Holiday family newsletter (2-pp.)
Author: Your Name

Springfield Primary Academy
Newsletter

Spring Half Term 2 - 2025/2026 27th March 2026

Message from the Headteacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
As the spring term draws to a close, the Headteacher is delighted to reflect on what has been a vibrant, purposeful and inspiring term at Springfield Primary Academy. The school has been filled with curiosity, creativity and joyful learning, with pupils embracing every opportunity—from classroom projects and educational visits to whole‑school celebrations such as World Book Day, Science Week and the inaugural Grand Iftar.
Across the academy, staff have been incredibly proud of the progress pupils have made, both academically and personally. Pupils have shown resilience, ambition and a genuine enthusiasm for learning, whether mastering new mathematical concepts, developing their reading and writing skills, exploring exciting curriculum themes or challenging themselves on residential activities.
The Headteacher would also like to share a special message for the school’s Year 6 pupils, who are now approaching their SATs in May. The whole Springfield community is immensely proud of their hard work, determination and maturity throughout the year. Staff know that each pupil will rise to the challenge with confidence and are wishing them the very best as they continue their preparation. Their efforts, focus and positive attitudes are already shining through, and the school is certain they will achieve their very best.
The school extends sincere thanks to all families for their ongoing support—whether through attending workshops, supporting learning at home or contributing to the wonderful sense of community that makes Springfield so special.
As the holiday begins, the Headteacher wishes every pupil and family a peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable break. Springfield Primary Academy has much to celebrate this term, and the whole community can feel proud of everything achieved together.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break.
Mr. Ahmad Headteacher Springfield Primary Academy

Acorn & Oak Pupils: Wider Curriculum
This half term has been another truly wonderful period of growth and achievement in The Woodlands. Staff have been delighted to see pupils continue to develop their confidence, independence and communication skills, and they have been consistently impressed by the determination and progress shown across all areas of learning.
The topic for the half term, ‘On the Move’, has provided a rich and engaging focus through which pupils have explored a wide range of transport and discovered different places around the world. Across the wider curriculum, pupils have taken part in immersive, hands‑on activities designed to stimulate curiosity and support understanding. These experiences have included building their own vehicles using various materials, investigating maps to locate familiar and unfamiliar places, and learning how people travel in contrasting environments such as cities, deserts and oceans.
Weekly Forest School sessions have once again been a highlight. These outdoor sessions have enabled pupils to deepen their confidence, independence and sense of adventure, while learning through exploration, problem‑solving and play. Pupils have shown increasing resilience and enthusiasm as they work together in natural spaces to investigate textures, build structures and develop their understanding of the world around them.
Throughout the half term, staff have continued to embed important life skills within everyday learning. Pupils have taken great pride in their cooking activities, following steps carefully and working collaboratively to prepare simple recipes. A particular highlight has been the development of the Woodland Shop, where pupils have been involved in every stage of the process—from creating products to sell, to organising the shop layout, to making joint decisions as a team. This project has provided meaningful opportunities for pupils to build independence, communication, teamwork and early enterprise skills.

Acorn & Oak Pupils: Maths and Literacy
In Maths, pupils have explored number through a range of sensory and “messy maths” activities. Songs such as The Wheels on the Bus and Down at the Station have helped pupils build confidence with counting, sequencing and pattern. Linked to the transport theme, pupils have developed their understanding of number and shape by counting passengers on role‑play buses, designing vehicles using different shapes and creating repeating patterns to form trains.
Pupils in Oaks have extended this learning even further by beginning to explore concepts such as time and money, applying their understanding through practical, real‑life contexts to strengthen their awareness of how these skills are used beyond the classroom.
In Literacy, pupils have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with this term’s sensory stories, Naughty Bus and The Train Ride. These stories have been brought to life through carefully planned sensory experiences, enabling pupils to feel, see, hear and interact with key elements of the narrative. Alongside this, pupils have been participating in daily phonics sessions to support early reading development, as well as taking part in regular reading and writing opportunities. They have continued to strengthen their early writing skills through mark making, fine motor activities and beginning to write letter sounds, simple words and short phrases linked to their experiences.
The half term has been filled with curiosity, creativity and meaningful progress, and staff are exceptionally proud of every pupil for their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the term.

