‘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. 27 Christian Value: Truthfulness
25th April 2025
XXV.IV.MMXXV
Dear Parents and Carers,
PE kit days for this half term:
Mice – Monday and Thursday
Squirrels – Monday and Tuesday
Hedgehogs – Tuesday and Friday
Foxes – Tuesday and Friday (swimming kit also needed on a Friday)
Head lice
We have been informed that some children have had head lice. Head lice and nits are very common in young children. They don't have anything to do with dirty hair and are usually picked up from head-to-head contact. Please look at the website provided for guidance on the most effective way to treat children with head lice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/
Nursery Places
We are booking in Nursery places for September onwards, so if you are interested, or know of anyone who is interested, reserve your place by contacting Miss Callander in the school office at bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk or 01704 227323.
Gold Book Celebrations
‘For all looking out for each other and helping each other in class’
‘Following all instructions given at the first time of asking’
‘Being extremely welcoming to a new member of their class, helping with rules and routines, as well as making new friends’
‘For an amazing effort and focus during English this week’
‘Creating excellent posters during French’
‘For showing great determination and teamwork during a sporting event at The Hub in Banks’
Attendance
Our current whole school is still at 92.82%, which is below our target of 95%.
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, please leave a message using option 1 (reporting a pupil absence) or email bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk.
Battery Recycling
At school we help the environment by collecting old batteries for recycling. Please put old batteries in the white container which is located in Miss Callander’s office. Thank you in advance for your support.
After School Clubs for Summer Term 1
Tuesday will be Active/Movement Club for any child in Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm, delivered by a coach from the West Lancs Sports Partnership, 3:15-4:15pm.
Tuesday will be KS2 Football Skills/Tactics Club with Mr Smith (student teacher) and a member of school staff, 3:15-4:15pm
Wednesday will be Times Tables Club for Year 3, 4 and 5 with Miss Hepworth, 3:15-4:15pm
Wednesday will be Year 6 Booster Club with Mrs Winstanley, 3:15-4:15pm
Thursday will be Football Club with Mr Draper, Mr Smith (student teacher) and Mr Wedlin, 3:15-4:15pm This will take place at The Hub Banks or on the school field (we will let you know on the day via email).
Thursday will be Sports Club (including football skills) for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 with Miss Phillips (student teacher) and a member of school staff, 3:15-4:15pm.
Thursday will be ‘Miniature Craft Club’ for children in Hedgehogs and Foxes with Mrs Bradshaw, 3:15-4:15pm.
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.
Health & Safety
In the interests of pupil safety on the playground, please ensure that children wear sensible shoes that have a good grip when they come to school. As the weather is cold, coats are essential for playtime wear and children can also bring in hats, scarves and gloves if they would like to.
Key Dates:
May:
2/5/25 – Coffee/Tea Morning, 8:45-10:30am
2/5/25 – Little Banks Buddies (Mother and Toddler Group) begins, every Friday, 9-10:15am
12-15/5/25 – Year 6 SATs Week
22/5/25 – Reception and Year 6 Height and Weight Check
23/5/25 – Break up for half term
June:
4/6/25 – Return to school for Summer Term 2
12/6/25 – Stay and Learn Session 3 – Reading/English Focus
20/6/25 – Coffee/Tea Morning and Enterprise Morning
July:
15/7/25 – Festival of Sports Day at The Hub, Banks – EYFS/KS1 in the morning, 10-11:30am and KS2 in the afternoon, 1-2:30pm
21/7/25 – End of Year Celebration Service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
22/7/25 – Year 6 Leavers Social and Assembly in school, 12pm
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
3:15-3:45pm £2 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-4:30pm £5 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-5:30pm £7 (Monday –Friday
If you need after school care with short notice, e.g. next day and are not able to book in, please could you ring Miss Callander in the office to let her know, especially for a 5:30pm pick up.
If children have not been booked in to care in advance and no other children are in after school care, there will be no staff prepared to supervise the children.
