Dear families,

It's been a short half-term, but as always, there has been plenty going on at school. Our wonderful Year 6 children completed their SATs last week. We are so proud of each and every one of them for the effort and determination they showed across the week.

This week, the Year 2 children have their Secret Agent sleepover. We know they are very excited to complete their tasks and sleepover in school. It is always a lovely few days, and it's great for the staff to see the children in their element.

I am very excited to announce that we are currently recruiting for a teacher to join our Early Years team. This is due to an increase in the numbers of children choosing Greenfields as their first choice primary school. This means we will have two classes in reception in September 2026. I am also thrilled to announce that our lovely Mrs Bridge is expecting a baby in September. This means we are also recruiting for someone to cover her maternity leave. We have been overwhelmed by the number of applicants for both positions and are excited to begin the recruitment process after half-term.

Attendance continues to be one of our priorities at Greenfields. Thank you to everyone who is behind us with this drive. As always, we really appreciate your support. The children have loved getting their attendance treats for the highest weekly attendance or the most improved class attendance. After half-term we will be announcing what the attendance treats are going to be each week. I can promise you they are going to be better than ever, so please continue to support your child to be in school every day.

Best wishes,

Mrs Gemma Robertson

Headteacher

Mental Health Week 2026

Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week.  This year's theme is 'taking action' and the Mental Health Foundation asked people to join them in taking action to support good mental health. Even small actions can help us feel hopeful and less powerless. And while our individual actions matter, when we come together we are even more powerful. At Greenfields, the kitchen got involved by baking special mental health cupcakes and each class went on a wellbeing walk where they spent time together in the fresh air connecting with each other and nature.

Mrs Banks' SENDCo Update – May

It has been a short but very busy half-term and I would like to start by celebrating the effort and resilience shown by all of our pupils.

A particular well done to our Year 6 children, who have recently completed their SATs. As SENCo, a key focus during this period has been ensuring that all pupils were able to access the tests in a way that best supported their individual needs. This included carefully planned access arrangements, such as additional time, rest breaks and smaller group settings where appropriate. I am incredibly proud of how the children approached the week with confidence and determination, and how staff worked together to ensure a calm and supportive environment for everyone.

We now look ahead to upcoming assessments after half-term, including the Year 4 Multiplication Check and the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. As with SATs, we will continue to ensure that appropriate support is in place so that all children are given the opportunity to succeed.

Last week, we marked Mental Health Awareness Week by taking part in wellbeing walks. These provided a valuable opportunity for children to step away from the classroom, spend time outdoors and talk with trusted adults. Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing remains a key priority, and it was lovely to see how positively the children engaged with these sessions.

As we move into the final half-term of the year, there is lots to look forward to, with trips, events and end-of-year celebrations. While this is an exciting time, it can also present challenges for some children, particularly when routines change. We will continue to prioritise consistency, preparation and support to help all pupils feel secure and ensure everyone is able to enjoy these experiences.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support as we head into the final part of the school year.

Mrs Amy Banks

SENDCo

Year 5 & 6 Football Team

Our amazing Year 5 & 6 football team went and did it again – two-time champions! This academic year they have been undefeated and won the league again. We are very proud of them all and a huge thank you to their coaches, Mr Lumsdon and Mr Watson. 

Greenfield's Curriculum

At Greenfields, we pride ourselves on delivering an engaging, enriching and well-thought-out curriculum that enriches the children's learning experiences. This half-term in DT, the children have been cooking. They enjoyed designing, preparing, cooking and evaluating their products. 

As always, Forest School and outdoor learning is a huge selling point for us. From our babies to our Year 6 children, everyone gets a chance to access Forest School through an engaging, progressive curriculum. 

In PE this half-term, our Year 5 & 6 children have been having sessions with a professional basketball player from the Newcastle Eagles. This has been invaluable and ensured the children really understand the skills needed to play the sport as well as the rules of the game and the importance of positioning.

