Weekly Blog Friday 17th October 2025
Date: 16th Oct 2025 @ 7:49am
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 97.12%, closely followed by Year 2 and Year 6 with 97.10%. 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 - 85.33%
Reception - 93.91%
Year 1 Mrs Davies - 91.85%
Year 2 Mrs Ward & Mrs Walker - 97.10%
Year 3 Mrs Ronan & Mrs Wood - 96.03%
Year 4 Mrs Parkes - 94.10%
Year 5 Mrs Pickersgill - 97.12%
Year 6 Miss Dunn - 97.10%
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
Reception - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y
Year 1 - 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
Year 3 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E R
Year 4 - M A Y F L O W E R M
Year 5 - M A Y F L O W E R
Year 6 - M A Y F L O W E R M A Y F L O W E
This week, both Year 1 and Year 5 achieved MAYFLOWER for the first time and Year 2 for the second time. They will all be choosing their rewards to enjoy next week. Well done!
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
Charlie has been chosen as star of the week in Nursery as he is always respectful to his friends and adults. He is well aware of the school rules and is always keen to follow them. He always helps to tidy up and look after our resources and the classroom.
Franklin has had a great week in Nursery this week. He has shown lots of respect by following the school rules and listening carefully to the adults and his peers. He shows respect in our classroom and is good at looking after our resources.
George has been chosen as star of the week in Reception this week as he is always respectful towards his friends and when talking to adults. He is always really polite and cares for our environment, looking after our resources and putting things away when he has finished them.
Rio has been chosen as star of the week in Reception this week as he always remembers how to do things the 'Mayflower Way', reminding others of our school rules. He always uses good manners and remembers to say 'please' and 'thank you.'
Year 1
This week, we have been learning all about what it means to be respectful.
Junie and Yasmin are two children who show respect to other children and all adults in school by listening, being polite, and following rules. They also show respect through actions like helping with jobs around the classroom, showing appreciation, and being considerate. This includes valuing the advice of others, speaking kindly and showing empathy for other people. All of these things, they do in abundance.
Well done girls. You are great role models to have in our class!
Year 2
Aaron is a wonderful role model for respect! He sets the example for everyone by doing things the Mayflower Way. He always listens carefully and takes great care of our classroom and outdoor areas, even without being asked. He is polite and well-mannered and is always ready to help others, often holding the door open for everyone. Well done Aaron, your respect and thoughtfulness shine every day!
Despite only being at Bawtry Mayflower for a few weeks, Daniel has already shown what a respectful and caring pupil he is. He listens carefully, uses lovely manners, and always shows kindness towards others. He sets a fantastic example for everyone. Well done Daniel, you are a brilliant role model for our class!
Year 3
Sebastian - Seb is always polite and well-mannered in class. He shows respect to adults and children and he shows every day what a kind and caring boy he is, looking after other children and checking they are ok. Seb has also shown how determined he is by trying his very best at all of the work in Year 3. Fabulous Seb!
Owen - Owen is a quiet member of Year 3 who always works hard and is polite to both children and adults. He shows respect every day towards the other children and adults in class. Owen is an excellent role model to other children in class. Well done Owen!
Year 4
Noah D - Noah is a fantastic role model for our classroom. He shows high levels of respect to everyone he encounters. This week, I have seen Noah support his partner with their learning - showing care, compassion and respect as he offered feedback and helped him to complete his work. Noah is always polite and sets a fantastic example to his peers. Keep it up.
Ruben - Ruben is extremely respectful to adults and peers alike. He is always engaged with his learning and shows respect through the way he communicates: looking at people when they are talking, using his manners at all times and never judging anyone for being themselves! Ruben offers help and support to others in a kind and respectful way. Keep it up.
Year 5
"A person's a person, no matter how small." Dr. Seuss
Edward demonstrates respect in school on a daily basis. He is kind to others and is happy to take responsibility for jobs he has been asked to do, carrying them out in a mature manner. Edward shows respect by listening attentively during whole class discussions and to his peers. Well done Edward, keep being you!
Noah is invariably respectful. He is polite and well-mannered and demonstrates respect by always following the class/school rules and thoughtfully listening to what others say. He is an excellent role model for other children. Well done Noah, keep up the hard work!
Fletcher has shown fantastic respect of all the adults in school this week, including visitors. Fletcher has such lovely manners and is really kind and caring. Well done Fletcher!
Year 6
This week in school, our focus has been on one of our hugely important school rules: respect. We have been looking for those children across school who demonstrate this on a daily basis - showing respect to all members of our school community, to our school building and to all resources within it. This week's Stars of the Week in Year 6 have been chosen with this in mind.