However, we will always try out best to accommodate late requests and, if possible, have staff available to work at short notice. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can payment for Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision be paid either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50 we will not be able to offer Care Provision to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices (week beginning 29th April 2025)
Choice 1 – Cheesy pasta bake with broccoli and garlic bread
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Pancakes with bananas and chocolate
Traditional Tuesday
Choice 1 – Meat and potato pie with green beans, carrots and gravy
Choice 2 – Cheese pie with green beans and carrots
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Marble sponge and custard
Mid-week Wednesday Roast
Choice 1 – Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 2 – Roast Quorn fillet, roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Artic roll
Around the World Thursday
Choice 1 – Mild chicken tikka with rainbow rice and naan bread
Choice 2 – Mild Quorn tikka with rainbow rice and naan bread
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Jelly
Fish Friday
Choice 1 – Harry Ramsden fish with chips, garden peas/sweetcorn or spaghetti hoops
Choice 2 – Veggie nuggets with chips, garden peas/sweetcorn or spaghetti hoops
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Homemade cupcake or fruit
Online Payment System
Please could you remember to logon to the online payment system and pay for nursery fees, dinner money etc. on a regular basis.
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals you can apply online or email/ring Miss Callander in the school office who will happily assist you to complete an application.
If you need assistance with the online payment system, please email/ring Miss Callander who will be happy to help you through the online process. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can all payments be made either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50, we will not be able to offer Breakfast/After School Care Provision and children will have to bring a packed lunch to school to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Take care
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks
‘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. 26 Christian Value: Forgiveness
28th March 2025
XXVIII.III.MMXXV
Dear Parents and Carers,
From all of us at Banks Methodist Primary School, we hope you all have a wonderful Easter. While for many Easter is a day of chocolate for breakfast and egg hunts in the back garden, let's not forget the greatest miracle of Jesus, and what it means for us today. It really can bring joy, and peace to our hearts, and minds.
The Easter story explains the ascension of Jesus into heaven, when Jesus was reunited with his father and creator. Jesus, crucified and risen, and alive today, brings life and hope.
PE kit days for after Easter:
Mice – Monday and Thursday
Squirrels – Monday and Tuesday
Hedgehogs – Tuesday and Friday
Foxes – Tuesday and Friday (swimming kit also needed on a Friday)
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 community and wider society and be the positive change of the future.
New Homework Policy
A good homework policy can help make schoolwork easier and more fun. It teaches children important skills like time management, organisation and responsibility, as well as how to remember what you’ve learned. By completing homework, children are not just working on school activities, but also getting ready for future success and becoming a lifelong learner. So, with the right homework plan, we can help children grow, learn, and have a great balance between school work and play.
Homework expectations for each class (starting after Easter):
Mice (Reception) - 5-10 minutes focused work
Simple activities like reading together with a family member, phonics practice, or small tasks/games (including memory games and jigsaws) to do with parents/carers (e.g., counting, drawing). Practicing letter formation and number formation. Practice self-help skills such as putting on coats, fastening coats, knife and fork use, putting on and taking off shoes.
Squirrels (Year 1/2) - Around 10-20 minutes of homework per night.
This may include tasks such as:
Hedgehogs (Year 3/4) - Homework generally increases to about 20-30 minutes per night.
Tasks may include:
Foxes (Year 5/6) - Homework can range from 30-40 minutes per night.
Tasks may include:
Curriculum Overview
A new curriculum overview for the summer term will be sent out when we return after the Easter break to help understand what your children will be learning and how you can support your child at home. It will include:
Head lice
We have been informed that some children have had head lice. Head lice and nits are very common in young children. They don't have anything to do with dirty hair and are usually picked up from head-to-head contact. Please look at the website provided for guidance on the most effective way to treat children with head lice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/
Nursery Places
We are booking in Nursery places for September onwards, so if you are interested, or know of anyone who is interested, reserve your place by contacting Miss Callander in the school office at bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk or 01704 227323.
Gold Book Celebrations
Celebrating our children's successes each week helps them feel proud, valued, and motivated to keep learning and growing. It creates a positive, encouraging environment that benefits both the individual child and our whole school community, it has been an excellent addition to our school worship this year.
In the Gold Book this week:
‘For helping a friend put their coat back on after it had fallen off whilst playing outside’
‘For beautiful and confident singing during their Easter worship in church’
‘For great answers about nouns and adjectives and putting their hand up in class to share their ideas’
‘For representing the school well on their school trip to Yarrow Valley, showing their enthusiasm and respect for others and nature’
‘For always trying their best, showing resilience and determination’
‘Demonstrating excellent teamwork during Orienteering at Rock and River’
‘Using amazing description to write a brilliant narrative prequel’
Attendance
Our current whole school is still at 92.84%, which is below our target of 95%.
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, please leave a message using option 1 (reporting a pupil absence) or email bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk.
Battery Recycling
At school we help the environment by collecting old batteries for recycling. Please put old batteries in the white container which is located in Miss Callander’s office. Thank you in advance for your support.