Our Playgrounds

Playtimes are an important time of day for children, and we want to ensure they continue to be a positive experience for them. We understand that children have different interests, so with this in mind, we have added some extra areas for the children to enjoy. Mr Watson built a new mud kitchen and sandpit for all to enjoy. Our sports leaders and teaching assistants lead different games each day. Children are able to use the climbing frame, play basketball, cricket and football and we have areas where children can read, draw and use chalk. The tyres and the bike track are becoming increasingly popular too. Being on the yard at these times is a real pleasure; the children are supportive and kind to each other and, most importantly, they are happy.

Designated Safeguarding Leaders

If you have any concerns regarding safeguarding that you need to raise, here are the members of staff to contact are:

-Designated Safeguarding Leader: Mrs Robertson, Headteacher

-Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader: Mrs Banks, Deputy Headteacher & SENDCo

-Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader: Mrs Wilson, Lower School Leader & EYFS SENDCo

- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader: Miss Love, Early Years Leader

-Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader: Miss Rowe, Deputy Manager Muddy Bairns Daycare

-Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader: Miss Watton, Office Manager

Free Workshop at Greenfields

Tips for Home Conversations about growing up don't have to be daunting

After half-term in PSHE, Year 5 & 6 begin to learn about their changing bodies. Mrs Cockman, PSHE Lead, will send further details to parents about this after half-term, but in the meantime, we have some tips for having conversations at home with your child about growing up.

To support your child's learning, we encourage you to:

? Keep it Open: Remind your child that they can always come to you with thoughts or worries.

? Keep it Simple: When answering questions, you don't need to over explain. Direct, honest, and simple answers are usually the most effective.

? Normalise the Topic: Treating these chats as a normal part of daily life helps reduce any lingering embarrassment.

Note to Parents: Open dialogue at home is the best way to ensure children feel supported and safe during these formative years.

Ease INTO programme

If your child is eligible for income-related free school meals, then they are also able to access funding via the ease INTO programme absolutely free! The council commission activities during the 3 main school holidays (Easter/ Summer/ Christmas).

If your child is on the free school meal register then once you apply, they will be accepted for eligible places straight away. If you think you are eligible for income-related free school meals and haven’t signed up, here is the link to apply - https://shorturl.at/loka2

Remember, this is not the same as universal free school meals that all Early Years/ Key Stage 1 children receive. The link to sign up to access the funded activities is here https://shorturl.at/IZxVX

*please note the child must be of school age and born before 31/8/21*

Each holiday provision provides a healthy meal during the day, lots of exercise and the chance to make new friends, gain confidence and have lots of fun. The next lot of activities are already on the ease INTO booking system, so don’t delay signing up now! There are also activities specifically for children with SEND.

For any queries, please email: easeinto@northtyneside.gov.uk

Muddy Bairns Daycare

As you all know, our Daycare opened in September and what an amazing provision the Early Years team has created. We are thrilled to tell you that we are full and will continue to be into next year. If you know of anyone looking for a Daycare for their child (9months-2 years) please tell them to get in touch with us as soon as possible so they can get their child's name on our waiting list.

Dates For Your Diary

-9th June at 8.50am: RSE parent's meeting with Mrs Cockman

-17th June: Year 3/4 end of year trip

                     Year 5/6 end of year trip

-25th June: Sport's Day - Key Stage 1 & 2 at 10am

                                            Preschool & Nursery at 2pm

                                            Reception at 2.30pm

-26th June: Year 3 class assembly at 2.15pm

-29th June: Star Achiever Assembly (invite only)

-2nd July: Reception Graduation at 9am

                 Nursery Graduation at 10.30am

                  Year 2 class assembly at 2.15pm

-3rd July: Year 1 & 2 end of year trip

-7th July: Year 3 trip to the farm linked to their work with Debbie

-8th July: Year 6 Leavers Show at 5pm

-9th July: Year 6 Leavers Show at 10am

                Year 6 leavers disco and tea at 2pm

-13th July-15th July: Greenfields transition

-14th July: Meet the Teacher at 2.30pm

-17th July: Whole School Picnic

-Friday 17th July: last day of school before the summer holiday

Statutory Assessment dates:

-8th June - 12th June 2026 Year 1 Phonic Screener  

-1st June - 12th June 2026 Year 4 Multiplication Check