Amelie - Amelie is polite and respectful to all adults across school, regardless of whether she interacts with them regularly or not - there is never any difference shown in the way she speaks to them. She shows respect for the ideas of others in class, always listening to, and valuing, the contributions of her friends and peers. She comes in to school every day with a smile on her face that makes others smile too. Thank you for the contribution that you make to our class, Amelie.
Jayden - Jayden is one of the most respectful members of Year 6. He does not deviate from this when interacting with less familiar adults, treating all members of our school community with kindness and respect. He shows respect for the views and opinions of others, even when they may be different to his own and always lets others voice their ideas and thoughts when working with a partner or as part of a group and he always has a funny comment or joke to lift others' spirits just when they need it. Keep being you, Jayden.
Headteacher Award & Shout Outs
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.
My Superstar award this week was a really tough choice as lots of our children are respectful to their peers and to all the adults in school. Seth is this week’s award winner because he opens and holds doors without prompts, gives compliments and kind words wherever possible and shows excellent learning behaviours in class.
Well done Seth, enjoy your star award this week to remind you how amazing you are!
My ‘shout-outs’ for giving 100% to the MAYFLOWER WAY this week go to Jessica in Year 1, Cole in Year 2 and Fletcher in Year 5. Well done!
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_Bread.aspx
Christmas Design Project - deadline Monday 20th October 3.10pm
Don't forget that the deadline for your child's artwork and completed order form to be back in school for the Christmas Design Project is this coming Monday, 20th October at 3.10pm. No payments are required at this stage. Once the company has received the artwork and order forms, parents/carers will receive a text/email with their personal order code so you can then log in, place your orders, and make payment online directly with Xmas4Schools.
The company cannot accept any late orders so if you would like to order some items with your child's design on, please ensure you return your order form by Monday 20th October at 3.10pm.
All products ordered will be delivered back to school and sent home with the children. We will of course keep you updated at each stage of the process.
Inclusion Open Morning Tuesday 21st October
There are still some places left on our next inclusion open morning which takes place next Tuesday morning. The sessions still available to book are as follows:
9:30-10
10-10:30
11:30-12
To book, please email the school office admin@bawtrymayflower.doncaster.sch.uk with your requested time. The slots will be allocated on a first come first served basis. As a reminder, these monthly sessions are an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your child's needs or family circumstances. Our team is dedicated to providing support, guidance, and signposting to additional resources if needed. There are no worries or concerns that are too big or too small.
We look forward to meeting with anyone who would like to pop in for a coffee and a chat.
Mrs Walker (Deputy Head and Inclusion Lead)
Harvest Service Wednesday 22nd October
We are really looking forward to our first church visit of this school year. This will take place next Wednesday 22nd October, when children from Years 2 to 6 will walk to St Nicholas' Church for our Harvest Service. We will be leaving school straight after morning registration. We would love you to join us, so if you are available to walk to the church and back with the children to enjoy the service, please speak to your child's teacher or let the school office know. On the day itself, if you will be accompanying us, please come to the school office once your child has gone in to class.
Harvest Donations
Thank you to all of you who have already sent in food for Harvest Festival. If you haven't yet sent anything in and would still like to do so, please send it in on Monday.
Parents Evening Wednesday 22nd October
The booking system on School Spider for parents evening next Wednesday is still open if you haven't yet booked your appointment. The appointments will take place in our lower hall.
Mrs Stanfield, our school cook, will be at parents evening with a taster of our school meals. These will be available while you're waiting for your appointment. Mrs Stanfield will serve one portion per person until the food has gone. Please go and see Mrs Stanfield next Wednesday - she will also be able to answer any questions you may have about school meals.
Secondary applications for September 2026 - deadline soon
If you have a child who is currently in Year 6, just a reminder that the application process for Secondary school for September 2026 is open.
If your home address is within the Doncaster Council Local Authority, please click on the link below to make your application.
https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/secondary-admissions
If your home address is outside of the Doncaster Council Local Authority, you will need to apply through your Local Authority for a Secondary school place.
The deadline for applications to be received by the Local Authority is 31st October 2025. It is important to apply on time, as a number of schools will be full next September.
National Offer Date is 2nd March 2026 - parents will be emailed their decision, using the email account used to apply.
Reception applications for September 2026
If you have a child who will be 4 years old on our before 31st August 2026 and will be due to start in Reception in September 2026, the application process is now open.
