Durand Primary School

Parent Governor Vacancy

26 Feb 2026

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/parent-nomination-letter-and-form--english----return-by-friday-13th-march-2026-docx.pdf

Year 4 Homework

24 Feb 2026

Year 4 Homework
Each week your child's homework is displayed on their Google Classroom. However they do not need to access the Google classroom to complete the tasks. The homework set is designed to consolidate and support the learning undertaken in class. 
Below is a summary  of the tasks set each week. Please note there are no spellings this week.
Spellings - Each week the children will be set a new list of spelling words. A paper copy of the words are sent home on a Monday but a copy can also be accessed on the Google classroom. The children need to practice these spellings for a test on the following Monday. They can practice these spellings in a number of ways including playing spelling games on Spell shed, writing the words using look, say, cover, write, check or any other method they find helps them to remember their spellings.
Mathletics - Mathletics tasks are set frequently. I do not necessarily expect the children to complete all of the tasks but I would appreciate it if they could complete at least 1 task a week. If the children have no tasks set they can 'Go live' to practise basic maths skills or they can complete an activities task.
Times Tables - Children need to practise their times tables for a weekly test on a Friday. Most children are learning their x2, x5 and x 10. There are a small number of children who have moved onto their x3, x4 tables. The children should know which ones they are learning. There are many games such as 'Hit the Button' that they can use or even chanting them or writing them is beneficial.
After our recent work on written multiplication methods many children required the support of a tables card to complete their maths work. Therefore any practise that can be done would be greatly appreciated and would benefit their maths work greatly.
Reading - At present only two or three children are returning their reading records each week. Reading records and books to be changed need to be returned to school on a Monday. If your child is a free reader then just the reading record needs to be returned. I would ask that a parent/guardian signs and dates the reading to show that their chid has read.
Your encouragement and support with your child's homework would be greatly appreciated. 
Mrs Sisson

Forest School Start Letter

23 Feb 2026

Your child’s forest school sessions will start on 27.02.26 and will be every Friday for a 5-week block. 
Forest School gives children the unique opportunity of experiencing first hand, play and learning in a controlled outdoor environment.
Forest School is the name for an approach to educating children in the outdoors on a regular basis. This work will support the main curriculum (particularly literacy, science, numeracy and the arts) and will have a strong emphasis on raising all children’s self- esteem and independence.
 An integral part of the Forest School experience is that children will experience the outdoors in all weathers. With the exception of very high winds and thunder storms, please assume that your child will be outside when they take part in Forest Schools. Forest School is not optional at Durand School, all children are expected to take part as they develop essential life skills.
 To help achieve this, we will provide all children taking part in Forest School with waterproof coat and waterproof trousers. Please provide your child with the kit list below. Your child will need to bring this kit in every Friday for their Forest School session. No kit including wellies can be left in school.
Also, please bear in mind your child will occasionally get muddy and wet! Forest School programs operate all year round regardless of weather conditions.
 If you have any questions about Forest School, please feel free to approach a member of our staff who will be able to help you.
Forest School Kit List:
 Warm coat, no longer than hip length (with a hood but no fur trim and no Dry Robes as coats need to be tucked into their waterproof trousers)
Long sleeved top and trousers (arms and legs must be covered at all times during the forest school session)
Wellies or Waterproof Walking Boots (Will not be able to join in with some activities without correct footwear)
Warm socks (and a spare pair)
Gloves and woolly hat (for cold weather)
Insect repellent if needed (for summer term, child to apply only)
Sun cream (for summer term, child to apply only)
 
Full set of spare clothes to be brought to school on their forest school day (Fridays)
 
Thank you
Mrs Johns

Online Safety day

11 Feb 2026

As part of online safety day today, we talked about how to keep safe online and a number of pupils said that at home they did not feel safe as they were talking to strangers within a game platform. There are many ways to help your child stay safe online. Here are a few websites to visit to help you as a parent.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-keeping-children-safe-online/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-parents-and-carers-to-keep-children-safe-online
https://www.internetmatters.org/
In addition to this, many of the class are playing games that have been given aged ratings much higher than their age and therefore the content of these games are not suitable. This poster may help you choose suitable online games for your child. 
https://www.stgeorge.camden.sch.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=163&type=pdf
I hope you find this information helpful.
Kind regards
Mrs Johns
 
