Weekly Update

Fairlight Primary and Nursery School 2025-2026

 

AUTUMN TERM WEEK 11

The was a one cold football club this Friday. Temperatures have certainly dropped.

The school however is nice and warm inside with so much learning going on.

 

 

COMMUNITY WEEK

Next Week is Community Week in school where we are celebrating and finding out all about our local community and what is has to offer. There will be a range of different workshops running throughout the whole week. We have run this event previously and the children took part and found out about some amazing experiences, activities and groups.

Below are two adverts for two of the most popular events we have previously hosted. Put them in your diary as you don't want to miss out. The hair workshop is one of the most talked about workshop and has changed some peoples lives!!! (I kid you not).

 

SANTA DASH UPDATE

Check out how we are raising money. 

https://fairlightpta.charityhive.co.uk/fundraising/fairlight-staff

 

Weekly Update

Fairlight Primary and Nursery School 2025-2026

 

AUTUMN TERM WEEK 10

What a busy week in school this week. We have had trips to see author Michael Rosen. Anti-Bullying Week. Cross Country. And so many other amazing learning opportunities.

 

FAIRLIGHT IS 150

We are starting to plan for this. Click on this form if you have any ideas or want to be part of this. That might be parents. Family members. Ex pupils. Ex members of staff.

WE ARE 150 – Fill in form

 

EVERYONE LOVES A TRIP

There are some new pictures on our website of some of the amazing learning opportunities that children get at Fairlight.

This term Year 5 went to a stable to learn all about looking after and riding horses.

https://www.fairlight.brighton-hove.sch.uk/beondtheclassroom/events

 

CHRISTMAS DATES ARE NOW ON OUR CHRISTMAS AT FAIRLIGHT PAGE ON THE WEBSITE.

https://www.fairlight.brighton-hove.sch.uk/beondtheclassroom/christmas-at-fairlight-2025

 

BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Can I remind parents to ensure they are supervising their children outside the school gate before school starts in the morning?

Also, to ask that parents do not start congregating at the gate from 8am in the morning. You don’t need to get here that early and if you do you don’t need to wait outside someone’s house.

Whilst you are in charge of the children until school opens it is us that gets the complaints about children running around unsupervised.

 

GETTING TO CLASS ON TIME

I know many parents take a slow walk to work. And on a day when they might have “that meeting” it might be an even slower walk.

We have a number of Year 5 and Year 6 children who are doing the same. The time it takes them to get from the school gate to the classroom is often quite amazing. And that is often not helped by them making it in the gate with seconds to spare.

Can you remind them of the William Shakespeare quote "Better three hours too soon than a minute too late".

But linked to the above about being a good neighbour being on time when the gate opens and then getting straight up to class would be the perfect scenario.

 

FOOTBALL UPDATE

Our first league game of the season took place last week against Coldean. We are often asked about the fact we play Coldean a lot. They have a pitch we can always use. Mr Wilson who runs the football at Coldean used to work with us at Fairlight. And there is nothing wrong with a bit of a local rivalry.

And as those who read the football updates will know games at Coldean are always tight and due to the “hill” a game of two halves.

I am pleased to say that a strong first half in which our defensive wall was tested. And our goalkeeper was on top form ended 1-1. And we were playing uphill.

An end to end second half was heading to a scoreless draw when we used the hill. Kept our width and our Number 9 (who was tasked with scoring the same number of goals as his number) got free and scored the winner.

A few long and “we don’t know where they came from” minutes were played out and the game finished with a 2-1 win for Fairlight.

 

THIS SATURDAY Brighton Football Show

Many of you may know that Mr Jordan loves a football card, football shirt and of course Brighton and Hove Albion.

On Saturday 15^th November 2025 he will be at the Amex as part of the Brighton Sports Card and Memorabilia Show along with over 120 other vendors with a range of football cards, football shirts and football memorabilia as well as for other sports as well. This is not the stuff you can get in the local newsagents this is the stuff you hear about online or see in collections.