Nursery: Exploring Journeys

Our Nursery pupils have enjoyed a wonderful Spring term, filled with curiosity, imagination and purposeful learning. Staff have been delighted to see pupils grow in confidence as they explore new ideas, develop early skills and engage enthusiastically with every part of Nursery life.
This term’s topic, ‘Journeys’, has provided a rich foundation for learning across all areas of the curriculum. Pupils have explored the theme in creative, practical and meaningful ways, drawing on their own experiences and building new knowledge through play and structured activities.
Exploring Journeys
Throughout the term, pupils have been thinking about the many different types of journeys people make. They have explored journeys by car, bus, train and aeroplane and have also thought carefully about the journeys they make on foot. Pupils have enjoyed sharing stories about places they have visited, discussing how they travelled there and what they saw along the way.
Role-play has been a particular highlight, with pupils acting out a variety of imaginative journeys. They have created maps, tickets and signs, built their own vehicles using construction materials and used a range of props to bring their ideas to life. These activities have supported language development, confidence in communication and the ability to work collaboratively with others.

A key focus for the term has been strengthening early number skills, particularly subitising and counting.
Subitising to 3
Pupils have been practising recognising small quantities without the need to count each item. Through games, songs, dice activities and quick‑fire visual challenges, they are becoming increasingly confident at instantly identifying amounts such as one, two and three. Staff have noted that many pupils are now applying this skill independently in their play.
Counting to 5 Pupils have also been developing accuracy and confidence in counting. This has involved:
Counting objects during play and tidy‑up routines
Using number rhymes and songs
Matching numerals to sets of objects
Using language such as “more”, “less” and “how many?”
Through these practical and engaging activities, pupils are becoming more secure in careful, one‑to‑one counting and are proud to share their growing number knowledge with staff and friends.

Nursery: Maths Focus

Reception: ‘We’re On The Move’

Reception has enjoyed an exciting and enriching half term exploring the theme ‘We’re on the Move’. Pupils have thrived as they learned about a wide range of transport and vehicles, including planes, trains, hot air balloons and other ways people travel around the world. Through this theme, pupils have also been introduced to new places, new vocabulary and new stories that have deepened their understanding of journeys and movement.
To support their learning, pupils have engaged with a variety of high‑quality texts that have helped them explore different modes of transport and the adventures they enable. These stories have sparked imagination, encouraged discussion and inspired creative role‑play across the provision.
Pupils have continued to make excellent progress in their early reading. Many are now beginning to read simple ditty books with growing confidence, applying their phonics knowledge with increasing independence. This half term, pupils have strengthened their recall of a wider range of sounds, including special friends such as ck, ch and qu, and have been practising reading tricky words including I, go, no, to and the.
In writing, pupils have been working on both transcription and composition skills. They have been focusing on correct sitting position, secure pencil grip and accurate letter formation. Pupils are beginning to write with more confidence, using their phonics knowledge to build words and sentences and developing the stamina needed for early writing. They are becoming increasingly competent early writers who take pride in their efforts and progress.
Maths learning this half term has centred on:
Subitising beyond 5
Understanding height and length
Developing quick recall of doubles to double 5
Through practical, hands‑on activities, pupils have deepened their understanding of number, strengthened their automaticity and begun to apply these concepts confidently in both structured activities and independent play.

Reception pupils have also explored a range of festivals and celebrations taking place this half term, including Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Lent, Eid and Easter. They have learned about how and why different communities mark these events, and have reflected on similarities and differences with their own beliefs, traditions and experiences. These discussions have supported pupils’ understanding of diversity, respect and community, traditions and experiences. These discussions have supported pupils’ understanding of diversity, respect and community.
Parents and carers are encouraged to continue supporting their pupils’ learning by:
Reading together daily for 10 minutes
Encouraging pupils to write their full name (first name and surname)
Supporting them to write simple sentences such as “I see the cat.”
Helping pupils recognise numbers in the environment
Practising counting backwards from 10
Encouraging pupils to say the double of any number to 5, using their fingers if helpful
These small, regular activities make a big difference and help pupils consolidate what they are learning in school.