 

Nursery Consultation

30 Jan 2026

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/consultationletter_260128.pdf

MonLife Half-term Stay and Play Sessions

30 Jan 2026

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/stay-and-play---school-poster.pdfhttps://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/active-play---school-poster.pdf

E-scooter information leaflet

30 Jan 2026

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/mcc_woa_e-scooter-q-a_a5-flyer.pdf

Monlife

28 Jan 2026

active-play---school-poster.pdf
 
stay-and-play---school-poster-.pdf

Nursery stay and play

27 Jan 2026

https://forms.gle/CeEBhogvZnFqfujk6
 

PTFA - School Disco

15 Jan 2026

school---disco-february-2026.pdf

Acorn Project Practical Parenting Workshops

13 Jan 2026

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/acorn-parent-workshops.pdf

Reminders

12 Jan 2026

Good afternoon. I have noticed that many children are forgetting to bring in a water bottle to school for the week allowing them access to fresh water each day. Also there has been a noticeable decline in the correct uniform. This can be found in our handbook.
Boys - White Polo Shirt, Grey Trousers, Red Sweatshirt / Fleece / Hoodie, Grey shorts in Summer, Black footwear .
Girls - White Polo Shirt, grey skirt / trousers, pinafore dress, grey black or grey tights, red Sweatshirt / Fleece / Cardigan /Hoodie, red gingham dress in Summer, black footwear.
PE - black shorts or black tracksuit bottoms and jacket, house coloured t shirt, trainers (ideally with velcro, if they can not do laces yet).
Please can you help your child develop independence too with regards to doing up zips on coats. This is a skill to be practiced at home.
Thank you for your help with this. 
Kind regards
Mrs Johns

Spring 1 Theme Overview

09 Jan 2026

Reception Spring 1 overview
This term's project: Could the children please bring in their favourite STORYBOOK, to be kept in school or brought back daily, on Thursday. They will be making the characters and the backgrounds from the story to go in their story sack. Please make sure that their STORYBOOK is named.

Spring 1 Overview

09 Jan 2026

Spring 1 Overview

Spring 1 overview

09 Jan 2026

Spring overview for parents

Year 5 parent Spring theme overview

09 Jan 2026

Year 5 Spring 1 theme overview

Spring 1- Overview for parents

09 Jan 2026

Year 2-spring-1-theme-overview-for-parentshttps://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/year-1-theme-overview-for-parents-spring-term-2026.pdf

Risk of snow letter

08 Jan 2026

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/risk-of-snow.pdf

Penny Whistle

08 Jan 2026

penny-whistle-music.pdf
 

Dear parent/guardian, 

We are very excited and pleased to invite your child along to attend our weekly Celtic Music lessons at Gwent Music HQ. We had a fantastic time delivering the basics of Celtic music in school last term, culminating and a fantastic performance. The standard of musicianship was brilliant and we'd love for this musical journey to continue with us. 

First lesson is free as a taster! 

Hope to see you next Tuesday and Happy New Year. 

Mr Mckeon (Scott) 


Spring term family planner

19 Dec 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/family-term-planner-spring-2026-pdf.pdf

Autumn term newsletter

19 Dec 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/newsletter-december-2025-compressed.pdf

Nursery Staff Update

17 Dec 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/nursery-staffing-update.pdf

Estyn Report 2025

15 Dec 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/parents-and-carers---inspection-report---durand-primary-school-2025.pdf

After School Club Survey

09 Dec 2025

After school club – Fill in form
 

Forest School

04 Dec 2025

Tomorrow we have Forest School in the afternoon. Weather forecast is still showing light drizzle. Can I take this opportunity to reiterate that Forest School is part of the health and wellbeing curriculum here at Durand Primary and is as valued as any other subject being taught. It is NOT optional. Forest schools benefit children by improving their social, emotional, and physical well-being through nature-based, child-led learning experiences. Key benefits include enhanced physical skills, a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature, greater resilience and confidence, and improved cognitive function and problem-solving abilities. 
 