After School Clubs for Summer Term 1
Tuesday will be Active/Movement Club for any child in Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm, delivered by a coach from the West Lancs Sports Partnership, 3:15-4:15pm.
Tuesday will be KS2 Football Skills/Tactics Club with Mr Smith (student teacher) and a member of school staff, 3:15-4:15pm
Thursday will be Football Club with Mr Draper, Mr Smith (student teacher) and Mr Wedlin, 3:15-4:15pm This will take place at The Hub Banks or on the school field (we will let you know on the day via email).
Thursday will be Sports Club (including football skills) for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 with Miss Phillips (student teacher) and a member of school staff, 3:15-4:15pm.
Thursday will be ‘Miniature Craft Club’ for children in Hedgehogs and Foxes with Mrs Bradshaw, 3:15-4:15pm.
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.
Health & Safety
In the interests of pupil safety on the playground, please ensure that children wear sensible shoes that have a good grip when they come to school. As the weather is cold, coats are essential for playtime wear and children can also bring in hats, scarves and gloves if they would like to.
Key Dates:
April
22/4/25 – Return to school for Summer 1
May:
2/5/25 – Coffee/Tea Morning, 8:45-10:30am
12-15/5/25 – Year 6 SATs Week
22/5/25 – Reception and Year 6 Height and Weight Check
23/5/25 – Break up for half term
June:
4/6/25 – Return to school for Summer Term 2
12/6/25 – Stay and Learn Session 3 – Reading/English Focus
20/6/25 – Coffee/Tea Morning and Enterprise Morning
July:
15/7/25 – Festival of Sports Day at The Hub, Banks – EYFS/KS1 in the morning, 10-11:30am and KS2 in the afternoon, 1-2:30pm
21/7/25 – End of Year Celebration Service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
22/7/25 – Year 6 Leavers Picnic and Assembly in school, 12pm
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
3:15-3:45pm £2 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-4:30pm £5 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-5:30pm £7 (Monday –Friday
If you need after school care with short notice, e.g. next day and are not able to book in, please could you ring Miss Callander in the office to let her know, especially for a 5:30pm pick up.
If children have not been booked in to care in advance and no other children are in after school care, there will be no staff prepared to supervise the children.
However, we will always try out best to accommodate late requests and, if possible, have staff available to work at short notice. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can payment for Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision be paid either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50 we will not be able to offer Care Provision to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices (week beginning 22nd April 2025)
Traditional Tuesday
Choice 1 – Sausage, bacon, hash brown, beans and grilled tomato
Choice 2 – Veggie sausage, hash brown, beans and grilled tomato
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Apple crumble and custard
Mid-week Wednesday Roast
Choice 1 – Roast chicken fillet, stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 2 – Roast Quorn fillet, roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Iced strawberry smoothie
Around the World Thursday
Choice 1 – Italian Bolognese pasta bake with garlic bread and side salad
Choice 2 – Vegetarian Italian Bolognese pasta bake with garlic bread and side salad
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Jelly and ice cream
Fish Friday
Choice 1 – Fish fingers with chips, sweetcorn or beans
Choice 2 – Veggie fingers with chips, sweetcorn or beans
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Homemade cupcake
Online Payment System
Please could you remember to logon to the online payment system and pay for nursery fees, dinner money etc. on a regular basis.
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals you can apply online or email/ring Miss Callander in the school office who will happily assist you to complete an application.
If you need assistance with the online payment system, please email/ring Miss Callander who will be happy to help you through the online process. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can all payments be made either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50, we will not be able to offer Breakfast/After School Care Provision and children will have to bring a packed lunch to school to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Take care
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks
‘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. 25 Christian Value: Forgiveness
28th March 2025
XXVIII.III.MMXXV
Dear Parents and Carers,
Easter Worship at Banks St Stephen’s Church
On Wednesday 2nd April our amazing children will be at Bank’s St Stephen’s CofE Church for our Easter worship. Children in KS2 (Hedgehogs and Foxes) will walk to the church and all infant children will be taken on the school minibus. The service will start at 2:30pm with doors opening at 2:15pm.
When the service has finished children are to be collected from church. If parents/carers are at church we will hand children over to you safely. If you cannot make the service, it should be finished by 3:10pm so please arrive at church between 3:10-3:15pm (parking will be busy). If your child is in
After School Club, we will take them back to school in the minibus. There will be no Year 6 Booster or KS2 Maths Club after school, these will restart when we return after Easter.
