Weekly Blog Friday 11th July 2025
Date: 10th Jul 2025 @ 7:46am
Attendance
Every week in our Celebration Assembly, we celebrate the class who has achieved the highest attendance for that week. This week Mrs Pickersgill's class had the highest attendance with 99.03% - well done Year 5!
Please see below for the attendance figures for this week. The target attendance for all children is currently set at 97%.
Nursery - 92.63%
Reception - 94.98%
Year 1 Mrs Birkinshaw & Mrs Ward - 98.89%
Year 2 Mrs Davies - 96%
Year 3 Mrs Ronan & Mrs Wood - 97.49%
Year 4 Mrs Parkes & Mrs Walker - 93.33%
Year 5 Mrs Pickersgill - 99.03%
Year 6 Miss Dunn - 97.38%
Celebrating fantastic attendance!
Each week, each class with 100% attendance on a particular day will receive one letter from the word MAYFLOWER to put on their classroom door. Once a class has spelt out the word MAYFLOWER, a member of the class will bring all their letters down to the office to claim their prize from our box of Awesome Attendance Activities!
Please see below where each class stands at the end of today:
Nursery - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E
Reception - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F
Year 1 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R
Year 2 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y
Year 3 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M
Year 4 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W
Year 5 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y
Year 6 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L
This week, Year 1 earned a reward for completing MAYFLOWER for the 9th time! They enjoyed some time on the Ninja equipment and some juice and biscuits this afternoon. Year 3 also earned their next MAYFLOWER reward this week as did Year 5. If they haven't enjoyed their treat this week, they will be having it next week. Well done to all 3 classes.
Stars of the week
Each week in our Friday Celebration Assembly, we celebrate our stars of the week. Each class teacher chooses 2 children from their class each week who have really impressed them. Here are the children who have been chosen this week.
Nursery & Reception
We realised that last week, we didn't share our stars of the week for Nursery. We wanted to put that right by sharing them this week.
Lacey was chosen as one of the stars of the week in Nursery last week. Miss Limb was really impressed with how Lacey talked about the pictures in our book that tells a story without any words. She gave some really good sentences about what she could see in the pictures and what she thought was happening, using some really good words and description.
Jenson was also chosen as a star of the week in Nursery last week as he impressed the grown ups with how he had shown an improved attitude to his learning, sitting and showing that he is ready to learn, listening well and following instructions.
Alfie has been chosen as our first star of the week this week in Nursery, as he has been a superstar this week. He is always ready with a smile, always ready to learn, and has been very helpful with the new children on transition day.
Our second star of the week this week in Nursery is Ivy. She has been chosen because she has been extra kind, helpful and friendly with the new children during transition this week. She has welcomed them with a smile and made sure they were happy and settled.
This week, our stars of the week for Reception are two children that remind us every day how lucky we are to be your grown-ups at school. Your smiles, your curiosity, your laughter and fun fill our classroom with so much joy. We are so grateful for the kindness you show, the new friendships you have built, and the special moments we get to share with you each day. Thank you for making our days so magical Oscar and Max, well done 🙂
Year 1
Otis - What a fantastic week Otis has had! It has been a very busy week in school and very, very warm... but this has not fazed Otis! He is trying very hard to make good choices and because of this he has done some wonderful learning. Otis continues to be a good friend too. We are very proud of you Otis- you are going to be a great Year 2!
Oakley - We already knew that Oakley was a super star- but we really saw him shine on transition day! He was very brave going into his new classroom and took part in all the activities. Oakley has been showing fabulous listening skills this week and has been joining in with group tasks too. You are a shining star, Oakley!
Year 2
Lais and Seren - This week, we have all been demonstrating how to be collaborative on so many levels, from supporting each other with our work to helping each other overcome our nervousness about moving to a new class.