Reception: Festivals

How Families Can Support at Home

Year 1: Nurturing Nurses
This half term, Year 1 have been exploring the lives and achievements of two remarkable historical figures: Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. Pupils have learned about what life was like during the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria was on the throne, and have developed a strong understanding of how both women transformed the care of soldiers during the Crimean War.
A particular highlight of the unit was the immersive Florence Nightingale workshop, where pupils stepped back in time to experience key moments from her life. They acted out scenes, investigated real‑life artefacts and explored the challenges Florence faced when she first arrived at Scutari Hospital. Pupils were keen to recall important facts, including:
How many nurses travelled with Florence to Turkey
The improvements she introduced to make the hospital safer and cleaner
Why she became known as “the Lady of the Lamp”
Pupils were fascinated by the lasting impact of Florence’s work and how her ideas continue to influence modern nursing and hospital care today.
Alongside this, pupils also celebrated the courage and resilience of Mary Seacole. They learned how she travelled independently from Jamaica to support wounded soldiers, how she used traditional remedies to provide care, and how her compassion, skill and determination made a significant difference during the war. Pupils were inspired by Mary’s bravery and perseverance, and enjoyed comparing the contributions of both Mary and Florence.

Year 2: Learning about Plants
This half term, Year 2 pupils have been exploring the fascinating topic of plants, centred around their big question: How do seeds and bulbs grow into healthy plants? Pupils have shown great enthusiasm for investigating how living things grow and what they need to thrive.
Throughout the unit, pupils have explored key scientific questions, including “What do plants need to grow?” They created detailed and informative posters explaining the essential elements plants require—such as sunlight, water and suitable temperature—and why each factor is so important. It has been a pleasure to see their curiosity deepen as they learned to recognise different types of plants and distinguish between fruits and vegetables, developing their understanding of the natural world around them.
A highlight of the learning sequence was the pupils’ practical investigation into plant growth. Drawing on their prior knowledge, pupils made predictions before planting cress seeds in three contrasting environments:
One with sunlight but no water
One with water but no sunlight
One with both sunlight and water
Over the following days, pupils observed each pot closely, recording changes and comparing growth in each condition. These careful observations helped them to see clearly how different environmental factors affect a plant’s health, strength and overall development.
In the final lesson of the unit, pupils explored the plant life cycle, focusing specifically on the life cycle of cress. They learned how a seed germinates, how the plant develops leaves and roots and how it eventually produces new seeds, completing the cycle. This learning helped pupils understand that plants change over time and that each stage has an important role in growing new life.

Year 3 have enjoyed an exciting and memorable half term, with a particular highlight being their fantastic trip to Cadbury World. Pupils were eager to explore the different zones and learn about the fascinating history of chocolate, from the journey of the cocoa bean to the modern‑day production processes used in factories today. As they moved through the exhibition, pupils discovered how chocolate is made, watched machinery in action and learned fun facts about the Cadbury family and their impact on Birmingham. The treat of some delicious free chocolate was met with huge smiles and made the experience even more special. It was a fun, informative and wonderfully tasty day that pupils will remember for years to come.

Year 3: Visit to Cadbury World

Year 3 have been deepening their understanding of mechanisms in their Design and Technology unit, with a particular focus on hinges and how they are used in everyday objects. Pupils began by examining real examples—including doors, clipboards, toy boxes and books—to explore how hinges enable controlled movement and why they are designed in specific ways depending on their purpose.
Building on this, pupils investigated the key components within a hinge mechanism. They learned about:
The input — the force applied by the user
The output — the resulting movement
The lever arm — how force is transferred
The pivot — the fixed point that allows smooth rotation
Pupils also explored the role of a split pin in joining materials so that they remain secure while still allowing movement. They practised inserting and fastening split pins accurately and safely, developing both their technical skills and fine motor control.
To consolidate their learning, pupils created labelled technical diagrams of their own hinge designs, identifying each component clearly and explaining how their mechanism would function. They then used card and split pins to construct prototype hinges, testing how effectively their designs moved and considering whether the final outcome matched their original intentions.
As part of the design cycle, pupils evaluated their finished work, reflecting on what worked well and what they might adapt or improve next time. This process encouraged pupils to think like designers—problem‑solving, refining ideas and celebrating the progress they had made.

