‘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. 15 Christian Value: Friendship
9th January 2026
IX.I.MMXXVI
Dear Parents and Carers,
OFSTED
We would like to thank all parents and carers for the many positive and supportive comments shared through the OFSTED questionnaire. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and means a lot to our whole school community.
The inspection was a positive experience. However, the findings must remain confidential at this time. We will share the outcome with you in the coming weeks once the report is formally released.
As this inspection follows the new OFSTED framework, we will also take time to explain what the results mean, as the format and judgements differ significantly from previous inspections.
TRI-KIDZ Challenge
The children will need to come into school wearing their PE kit for our Tri Kidz Challenge. Depending on the weather, as well as coats, they may also need hats and gloves. Children need to wear trainers,
During the event, the children will use swim ropes to replicate the swim, bikes attached to turbo trainers and use our running track as part oof the running course.
The aim of the day is for our school community to work together to complete the distance of an Iron Distance Triathlon, while promoting physical and mental health, enjoyment of sport and the development of self-confidence.
Attention to Attendance
From Monday, we are launching our new ‘Spot Day’ attendance reward.
Each week, there will be a pre-selected day (known only to Mr Draper and Miss Callander). If children are in school on that day, they will receive a raffle ticket. One name will then be drawn to receive a weekly award.
Each child’s ticket will also be placed into a whole-school draw, which will take place during the final week of each half term. This means that hopefully all children will have at least one or two tickets in the draw, with some having more.
While we encourage full attendance where possible, we do of course understand that illnesses and appointments do sometimes occur.
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.
Whole School Attendance this academic year: 94.1% (below our target of 95%)
This week’s class attendance:
Marvelous Mice: 82.4%
Super Squirrels: 95.5%
Happy Hedgehogs: 90.4%
Fabulous Foxes: 81.3%
Parking Safety
For the safety of our children, please drive carefully outside the school, avoid overtaking where possible, and do not make three-point turns near the school entrance.
We remind families to be considerate of our neighbours by keeping the school driveway, residents’ driveways, and pathways clear at all times, including those along Chapel Lane. Please do not park on zig-zag lines or in a way that restricts safe access for children and parents.
We understand parking is limited at busy times and kindly ask that, when collecting your child(ren), you return to your vehicle promptly to help free up spaces. We also remind everyone to be courteous and respectful; foul or abusive language is not acceptable, particularly in front of children.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe.
Applications for places are now online and open. The closing date is 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. If you are unable to access this, please speak to Miss Callander in the school office as soon as possible.
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 to Friday)
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
January
12th – Tri-Kidz in school (triathlon)
30th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
February
3rd – Stay and Maths Session, 9-9:45am
5th – Messy Church after school
13th – Break up for half term
27th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
March
5th – World Book Day – Children to dress as their favourite character
12th – Year 5 to go to Stanley High to watch Joseph
12th – Messy Church after school
18th – Parents Evening, 2-6pm
25th – Easter Activity Day
26th – Easter Service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
27th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
27th – Break up for Easter at 1:15pm
April
22nd – Earth Day
24th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
May
4th – Bank Holiday Monday
11th – Year 6 SATs Week
20th – Sports Day and BBQ
21st – Messy Church after school
22nd – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
22nd – Break up for half term
June
8th – Stay and Learn – Creative Session, 2:15-3pm
9th – Sports Day and BBQ reserve day
26th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
July
9th – Messy Church in school
17th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
20th – End of year celebration service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
21st – Year 6 Leavers Social, 12pm
21st – School closes for the Summer Holiday
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 12th January 2026):
Monday
Choice 1 – Cheese and bean pasty
Choice 2 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Tuesday
Choice 1 – Chicken burger
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 – Mild chicken tikka with rainbow rice and naan bread
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Friday
Choice 1 – Harry Ramsden fish with chips, garden peas and sweetcorn
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
In the Gold Book This Week:
All the children for their outstanding behaviour during the week
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. 14 Christian Value: Love
19th December 2025
XIX.XII.MMXXV
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we come to the close of another term, I would like to thank you for a term of partnership and support. We wish you and your families a blessed and peaceful Christmas and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, refreshed and ready for what lies ahead.