If your home address is within the Doncaster Council Local Authority, please click on the link below to make your application.
https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/primary-year-of-entry
If your home address is outside of the Doncaster Council Local Authority, you will need to apply through your Local Authority for your child's school place.
The deadline for applications to be received by the Local Authority is 15th January 2026.
National Offer Date is 16th April 2026 - parents will be emailed their decision, using the email account used to apply.
PTA Halloween Disco
Spooktacular Halloween Disco Friday 31st October
Spooktacular Halloween Disco! Friday 31st October • 6:30–8:30pm at Bawtry New Hall
Proudly supported by Bawtry Town Council.
Prizes for the best costumes!
Bar & snack shack to keep little monsters fuelled.
Tickets: £3 each or 2 for £5
Tickets will be on sale every day next week at the end of the school day near the ramp between the two playgrounds. Cash & card accepted.
Parents must remain with their little witches & wizards.
Free Doncaster Knights tickets for under-16s
Doncaster Knights vs Worcester Warriors
📅 Saturday 25th October
⏰ Doors and Bars Open at 12:00pm
⏰ Kick-off: 2:30pm
📍 Castle Park, DN2 5QB
The second home game of the new Champ rugby league season brings with it a tremendous level of excitement, after a fantastic end to last season for The Knights and a great performance and result against Cambridge Rugby last weekend. We would love to see as many students, staff, and families of your school to join us for our home league fixture against Worcester Warriors.
The team are currently on a nine game home winning streak in the league and following an unbeaten pre-season and excellent win last weekend, the players would really appreciate your support to keep momentum going and experience the electric match day atmosphere at the Castle– completely free of charge!
New for this season we have the Ballards Family Stand where students will be situated. This will be a hub of activity on a match day with player visits, Q&A and photo opportunities. Gates on Saturday open at 12:00pm.
If you would like any under-16s tickets for this game, please email admin@bawtrymayflower.doncaster.sch.uk by next Tuesday, 21st October.
Community Support and Activities
City of Doncaster Council has asked us to share some information with our parents/carers about groups and activities that are currently taking place within the locality, including some half term activities. Please click on the links at the bottom of this page to view the information.
Medical advice and support
Our local NHS team has provided some information for our parents/carers regarding which service is best to help with different illnesses and injuries. Please click on the links at the bottom of this page for further information.
Half Term Activities
The team at the Trans Pennine Trail has asked us to share their free resources for half term with our families. These encourage children to get active outdoors and discover the natural world around them.
Their Children’s Activity Pack is full of fun, nature-based activities suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2, designed to inspire outdoor exploration along the Trail or in your local green spaces. Please click on the link below to access the resources.
https://www.transpenninetrail.org.uk/welcome-to-our-childrens-page/
Lunch Menu for week commencing 20th October 2025
Please see the menu below for next week. Mrs Stanfield, our School Cook, 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.
We are trialling these menus for Doncaster Council Schools Catering ready for after October half term, which is why next week's date isn't at the top of the menu.
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.
2025-2026 School Year
2025
Monday 20th October - deadline for Christmas Art Project art work and order forms to be returned to class teachers by 3pm today - NO LATE ORDERS CAN BE ACCEPTED
Tuesday 21st October - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Wednesday 22nd October - Harvest church service St Nicholas' church for Year 2 to Year 6 - walking to church straight after morning registration. All welcome to walk to church and back with us.
Wednesday 22nd October - Parents Evening
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
Friday 31st October - PTA Halloween Disco Bawtry New Hall 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Monday 3rd November - first day back after half term
Wednesday 5th November - Reception visit to Boston Park Farm - parents to drop off and collect from Boston Park Farm
Monday 10th November - Year 1 visit to Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery
Tuesday 11th November - Flu vaccinations for children from Reception to Year 6
Wednesday 12th November - PTA Bingo Night 3.10pm to 4.10pm - £5 per family ticket to include refreshments. Tuck shop also available
Thursday 13th November - Year 5 visit to Lincoln Castle
Thursday 13th November - Nursery and Reception phonics stay and play - straight after the morning register has been taken. Will last about 1 hour
Friday 14th November - non-uniform day - cash donations to go towards families in our community who need support
Tuesday 18th November - An introduction to Autism workshop 8.45 - places to be booked beforehand
Wednesday 19th November - open evening 4pm to 5.30pm for visits for Reception places for September 2026
Tuesday 25th November - Challenging behaviour: strategies to support your Autistic child workshop 8.45 - places to be booked beforehand
Tuesday 25th November - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Wednesday 26th November - Rocksteady concert 2pm - for those taking part in Rocksteady sessions. ***Change of date***
Monday 1st December - raffle tickets on sale for Christmas Chocolate Raffle. Raffle tickets will also be on sale at all our Christmas events including the nativities
Tuesday 2nd December - Flu vaccination session for any children absent on the original flu vaccination date
Tuesday 2nd December - Coping with anxiety: strategies to support your Autistic child workshop 8.45 - places to be booked beforehand
Wednesday 3rd December - choir singing at Bawtry Residents Christmas Lunch
Monday 8th December - Key Stage 1 nativity dress rehearsal 10.30am
Tuesday 9th December - Foundation Stage nativity dress rehearsal 10am
Tuesday 9th December - Key Stage 1 nativity performance 2pm
Wednesday 10th December - Foundation Stage nativity performance 10.30am
Wednesday 10th December - Key Stage 1 nativity performance 2pm
Thursday 11th December - Foundation Stage nativity performance 10.30am
Friday 12th December - PTA Christmas Shop during the school day
Tuesday 16th December - Christmas church service St Nicholas' church for Year 2 to Year 6 - walking to church straight after morning registration. All welcome to walk to church and back with us.