Year 3: Design Technology

Year 4 - Spectacular Spain

This term, Year 4 have been delving into their vibrant topic, ‘Spectacular Spain’, developing a rich understanding of what makes Spain such an exciting and diverse place to live and visit. Pupils have used a range of maps and atlases to locate European countries and major cities, plotting routes from the UK to Barcelona and identifying key geographical features along the way.
Through their learning, pupils have compared the landscapes, climate and famous landmarks of Spain with those of the UK. They particularly enjoyed discovering the contrasting environments of Barcelona—from sandy beaches and bustling harbour areas to dramatic mountain ranges and lively urban streets. These comparisons helped pupils recognise how climate influences daily life, food, clothing and leisure activities in different parts of the world.
Pupils also explored Spanish traditions, celebrations and cultural symbols, including festivals, music, dance and popular foods. They reflected on similarities and differences between Spanish customs and their own experiences at home, gaining a greater appreciation for diversity and cultural identity.
To conclude the unit, Year 4 investigated trade links between Spain and the UK, learning how Spain’s warm climate makes it ideal for growing produce such as oranges, tomatoes and olives, and how these goods are transported and used in the UK. Pupils enjoyed exploring how countries rely on each other for different products and why some regions specialise in certain types of agriculture.
It has been an engaging and energetic topic that has broadened pupils’ geographical understanding and helped them appreciate why so many people choose to relocate to, visit or enjoy the culture of Spain.

Year 4 - Chinese New Year Workshop

Year 4 - Times Tables at Home

Year 4 pupils continue to benefit greatly from regular practice of their multiplication facts, and even a few minutes each day can make a significant difference to confidence, accuracy and speed. Staff encourage families to support pupils by using Times Table Rock Stars (TTRS) at home, as daily short bursts of practice help pupils feel prepared and excited for the class and school competitions that are regularly set.
Families may also find it helpful to use the Maths Frame Multiplication Tables Check(https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check Multiplication-Tables-Check). This resource mirrors the style of the timed check pupils complete in school, giving them valuable experience of quick‑fire recall in a familiar format.
In addition to online practice, families can support learning through simple everyday activities—such as asking quick multiplication questions on the school run, counting in steps together or spotting number patterns around the home. These small, regular interactions help pupils build fluency and make a big difference over time.

This half term, Year 5 have been fully immersed in the rich and dramatic world of the Tudors, deepening their historical understanding through both classroom learning and an engaging Tudor workshop that transported pupils back to the court of Henry VIII. During the workshop, pupils participated in lively role‑play, debate and decision‑making tasks, exploring the motives behind Henry VIII’s laws and reforms. They also investigated the wider Tudor context, including the age of exploration and England’s alliances with European nations.
In class, pupils began their historical journey by learning about Henry VII and the Battle of Bosworth, a defining moment that marked the start of the Tudor dynasty. They examined how Henry VII secured his position as king, focusing particularly on his clever use of marriage alliances to stabilise the country after years of conflict. Pupils gained a strong understanding of how these alliances helped Henry strengthen his political power and maintain peace across England.
The unit then progressed to the reign of Henry VIII and his famous six wives. Pupils explored the complex political, religious and personal reasons behind Henry’s marriages, analysing how his desire for a male heir, shifting alliances and the influence of key figures shaped his decisions. They also learned about Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church and the formation of the Church of England, discussing the profound and lasting changes this brought to religious life and political power in England.
Year 5 have approached this topic with enthusiasm, curiosity and thoughtful questioning, demonstrating a strong grasp of the causes, consequences and significance of key Tudor events. It has been a highly engaging and informative learning experience.

Year 5: History—The Tudors

As Year 6 approach SATs week (11th–14th May), pupils are continuing to work hard on revising key skills and building confidence across all subjects. Staff are incredibly proud of the commitment pupils have shown so far and encourage them to maintain this momentum over the coming weeks.
During the Easter break, pupils will receive Easter homework packs designed to support their learning in Reading, Maths and SPaG. These packs provide targeted practice to help pupils consolidate their knowledge and revisit any areas where they may need a little extra confidence.
Alongside these resources, pupils are encouraged to make good use of recommended online tools, including:
MathsBot.com – for interactive fluency and reasoning practice
Times Table Rock Stars (TTRS) – to strengthen rapid recall of multiplication facts
MyMaths – for free revision lessons on a wide range of mathematical topics
For spelling and grammar, EdShed remains an essential tool and should be used daily to support accuracy and fluency. Regular reading at home is also incredibly important; pupils benefit greatly from reading aloud each day to build their confidence, pacing and expression.
If pupils have CGP revision books, these should be used consistently throughout the break, as short, focused sessions make a noticeable difference to long‑term retention.
Families are also kindly asked to ensure that pupils continue to attend any before‑ or after‑school intervention sessions they are part of. These sessions are carefully planned to address individual learning needs and are crucial in helping pupils close gaps and feel fully prepared for their assessments.
Year 6 pupils have shown determination, maturity and an excellent work ethic throughout the term, and staff are confident that this continued effort will help them achieve their very best in May.