Whole School Carol Concert
Wow! What an absolutely fantastic whole-school carol concert! Every child performed brilliantly, singing with confidence, clear voices and wonderful beaming smiles. The poems and readings were delivered fluently and with great expression, showcasing the children’s hard work and dedication. Their behaviour throughout was exceptional, as always, and made us incredibly proud. We hope the concert brought joy to everyone and truly captured the magic of the festive season.
KS2 Christmas Singing
What a truly lovely and memorable evening of singing, poetry, and reflection we enjoyed on Thursday at Banks St Stephen’s Church. The children sang beautifully and confidently, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces and creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
A huge thank you to all the children who took part, to everyone who joined us on the evening, and to all staff for organising such a superb and uplifting event.
Parking Safety
For the safety of our children, please drive carefully outside the school, avoid overtaking where possible, and do not make three-point turns near the school entrance.
We remind families to be considerate of our neighbours by keeping the school driveway, residents’ driveways, and pathways clear at all times, including those along Chapel Lane. Please do not park on zig-zag lines or in a way that restricts safe access for children and parents.
We understand parking is limited at busy times and kindly ask that, when collecting your child(ren), you return to your vehicle promptly to help free up spaces. We also remind everyone to be courteous and respectful; foul or abusive language is not acceptable, particularly in front of children.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community 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.
Applications for places are now online and open. The closing date is 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. If you are unable to access this, please speak to Miss Callander in the school office as soon as possible.
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
January
9th – Swimming begins for children in Hedgehogs
12th – Tri-Kidz in school (triathlon)
30th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
February
3rd – Stay and Maths Session, 9-9:45am
5th – Messy Church after school
13th – Break up for half term
27th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
March
5th – World Book Day – Children to dress as their favourite character
12th – Year 5 to go to Stanley High to watch Joseph
12th – Messy Church after school
18th – Parents Evening, 2-6pm
25th – Easter Activity Day
26th – Easter Service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
27th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
27th – Break up for Easter at 1:15pm
April
22nd – Earth Day
24th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
May
4th – Bank Holiday Monday
11th – Year 6 SATs Week
20th – Sports Day and BBQ
21st – Messy Church after school
22nd – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
22nd – Break up for half term
June
8th – Stay and Learn – Creative Session, 2:15-3pm
9th – Sports Day and BBQ reserve day
26th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
July
9th – Messy Church in school
17th – Feel Good Friday, 8:45-10:15am
20th – End of year celebration service at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
21st – Year 6 Leavers Social, 12pm
21st – School closes for the Summer Holiday
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices for when we return after Christmas (week beginning 5th January 2026):
Monday
Ham/cheese or tuna sandwich served with chippy chips. Children can just have a chip butty if they prefer
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:
All the children for their amazing performance on Wednesday 😊
Take care, have a great Christmas and best wishes for 2026
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks
Here are some Christmas jokes to bring a smile to your faces….
1. Who hides in a bakery at Christmas? A mince spy
2, What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck? A Christmas quacker
3. What's a horse's favourite TV show? Neigh-bours
4. What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back? A stick
5. Why do birds fly south in the winter? It's too far to walk
6. What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinsillitis
7. What did Cinderella say when her photos didn't arrive? “One day my prints will come!”
8. Did Rudolph go to school? No, he was elf-taught
9. What lies at the bottom of the sea shivering? A nervous wreck
10. Who is Santa's favourite singer? Elfis Presley
11. What did Adam say the day before Christmas? It's Christmas, Eve.
12. How many letters are in the alphabet at Christmas? 25 - there's no-el
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. 13 Christian Value: Love
12th December 2025
XII.XII.MMXXV
Dear Parents and Carers,
Clubs During the Final Week
There will be no clubs during the last week of term.
After School Care will still be available Monday – Thursday, which children can be booked on using Eduspot. There will be no After School Care available on Friday 19th December.
Christmas Cards
Our PTA asked the children to design their own individual Christmas card which could be sold to parents to help raise money for school. The Christmas cards have been printed using the children's designs and are now on sale for you to buy if you wish - pack of 20 cards for £5.00.
