‘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. 38 Christian Value: Trust 17th July 2026
XVII.VII.MMXXVI
Dear Parents and Carers,
This year, we have watched the children, from our youngest in Nursery to our oldest in Year 6, grow in confidence, resilience, kindness and independence. We have seen friendships flourish, talents emerge and children discover they are capable of far more than they ever imagined. They have learned, laughed, persevered, picked themselves up after setbacks and, every now and then, said something so wonderfully random that we've found ourselves wondering where on earth it came from. That, of course, is the magic of primary school.
To our staff, thank you. Your patience, creativity and care never go unnoticed. Through the busy days, the challenging moments and the ever-changing demands of school life, you have continued to inspire, encourage and support every child. Schools are built on people who care enough to do the little things well, and we are incredibly fortunate to have a team who do exactly that.
To our governors and our PFTA, thank you for everything you do behind the scenes to make Banks Methodist such a special place for our children to learn, grow and belong. Your generosity, time and commitment make such a difference, creating opportunities and experiences that enrich school life for every child.
As another school year draws to a close on Wednesday, I would like to thank our entire school community for your continued support, encouragement and trust. I hope you all enjoy a well deserved summer break filled with rest, laughter and precious time together. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September, refreshed and ready for another exciting year at Banks Methodist.
End of Year Celebration
You’re warmly invited to join us for our End of Year Celebration Service at Banks St Stephen's Church on Monday 20th July (this is a change of date). The service will begin at 2:15pm, with doors opening from 2:00pm. Families and members of the community are all very welcome as we come together to celebrate the end of a wonderful school year. We look forward to seeing you there!
Family Fun Afternoon and BBQ
All parents, carers and family members are warmly invited to join us on Tuesday 21st July for our Family Fun Afternoon, beginning at 2.00pm.
The afternoon will start with some exciting water fun activities led by our PTFA, followed by a range of games and activities for families to enjoy together with their children.
Our PTFA will also be running a barbecue throughout the afternoon, with a selection of food and drinks available to purchase. We hope you can join us as we celebrate another fantastic year together and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with our school community.
Attention to Attendance
By law, all children of compulsory school age (between 5 and 16) must get a suitable full-time education. As a parent, you are responsible for making sure this happens.
Whole School Attendance: 93.7%, which is below our target of 95%
‘Spot Day’ Attention Week 6 (Friday) winner: Shannen
Children’s attendance should not fall below 96%. When attendance nears this level, children have already missed significant amounts of schooling; meaning that their educational progress is at risk. We need parents' full support in ensuring that attendance does not reach this level. The Government has determined that a pupil becomes a persistent absentee when their attendance falls below 90%.
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.
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.
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Please ensure you are pre-ordering your child’s lunches for the week on our new system and keeping up to date with your payments.
Lunch Choices (week beginning 20th July 2026):
Monday
Choice 1 – Calzone pizza with potato wedges and carrot sticks
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Tuesday
Choice 1 – Sausage with mashed potato, vegetables and gravy
Choice 2 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Wednesday
Choice 1 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad (NoTCP)
Dates for the Diary
July
20th – End of Year Worship/Celebration at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
21st – Reception and Y6 Buddy Trip to the Southport Beach
21st – Family Fun Afternoon and BBQ, 2-4:30pm
22nd – Year 6 Leavers Social, 12pm
22nd – Break up for the Summer Holiday at 1:15pm
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. 37 Christian Value: Trust 10th July 2026
X.VII.MMXXVI
Dear Parents and Carers,
PE Kits
As the weather is forecast to be extremely hot for Monday and Tuesday, children can come to school wearing their school PE kits.
End of Year Celebration
You’re warmly invited to join us for our End of Year Celebration Service at Banks St Stephen's Church on Monday 20th July (this is a change of date). The service will begin at 2:15pm, with doors opening from 2:00pm. Families and members of the community are all very welcome as we come together to celebrate the end of a wonderful school year. We look forward to seeing you there!
Attention to Attendance
By law, all children of compulsory school age (between 5 and 16) must get a suitable full-time education. As a parent, you are responsible for making sure this happens.
Whole School Attendance: 93.7%, which is below our target of 95%
‘Spot Day’ Attention Week 5 (Thursday) winner: Gracie R
Children’s attendance should not fall below 96%. When attendance nears this level, children have already missed significant amounts of schooling; meaning that their educational progress is at risk. We need parents' full support in ensuring that attendance does not reach this level. The Government has determined that a pupil becomes a persistent absentee when their attendance falls below 90%.
Weather
With the ever-unpredictable British weather, it can be difficult to know whether children will need suncream and a hat or a coat for the day ahead.
If the weather is sunny, please apply suncream to your child before school and send them in with a hat.
If the weather is wet or unsettled, please ensure your child comes to school with a coat so that we can continue to take the children outside for some fresh air throughout the day.
Thank you for your support.
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.
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.
After School Clubs for Summer Term 2
Thursday’s will be Football Club for children in Years 3-6 (KS2) with Mr Draper and Mr Wedlin, 3:15-4:15pm
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Please ensure you are pre-ordering your child’s lunches for the week on our new system and keeping up to date with your payments.