Click the link to find out more and get tickets.

https://forasportstrading.co.uk/event/brighton-sports-card-memorabilia-show/

Weekly Update

Fairlight Primary and Nursery School 2025-2026

 

AUTUMN TERM WEEK 9

It has been great to see everyone back after the half term break. Sadly the weather wasn’t the greatest and we are now (with the clock changes) back to the cold and dark part of the year. I am however sure after visiting a number of classrooms this week that the brightness will be around the amazing learning happening in so many classrooms.

 

Brighton Football Show

Many of you may know that Mr Jordan loves a football card, football shirt and of course Brighton and Hove Albion.

On Saturday 15^th November 2025 he will be at the Amex as part of the Brighton Sports Card and Memorabilia Show along with over 120 other vendors with a range of football cards, football shirts and football memorabilia as well as for other sports as well. This is not the stuff you can get in the local newsagents this is the stuff you hear about online or see in collections.

Click the link to find out more and get tickets.

https://forasportstrading.co.uk/event/brighton-sports-card-memorabilia-show/

Say No to Bullying

In our ‘Fairlight Says No to Bullying week’, the children will be learning about how to be a good friend, what bullying behaviour is and strategies to deal with it, should they come across this.

The theme of Power for Good has come about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes. This year we’ll empower children and young people to use their Power for Good to speak out, support others, and build a world where kindness wins. Imagine a world where respect and kindness thrive — it’s not just a dream, it's in the choices we make.

Odd Socks Day

On Monday 10th November we would like all of the children and staff to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us unique.

Governors Needed

We are still in need of Governors for the school. This can either be parents or it may be friends and family or even work colleagues who could take on the role of Community Governors.

If you are interested please let the School Office know and they can give you an application form.

Library Opening Times After School

The Library is open after school on a Friday for parents and children to get some of the amazing books we have to read and share at the weekend.

Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation

The Foundation do an amazing job across the city and Sussex with a range of different things that are not just about football.

Join our Inclusive Football sessions in Sussex.

https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/football-participation/disability-football/

Weekly Update

WEEKLY UPDATE 

 

Fairlight Primary and Nursery School 2025-2026

AUTUMN TERM WEEK 8

 

A busy last week of term with a final Friday that includes a Spooky Disco- whoever planned that needs to be spoken with!!!

A school full of children on the last day of term dressed in various spooky costumes and covered in fake blood.

It is almost the opening line from a scary film.

I hope everyone has a lovely half term break and gets to visit and spend time with family and friends as well as getting to do all those jobs and things that you don't get time to do during the term. I am lucky enough to be able to focus on some football so will be at OId Trafford on Saturday, at the Emirates on Wednesday- both times watching the mighty Seagulls smash the teams in red. And will be spending some time the weekend after with one Gianfranco Zola- oh and of course one 15 year old on Half Term also. 

 

GOOD LUCK MISS MAY

Today Miss May leaves us for her new role as Interim Head of School at Middle Street Primary. We wish her well for her new role. We gave her a Fairlight Farewell and reminded her that for a week we will miss her and then if we meet her at sporting events or activities in her new role that we will say hi but then we will go back to winning and smashing them!!!!

 

SANTA DASH AND PARK RUN (see below)

Whilst we are all still in denial about the big C- Christmas we have announced to the school that we will be undertaking a Santa Dash again this year. See the enclosed advert.

If you want to get involved and help with this please contact the school.

If you want to get in training for the Santa Dash you might want to join us this Sunday at the Park Run in Queens Park. 

 

 

PTA AGM AND PTA TREASURER

We are still looking for a PTA Treasurer.

 

SAY NO TO BULLYING (see below)

Say No to Bullying Week is coming up on Monday 10th November. At Fairlight we will be kicking off the week with "odd socks" day on Monday 10th November to celebrate our differences.

The theme this year is POWER FOR GOOD.

During the week we will be doing a range of lessons and sessions around a selection of themes.