Easter Holiday
Just a reminder that school closes at 1:15pm on Friday 4th April for the Easter Holiday, re-opening Tuesday 22nd April.
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 community and wider society and be the positive change of the future.
Trips and Future Trips
Utilising our minibus for enriching trips not only broadens children’s learning but also provides memorable experiences that deepen their engagement with the world around them.
Children have thoroughly enjoyed their trips this term, engaging in all activities and demonstrating outstanding behaviour which has been recognised by members of the public and staff at all of the places we have visited. Trips this term have included: A maths enrichment trip to Newburgh Primary School for Maths in Motion, Worden Park, Sports Council to Wigan Warriors, Litter Picking at The Botanic Gardens, a Dodgeball event, Biggest ever Girl’s Football event, Scavenger Hunt, Cinema trip, Astley Park, Burscough Methodist Church, KS1 Football Festival, Mere Sands Wood, Yarrow Valley and Longton Brickcroft.
Trips already planned for the Summer Term 1:
A return to Mere Sands Wood for Squirrels, all classes to Marine Lake/Southport beach, a trip to Blackpool for Foxes, all classes to go to Brockholes in Preston, Avenham Park and Hedgehogs trip to Ribchester Museum
New Homework Policy
A good homework policy can help make schoolwork easier and more fun. It teaches children important skills like time management, organisation and responsibility, as well as how to remember what you’ve learned. By completing homework, children are not just working on school activities, but also getting ready for future success and becoming a lifelong learner. So, with the right homework plan, we can help children grow, learn, and have a great balance between school work and play.
Homework expectations for each class (starting after Easter):
Mice (Reception) - 5-10 minutes focused work
Simple activities like reading together with a family member, phonics practice, or small tasks/games (including memory games and jigsaws) to do with parents/carers (e.g., counting, drawing). Practicing letter formation and number formation. Practice self-help skills such as putting on coats, fastening coats, knife and fork use, putting on and taking off shoes.
Squirrels (Year 1/2) - Around 10-20 minutes of homework per night.
This may include tasks such as:
Hedgehogs (Year 3/4) - Homework generally increases to about 20-30 minutes per night.
Tasks may include:
Foxes (Year 5/6) - Homework can range from 30-40 minutes per night.
Tasks may include:
Curriculum Overview
A new curriculum overview for the summer term will be sent out when we return after the Easter break to help understand what your children will be learning and how you can support your child at home. It will include:
Head lice
We have been informed that some children have had head lice. Head lice and nits are very common in young children. They don't have anything to do with dirty hair and are usually picked up from head-to-head contact. Please look at the website provided for guidance on the most effective way to treat children with head lice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/
Nursery Places
We are booking in Nursery places for September onwards, so if you are interested, or know of anyone who is interested, reserve your place by contacting Miss Callander in the school office at bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk or 01704 227323.
Gold Book Celebrations
Celebrating our children's successes each week helps them feel proud, valued, and motivated to keep learning and growing. It creates a positive, encouraging environment that benefits both the individual child and our whole school community, it has been an excellent addition to our school worship this year.
In the Gold Book this week:
‘Excellent listening and following instruction for our visiting PE teacher’
‘Amazing sentences in English using a super range of adjectives for description’
‘For taking pride in their work when making a lantern for Florence Nightingale’
‘For outstanding behaviour and lovely enthusiasm/enjoyment whilst on their Mere Sands Wood’
‘Excellent focus and concentration in English, as well as making super contributions throughout the lesson’
‘For not giving up and demonstrating resilience when the maths work became more challenging’
‘Receiving praise from staff at Burscough Methodist Church for their outstanding behaviour in comparison to all the other schools attending, as well as our knowledge and understanding of Easter’
Attendance
Our current whole school is still at 92.7%, which is below our target of 95%.
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, please leave a message using option 1 (reporting a pupil absence) or email bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk.
Battery Recycling
At school we help the environment by collecting old batteries for recycling. Please put old batteries in the white container which is located in Miss Callander’s office. Thank you in advance for your support.
After School Clubs for Spring Term 2
Tuesday will be Active/Movement Club for any child in Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm, delivered by a coach from the West Lancs Sports Partnership, 3:15-4:15pm.
Tuesday will be KS2 Football Skills/Tactics Club with Mr Smith (student teacher) and a member of school staff, 3:15-4:15pm
Thursday will be Football Club with Mr Draper, Mr Smith (student teacher) and Mr Wedlin at The Hub Banks. We will leave school at 3:20pm and will be back at school for 4:20pm. If you would like to collect your child from The Hub, please do not be any later than 4:10pm.
