- Wishing Seasonal Joy
- Gallery of Learning
- Guest Visitor
- Dates
- Spotlight Attendance
- Attendance Winners!
- Class Winner of the Month
- spotlight SAFETY
- Lifelines and Support Networks
- SPOTLIGHT SEND
- Lunchtime and Afterschool clubs
- Break or Lunchtime Clubs
- After School Clubs
- Family support
- Loughborough Area Food Bank
- New Springs Church
- School Nurse
- Universal Free School Meals and Free School Meals
- Mental Health and Well-Being Support
- We look forward to welcoming you back in school on Tuesday 6th January 2026
Wishing Seasonal Joy
We wish everyone a wonderful Christmas holiday! December has been a fantastic month filled with joy and creativity. Between their normal lessons, the children in Years 1, 2, and 3 produced a beautiful Nativity performance that truly captured the spirit of the season. Our lovely EYFS children delighted parents with a charming performance of classic Christmas songs, accompanied by hot chocolate and mince pies for all who attended. The Christmas Fair was a huge success, the school raised over £2000! A Massive thank you to all the many families who joined us. We deeply appreciate your generosity and enthusiasm in supporting the class games and enjoying the gifts created by the children. We were also treated to a special preview from our school choir, who shared some of the songs they will perform at the upcoming Christmas Carol Concert in Loughborough—an exciting collaboration with four other schools! We’re all looking forward to the Christmas dinner and the Santa Run on Friday, which will help raise funds for inspirational events for our children.
We are delighted to share that Mrs. Armitage is expecting a baby! She will begin her maternity leave at the start of the Summer term. During her absence, Mrs. Hardy will take the class full time to ensure continuity and support for the children. We know you will join us in congratulating Mrs. Armitage on this wonderful news.
Thank you for making this season so magical.
Wishing you all peace, joy, and a very Merry Christmas
Gallery of Learning
As we wrap up this wonderful month, we’re excited to share some of the amazing events that have brought our school community together during the festive season: 🎨 Family Craft Christingle Afternoons Families joined us for creative sessions, making beautiful Christingles and enjoying quality time together. 🌟 Year 1, 2 & 3 Nativity Play Our pupils shone brightly in their heartwarming performance, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. 🎶 EYFS Songs Around the Christmas Tree The youngest members of our school filled the air with festive cheer through their delightful singing. 👋 Special Guest Visitors We welcomed inspiring guests who shared their stories and added excitement to our learning. 🎤 Choir Performance at Emmanuel Church Our choir joined forces with three other schools for a magical evening of music and community spirit. 🎸 Rock Steady Concert Talented pupils showcased their musical skills in an energetic and fun-filled concert. 🍽️ A Fantastic Christmas Lunch We ended the term with a delicious festive meal enjoyed by all – a perfect way to celebrate together!
Guest Visitor
We were privileged to have the author Pete Wharmby visit our school this month. He is an author who specialises in writing books about Autism. He came to present our English Ambassadors and Head Boy and Girl a copy of his latest book. It was an extra special visit for Pete as he attended the school in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Spotlight Attendance
Attendance Winners!
The class with the best attendance each week wins 15 minutes extra break time. It has been so close between all the classes this month but year 6 have taken the lead with 98%!
Class Winner of the Month
Cherry Class - 95% Year 1 Class - 95% Year 2 Class - 96% Year 3 Class - 96% Year 4 Class - 95% Year 5 Class - 96% Year 6 Class - 98%
spotlight SAFETY
Lifelines and Support Networks
We know that Christmas can also be a difficult time of the year. Here are some signposts for support. You can also contact us through http://listening.dret.cloud.
- CEOP Safety Centre- CEOP is a law enforcement agency and is here to help keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse and grooming online.
- Shout: The UK's free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service | Shout 85258
- Anna Freud Crisis Messenger – If you need support, you can text AFC to 85258. A free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope
- Keep Children Safe Online: Information, advice, support - Internet Matters
- Anti-Bullying Alliance
- Find a food bank | Trussell
SPOTLIGHT SEND
Christmas holidays present unique challenges for pupils with SEND due to routine changes, sensory overload, and social pressures, but these can be managed by maintaining some structure, creating sensory-friendly spaces, using visual aids (like advent calendars/schedules), preparing for events with social stories, managing expectations, and focusing on quality time, ensuring flexibility and 'safe' retreat areas for overwhelmed moments, making it a magical, manageable time.