This half term, the whole school proudly celebrated World Book Day, a much‑loved event that brought pupils together to share their enthusiasm for reading. The day was filled with imagination, creativity and a real sense of excitement as pupils arrived dressed as favourite book characters, showcasing a wonderful variety of costumes inspired by classic stories, modern favourites and much‑loved authors.
Throughout the day, pupils took part in a range of reading-themed activities designed to inspire a love of books. Classes enjoyed shared reading, book‑themed challenges and discussions about their favourite authors and stories. Many pupils particularly enjoyed visiting other classrooms for “mystery reader” sessions, where staff surprised classes by reading extracts from treasured books.
The school also took part in a whole-school ‘Drop Everything and Read’, where pupils and adults alike paused their activities, found a comfortable spot and enjoyed a quiet moment of reading together. This simple but powerful activity reminded everyone of the joy that reading can bring.
World Book Day was a fantastic celebration of creativity and the power of stories. Staff were delighted to see pupils’ confidence in talking about books, recommending stories to one another and showing genuine excitement about reading for pleasure. It was a memorable day that strengthened the school’s shared commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading.

World Book Day at Springfield Primary Academy

Springfield was buzzing with excitement throughout Science Week, as pupils across the school explored this year’s big theme: curiosity. Each year group took part in hands‑on investigations designed to spark questioning, deepen understanding and celebrate the joy of scientific discovery.
In Year 4, pupils investigated whether “wonky” fruit and vegetables taste any different from the perfectly shaped produce often seen in supermarkets. Pupils compared flavour, texture, smell and appearance, using their observations to decide whether looks really matter when it comes to food.
Year 3 explored how water travels through a plant’s stem by placing white carnations in coloured water and observing the gradual colour change spreading through the petals. This investigation helped pupils understand how plants absorb water and transport it through their vascular system.
Year 1 also became budding botanists, learning about capillary action by creating rainbow tissue-paper strips. As coloured ink travelled upwards through the paper, pupils observed how water moves through a plant’s xylem in a similar way.
Meanwhile, Year 2 stepped into the role of engineers, investigating how helicopters and aeroplanes move differently through the air. Pupils designed and tested their own flying models, comparing how changes in structure affected speed, distance and movement.
Science Week was filled with thoughtful questions, careful observations and plenty of curious thinking. Pupils embraced every investigation with enthusiasm, making it a wonderfully memorable week of scientific exploration at Springfield.

Science Week 25/26

Springfield Primary Academy proudly hosted its very first Grand Iftar, marking a significant and memorable occasion for the entire school community. Ramadan is a special period of reflection, gratitude and kindness, and the atmosphere throughout the evening beautifully captured the spirit of this important month.
Families from across the community gathered in the main hall to open their fast with dates, creating a warm and welcoming sense of unity. Pupils, parents and staff then came together for jamaat (congregational prayer), sharing a peaceful moment of reflection and togetherness.
After prayer, everyone enjoyed a delicious selection of food and desserts, many of which had been generously contributed by families. The wonderful spread showcased the generosity, hospitality and community spirit that Ramadan inspires.
The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive. Many shared how special it felt to celebrate such an important moment alongside the wider school community, expressing their appreciation for the inclusive and welcoming environment created by the school.
This first Grand Iftar was a truly successful and heart-warming event—a celebration of shared values, community strength and the kindness that lies at the heart of Springfield. The school looks forward to making this meaningful gathering an annual tradition.
Springfield Primary Academy was delighted to host a joyful and creative Mother’s Day workshop this term. Pupils had a wonderful time crafting thoughtful handmade gifts to celebrate the amazing mums and mother figures in their lives.
During the workshop, pupils designed and made beautiful bracelets and created colourful flower bouquets using pipe cleaners. It was heart‑warming to see pupils and parents working side by side, sharing quality time and chatting happily as they created their unique keepsakes together. The room was filled with smiles, conversation and a lovely sense of togetherness that captured the spirit of Mother’s Day perfectly.
Staff extend a huge thank‑you to everyone who attended and helped make the event so special. The school hopes that all mums and mother figures enjoy their thoughtful, handmade gifts—and the special memories made along the way.