Tuesday 16th December - Christmas Dinner Day
Wednesday 17th December - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Wednesday 17th December - panto in school
Wednesday 17th December - Carols round the tree and Christmas Market
Thursday 18th December - Christmas Party Day including party food for lunch
Thursday 18th December - last day at school before Christmas holidays
Thursday 18th December - Christmas Chocolate raffle being drawn during the school day
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 27th January - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Tuesday 10th February - Choir perform at Young Voices concert at Sheffield Utilita Arena - further details to follow
Wednesday 11th February - non-uniform day - no donations requested
Wednesday 11th February - PTA discos - Nursery, Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 3.10pm to 3.50pm (Nursery & Reception parents to stay at the disco with their children). Years 3 to 6 4pm to 4.45pm
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
Tuesday 24th February - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Wednesday 11th March - Reception visit to Boston Park Farm - parents to drop off and collect from Boston Park Farm
Friday 13th March - PTA Gifts for a loved one shop during the school day
Wednesday 18th March - Rocksteady concert 2pm - for those taking part in Rocksteady sessions
Monday 23rd March - Year 6 visit to Crucial Crew
Tuesday 24th March - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Wednesday 25th March - PTA Easter Egg Hunt during the school day
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
Wednesday 15th April to Friday 17th April - Year 5 residential to Dearne Valley PGL
Tuesday 28th April - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Monday 4th May - bank holiday - school closed
Monday 11th May to Thursday 14th May - Year 6 SATs
Wednesday 13th May - non-uniform day - no donations requested
Wednesday 13th May - PTA discos - Nursery, Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 3.10pm to 3.50pm (Nursery & Reception parents to stay at the disco with their children). Years 3 to 6 4pm to 4.45pm
Monday 18th May - Year 1 visit to Austerfield Study Centre
Tuesday 19th May - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Tuesday 19th May - Year 3 parents meeting for Austerfield residential
Wednesday 20th May to Friday 22nd May - Year 6 London residential
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
Tuesday 2nd June to Friday 12th June - Year 4 multiplication checks
Wednesday 3rd June - class photos
Monday 8th June to Friday 12th June - Key Stage 1 Phonics screening week
Tuesday 9th June to Wednesday 10th June - Year 3 residential to Austerfield Study Centre
Friday 12th June - Reception visit to Boston Park Farm - parents to drop off and collect from Boston Park Farm
Monday 15th June to Sunday 26th June - Bawtry Festival
Wednesday 17th June - choir taking part in Sing Out concert
Thursday 18th June - Sports Day - times to be confirmed
Friday 19th June - PTA Gifts for a loved one shop during the school day
Wednesday 24th June - Rocksteady & Guitar/Woodwind/Brass concert 2pm - for those taking part in Rocksteady sessions and/or music lessons with Doncaster Music Service
Wednesday 24th June - PTA Summer Fair
Monday 29th June to Wednesday 1st July - Year 4 Hollowford residential
Tuesday 30th June - Inclusion Open Morning - places to be pre-booked
Monday 6th July - Year 6 transition evening at The Hayfield School for parents and children
Tuesday 7th July to Thursday 9th July - XP Secondary School transition days
Wednesday 15th July - PTA Colour Run
Friday 17th July - last day at school before Summer holidays
Monday 20th July - Training Day - school closed to pupils
2026-2027 School Year
2026
Wednesday 30th September - individual/sibling photos