- Maintain routines Keep consistent times for meals/sleep where possible to provide stability.
- Prioritise Sleep Protect bedtime and morning routines as much as possible, as consistent sleep is a foundation for well-being. Reading a familiar festive story can help channel excitement while maintaining routine.
- Use Visual Schedules Create a visual timetable or a "now and next" board to help your child understand the day's schedule and anticipate upcoming events. This reduces the anxiety caused by uncertainty.
- Create a "Calm Space" Designate a quiet area in your home where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Ensure this space is stocked with calming items like a weighted blanket, fidget toys, or books.
- Limit Screen Time Be mindful of the amount of time spent on devices, which can sometimes impact behaviour and sleep patterns.
- Keep it simple Simplify traditions and focus on what's achievable and meaningful, not perfect.
- Involve them Let children help plan activities to give them a sense of control.
- Encourage expression Create safe spaces for them to share feelings about changes.
Lunchtime and Afterschool clubs
Break or Lunchtime Clubs
- Sports activities with Mr Wolfe
- Chess Club (Tuesday)
- Art Club (Wednesday)
- Creative Club (Wednesday)
- Litter Picking Club (Friday)
- Gardening Club (TBC/ Weather dependant)
After School Clubs
- Monday - Football (Years 3-6)
- Tuesday - Dodgeball (Years 3-6)
- Tuesday - Year 6 SATS Club
- Wednesday - Badminton (Years 5-6)
- Thursday - Multi Sports (Years 1-2)
- Thursday - Science Club (Years 1-6)
- Thursday - Year 6 SATS Club
- Friday - Lego Club (Reception- Year 3)
Family support
Loughborough Area Food Bank
Booth Wood Academy is an E-Referral partner with the food bank.
The foodbank provides a minimum of three days nutritionally balanced tinned and dried food that has been donated by the local community. THIS SERVICE IS COMPLETELY CONFIDENTAL.
If you would like to use this service, please contact Mrs Morley on Cmorley3@boothwoodacademy.co.cuk and she will provide you with further details.
New Springs Church
New Springs Church offer a local food bank. No referral needed. You can buy 12 items for £3. Address: 4 Belton Road (W-EXT) Next to the new Home Bargains by the canal Timings: Thursday 10-1pm and Saturday 10-12noon
School Nurse
The school nurse services can offer a range of help and support for families. They can be contacted by leaving a message on: 0116 215 6290 or they offer a Parent Chat Text Service on: 07520615382
Universal Free School Meals and Free School Meals
As you may be aware, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are eligible to access the Universal Free School Meals Scheme 9UFSM) which gives free meals for all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. In addition to this, some of these children may be eligible for free school meals (as well as universal school meals) which entitles families to apply for additional support from the Loughborough Welfare Trust and school for uniform, school trips and 50% off breakfast and after school clubs. Regardless of eligibility, if you are struggling financially then please call the school office and complete our form for financial assistance.
Mental Health and Well-Being Support
Mrs Morley provides support with mental health and wellbeing for both parents and children. Please call the school office or email for further information at: cmorley3@boothwoodacademy.co.uk
Credits:
Created with images by magdal3na - "Christmas window sill and fireplace" • evgeniia_1010 - "A Christmas tree made of books in colorful fabric covers.,Christmas and New Year, education, book publishing, reading, vintage style." • mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date." • stockimgahnaf - "Attending school concept,cheerful kids in school in classroom giving attendance" • Studio Romantic - "Human hands protecting and guarding small wooden toy figures placed on white desk as metaphor for creating safe, supportive community of people.,Close up, closeup shot.,Care, support, safety concepts" • Studio Romantic - "Human hands protecting and guarding small wooden toy figures placed on white desk as metaphor for creating safe, supportive community of people.,Close up, closeup shot.,Care, support, safety concepts" • Daisy Daisy - "Ear Defenders Or Headphones And Fidget Toy To Help Child With ASD Or Autism On Table In School Classroom" • JJAVA - "Sports Equipment" • Me studio - "Asian family holidays at the beach.,Happy family in asia Traveling, resting after the virus crisis, living life with family" • Irentravel - "Christmas holiday background photography with white Handwriting thin Letters Merry Christmas over Christmas background with small snow Christmas tree, gifts and balls"