Lunch Choices (week beginning 13th July 2026):
Monday
Choice 1 – Tomato pasta twists with garlic flatbread and salad
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Tuesday
Choice 1 – Beef burger (or veggie burger) with tortilla chips and veggie sticks
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Wednesday
Choice 1 – Roast ham (or cauliflower cheese) with roast potatoes and vegetables
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Thursday
Choice 1 – Pizza slice (three cheese or pepperoni) with potato wedges and sweetcorn
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Friday
Choice 1 – Chicken nuggets (or veggie fingers) with chips and beans
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dates for the Diary
July
11th – BanksPTA Summer Fair, 11am-3pm
14th – Hedgehogs end of year trip to Pizza Express, following by Brockholes Nature Reserve
15th – Mice end of year trip to Smithills Farm
16th – Foxes end of year trip to the Anderton Centre, Rivington
17th – Feel Good Friday with Mrs Hothersall
17th – Foxes trip to Elnup Woods, Standish – 10am-1:40pm (straight to swimming)
20th – End of Year Worship/Celebration at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
21st – Reception and Y6 Buddy Trip to the Southport Beach
21st – Family Fun Afternoon and BBQ, 2-4:30pm
22nd – Year 6 Leavers Social, 12pm
22nd – Break up for the Summer Holiday at 1:15pm
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. 36 Christian Value: Trust 3rd July 2026
III.VII.MMXXVI
Dear Parents and Carers,
A message from Mr Draper
I have recently been saddened to hear of rumours circulating throughout our wonderful village that Banks Methodist Primary School is closing.
I CAN reassure you all that this could not be further from the truth. WE ARE NOT CLOSING. We understand that the church closure will have contributed to this rumour.
However, for the past few years now we have enjoyed oversubscribed year groups which may have caused people to forget we are in fact still a small school. One of our greatest strengths is that we truly get to know each child as an individual - their interests, strengths, talents and the support they need to thrive as valued, confident members of our school family.
So, we remain very much open and continue to be a happy, welcoming place where children achieve and thrive every day. We are incredibly proud of our pupils, our dedicated staff, and the many opportunities we provide throughout the year to help our children grow academically, socially and personally.
Rumours like these can cause unnecessary worry for families, staff, and prospective parents, and they do not reflect the reality of our school. If you hear these claims, please help us by sharing the facts rather than speculation.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Banks Methodist Primary School. We are proud to be part of this fantastic community, and we look forward to continuing to provide the very best education and experiences for our children.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Summer Fair – Saturday 11th July 2026, 11am–3pm
The PTA Summer Fair will take place on Saturday 11th July, from 11am–3pm.
If you are able to help on a stall for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or longer if you can), please let us know by emailing bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk or speaking to a member of the PTA and we will add you to the rota. Thank you for your continued support – we really appreciate it!
Swimming Friday 10th July
On Friday 10th July Foxes will need a to take some old clothes to their swimming lesson as they will be taking part in a water safety session.
Non-Uniform Day
Our final non-uniform day in readiness for our Summer Fair will be on Friday 3rd July – Sweet/Chocolate donation
Thank you for your continued support — it is truly appreciated.
End of Year Celebration
You’re warmly invited to join us for our End of Year Celebration Service at Banks St Stephen's Church on Monday 20th July (this is a change of date). The service will begin at 2:15pm, with doors opening from 2:00pm. Families and members of the community are all very welcome as we come together to celebrate the end of a wonderful school year. We look forward to seeing you there!
Attention to Attendance
By law, all children of compulsory school age (between 5 and 16) must get a suitable full-time education. As a parent, you are responsible for making sure this happens.
Whole School Attendance: 93.9%, which is below our target of 95%
‘Spot Day’ Attention Week 4 (Friday) winner: Lewis
Children’s attendance should not fall below 96%. When attendance nears this level, children have already missed significant amounts of schooling; meaning that their educational progress is at risk. We need parents' full support in ensuring that attendance does not reach this level. The Government has determined that a pupil becomes a persistent absentee when their attendance falls below 90%.
Weather
With the ever-unpredictable British weather, it can be difficult to know whether children will need suncream and a hat or a coat for the day ahead.
If the weather is sunny, please apply suncream to your child before school and send them in with a hat.
If the weather is wet or unsettled, please ensure your child comes to school with a coat so that we can continue to take the children outside for some fresh air throughout the day.
Thank you for your support.
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.
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.
After School Clubs for Summer Term 2
Thursday’s will be Football Club for children in Years 3-6 (KS2) with Mr Draper and Mr Wedlin, 3:15-4:15pm
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Please ensure you are pre-ordering your child’s lunches for the week on our new system and keeping up to date with your payments.
Lunch Choices (week beginning 6th July 2026):
Monday
Choice 1 – Macaroni cheese with diced carrots and peas
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Tuesday
Choice 1 – Chicken (or veggie burger) with hash brown bites and cucumber
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Wednesday
Choice 1 – Roast beef (or Quorn) and Yorkshire pudding with roast potatoes and vegetables
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Thursday
Choice 1 – Mild chicken curry (or Quorn tikka) with rainbow rice and naan bread
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Friday
Choice 1 – Battered cod goujons (or veggie nuggets) with peas/sweetcorn or hoops
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with carrot and cucumber sticks
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dates for the Diary
July
6th – Year 5 Curriculum Day at Stanley High, 9:15am-2:45pm
8th – School Transition Afternoon, 1-3:15pm
8th – Year 6 Rounder Competition (afternoon)
9th – Messy Church, 2:15-3pm – Parents/carers welcome
11th – BanksPTA Summer Fair, 11am-3pm
14th – Hedgehogs end of year trip to Pizza Express, following by Brockholes Nature Reserve
15th – Mice end of year trip to Smithills Farm
16th – Foxes end of year trip to the Anderton Centre, Rivington
17th – Feel Good Friday with Mrs Hothersall
17th – Foxes trip to Elnup Woods, Standish – 10am-1:40pm (straight to swimming)
20th – End of Year Worship/Celebration at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 2:15pm
21st – Family Fun Afternoon and BBQ, 2-4:30pm
22nd – Year 6 Leavers Social, 12pm
22nd – Break up for the Summer Holiday at 1:15pm
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