 

After School Club Survey

14 Nov 2025

After school club – Fill in form
 

Christmas Concert Caldicot School

13 Nov 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/concert-letter-2025-primaries-docx.pdf

Communication

11 Nov 2025

communication-.pdf

Autumn Term 2 Overview

10 Nov 2025

Year 4 Autumn Term 2 Overview 2025

Autumn 2 Overview Year 2

10 Nov 2025

Autumn 2 Overview Year 2

Autumn 2 overview Y6

07 Nov 2025

Y6 autumn-2-theme-overview-for-parents.pdf

Autumn 2 Parent Theme Overview

07 Nov 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/year-3-autumn-2-theme-overview.pdf

Autumn 2 Overview for parents

07 Nov 2025

Please find the link for our new expressive arts overview.
Kind regards
Mrs Johns
https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/year-1-theme-overview-for-parents-autumn-term-2-25.pdf

Year 5 parent theme overview

07 Nov 2025

Year 5 theme overview for parents

Nursery Winter Stay and Play

03 Nov 2025

Winter Stay and Play

October Newsletter 2025

24 Oct 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/_newsletter-october--2025.pdf

Attendance letter from Will McClean

24 Oct 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/attendance-letter-half-term-wm.pdf

School Council

23 Oct 2025

information.pdf

Flu immunisation

17 Oct 2025

flu-uptake-letter-25-26.pdf

Lockdown Practice Drill

09 Oct 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/lockdown-practice-drill.pdf

Flu immunisation

09 Oct 2025

flu-2025-2026.pdf

Parent Consultation Appointments

06 Oct 2025

https://forms.gle/hMC22oSbLow86pwC7
 

School Nursing Team

06 Oct 2025

school-nursing-team.pdf

Inspection survey link

29 Sep 2025

Estyn is inspecting us on Monday 13th October and they want parents’ and carers’ views. Please share yours in confidence by using the link below. The online questionnaire will be available until 11.00pm on Sunday 5th October.

 https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/5TX5N6/

 

Please be mindful that the back button should not be clicked on the browser once the questionnaire has been submitted as this could result in duplicate responses being recorded.


Estyn Parent Information Leaflet

29 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/parents-leaflet--1-.pdf

Estyn inspection parent notification

29 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/estyn-inspection-notification--1-.pdf

 

 
 
 
 


Open Morning

26 Sep 2025


 

Care and Support Update

24 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/care-and-support-september-2025--1-.pdf

Family Planner

24 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/family-term-planner-autumn-2025.pdf

Year 4 Autumn Term Theme Overview

19 Sep 2025

Year 4 Autumn Theme Overview

Y3 Autumn 1 Theme Overview 2025

19 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/year-3-autumn-1-theme-overview-2025-pptx.pdf

Reception overview

19 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/copy-of-reception-theme-overview-for-parents.pdf

Year 6 Autumn Theme Overview

19 Sep 2025

Y6 Autumn Theme Overview

Year 2 Autumn 1 Theme Overview

19 Sep 2025

Year 2 Autumn 1 Theme Overview

Autumn 1 Topic Overview

19 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/year-1-overview-for-parents.pdf

Author Visit

19 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/danny-robins---school-event-information-letter_-docx.pdf
 
https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/book-ish-author-visit--danny-robins-8th-oct--1--docx--1-.pdf

See How They Learn

15 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/see-how-they-learn--1-.pdf

Transition meeting

12 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/durand-y5-y6-transition-meeting-23-09-25-doc.pdf

HAPPEN survey

12 Sep 2025

happen-survey-september-2025.pdf

Welcome letter September 2025

05 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/welcome-letter-september-2025.pdf

Year 6 Newsletter

05 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/Year%206/y6-autumn-newsletter-sept-2025-docx.pdf

Year 5 Autumn Newsletter

05 Sep 2025

Year 5 Autumn Newsletter

Year 1 newsletter

05 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/year-1-newsletter-docx.pdf

Reception newsletter 2025

05 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/copy-of-reception-newsletter-autumn-2025-docx.pdf

Year 2 Newsletter

05 Sep 2025

year-2-newsletter-docx.pdf

Year 4 Newsletter

05 Sep 2025

Year 4 Newsletter

Year 1 Newsletter

05 Sep 2025

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-fv5RP9ySw0w2G0Y3zidDm1cjOWRXu85/edit#heading=h.gjdgxs