Please speak to your child during the week about what they have been learning.

And experience tells us that if they start to talk to you about bullying then please do not come rushing in worried they are being bullied. Ask them to explain more about what they are learning and what it all means before panicking!!!

When children represent the school we give them the football kit however we do need it back for future games and events. Sometimes children get confused and think they can keep it for ever. Sadly that isn't the case.

Please have a hunt around at half term for any of our kit at home.

 

A FEW QUICK REMINDERS FROM THE OFFICE

• Headlice/ Nits: Please treat your child in half term just in case, all hair longer than ear length should be up in a style that will last all day - this is the best, easiest and cheapest! For ways to prevent the spread of nits see the letter below. 
• Christmas Card Designs: Children should have come home with them by now - they worked very hard on them - please order by Monday 10^th November midday - every order raises money for the school. 
• Compass: All parents need Compass, both parents have accounts set up, it is not one account per child. You will need compass for school reports, trip consents and parents' evenings bookings. If you are struggling with logging in, please see Carly at the office. You will miss vital information about your child if you don't! 
• Photo Consent: Please fill in new photo consents via compass over the half term 
• Year 3/4/5: Year 3, 4 and 5 parents, please given consent for Michael Rosen Live trip on Compass. 
• Attendance: Well done - we've had the most children ever achieve over 96% attendance this half term - certificates coming home with children today! Keep it up! 

 

AND A ROMAN BATTLE IN TYPICAL ENGLISH CONDITIONS

In typical Ancient Britain style this years Roman Battle between Emperor Jordan and his Leigion of Dome and the Year 4 Battalion was met with torrential rain, some flooding and dark and grey conditions.

Two very different Leigions took to the battle and used very different tactics.

The Leigion of Dome took the high ground. Employed a range of "mercenaries" from across the school and used their brains as well as their brawn by also inviting Brighton and Hove Riot police to attend.

Pelicans took a very measured approach and were a strong fighting machine and kept very tightly in formation. Puffins took a very different approach and went with the slightly more adventourous approach of "look after yourself". 

The children were able to then oberve the police undertaking their formations and also to then speak to the police about their equipment and how it is very similar to that of the Ancient Romans. Emperor Jordan was able to demonstrate how hard you can hit a police shield and helmet with a baton and the policeman still wearing it. Perks of the job of the winning Emperor!!!

 

Weekly Update

WEEKLY UPDATE 

 

 

FAIRLIGHT PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL 2025-2026 

AUTUMN TERM WEEK 7

 

Lots to share and lots to tell you about this week as we move towards Half Term. That should hopefully mean next weeks update should be a little bit quieter.

 

MR KNIGHT’S NEW ROLE

I am pleased to inform you that Paul Knight will be taking on the role of Interim Deputy Headteacher at Fairlight Primary and Nursery School. As you know, Michelle May will be taking on the role of Interim Head of School at Middle Street after half-term, and Mr Knight will therefore be taking over much of her role at Fairlight as well. He will, of course, remain very much part of the Year 6 team. I know he will be an excellent “Number One” at Fairlight (he will also enjoy the Star Trek reference).

I am very proud of all the staff at Fairlight, but I am particularly proud of Paul and Michelle as they move to the next stage of their leadership journeys. I know they will have learnt a lot from working as part of the leadership team at Fairlight, and the new roles and additional responsibilities will give them the chance to put this into practice.

NURSERY PLACES GOING VERY FAST

During the tours this week, I have had the pleasure of spending a lot more time in Nursery and Reception, and it has prompted me to write to encourage you to get your child’s name down early.

Our Nursery is filling up very quickly – in fact, quicker than usual. So if your child is approaching Nursery age, or even if they have only just been born, please get their name on the list as there are now limited places available.

I would also add that Gem, Cath, and the Nursery team do an amazing job, as many of you who have had children in Nursery will know – which is one of the main reasons it is filling up so quickly.