Thursday will be Sports Club (including football skills) for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 with Miss Phillips (student teacher) and a member of school staff, 3:15-4:15pm
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.
Health & Safety
In the interests of pupil safety on the playground, please ensure that children wear sensible shoes that have a good grip when they come to school. As the weather is cold, coats are essential for playtime wear and children can also bring in hats, scarves and gloves if they would like to.
Key Dates:
March:
31//3/25 – Hedgehogs trip to Yarrow Valley, 9:05-12:15pm
April
2/4/25 – Easter Service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
3/4/25 – Easter Activity Day
3/4/25 – Messy ‘Easter’ Church, 3:15-4:15pm
4/4/25 – Break up for the Easter Holiday
22/4/25 – Return to school for Summer 1
May:
2/5/25 – Coffee/Tea Morning, 8:45-10:30am
12-15/5/25 – Year 6 SATs Week
22/5/25 – Reception and Year 6 Height and Weight Check
23/5/25 – Break up for half term
June:
4/6/25 – Return to school for Summer Term 2
12/6/25 – Stay and Learn Session 3 – Reading/English Focus
20/6/25 – Coffee/Tea Morning and Enterprise Morning
July:
15/7/25 – Festival of Sports Day at The Hub, Banks – EYFS/KS1 in the morning, 10-11:30am and KS2 in the afternoon, 1-2:30pm
21/7/25 – End of Year Celebration Service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
22/7/25 – Year 6 Leavers Picnic and Assembly in school, 12pm
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
3:15-3:45pm £2 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-4:30pm £5 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-5:30pm £7 (Monday –Friday
If you need after school care with short notice, e.g. next day and are not able to book in, please could you ring Miss Callander in the office to let her know, especially for a 5:30pm pick up.
If children have not been booked in to care in advance and no other children are in after school care, there will be no staff prepared to supervise the children.
However, we will always try out best to accommodate late requests and, if possible, have staff available to work at short notice. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can payment for Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision be paid either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50 we will not be able to offer Care Provision to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices (week beginning 31st March 2025)
Choice 1 – Veggie sausage roll with crispy potatoes and beans
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Pancakes with bananas and chocolate or fruit
Traditional Tuesday
Choice 1 – Cottage pie, mushy peas, carrots and gravy
Choice 2 – Quorn pie, mushy peas, carrots and gravy
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Jam sponge and custard or fruit
Mid-week Wednesday Roast
Choice 1 – Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 2 – Roast Quorn fillet, roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Fruit sorbet or fruit
Around the World Thursday
Choice 1 – Mild chicken tikka with rainbow rice and naan bread
Choice 2 – Mild Quorn tikka with rainbow rice and naan bread
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Jelly or fruit
Fish Friday
Choice 1 – Harry Ramsden fish with chips, garden peas and sweetcorn
Choice 2 – Veggie nuggets with chips, garden peas and sweetcorn
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Homemade cupcake or fruit
Online Payment System
Please could you remember to logon to the online payment system and pay for nursery fees, dinner money etc. on a regular basis.
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals you can apply online or email/ring Miss Callander in the school office who will happily assist you to complete an application.
If you need assistance with the online payment system, please email/ring Miss Callander who will be happy to help you through the online process. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can all payments be made either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50, we will not be able to offer Breakfast/After School Care Provision and children will have to bring a packed lunch to school to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Take care
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks
‘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. 24 Christian Value: Forgiveness
21st March 2025
XXI.III.MMXXV
Dear Parents and Carers,
Nursery Places
We are booking in Nursery places for September onwards, so if you are interested, or know of anyone who is interested, reserve your place by contacting Miss Callander in the school office at bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk or 01704 227323.
Parents Evening
Our next Parents Evening is on Wednesday 26th March, 3:30pm – 5:30pm and
Thursday 27th March, 1-3pm for Mice (Pre-School and Reception), Hedgehogs and Foxes.
An email has been sent out today confirming your time. If you would like an appointment and have not yet completed the google form, please give Miss Callander a call in the school office on Monday 24th March.