During our move-up day to Year 3, we met three new members of our class. It must have been extremely daunting for them to come to a new school, with new routines and meet so many new people. Lais and Seren recognised how the new children were feeling and took them under their wings. They cared for them and showed them the Mayflower Way. They worked collaboratively with them to help them feel that they belonged here.
Thank you Lais and Seren.
Year 3
Olive - Olive is one of the children in class who can work collaboratively with any partner she is given. She listens carefully to their ideas as well as offering her own suggestions and she does this respectfully and kindly. Well done, Olive!
Ruben - Ruben is an excellent role model in class to other children. He is always willing and happy to work collaboratively with any partner he is given in all areas of learning. He is a polite and considerate partner to work with. Well done, Ruben!
Year 4
Our theme this week was Collaboration and these 2 boys showed how it should be done. They needed to complete their Humanities - researching Ancient Egypt then reflect on any similarities/differences in modern day.
I watched with pleasure as not only were they engaged in their learning but they also involved and helped another student who was finding the task a little tricky.
For their collaborative and kindness working together - My Stars are Daniel and Noah.
Year 5
“Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.” - Booker T. Washington
Oliver B - Oliver's empathetic nature is clear each day as he engages with those around him, offering support and understanding. His ability to recognise and appreciate the achievements of others highlights his commendable character. Well done Oliver, keep it up!!
"Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t." – Rikki Rogers
Oliver S-C demonstrates increasing confidence in new and unfamiliar situations, particularly in swimming. He is beginning to meet challenges with a positive attitude, which is a testament to his developing resilience. Well done Oliver, keep it up!
Year 6
This week across school, the focus has been on collaboration; adults having been looking out for those children, in particular, who work and play well with others, showing strong skills of cooperation and compromise. This week's Stars of the Week in Year 6 have been chosen with this in mind.
Rose - Rose is kind to absolutely everyone; she showed this in abundance during our Year 6 Festival and residential visit to London, actively looking for others who may be feeling upset or left out and always including them in her friendship group. She continued this by sharing her sweets and snacks with others and looking out for her peers. Rose, you have shown kindness and compassion for others throughout all of your time in Year 6 and this week has been no different.
Cohen - Cohen is a kind and compassionate member of the class who thinks about others. He shows that he can compromise and include others and this was exemplified by him swapping rooms during our residential visit to accommodate the needs of his peers and to ensure that everyone felt included. He also looked after his friends, and adults, during the Y6 Festival - thank you Cohen.
I would like to thank all Year 6 this week for the collaboration that they have shown; we have had an exciting week of festival, camping, London trips, transition and supporting in younger year groups across school, and they have all been incredible - a huge asset to school and excellent role models.
Headteacher Award
Each week in our Celebration Assembly, Mrs Powell chooses someone who has really impressed her during the week and presents them with her Headteacher Award trophy.
This week’s Superstar Award goes to a pupil who is always striving for the Mayflower way, thinks about how people feel, and understands the importance of looking out for others. When his friend was upset this week, Oliver F (Rec) was there to lend a helping hand and help me too! Super work Oliver in showing kindness and compassion.
Makaton Sign Of The Week
The children are continuing to learn Makaton's 'Sign of the week' each week. Each Monday, the children learn the new sign for that week. We thought it would be useful to share the following week's sign with parents/carers on our Friday blog so you can get involved too if you wish. Please click on the link below to see the sign for the coming week.
https://makaton.org/TMC/News_Stories/SOTW/SOTW_More.aspx
KS2 PE next week
There are some changes to PE for Key Stage 2 next week. These are as follows:
Year 3 - Tuesday
Year 4 - Monday
Year 5 - Wednesday
PTA Colour Run Thursday 17th July
As advised previously on our weekly blog, our PTA Colour Run will take place next Thursday 17th July, starting at 1.15pm.
Only those who returned their slips by last Friday 4th July are able to take part.
