist Primary School we strive to follow Jesus’ example and ‘learn together with resilience and faith’.
Through living out our Christian Values we seek to equip our pupils with the resilience to be independent, inquisitive individuals with a love for learning across all areas of the curriculum so that they are able to reach their full potential and flourish to be the very best they can be for themselves, our community and for our wonderful world. We would like our children to appreciate and nurture our society and be the positive change of the future.
Our Methodist Vision
We can ALL be SAVED – no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and love should be shown through our lives to other people.
The Four Alls:
Attendance
If your child(ren) is ill and not attending school it is important that you inform school by 9:15am. If the phone is engaged it is fine to leave a message using option 1 (reporting a pupil absence) or email bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk.
Our whole school attendance is currently 94.95%, which is extremely close to our target of 95%, which is amazing.
Squirrels – 94.5%
Hedgehogs – 95%
Foxes – 96.6%
Parents’ Evening – Wednesday 15th October, 2:30–6:00pm
This year, Parents' Evening will be held on Wednesday 15th October, between 2:30pm and 6:00pm.
Please click the link below to let us know your availability. Your appointment time will be confirmed and sent to you by Friday 10th October.
Girls Football Festival
Our girls in Foxes had a great time developing their sporting skills at the ‘Festival of Football’, organised by West Lancashire Sport Partnership. The girls showed great teamwork, plenty of energy and had huge smiles on their faces as they were challenged with new drills and fun activities. They finished the event by playing some excellent matches which showcased their fantastic team spirit. Well done everyone, we are proud of your positive attitude and your encouragement and support of each other throughout the whole football festival
A Huge Thank You to Our Previous PTA Team
We would like to thank our outgoing PTA members for all their time, energy, and dedication. Your support has made a real difference in our school community, and we are grateful for everything you’ve done!
As we begin a new school year, we’re looking to welcome new members to the PTA. If you’re interested in getting involved, sharing ideas, and helping to support school events and initiatives, we’d love to hear from you! Together, we can make a big difference!
The first full meeting to plan fundraising events for the year will take place on Friday, 10th October at 3:30pm. Children can attend After School Club free of charge while the meeting is taking place.
We would like to inform you that there have been a small number of cases of head lice reported in school recently. Head lice and nits are very common among young children and are usually spread through head-to-head contact. They are not a sign of uncleanliness and can affect anyone.
We kindly ask all parents and carers to check their child’s hair regularly and treat if necessary to help prevent further spread.
For the most effective and up-to-date guidance on detection and treatment, please visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
September 2026 Primary and Secondary School Admissions
Applications for places are now online and open. Closing dates are: 31st October 2025 for secondary applications, and 15th January 2026 for primary applications, we would however advise that you register children as soon as possible.
To assist parents there are links on our website www.banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk under ‘Admissions’ for Reception.
For children in Foxes, Year 6, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools. If you are unable to access this, please speak to Miss Callander in the school office as soon as possible.
After School Clubs for Autumn Term 1
Monday’s will be ‘Booster Fun’ for all children in Year 6 with Mr Draper and Mrs Winstanley and ‘Times Tables’ Club for children in Year 3, 4 and 5 with Miss Hepworth.
Tuesdays will be Sporting Activities for any child in Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm, delivered by a coach from the West Lancs Sports Partnership.
Thursday’s will be football club with Mr Draper and Mr Wedlin for children in Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm (there will be no football club on Thursday 18th September as it is film night)
Friday mornings will be Active Club with Mr Draper, where children will be encouraged to keep moving for 20-25 minutes whilst getting some morning fresh air and socialising with their friends 8:15am.
Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision
Breakfast and Afterschool provision is available, booking on-line through Eduspot.
Breakfast Club:
7:45am drop off £3
8am drop off £2.50
8:30am drop off £1.50
ASC
3:15-4:30pm £5 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-5:30pm £7 (Monday –Friday
If you require after school care at short notice (e.g. for the next day) and are unable to book in through the usual system of EduSpot, please contact Miss Callander in the office to let her know, particularly if your child will need to stay until 5:30pm.
Please be aware that if a child has not been booked in and no other children are attending, there may be no staff scheduled to supervise.
That said, we will always do our best to accommodate late requests and arrange staff cover where possible. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Online Payment System
Please remember to regularly log in to the online payment system to pay for nursery fees, dinner money, and any other school-related costs.
If you believe you may be entitled to Free School Meals, you can apply online or contact Miss Callander in the school office, by phone or email, who will be happy to assist you with the application process. If you need help using the online payment system, Miss Callander is also available to guide you through it. We kindly ask that all payments are made daily, weekly or monthly to help manage balances effectively.
Important:
If a child’s outstanding balance exceeds £50, we will unfortunately no longer be able to offer Breakfast or After School Care Provision, and your child will need to bring a packed lunch to school. This is to prevent the debt from increasing further.
If you would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact Mr Draper via email at head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Dates for the Diary
October
6th – Flu Vaccinations at 9am
10th – PTA Meeting, 3:30pm
13th – Foxes Parbold Canal Walk – Art/Geography Curriculum
15th – 2-6pm, Parents Evening
16th – Year 1 Hearing Screening
16th – Messy Church After School Club, 3:15-4:15pm
17th – School Coffee Morning with Mrs Hothersall
21st – School Closes for Half Term at 3:15pm
November:
3rd – Back to school
10th – Anti-Bullying Week – The Power for Good
11th – Year 5/6 at BSS Church for Remembrance Service
15th – Open Day 2 – Saturday, 9am-12pm
17th – Road Safety Week
18th – Stay and Learn Session 1 – Reading Focus
19th – Foxes trip to Ecotown, Farington
20th – Fire Service in school to teach Fire Safety to Squirrels and Road Safety to Foxes
21st – School Coffee morning with Mrs Hothersall
25th – Year 2 at Burscough Methodist for the ‘Hope Journey’ and meeting the characters of the nativity
December
1st – Christmas Light Switch On, 4:30pm
3rd – Year 5 Bikeability (AM)
4th – Year 5 Bikeability (AM)
5th – Year 5 Bikeability (AM)
5th – Festive Friday 1 – Festive Wear
12th – Festive Friday 2
15th – Picture Book ‘Festive Week’ – all activities to be based around the story – Writing, Craft etc..
15th – Whole School Christmas Party Afternoon
16th – Christmas Film Night
17th – Whole School Carol Concert at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2pm
19th – Festive Friday 3
19th – Break up Christmas at 1:15pm
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices for next week (week beginning 6th October 2025):
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Monday
Choice 1 – Tomato pasta with garlic bread
Choice 2 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Tuesday
Choice 1 – Beef burger with nachos
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Wednesday
Choice 1 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Thursday
Choice 1 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Friday
Choice 1 – Chicken nuggets with chips and beans
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
In the Gold Book This Week:
Mice: Aurora and Arabella
Squirrels: Beatrice and Noah
Hedgehogs: Bella and Eleanor
Foxes: The girls football team
Take care
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks
In the words of John Wesley:
Do ALL the good you can
By ALL the means you can
In ALL the ways you can
In ALL the places you can
At ALL the times you can
To ALL the people you can
As long as EVER you can