Gold Book Celebrations
‘For being very sensible for their first time on the climbing frame, following all instructions and being very careful’
‘Great listening to the story, joining in with answering questions and talking about the story’
‘For kindness and being happy for other children’s achievements’
‘Fantastic use of adjectives in writing’
‘For leading the group extremely well during a science experiment on conductors and insulators’
‘Great improvement in concentration and effort during afternoon lessons’
‘For being very engaged during a science lesson, conducting the rice adaptations experiment with great accuracy’
‘For outstanding behaviour during our class trip to Astley Park, showing great observational skills and general knowledge concerning the nature surrounding them and being very respectful to the general public’
Attendance
Our current whole school is 92.7%, which is below our target of 95%.
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, please leave a message using option 1 (reporting a pupil absence) or email bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk.
Battery Recycling
At school we help the environment by collecting old batteries for recycling. Please put old batteries in the white container which is located in Miss Callander’s office. Thank you in advance for your support.
After School Clubs for Spring Term 2
Tuesday will be Active/Movement Club for any child in Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm, delivered by a coach from the West Lancs Sports Partnership, 3:15-4:15pm.
Tuesday will be KS2 Football Skills/Tactics Club with Mr Smith (student teacher) and a member of school staff, 3:15-4:15pm – Unfortunately this will not be taking place on Tuesday 25th March.
Wednesday will be Year 6 Booster with Mrs Winstanley and Mr Draper, 3:15-4:15pm
Wednesday will be Times Tables Club for children in Year 3, 4 and 5 with Miss Hepworth, 3:15-4:15pm
Thursday will be Football Club with Mr Draper, Mr Smith (student teacher) and Mr Wedlin at The Hub Banks. We will leave school at 3:20pm and will be back at school for 4:20pm. If you would like to collect your child from The Hub, please do not be any later than 4:10pm.
Thursday will be Sports Club (including football skills) for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 with Miss Phillips (student teacher) and a member of school staff, 3:15-4:15pm
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.
Health & Safety
In the interests of pupil safety on the playground, please ensure that children wear sensible shoes that have a good grip when they come to school. As the weather is cold, coats are essential for playtime wear and children can also bring in hats, scarves and gloves if they would like to.
Key Dates:
March:
25/3/25 – Foxes going to Burscough Methodist Church for an Easter activity, ‘The Cross Factor’
26/3/25 – Parents Meeting – Evening Session, 3:30-5:30pm
27/3/25 – Parents Meeting – Afternoon Session, 1-3pm
28/3/25 - Squirrels trip to Mere Sands Wood
31//3/25 – Hedgehogs trip to Yarrow Valley, 9:05-12:15pm
April
2/4/25 – Easter Service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
3/4/25 – Easter Activity Day
3/4/25 – Messy ‘Easter’ Church, 3:15-4:15pm
4/4/25 – Break up for the Easter Holiday
22/4/25 – Return to school for Summer 1
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
3:15-3:45pm £2 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-4:30pm £5 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-5:30pm £7 (Monday –Friday
If you need after school care with short notice, e.g. next day and are not able to book in, please could you ring Miss Callander in the office to let her know, especially for a 5:30pm pick up.
If children have not been booked in to care in advance and no other children are in after school care, there will be no staff prepared to supervise the children.
However, we will always try out best to accommodate late requests and, if possible, have staff available to work at short notice. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can payment for Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision be paid either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50 we will not be able to offer Care Provision to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices (week beginning 24th March 2025)
Meat Free Monday
Choice 1 – Cheese and tomato pizza with corn on the cob
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Oat and raisin flapjack
Traditional Tuesday
Choice 1 – Cumberland sausage with creamy mash, peas, carrots and gravy
Choice 2 – Veggie sausage with creamy mash, peas, carrots and gravy
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Apple crumble with custard
Mid-week Wednesday Roast
Choice 1 – Roast chicken with roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 2 – Quorn fillet with roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Iced strawberry smoothie
Around the World Thursday
Choice 1 – Italian bolognaise pasta bake with garlic bread and side salad
Choice 2 – Vegetarian bolognaise pasta bake with garlic bread and side salad
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Jelly with ice cream
Fish Friday
Choice 1 – Fish finger with chips and sweetcorn or beans
Choice 2 – Veggie fingers with chips and sweetcorn or beans
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Homemade cookies
Online Payment System
Please could you remember to logon to the online payment system and pay for nursery fees, dinner money etc. on a regular basis.
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals you can apply online or email/ring Miss Callander in the school office who will happily assist you to complete an application.
If you need assistance with the online payment system, please email/ring Miss Callander who will be happy to help you through the online process. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can all payments be made either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50, we will not be able to offer Breakfast/After School Care Provision and children will have to bring a packed lunch to school to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Take care
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks