WEEKLY UPDATE

SPRING TERM WEEK 9

As we step into a new week at Fairlight, the world beyond our school gates continues to spin with its usual mix of surprises, headlines, and head‑scratchers. From international events that remind us how interconnected we all are to the small but meaningful moments shaping communities across the globe, it’s a timely reminder that we’re part of a much bigger story.

So, before we dive into the happenings closer to home, here’s to pausing for a moment—taking a breath, taking stock, and greeting the week with a smile. Who knows what the world has in store next… but at least we get to navigate it together. And a tip from Mr Jordan. Don’t open your email before 8am!!! And return sports kit to the Office!!!

FREE Workshop in preparation for the Enormous Crocodile

There is a free drop - in workshop in the Theatre Royal Foyer on Saturday between 10am-12pm where you will be able to make crocodiles to celebrate The Enormous Crocodile. Adults will need to stay and join in.

Empowerment Approach

We are continuing to work on and prepare for the work we will be doing with the children about the Empowerment Approach. This is working closely with other local schools in the city.

On Monday 23^rd Changing Chances will be holding an online workshop for parents at 7pm to find out more that parents can attend to find out more.

If you want to find out more about Changing Chances and the Empowerment Approach then please click the link below and have  a read.

https://www.changingchances.co.uk/empowerment-approach

We will be sending out the link to the Online Workshop nearer the time.

I would highly recommend and encourage you to attend this workshop so that you can be part of this amazing journey with your child.

House Tokens

Keep encouraging your child to be collecting Tokens and keeping their “eye on the prize” (see previous Weekly Update for Information).

Anxiety Workshops

See the below information about a workshop running at Fairlight.

Science Week

We have had an amazing, messy and explosive Science Week in school. We are just collating the photos from the mess to show you. 

IMPORTANT - We are missing  A LOT of sports kit that has been borrowed for sports events and not returned. This kit is expensive and needs to be returned. We are missing lots of size 11 - 12 and some children have been spotted wearing it in parks! Please search bedrooms, bags and your house and return the kit. Please see pictures below.

WEEKLY UPDATE

SPRING TERM WEEK 8

This week has been a wonderful celebration of stories, imagination, and the joy of reading as our whole school embraced Book Week and the excitement of World Book Day. From the moment children stepped through the gates in their fantastic costumes, to the buzz around classrooms as pupils shared their favourite books, the school has been alive with creativity and enthusiasm.

Across the week, pupils have taken part in a range of reading adventures: buddy reading sessions, book-themed challenges, author spotlights, and plenty of opportunities to explore new stories and characters. We have had masks, book costumes, pyjamas, scary costumes, teddy bears, book shops, book swaps, library sessions. It has been a joy to see children so inspired—talking passionately about the books they love and discovering new ones along the way.

A huge thank you to our staff, families, and of course our brilliant pupils for making this Book Week so memorable. We hope the magic of reading continues long after the costumes are packed away!

NEXT WEEKS PLAY THEME AT FAIRLIGHT

Week 3 (9/3-13/3)— Adventure & Movement Week

Theme: Physical Challenge
Key Play Types: Physical play, locomotor play, risk-taking, imaginative movement.

Equipment & Materials

• Climbing equipment
• Stepping stones
• Obstacle course materials
• Ropes for tug-builds (not tug‑of‑war)
• Hoops (used for jumping and exploring—no games resembling ball play)
• Chalk for marking trails

Activities / Invitations to Play

• Open‑Ended Obstacle Course: Children build their own routes.
• Climb & Scramble Zone: Logs, hills, climbing frames.
• Movement Mission Cards:
• “Travel like a fox”
• “Jump between islands”
• “Move in different ways across the space”
• Chalk Adventure Trails: Hopscotch variations, zig-zags, mazes.
• Rope Pathways: Create lines to balance along or weave through.
• Traditional Games: Hopscotch/ Skipping/ Cats Craddle

Adult Role

• Ensure physical challenge remains safe.
• Encourage children to set personal challenges.

HAF AT FAIRLIGHT

• Balfour Primary School - BN1 6NE
• Fairlight Primary School - BN2 3AJ
• Peter Gladwin Primary School - BN41 2PA
• Stanford Junior School - BN1 5PR
• Dates: 30, 31, March & 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10 April
• Times: 08:30 – 14:30

• Monday 23rd March 2026- from 7pm. Online parent training session for a group of schools around the Kit Messenger Empowerment Approach.
• Tuesday 24th March 2026- Parents Evening 1- you can book this from today!
• Wednesday 25th March 2026- Parents Evening 2- you can book this from today!
• Thursday 26th March 2026- Achievement Assembly- invite only
• Friday 27th March 2026- Last Day of Term/ House Point Trip

WEEKLY UPDATE

SPRING TERM WEEK 7

Welcome back!
I hope you all enjoyed a restful week off. I imagine many of you had grand plans for adventures, long walks, or perhaps tackling that ever‑growing to‑do list… only for the weather to decide otherwise. If you spent more time indoors than expected, you certainly weren’t alone—half-term seemed to have an “umbrella required” theme this year- unless it was a beach walk and the umbrella bent up!!

With that in mind, just a quick reminder that we make every effort to get the children outside at playtime whenever possible. Fresh air, movement, and a chance to burn off energy (sometimes a lot of energy!) are vital for their wellbeing. The more eagle-eyed among you may have already spotted our new playground markings too. They’re not quite finished yet—there’s still one little surprise waiting to be painted, so keep your eyes peeled!

As ever, because we head outdoors in all weathers—bar the truly dramatic ones—please do ensure your child has a suitable coat with them each day. A bit of drizzle won’t stop us, but it certainly helps if everyone is dressed for it. And don't be fooled by one day of sunshine!!!