RECEPTION FOR SEPTEMBER 2026

The Reception tours for September 2026 have started, and with the Nursery filling up, I am reminding parents to get those application forms filled in for Fairlight for September 2026. Also, get booked onto a tour – two tours down already this term and lots more to come.

If you know someone who is looking for a place for their child for September, as I always say: “You are the best advert and the best salesperson for the school.” So encourage them to book onto a tour and keep reminding them about our amazing school.

Our numbers across the school continue to creep up, and we are welcoming families in most year groups every week.

FANTASTIC JOINT INSET DAY

Our joint INSET Day with Hertford Primary and Middle Street was a huge success. BACA were great hosts, and we got to spend lunchtime in the BACA dining hall eating and chatting with staff across the three schools, as well as with BACA students and former Fairlight students who came and said hello. I know staff enjoyed that – although being called “sir” is a little tricky to get used to! It was such a nice experience and nothing like the “madness” you are led to believe a secondary school lunchtime is like.

The INSET training was excellent and really challenged our thinking in many areas of school life. The three schools will continue to work together to explore and implement what was learnt from the Kit Messenger Empowerment Approach over the next 12 months.

HARVEST THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Harvest appeal. Your donations have been collected and are already being put to good use.

STILL LOOKING FOR – HAVE YOU GOT?

We are looking for copies of The Week magazine – a news magazine for children – and also any wildlife magazines. Please give them to Year 5.

RECEPTION READING AFTERNOON

I was lucky enough to spend some time in Reception this week teaching (and I’m sure the Reception children will tell you they did the teaching!) phonics. I was blown away by how amazing the children are at their phonics. They weren’t just brilliant (and I don’t say that lightly) at phonics – I got a full explanation from the children of how to teach it: what I have to do, where I have to sit, what I have to say, how long I have to do things, and what I should do next. I’m not sure how much I got right, as I was a little bit scared to ask for feedback!

Joking aside, this shows what excellent routines the children have in their phonics learning, but also – and very importantly – how comfortable they are explaining their learning, which is a big achievement.

I was then able to spend some time at the Reception Reading Afternoon. Miss Tucker gave parents a whistle-stop tour of the teaching of phonics and how we deliver it, as well as the routines and systems around books and reading, and how parents can support the school.

Then everyone got the chance to visit the School Library and spend some time there. I know over the years many schools have moved away from school libraries to class library corners. We have both, and are very lucky to have Mrs Steele, who makes our library look such an amazing place.

PTA – WE NEED YOU

It is the PTA AGM this Monday. Please try to get involved with the PTA, as they provide essential support and funding for the school – including lots of those little things that we can no longer afford with the current government funding.

The PTA have asked me to put out a plea:

We’re looking for someone to take on the role of PTA Treasurer – a key part of keeping things running smoothly. The Treasurer looks after our finances, tracks income and spending, keeps receipts and records, and presents simple financial reports.

This role is very flexible and can mostly be done from home. If you stay on top of it, it shouldn’t take more than about half an hour a week, so it’s easy to fit around other commitments.

If you’re organised, comfortable with numbers, and want to make a difference behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you.

Please get in touch if you’d like to know more or are interested in putting your name forward.

I would add that this could be done by an extended member of the family – an aunt or uncle who always says they wish they could help more, or a nanny or grandad who think they’re getting on with retired life but look bored and need something to keep them occupied.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

All taken and sent home, ready for you to order.

Staff also had their photos updated at the same time, ready for new badges.

FOOTBALL THIS WEEK

Girls’ Football

Our Girls’ “Donut Team” took part in the Brighton Schools Girls’ Festival last week at East Brighton Park. This was a tough challenge, as none of the girls plays for a team, and for many of them this was their first time playing in a match against other schools.

We started with a reality check against a team with several England internationals (or at least that’s what it felt like!). Despite amazing goalkeeping and some “playground” tackles, we let in a few goals.

From that point on, however, every game was very close – including against one of the teams who made the final. We started to use the space, move the ball around, and continued with some tough tackles. We progressed, and although we didn’t score, the last two games felt like a goal was coming.

We now move back to the League over the next half-term.

Year 5 Football

Our Year 5 team made its first outing of the season on Friday with an away trip to Coldean to play Coldean and Coombe Road in a mini tri-school meet-up.

Our first game against Coombe Road was the perfect start to the Year 5 (with a Year 4, as always) team’s season. They swarmed Coombe Road, got amongst them, battled, and once one goal went in, they went for it. A convincing 5–0 (not bad in just 15 minutes!) followed, with some excellent defending from our two-player wall and a goalkeeper who got bored and started trying to join the scoring from his goal kicks.

For our second game, we had to play uphill against the hosts, Coldean. Home pitch advantage and some home team referee decisions made for a tough game. The home team were left with the odd breakaway as their goal was constantly under threat, and their six-player backline deflected shot after shot. The game finished in a 0–0 draw. However, I know we’ll be back, and with a half-time change of ends in a future game, I’m confident we’ll get back to winning ways.

WEEKLY UPDATE

Each week on Friday there will be an update on all things to do with Fairlight.

Please read and click on the links to find out what is going on.

 

WEEKLY UPDATE

 

FAIRLIGHT PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL 2025-2026

 

 AUTUMN TERM WEEK 4

 

The weeks seem to be flying by at the moment. This I think is also linked to how quickly it seems to be getting dark in the evenings and waking up in the darkness in the morning- well those who get up early!!

 

VOLUNTEERS IN SCHOOL

We take a range of volunteers in school. Those looking for carers in education. From potential teachers to teaching assistants. To parents who just want to come in to school and help. Work placements. And former students who are doing various courses.

 

We are always looking for volunteers and have a range of things they can be doing. Reading is a great one to come in to school and do with children. Teachers all love a reading Volunteer.

 

Sadly (but not sadly) we have to go through a number of processes including asking for a DBS check for parents. This is now costing us to do so people who are volunteers will need to make a commitment. We may even ask those who are looking to Volunteer as a stepping stone to pay for this.

 

I will also say at this point if you are a Grandparent reading this and you are not out enjoying every last minute of your well-earned retirement then we would love to see you. Many of our children do not see or have Grandparents who are local or around and they absolutely love “Grandparent Volunteers”. And so do we.

 

As well as Volunteers to be in school working on academic areas and with children we are always looking for people to support us with their skills in other ways. We have a couple of brick walls that need building. Some areas of the school that need painting. And other jobs that if they can be done for cheaper or free will allow us to use these budgets for other things.

 

FOOTBALL THIS WEEK AT THE TRAINING GROUND

Our School 1^st Team took part in the Primary Stars Tournament at the Brighton and Hove Training Ground on Thursday in Lancing.

 

This is the first outing for the school football team this year and it was a tough first outing for a newly formed team.

3 games against tough opposition ended 3-0/ 2-0 and 3-0. And sadly, not in a favour. Some top goalkeeping kept the scores down also along with a Van Heeke type display in defence.

Training will now focus on shooting and tackling!!!

 

PLAYING FOOTBALL OUT OF SCHOOL

I am often asked and often advise that the best way to improve football is to play more football and as was shown at the tournament this week playing in a team out of school on bigger pitches and against other teams is great training and teaches so much more than kicking a ball around with friends or even Friday Football.

 

It is however often quite tough to find a local team as there are not lots of them and often they are already established.

 

https://find.englandfootball.com/

 

If you follow this link then you can find out which clubs might be local to you and then you can contact them to find out if they have spaces or a team to join.

 

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

It’s that time.

See the timetable on the School Council page and you might want to spend this weekend getting the applications together.

 

https://www.fairlight.brighton-hove.sch.uk/in-the-classroom/other-classroom-information/school-council

 

PARK RUN ON SUNDAY

 

This Sunday (28th), the children of Fairlight have been invited to gather as many willing participants as we can to take part in the Queen's Park Parkrun junior event.