On the day of the event, children should come to school wearing old clothes and shoes/trainers, as they will get wet and covered in paint during the event. A white t-shirt is the most effective to wear as it will show the paint the best. Protective eyewear (glasses/goggles) MUST be worn throughout the event - if those wanting to take part don't have eyewear, they won't be able to join in.
If you are participating as a family, including our nursery families who have returned their slips, please arrive at the office via the Station Road gate by 1pm to collect your child/children. Please ensure you arrive on time. The event will start at 1.15pm for those taking part as a family. For the children taking part without their family members, the timings are as follows:
Key Stage 2 will join in at 1.30pm and the Foundation/Key Stage 1 children will remain in their classrooms.
Reception and Key Stage 1 will join in at 1.45pm.
Children not taking part will remain inside school supervised by members of staff.
One of our parents, Mr Dolby, will be taking photos on the day. All necessary paperwork has been completed to ensure that safeguarding and data sharing guidelines have been met and all the photos will be vetted by school before being shared online on our blog, X account and the PTA facebook page.
At 2.30pm, Mr Dolby will take a group photo to end the event. After this, those family members who are in school are welcome to take their child/children home. All other children must be collected at normal home time.
There will be drinks, sweets and ice creams for sale on the afternoon of the Colour Run. If an adult won't be attending, please send your child with money in an envelope/wallet (this is for both those taking part in the colour run and those remaining in the classrooms). Card payment facility also available for adults on the day.
Please note, the gates will ONLY re-open at the end of the event, not during the event, so please only buy a family ticket if you are able to stay for the whole event.
Summer Holiday Club at Bawtry Mayflower
First Step Active Care, our wraparound and after school club provider, will be running holiday camps during the Summer holidays. Please see the information below for further information and details of how to book.
We’re delighted to let you know that bookings for First Step Sports Summer Camps at Bawtry are now LIVE!
The camps are packed with exciting activities, sports, special events (water Wednesday & inflatable Thursday etc) and creative play, providing children with a safe, active, and fun-filled summer experience.
Dates: Summer Holidays 2025
Location: Doncaster venues
Book here: https://firststep-sports.co.uk/doncaster-camps/ or scan the QR code on the flyer below.
Important Information:
• Funded Places are available for children who receive benefits-related Free School Meals (please note, this is separate to the meal that children in Reception to Year 2 receive under the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meal scheme) – please ensure you select this option when booking.
• Paid Places are available for all other families at an affordable rate.
Spaces are expected to reach capacity so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with the First Step Sports team on 01482 249066.
Wraparound Care for September
Places are now available to book for wraparound care for September. Please click on the link below to visit the wraparound care page on our school website for further details and booking information.
https://www.bawtrymayflower.school/page/wraparound-care-holiday-club/152198
Don't forget that First Step Active Care now run a free breakfast club from 8.10am each morning. Booking needs to be made 48 hours in advance for this.
Parent Needs Childcare Survey 2025
Doncaster Council has asked us to share that they have opened their Parent Needs Childcare Survey for 2025. Please see the message and details of how to complete the survey below.
Parents and carers – we want to hear from you
We are planning childcare needs across Doncaster to ensure we have enough provision for our families in the future. We are interested in your childcare situation and what your future needs may be.
Please complete this survey by clicking on the link below or scanning the QR code and help us plan and support the childcare provision in Doncaster.
Parent Needs Childcare Survey Summer 2025
The survey closes on Monday 15th September 2025 at 09:00a.m.
Parenting drop-ins and pop up parenting workshops
Over the summer holidays the parenting team from Doncaster Council will be offering a parent drop in and four, pop up parenting workshops for parents of secondary school age children (11 yrs plus). The workshops are evidence based and from the Solihull Approach series.
The workshops will cover issues around risk taking behaviour, brain development and relationships. They will also include the theory behind the Solihull Approach, Containment, Reciprocity and Behaviour management. There will be video clips and general discussion, questions, and answers etc. We will also be giving out handouts and signposting parents to relevant services, if appropriate.