Mother’s Day Workshop

Year 4 & Year 5 Residential Visit – Caythorpe Court
In the final week of term, twelve pupils from Years 4 and 5 enjoyed a fantastic two-night residential visit to Caythorpe Court outdoor activity centre. For many pupils, this was their first time away from home without parents, and they showed superb independence, maturity and enthusiasm throughout the stay.
Upon arriving on Monday lunchtime, pupils immediately began their adventure with a series of challenging problem‑solving activities. Working in teams, they demonstrated excellent communication skills and impressive perseverance as they tackled each task and collaborated to find solutions.
Next came one of the highlights of the trip: The Giant Swing. Known as the “ultimate test of nerve”, the swing involved pupils being harnessed together and hoisted high into the air before launching into a huge pendulum drop. Pupils showed tremendous courage and excitement, and staff were incredibly impressed by how bravely they embraced the challenge.
After a delicious evening meal, pupils enjoyed a relaxing yet memorable campfire session, complete with songs and toasted marshmallows—an ideal end to a brilliant first day.
Day two was packed full of adventure. Pupils began with orienteering, putting their map‑reading skills to the test as they navigated the site to locate different markers. This was followed by great fun on the Giant Stand-Up Paddleboard, where all twelve pupils shared one enormous paddleboard, paddling around the lake, playing games and enjoying plenty of splashes in the water.
After a well-deserved lunch, pupils completed the sensory trail, before taking on the thrilling high ropes course. Despite strong winds and some understandable nerves, pupils showed incredible resilience and bravery as they moved around the elevated obstacles with determination and teamwork.
Following another tasty dinner, pupils rounded off the evening with an energetic and engaging game of Cluedo, using their orienteering skills to solve the mystery of the missing trapeze equipment. By bedtime, everyone was happily exhausted from an action‑packed day.
On the final morning, pupils took part in two last activities: Aeroball, a fast-paced combination of trampolining and ball games, and the Trapeze, a climbing challenge that required pupils to scale a tall wooden pole before making a fully harnessed leap from the top. Pupils showed outstanding determination and encouraged one another every step of the way.
After these final adventures, it was time to head home. The group returned tired but full of pride, having created unforgettable memories and developed their independence, teamwork and confidence.
Pupils described the trip as “awesome” and highly recommended the experience to others. Families interested in future residential opportunities are encouraged to look out for information in upcoming newsletters.

Eco Council—Tree Planting

Eco Council—Switch Off Campaign

The Eco Committee have been working incredibly hard this term, making a meaningful contribution to the local community through an exciting partnership with Birmingham Tree People. Their project began with pupils learning about a variety of tree species and discussing the vital role trees play in supporting a healthy environment—from improving air quality to providing habitats for wildlife and helping to create greener, more sustainable spaces.
Armed with this knowledge, the group set off on a local walk to identify suitable locations for new trees to be planted. Pupils carefully considered factors such as available space, access to sunlight and how each site might benefit the community in the long term. Their thoughtful observations helped them select areas where trees could grow safely and thrive.
Following their survey, the Eco Committee helped to plant five new trees across Sparkhill. One tree now stands proudly on the roundabout near the school’s main entrance, while four more have been planted in Sparkhill Park, adding to the area’s greenery and biodiversity.
To accompany the newly planted trees, pupils created thoughtful and informative signs to place beside each one, encouraging the community to care for them and celebrate the effort that has gone into the project. These signs reflect the pupils’ pride, knowledge and commitment to environmental stewardship.
The school warmly invites families to take a walk, visit the trees and see firsthand the fantastic contribution pupils have made toward improving the local environment. It has been an inspiring project that truly reflects the Eco Committee’s dedication and passion for making a positive difference.