Every Sunday at 9 am at various parks across Brighton (and the country), 2K (2000m) Junior Parkrun events take place. Junior parkrun is a free, fun, friendly, weekly, community event organised by volunteers of all ages for children aged 4 to 14, so gather your siblings, cousins and neighbours to take part. Junior parkrun is a great introduction for all the family to be physically active outside together. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate with us.

 

Taking part is easy! Once you have registered your child, their account will have a barcode that you need to bring along (printed out or on your phone) on Sunday morning to take part in junior parkrun.

 

I would recommend getting there at least 10 minutes early.

Hope to see you there

 

Please sign up via link below

 

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/

 

HARVEST FESTIVAL

We are going to have our special Harvest assembly on the 8th October led by “Off the Fence” a local Charity who support Brighton and Hove’s most vulnerable families.

 

In support we will be reaching out to the school community for donations of food and basic necessities.

 

If you are able to donate, however small please kindly drop items off on to the playground on Wednesday, 15th October.

 

We truly appreciate your support and generosity and every donation is gratefully received.

 

The items we are collecting this year are listed below. 

 

Best wishes,

Mrs Austrin

RE lead

 

The items we are collecting in Harvest assemblies this year:

·        Socks (thin or thick)

·        Deodorant

·        Hand gel

·        Pot noodle

·        Instant oatmeal

·        Canned soup

·        Biscuits

·        Multipack chocolate bars

·        Cleaning materials

·        Toilet rolls

·        Wet wipes (for body)

·        Tena Lady type pads/ incontinence pads

 

SMART PHONE FREE CAMPAIGN

Enclosed is a letter from Councillor Daniels regarding the Councils decision to support schools to become Smart Phone Free.

 

I can confirm that at the current time we will continue to allow parents to make this decision as this is ultimately a parent decision and we are happy that the schools policies around phones in school are robust and work.

 

It remains my personal view that this is a parenting issue and should be decided by parents. Schools have enough to be focused on and limited resources enough and whilst I welcome the Council having a position I do feel they should be spending time, effort and resources in other areas or campaigning in other areas. Sadly they are not.

WEEKLY UPDATE

FAIRLIGHT PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

2025-2026

AUTUMN TERM WEEK 3

 

Another great week of learning at Fairlight this week. I have been extremely lucky to have seen so many excellent examples of learning that have either been sent to see me in my office or that I have seen in visits to the classrooms. It is always so nice when children want to share with you their amazing learning and equally when they are really proud of what they have achieved.

 

SECONDARY SCHOOL VISITS

 

We have updated and continue to update the school website with information about the range of open sessions and visits for Year 6 pupils and their families.

You can of course go on to the individual school’s website and see when they are holding the meetings.

 

CHECK YOUR COMPASS AND THE WEBSITE

Each day more and more information is updated and uploaded to Compass and our School Website. Please keep a check of this so you don’t miss anything important.

 

BRINGING THINGS TO THE OFFICE DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

 

I have never worked in a school where there has been such a busy school office during the day for phonecalls and parents “popping in”. This is often for things that might be able to wait until the end of the day or next day or to bring in things that have been forgotten.

Emergencies and very urgent we completely understand however I would ask parents to think if it really is urgent or important before they come in. It is taking valuable time away from other jobs and things the office staff are doing that is starting to impact on their ability to meet deadlines and get other things done.

 

Weekly Update Autumn Term Week 2

 

WEEKLY UPDATE

 

FAIRLIGHT PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

 

2025-2026

 

AUTUMN TERM WEEK 2

 

Fantastic Week- except the weather at times!!

 

What a great first full week back at school. Only another 187 more school get ups until the next Summer Holiday.

 

I have seen so many examples of children who have come back to school and got straight back to their learning but also (and this was a theme in the certificates in assembly today) of children who have come back to school and are being extremely kind to other children, helping the teachers and adults as well as the new children and have come back with an excellent attitude towards learning.