Rules Around Fasting During Ramadan (for context and so everyone in the community is aware)

Here is a simple overview of the core principles of fasting during Ramadan:

Who fasts?

• Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for healthy adult Muslims
• Young children, those who are ill, travellers, and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating are exempt from fasting.

What does fasting involve?

• Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn (Suhoor) until sunset (Iftar) throughout the month.
• The month typically lasts 29–30 days, depending on moon sightings.

Why do Muslims fast?

• Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is intended to promote self‑discipline, spiritual reflection, and compassion for others.

When will fasting begin in 2026?

• In 2026, fasting was expected to begin on Wednesday 18 February, depending on moon sighting.

RAMADAN — INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES

As the holy month of Ramadan is with us, we know that some of our pupils and families will be observing this important time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Fasting typically begins at dawn and continues until sunset each day, and while it is usually observed by older children and adults, we recognise that families may have different practices.

To help us support pupils appropriately during the school day, we kindly ask parents and carers to inform the school if your child will be fasting this Ramadan. This will enable us to ensure:

• We are aware of their needs during PE, playtimes, and other physical activities
• Staff can offer appropriate support, especially for older pupils
• Lunchtime arrangements can be sensitively managed

Please contact the school office or your child’s class teacher to let us know.

FAIRLIGHT USE OF PHYSICAL CONTACT

We have updated our statement around this. I would ask that parents please take a look at this. If you have any questions please speak to us.

https://www.fairlight.brighton-hove.sch.uk/aboutus/inclusion

NO FRIDAY FOOTBALL THIS WEEK- the Level needs a little bit longer to dry out.  

Brighton & Hove - Spring Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 2026

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE) , the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides FULLY-FUNDED enriching activities, meals, and support for school-aged children in Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM). 

Spring HAF bookings are live now, for activities during the school Easter holidays.

Visit https://eequ.org/brightonhovehaf to see what’s on and request places for your child.

FAIRLIGHT WILL BE HOSTING A HAF CLUB.

https://eequ.org/book/my-easter-26-jag-adventure-fairlight-with-junior-adventures-group-23758

All booking requests are eligibility checked and then reviewed by the activity provider before being approved.

Dates available:

• Week 1: Monday 30 March - Thursday 2 April
• Week 2: Tuesday 7 - Friday 10 April

Booking rules:

• Each eligible child can book up to 4 sessions across all providers.
• Only one session per day is allowed.
• If your child can’t attend a session, please cancel in good time to let others benefit and allow yourself to book an alternative session.
• You can manage bookings by logging into Eequ and checking your Schedule.

Support for children with SEND

All HAF providers are expected to be inclusive. Please message providers directly to discuss your child’s needs.

Additional funding is available for children with an EHCP through the city’s Childcare Inclusion Fund, where additional staff or resources are required to make HAF provision more accessible.

Providers offering higher staff ratios (1:4) - Select a "SEND HAF ticket" when booking:

• Activ8 for Kids (sports, dance, games, and crafts) @ Bevendean Primary School and Mile Oak Primary School
• Artpod (arts and crafts) @ St. Margarets School, Rottingdean
• Brighton Table Tennis Club (carousel of sports) @ Moulsecoomb Primary School
• Stay and Play (arts and crafts, sensory play, sports, cooking/baking) @ Aldrington CofE Primary School

• Brighton Swimming School are offering 1:1 SEND lessons @ Brighton Swimming Centre, BN2 5JJ

A FEW REMINDERS FROM THE LAST WEEKLY UPDATE

As we continue our journey to enrich play across the school, we’d love families to join in over half term. Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn, connect, and grow—and half term (or weekends) offer the perfect chance to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy simple moments of fun.

Play Together

Whether it’s building a den in the living room, making a nature collage from a family walk, acting out silly stories, creating mini worlds with toys, or teaching your child a game you loved when you were young—these shared experiences make a huge difference. They build confidence, communication skills and wonderful memories.

Support Our Upcoming Play Focuses

Next half term, children will explore themes such as construction, nature play, movement, creativity and small‑world imagination. If you’re having a half‑term tidy‑up or spot something useful while out and about, we’d be grateful for any donations that support these themes. Items we always welcome include:

• clean fabric, blankets or sheets
• cardboard boxes and tubes
• small world figures or toy vehicles
• baskets, crates or sturdy containers
• pots, pans, spoons or other mud‑kitchen items
• safe loose parts such as shells, reels, guttering or pipes

These simple, everyday objects fuel rich, imaginative OPAL-style play and help us create exciting environments for the children.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Play Adventure

Your support at home helps strengthen everything we’re doing in school. Playing together, exploring outdoors, and gathering simple resources all contribute to a joyful, creative and confident play culture.

If you’d like to read more about our 5‑week play focus and how you can get involved, you can find all the details here.

IT IS IMPORTANT YOU DO READ THIS. 

https://www.fairlight.brighton-hove.sch.uk/in-the-classroom/teaching-and-learning-at-fairlight/opal-play-at-fairlight

Book Week 2^nd - 6^th March

To celebrate book week this year we will be opening our fantastic library every day after school.

Come for a hot chocolate and a biscuit.

Events for ALL child to participate in during the week.

• Monday 2^nd – Fantastic Animals!  wear an animal mask- why not start making it at half term? 
• Tuesday 3^rd – Bring a teddy for Teddy Bears Picnic
• Wednesday 4^th – Pyjama Party – wear pj’s!
• Thursday 5^th – World Book Day – dress up as your favourite book character- get planning and making those costumes
• Friday 6^th – Scary Night - dress up as a witch or a wizard or something scary- double dressing up in the same week- great fun!!!

We will also be running a couple of free book shops – keep your eyes open for more!