News Letter - September 2025

05 Sep 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/year-3-autumn-newsletter-docx_3.pdf

Nursery Newsletter

05 Sep 2025

Nursery newsletter

Mathletics Launch

04 Sep 2025

Exciting news! All parents and carers of children in Years 3-6 are invited to the launch of the maths programme 'Mathletics' on Wednesday 10th September at 3.15pm in the school hall. The meeting will last approximately 15-20 minutes and will be led by Lee Harrison, the regional manager of Mathletics.
Mathletics is an online maths programme that we trialled towards the end of the summer term. The pupils' response to the programme was extremely positive and as a result we will be going live with it this September. It will be primarily used by staff to set home learning tasks for the pupils to consolidate learning undertaken in class.
We appreciate that it is quite short notice, but it would be great if you were able to attend. There will be a further information/help sheet sent out after the launch for those who were unable to attend and to support the use of the programme at home.
Look forward to seeing you there,
Mrs Sisson (Maths Lead)

Parent Survey

18 Jul 2025

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3YJmchPn40VenDay0RfcXoAexEmwvQE37QhMFofYS9S3xcQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108591242494859292783
 

Newsletter July 2025

18 Jul 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/newsletter-july-2025.pdf

Move Up Day

11 Jul 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/move-up-day-letter.pdf

Personalised Assessments

09 Jul 2025

Your child's personalised assessment results are now available to view on HWB.
To view your child's results you will need your child's HWB account login. If you do not know your child's HWB login details or have any issues accessing the results please contact your child's class teacher.
To find your child's assessment results please follow the instructions in the link below.
How to access your child's personalised assessment results
For further information regarding the personalised assessments and the results please click on the links below.
Learner Progress Report Guidance
English Reading Progress Guidance
Maths Procedural Progress Guidance
Maths Reasoning Progress Guidance
Learner Feedback Report Guidance
English Reading Feedback Guidance
Maths Procedural Feedback Guidance
 
General Guidance - Personalised Assessments
General Guidance Personalised Assessments
 

Leavers' assembly costumes

06 Jul 2025

Our performance is on Tuesday 15th July. Due to the fact that Monday 14th is Caldicot School's transition day, we will have to have a dress rehearsal this Friday 11th instead. I have attached suggestions for what the children can wear. If children can make sure they have what they will wear in school on Friday if possible please, we'd be very grateful. If their costume is a school uniform or PE kit, it is fine to just wear this to school, and the same again on the Tuesday. We really appreciate your support with this, any problems please let us know. 
Thanks, Miss Collinshttps://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/leavers-concert-costumes.pdf

A favourite Reception song to dance to

03 Jul 2025

 
https://youtu.be/EHnISiXejnk?si=PdnZ_P8kENZQp1py

Year 4 Olympics Transition Event

20 Jun 2025

Please note that the children are to come to school as normal on the day and will be taken over to Caldicot School for 9.45am. The children will then return back to school as normal for the end of the day.
Thanks
 
Year 4 Olympic Transition Event

Donations for Reception please

19 Jun 2025

Please give donations of metal lids from jars, eg. Dolmio, plastic milk bottle lids and any bits of wood to Reception Class . Thank you.
Bits of wood example

Food and Fun

18 Jun 2025

food-and-fun-2025.pdf

Magor Marsh Visit

17 Jun 2025

Magor Marsh Visit - Tuesday 1st July
I just wanted to share with you some additional information regarding our visit to Magor Marsh on Tuesday 1st July. 
We have been incredibly lucky to be able to secure the skills of a Gwent Wildlife Trust guide to lead our visit who will have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can be shared with the children.
There a number of different activities planned by the guide including pond dipping, bird watching, bug hunting and sweep netting. 
In light of these activities please can the children ensure they bring wellies and wear leggings or tracksuit bottoms, as similar to when we visit our own forest school the children need to have their legs covered. 
The children will also need a packet lunch and depending on the weather forecast may need a waterproof coat or a sun hat and sun cream applied. 
If there are any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Mrs Sisson
 
 
 

Parent Intake Evening

11 Jun 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/intake-evening-25-26.pdf

PTFA

10 Jun 2025

colour-run-2025-docx.pdf

Summer dates

05 Jun 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/diary-dates-summer-term.pdf

Yr Urdd Competition

21 May 2025

Urdd logo competition poster

Sharing Learning Event

28 Apr 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/sharing-learning-event.pdf

Newsletter April 2025

11 Apr 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/newsletter-april-2025-compressed.pdf

Author Visit

11 Apr 2025

school-order-slip-durand-primary-school.pdf
If you would like to order a book, either print the slip from this Schoop, or write your child's name, year group and number of copies required on a slip of paper. Please return this to school by MONDAY 28TH APRIL along with the correct money in an envelope. P.D. Leyshon will bring the correct amount of books with him on the Tuesday. 
Please note - books can also be purchased from Amazon.