A number of children today in assembly had every Learning Superhero ticked on their certificates.

 

Reception Children

 

We have been so impressed with how our Reception children have started the school year. There have been so many sensible and grown up (I know they are

only 4) children coming in to school in the morning.

We will now start moving towards the next phase of the start of the year which will be ALL parents saying goodbye at the door and letting the children come in to the corridor alone.

This will also then allow the final few children who do need something different or extra to have more space and time with the key adults as they are not needing to speak to quite the volume of parents and have a bit more space to mover around in.

 

And a special mention to our Year 1 children (who used to be Reception) as they have all gone this week from meeting and lining up in the Playground to now walking into school all on their own and walking up to class.

 

Parents in School

 

ALL parents who come in to school must come via the School Office and will be asked to sign in also.

 

As you will understand this is for the safety and well being of all of the children and staff.

 

Also, just to remind you that teachers are in class in the morning at the start of the day greeting all of the children. Settling everyone in. Taking the registers and starting the learning.

If you have a message for the teacher or need to talk to them this information can be passed on to them either via Compass or by passing the message to the other adults at the gate, in the playground or at the office.

I know it is tempting to see an open door and think I will go and speak to the teacher however we cannot have adults just walking into the school and wandering around.

 

Gate Times

 

We have been asked by several parents to explain how their child is late when they come in the main gate.

 

In simple there is late through the main gate. Late via the front door and then VERY late.

 

The gates open at 8.40am.

 

Registers start at 8.45 and are closed at 8.55 at the very latest.

 

The gate however stays open until about 9am.

 

Anyone can work out that you cannot walk through the gate at 8.55am (and even 8.50am if you are on the top floor) and be at the classroom by 8.55am to not be late.

Children coming through the gate when they open are fine. Anyone after that needs to remember to move quickly to get to class on time.

 

Taxis in the Road Outside School

 

You will have noticed that some of the children who come to school in taxis organised by the Local Authority are being dropped at the front gate in the morning.

This is to ensure the children can access the school via the ramp which they need to come in the school and to access the lifts.

 

If you come to school in a taxi that you have organised these are not registered with the Local Authority/ Council and are not exempt from the School Streets rules and regulations.

 

School Streets

 

This continues to ensure the safety and well being of all of the children and our school community in the morning and after school.

 

The rules remain the same that no one should be driving along the road by the main gates in the morning and that access here is restricted.

 

We await the installation of the cameras that would issue fines for anyone not following these road restrictions.

 

Until then we continue to monitor and manage this.  

 

Uniform- including jewellery

 

Thank you to all of the parents who continue to send their children to school in the correct school uniform.

 

As PE is up and started we have noticed a number of children who are wearing jewellery to school. Necklaces, rings and Bracelets particularly.

 

These are not school uniform and should be being worn to school for the safety of everyone but also as these are often precious and could be lost.

 

The Uniform information is:

 

JEWELLERY/ MAKE UP

 

• A watch- which is the responsibility of the child throughout the day
• One wristband (not jewellery) is allowed.
• No necklaces.
• Small plain stud or sleeper earrings- no fancy styles, gems or stones. Hoops or dangly earrings are not permitted. Must be covered or removed for PE if required.
• No Make up.
• No hats to be worn in school- they can be worn to school.
• Nail Varnish is not advised.
• 3 appropriate badges will be allowed.

 

Parent Visits

 

Two reminders here.

 

Year 6 parents please start looking up when our local secondary schools are holding their Open Evenings and events for you to attend. It all happens very quickly this term so get on it now.

Future Reception parents can book on our New Parent Tours now.

 

https://www.fairlight.brighton-hove.sch.uk/parents-and-carers/joining-us

 

 These can get very busy and booked so don’t leave it to late.

 

As we always say the best advert for a school is to go and visit. However it is also the views and thoughts of parents and children who are currently their. With that in mind if you have a friend, family member, neighbour and even someone on the street. Tell them what an amazing school Fairlight is and that they need to send their child here. And then tell them to book to come and see for themselves.