If these sessions would be of interest to you, please contact the Family Hub where the sessions will be taking place to book a place.
The sessions will be running on the following dates:
Wednesday 30th July at Bentley Family Hub – 9:30am to 11am a Parenting Drop-in session for information, support, and advice for parents of teenagers.
Wednesday 6th August at Central Family Hub – 9:30am to 11:30am a Pop-up Parenting Event, for parents of teens from the Solihull Approach, 2 hr workshop.
Wednesday 13th August at Denaby Family Hub – 9:30am to 11:30am a Pop-up Parenting Event, for parents of teens from the Solihull Approach, 2 hr workshop.
Wednesday 13th August at Rossington Family Hub – 9:30am to 11:30am a Pop-up Parenting Event for parents of teens from the Solihull Approach, 2 hr workshop.
Tuesday 19th August at Moorends Family Hub – 9:30am to 11:30am a Pop-up Parenting Event for parents of teens from the Solihull Approach, 2 hr workshop.
Summer Holiday activities
Barnsley Museums are running an exciting programme of activities for families over the summer - a mix of free drop-in and ticketed (charges apply) fun activities around their sites. All of their sites are free for general entry, many are accessible via public transport and make a great day out for families. Please see the information below for further details.
Toys, Toys, Toys - Experience Barnsley - Friday 25 July 10am-2pm
Join us for a day of play! Finding out about and play with toys from the past. Make your own toys to take home. Suitable for all ages. Free, drop in.
Treasure Seekers - Cooper Gallery - Thursday 31 July 10.30am and 1pm.
Join dance artist Tara Baker on an adventure to explore a magical landscape. What treasures will our young explorers find on the way? The dance session will be followed with a short craft activity, so children can take a treasure from the workshop home. This dance and movement workshop is suitable for children aged 3-7 £3 per child. Book your place HERE
Teeny Time Travellers on Tour - Worsbrough Mill - Friday 1 Aug 10.00am and 12.30pm.
Our signature U5s session is going on tour! Join us at Worsbrough Mill Museum for a nature inspired holiday special! We will be outside if possible so please remember to dress for the weather. This nature craft workshop is suitable for children aged 5 and under. £5 per child. Book your place HERE
SENsational - Experience Barnsley - Tuesday 5 August 11am-12noon and 1-2pm
Take part in our unique, multisensory session for families with PMLD, autism and who are neurodiverse. The sessions take place in the Learning Lab inside the museum (which is located in the town hall). The space is set up with a range of sensory items, along with soft floor mats and soft light. Free, book your place HERE
Wonderful Watercolours! - Cooper Gallery - Wednesday 6 Aug 10-12noon and 1-3pm.
During this fun and interactive session, children will explore colour and learn cool new techniques with paint inspired by artworks on display in the gallery. This art workshop is suitable for children aged 7 and above. £5 per child. Book your place HERE
Wild at Worsbrough - Worsbrough Mill - Thursday 7 August 10am-12noon and 1-3pm
Join us in the learning hut in the Mill for nature inspired crafts. Suitable for all ages. Free, drop in.
Make your Family - Cannon Hall - Friday 8 Aug 10-12noon and 1-3pm.
Have creative fun with clay making slab sculptures inspired by your family, friends or even your pet! Meet at the Museum Shop. This clay workshop is suitable for children aged 7 and above. £5 per child. Book your place HERE
Music Makers in the Ballroom - Cannon Hall - Tuesday 12 August 10am-12noon and 1-3pm.
Go wild making your own Junk Modelling instruments in this fun, interactive workshop. Suitable for all ages. Free, drop in.
Crafty at Cooper - Cooper Gallery - Wednesday 13 August 10am-12noon and 1-3pm
Calling all mini artists to join us in the gallery for art inspired crafts. Suitable for all ages. Free, drop in.
Teeny Time Travellers on Tour - Cannon Hall - Friday 15 Aug 10.00am and 12.30pm.