Home behaviour chart

10 Apr 2025

These are easy to replicate, but I can email them to you if you wish during school time. Happy easter everyone.
Instructions
 

Y3 Outdoor Learning Classroom Donations

07 Apr 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
 
We are excited to be developing our Outdoor Learning Classroom.
 
To help us bring this space to life, we are reaching out to our school community for donations of useful items and materials. If you have any of the following (new or used (in good condition) that you would be willing to donate, we would be incredibly grateful:
 
Items we are looking for:
  • Plant pots (all sizes!)
  • Compost
  • Seeds/ plants
  • Gardening tools and garden canes
  • Cable reels (for seating or tables)
  • Outdoor cushions
  • Nature-themed books
If you are able to donate anything, please send items in with your child. 
 
Thank you for your continued support.
 
Mrs Perry and Mrs Gordon

Movie Treat for Year 6!

04 Apr 2025

This coming Monday as requested Year 6 will be watching Mufasa: The Lion King as a special treat to celebrate my last teaching day with them. The film is PG rated, and while it is suitable for children, I understand that some parents may have preferences regarding it's rating.

If you would prefer your child not to watch the film, please don’t hesitate to contact the school so we can make alternative arrangements.

Additionally, the children are welcome to bring one small treat to enjoy during the movie.

Thank you

Miss Ley


Special PJ & Toy Day to Celebrate Miss Ley’s Last Teaching Day with Year 2!

04 Apr 2025

I am excited to inform you that my last teaching day with Year 2 will be a fun and memorable one! To celebrate, the class has requested a special Pyjama and Bring Your Own Toy day.

Date: Thursday 10th April
What to wear: Cozy pyjamas!
What to bring: A small toy or item of choice (please make sure it is school-appropriate and can be easily carried).

I'm looking forward to making my last day as fun and enjoyable as possible with the children. Thank you for your continued support!

Miss Ley


Easter Bonnet Parade

24 Mar 2025

Just a reminder for your child's art project, decorating an Easter Bonnet. If you would like your child to take part in the Easter Bonnet Parade could you please supply your child with a Bonnet and any Easter-themed items, such as chicks, mini eggs, flowers ASAP 
Reception will be decorating their bonnets this Wednesday (26.3.25)
Year 2 this Thursday (27.3.25)
Year 1 next Monday (31.3.25)
Thank you

Parent Consultation Appointments

24 Mar 2025

https://forms.gle/oSFdWmRox8niV5kM6
 

Egg-citing Responsibility: Caring for Your Egg at Home!

17 Mar 2025

I'm excited to inform you that as part of our upcoming educational activity, your child will be bringing home an egg, don't panic it is hard boiled, to care for over the next week! This hands-on experience not only teaches responsibility but also encourages empathy and nurturing skills.
Please help your child understand the importance of taking care of their egg. It should be kept in a safe place, away from any hazards, and treated gently to avoid cracking. We encourage you to engage with your child during this time and photo tracking any activities they enjoy with their egg.
Thank you for your support in making this a fun and educational experience for our students

Easter Bonnet Parade

12 Mar 2025

As we are approaching Easter, for your child's art project we will be designing and decorating an Easter Bonnet. Could you please supply your child with a Bonnet and any Easter-themed items, such as chicks, mini eggs, flowers etc. They will also have access to all art materials in school. The children will have the chance to show off their creations to the whole school on and Easter Bonnet Parade.
All items to be secured in a bag with your child's name attached and brought to school by Friday 21st March.
Thank you

Gwent Carers Update

07 Mar 2025

https://schoop.co.uk/UploadFiles/9713/whats-on-gwent-carers-hub-march-2025-compressed.pdf

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