WEEKLY UPDATE

FAIRLIGHT PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

2025-2026

AUTUMN TERM WEEK 1

Welcome Back

As I have shared already on Compass it is great to see everyone back at Fairlight. It has been a very busy few days getting back into new routines but also starting the new learning in new classes and year groups.

A big welcome to our Reception children who have been in this week with parents for Stay and Play and to meet the teachers, complete the final paperwork and information sharing and to finalise their start routines.

A welcome to the new families we also have across the school and in some cases from across the globe. I know the existing parents will make you feel welcome and part of the school community.

The term has started with all of the children focusing on our Learning Superheroes and the Golden Rules. If you want to become involved then ask you child about this. They should hopefully tell you lots about this.

The Weekly Update will continue to be put on the School Website but will also be on Compass and sent to you.  

Summer Works

The Premises Team (well mainly Chris our Caretaker) has been busy over the summer working with and liaising with a range of different contractors over a number of projects. Some are behind the scenes and may not be visible to everyone and others are easy for everyone to see.

Our playground was completely resurfaced for the first time in over 40 years. This was a complex job as it couldn’t be done by large equipment and also due to the number of drains and different levels in the playground space. The final part of the playground will be completed in the coming weeks (most probably half term) when we get the new markings. This is currently being discussed with the children.

A new area of the school has been designed and decorated for our new Treehouse @ Fairlight. This is on the ground floor where the former Children Centre and Nurture Classroom was.

A new SEND suite has been built in the school with purpose built and designed spaces for our Nuture Class, Play Therapist, ISS teaching space, Intervention Room and SEND Office.

A new chimney has been fitted for our boiler room to support the new heating and energy systems in the school. Over the Summer we were given our highest Energy Efficiency Certificate and rating and we are now one of the most energy efficient schools in Brighton and Hove. Not bad considering the building and school is over 150 years old.

School Improvement Plan

https://www.fairlight.brighton-hove.sch.uk/aboutus/important-school-information/school-improvement-plan

These are the priority areas for our School Improvement this year. As you can see we have 2 main things to focus on. Innovation and Empowerment and Belonging.

Often parents ask how they can find out about or read further on what we are doing in school wider than just how they can help their child or what we are doing at a classroom level. I would direct parents to the work we are doing around Metacognition and Memory. And the work of Kit Messenger.

Innovation at Fairlight is about ensuring the we remain ahead of the game in many areas and that we lead on things both in school but in the city and in some cases in the country.

Empowerment and Belonging allows us to support the wide range of groups we represent and have in school but also to ensure that everyone gets a fair deal. It is also an area that allows us to celebrate what we do and who we are.

Happy Birthday Us

This year we are 150+.

Plans have started however I want to just keep reminding everyone that we are the oldest public school in Brighton and Hove on the same site. Quite an achievement.  

Treehouse @ Fairlight

Treehouse will opening at Fairlight this term as part of the Connected Hub Provision across Brighton and Hove. This provision is to support children across the whole city and not just Fairlight children.

We are very pleased to host Treehouse and were very happy to see recent Government and Department for Education releases directing schools to start opening and exploring having specialist provision and units in mainstream schools and on the same site as mainstream schools. It is as if we knew and were “innovating” before the told us!!!!

PARENT VISITS

Two reminders here.

Year 6 parents please start looking up when our local secondary schools are holding their Open Evenings and events for you to attend. It all happens very quickly this term so get on it now.

Future Reception parents can book on our New Parent Tours now.

https://www.fairlight.brighton-hove.sch.uk/parents-and-carers/joining-us

These can get very busy and booked so don’t leave it to late.

As we always say the best advert for a school is to go and visit. However it is also the views and thoughts of parents and children who are currently their. With that in mind if you have a friend, family member, neighbor and even someone on the street. Tell them what an amazing school Fairlight is and that they need to send their child here. And then tell them to book to come and see for themselves.