Our signature U5s session is going on tour! Join us in the Walled Garden at Cannon Hall Museum for a garden inspired holiday special! We will be outside if possible so please remember to dress for the weather. This nature craft workshop is suitable for children aged 5 and under. £5 per child. Book your place HERE
Relaxed Opening - Experience Barnsley and Cooper Gallery - Tuesday 19th August 9am-4pm
Come along to our relaxed openings, which are designed for visitors who would prefer a quieter experience in the museum.
Interactives and audio will be turned down or off to create a quieter experience for visitors who prefer it. Suitable for all ages. Free, drop in
Young Inventors! - Elsecar Heritage Centre - Wednesday 20 August 10am-12noon and 1-3pm.
Create crazy machines in this fun, interactive workshop. Find us in the Education Room above our NEW Visitor Centre! Suitable for all ages. Free, drop in.
Experience Barnsley’s Sports Day - Experience Barnsley - Friday 22 August 10am-2pm.
Remember those heady days when you almost won the egg and spoon and came second from last in the sack race? Join us at Experience Barnsley for some old skool sporty fun. Challenge your friends and family and learn about outdoor games from years gone by. Suitable for all ages. Free, drop-in.
Brilliant Board Games - Experience Barnsley - Tuesday 26 August 10am-12pm and 1-3pm.
People have been making and playing board games for centuries, from the Ancient Egyptians playing Senet, to families today playing classics such as Hungry Hippos and Monopoly. Why not drop in to have a go at inventing your own game to take home? Suitable for all ages. Free, drop in.
Lunch Menu for week commencing 14th July 2025
Please see the menu below for next week. Mrs Stanfield will continue to monitor the children's likes and dislikes and there may be changes to these menus in light of these.
There may also be last minute changes to the menus on occasion, to take into account availability of items or delivery issues.
Diary Dates
Please see below our current diary dates. It may be that there are dates on here that involve your child that you haven't had any information for yet. Please don't worry, information will come out in plenty of time prior to the date concerned. Dates that have been added since the last blog are shown in bold.
2024/2025 school year
Monday 14th July to Friday 18th July - Year 5 Bikeability Training
Thursday 17th July - PTA Colour Run. Change of date - was previously 10th July
Friday 18th July - Year 6 leavers assembly AM - parents to come to the school office at the start of the school day. Further details to follow.
Friday 18th July – last day at school before Summer Holidays
2025-2026 School Year
2025
Monday 1st September - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Wednesday 1st October - individual/sibling photos
Friday 24th October - last day at school before half term
Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October - half term
Friday 31st October - closing date for Secondary school applications for September 2026
Monday 3rd November - first day back after half term
Tuesday 11th November - Flu vaccinations for children from Reception to Year 6
Tuesday 2nd December - Flu vaccination session for any children absent on the original flu vaccination date
Tuesday 16th December - Christmas Dinner Day
Thursday 18th December - Christmas Party Day including party food for lunch
Thursday 18th December - last day at school before Christmas holidays
Friday 19th December - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Monday 22nd December to Friday 2nd January - Christmas holidays
2026
Monday 5th January - Training Day - school closed to pupils
Tuesday 6th January - first day back after Christmas holidays
Thursday 15th January - closing date for applications for Reception for September 2026
Tuesday 10th February - Choir perform at Young Voices concert at Sheffield Utilita Arena - further details to follow
Friday 13th February - last day at school before half term
Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February - half term
Monday 23rd February - first day back after half term
Friday 27th March - last day at school before Easter holidays
Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April - Easter holidays
Monday 13th April - first day back after Easter holidays
Monday 4th May - bank holiday - school closed
Thursday 21st May - class photos
Friday 22nd May - last day at school before half term
Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May - half term
Monday 1st June - Training Day - school closed
Tuesday 2nd June - first day back after half term
Friday 17th July - last day at school before Summer holidays
Monday 20th July - Training Day - school closed to pupils