The Eco Committee have also been working hard this term to lead the school’s Switch Off Campaign, an initiative designed to reduce daily energy use and encourage everyone at Springfield to develop more sustainable habits.
Pupils have been carrying out regular checks across classrooms, ensuring that lights, screens and electrical equipment are switched off whenever they are not needed. Their commitment and attention to detail have already begun to make a noticeable difference around the school.
To involve the whole community, the committee launched an exciting energy‑saving slogan competition, inviting pupils to design posters with catchy messages to promote positive energy habits. The winning slogan will soon be chosen and displayed around the school as a reminder of the small actions everyone can take to save energy.
The campaign has now expanded even further, with KS1 classes appointing their own energy monitors to support the effort. These pupils help classmates remember to switch off lights and screens throughout the day, reinforcing the idea that everyone can play a part in looking after the environment.
The enthusiasm, leadership and sense of responsibility shown by the Eco Committee have been outstanding. Their work continues to inspire the whole school community and is helping Springfield become more environmentally responsible with each passing week.

E-Safety Reminders
With the Easter break coming up, children will be more likely to spend time online to keep in contact with friends, complete homework or join in games online. It’s very important to keep an eye on what your child is doing online, checking who they are talking with and checking what content they are accessing.
Below are some top tips to support you and your child online over the holidays
Have dedicated “screen time” during the day where you can all be in the same room on devices. This allows you to limit how long your child is using screens as well as monitor what they are doing.
Encourage your children to engage in play offline. With warmer weather it’s a great time to get outside and explore the local area. You can use plant identifying apps or a stargazing app to show the benefits of technology to support learning in place of just entertainment.
Talk frequently about what you are looking at online. Discuss what you have done on your devices and ask your children. This will help them understand it is safe place to discuss upsetting things and that you’ll be there to support them
Set limits on apps. Reduce screen time by setting a time limit on apps to prevent overuse and “doom scrolling” on social media. Remember, children under 13 are not permitted on most social media sites, including Youtube. Use child friendly apps instead.
Below are links for setting screen time limits for Apple devices (iPad, iPhone) and Android devices (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.). You can manually set time limits for individual apps, allowing longer access on the applications you see as appropriate.
Use Screen Time to manage your child’s iPhone or iPad – Apple Support (UK)
Manage how you spend time on your Android phone with Digital Wellbeing - Android Help
Top links:
https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2026/top-tips-for-parents-and-carers
Get online safety advice by age, apps and activity | Internet Matters
Parental controls and privacy settings guides | Internet Matters

Attendance Myth Buster Spotlight
MYTH vs FACT
MYTH: “It’s only primary school — attendance doesn’t matter yet.”
FACT: Good habits start early. Regular attendance in primary builds strong foundations for learning, confidence and friendships.
MYTH: “Missing a day here and there won’t make a difference.”
FACT: Even small absences add up. One day every two weeks equals almost four weeks of lost learning across a year.
MYTH: “They’re too tired today — one day off won’t hurt.”
FACT: Tiredness is usually solved with routines, not absence. Staying home often makes the cycle harder to break.
MYTH: “They’re a bit under the weather — better to stay home.”
FACT: Mild colds, sniffles and coughs are fine for school. If they’re well enough to play, eat and chat at home, they’re usually well enough to attend.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD:
If your child is tired: Try an earlier bedtime for a few nights Prepare bags, lunches and uniform the night before If your child is anxious about school:
Talk to us early — we can help with routines, friendships or worries If you’re unsure about illness:
Check NHS guidance or call the school office before keeping them off If mornings are stressful: Use a simple morning checklist
Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes earlier to avoid the rush

Dates for your diary

27.03.26	Break Up For Easter Holidays
13.04.26	Start of Summer 1—All pupils return to school
21.04.26	Mckee—Attwell Farm Trip
23.04.26	Inkpen—Attwell Farm Trip
24.04.26	Year 5—Anne Frank Workshop
27.04.26	School Photographers
04.05.26	May Day Bank Holiday—School Closed
11.05.26-14.05.26	Year 6 SATs Week
15.05.26	Year 6—Ackers Trip
07.05.26	Year 4 - Dudley Zoo
22.05.26	Year 5—Space Station Trip
22.05.26	Break Up For Half Term
01.06.26	Start of Summer 2—All pupils return to school

Can we remind parents/carers to log into their ParentPay accounts and clear any outstanding dinner money balances before the start of the Summer Term.
If you do not have access to your ParentPay account, please speak to a member of the administration team who can help you access your account.

ParentPay Reminder

Springfield Primary Academy - Newsletter

0121 464 3618 enquiry@springfieldacademy.org.uk springfieldprimarybirmingham www.springfieldacademy.org.uk