If you would like to purchase a pack of cards, please send the correct amount of cash into school and Mrs Bradshaw will send the cards home with your child. Card payments can also be taken at the end of each day when Mrs Bradshaw will have more time to set up the card reader.
** Please note, there are a small number of children who were not in school when the cards were designed. Please double check with your child before sending payment into school.
🎄 Christmas Photographs 🎄
Today, the children had the opportunity to have an individual or family photograph taken in front of a lovely, festive Christmas backdrop, kindly organised by our PTA.
Proof photos will be sent home with the children on Monday. If you would like to purchase your child’s photograph, the PTA will print them on glossy photo paper for a £2 charge.
Christmas Disco!
We’re excited to announce our Christmas Disco! After how much the children enjoyed the Firework Disco, they were very keen to have another – so here it is!
Monday 15th December
3:15pm – 5pm
£5 entry – includes a drink and a snack
There will also be a quieter film room available for anyone who prefers a calmer space during the event.
We can’t wait to celebrate with lots of festive fun!
Whole School Christmas Performance
We are delighted to invite you to our whole-school Christmas singing performance on Wednesday 17th December at 2pm in the school hall. The children will share a selection of Christmas songs, with KS1 pupils bringing the Nativity story to life through a beautiful tableau.
KS2 Christmas Singing at Banks St Stephen's on Thursday 18th December
On Thursday 18th December, we are hoping to take KS2 children (Foxes and Hedgehogs) to Banks St Stephen's Church at 6pm to sing Christmas songs. This event was not originally planned, as our whole-school Christmas Carol Concert will take place in school on Wednesday 17th December at 2pm.
However, when speaking with Reverend Rebecca from Banks St Stephen's, she expressed how disappointed she was that we were not visiting the church this year, as it is the highlight of her year. This was truly lovely to hear, and we would love to give our KS2 children the opportunity to sing in the church and represent our school within the community.
To go ahead, we need to know how many children will be able to take part on the evening. If numbers are too low, unfortunately we will not be able to proceed with the event.
This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our school, and we hope many of our children will be able to join us. Please let us know as soon as possible whether your child will be able to attend by completing the google form below. Children can be dropped off at church for 5:45pm and collected at 6:45pm if you are unable to stay for the performance. Thank you for your support.
KS2 Christmas Singing at Banks St Stephen's on Thursday 18th December – Fill in form
Feel Good Friday or fruit on Friday 19th December, 8:45-10:15am
Tea, Coffee & Company, as well as cake and fruit – A strong school community starts with connection.
Join us for a relaxed morning with fellow parents/carers/family members.
This is a space for friendship, support and wellbeing – no pressure, no agenda. Just an open door, a warm cup of tea or coffee and time to connect.
Whether you're popping in for ten minutes or staying the whole time, you're always welcome.
Hopefully you can make it, we’d love to see you.
🛡️ Health & Safety Reminder
In the interests of pupil safety on the playground, please ensure that children come to school wearing sensible shoes with a good grip. As the weather is getting colder, coats are essential for playtimes, and children are welcome to bring hats, scarves and gloves if they wish. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and comfortable during the winter months.
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 94.8%, which is close to meeting our target of 95%
Weekly Class Attendance:
Mice – 95%
Squirrels – 94.3%
Hedgehogs – 93.8%
Foxes – 93.7%
September 2026 Primary School Admissions
Applications for places are now online and open. The closing date is 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. If you are unable to access this, please speak to Miss Callander in the school office as soon as possible.
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
December
15th – Picture Book ‘Festive Week’ – all activities to be based around the story – Writing, Craft etc..
15th – PTA Christmas Party, £5 per child
17th – Whole School Carol Concert at school, 2pm
18th – KS2 Christmas Singing at Banks St Stephen’s Church
19th – Festive Friday 3 – Festive Wear
19th – Feel Good Friday with Mrs Hothersall, 8:45-10:15am
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 15th December 2025):
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
Picnic Box
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: Faith and Marley
Squirrels: Beatrice and Freya
Hedgehogs: George and Anthony
Foxes: Heidi and Eva
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