News this week

Intra-School Cross Country

On Monday 29^th September children at Launton took part in their Intra-School Cross Country event.  In beautiful sunshine, each class completed a set number of Launton laps.  Every runner displayed determination and resilience to keep going to complete the race.    There was a lovely atmosphere with runners being encouraged and cheered by their classmates.   Well done to all.

St Mary's Church Fayre

At the end of the summer term children made beautiful cards to exhibit in the St Mary's Church Craft fayre. The cards were taken to residents of local care homes. Harrison won the Jenny Brind cup for his entry and prizes were also won by Sophia, Summer and Fleur.

The Department for Education has published leaflets about the different assessments that Primary age children complete; see below for links to these.

50 Things Before You’re Five – Supporting Early Language in Oxfordshire

We’re excited to continue promoting the free “50 Things Before You’re Five” app again this year! The app offers families and practitioners 50 fun, low-cost activities to enjoy with children under five, all designed to boost early language, communication, and learning through play.  

Key benefits:

• Encourages talking, playing, and learning together at home and in settings
• Supports children’s speech, language, and school readiness
• Inclusive activities for all abilities and interests
• Links to local Oxfordshire events and resources

 50 Things to Do | Oxfordshire website and app link.

Secondary School Applications - Secondary transfer applications are now open for children who will be transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7 for the 2026/27 academic year.

To apply visit the Oxfordshire County Council secondary school webpages for all relevant information and to submit their applications online at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/secondaryadmissions. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 31 October 2025, and National Offer Day is 2 March 2026.

It's important to note that applications received after the deadline will be processed later in the year and are far less likely to secure a place at a preferred school. Therefore, timely submission is crucial.

Message from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Road Safety Team -

As Autumn approaches and the mornings and evenings get darker, parents and children walking to and from school need to be even more aware of the potential dangers they face as pedestrians and the importance of wearing bright or reflective clothing to make it easier for other road users to see them.

It is never too early to start talking to your child about road safety as, having a good understanding of road safety skills, could one day save their life.

Our Footsteps guide will give you some ideas of how to begin to support your child in developing the decision-making skills that will help them become a pedestrian able to keep themselves safer when they eventually walk to school or a friend’s home independently.

If they are ill-prepared, children are more likely to be killed or injured in a road traffic incident, as seen by the fact that the number of child pedestrians injured rises significantly around 10 -12 years of age – the time at which they begin to go out unaccompanied by adults.

The Footsteps programme is simple to use as it can be carried out in normal everyday situations such as walking to school or to the local shops. Rather than telling children what to do, you are encouraged to ask lots of open questions to make the children think about the decisions they are making. Making these decisions safely, while in the company of a supporting adult, will mean they will be better prepared for dealing with roads and traffic once they begin going out on their own.

Learning to cope with traffic is a practical skill, which cannot be learnt in the classroom. As parents / carers, you are the best people to help your child develop this knowledge as you spend the most time out and about with them.

The Department for Education has recently reviewed its advice on preparing food for you children (for example packed lunches) please see the information below.

Rags2Riches Collection this Friday 3rd October

Please bring any preloved, good condition clothing donations up to the school front garden this Friday morning at drop off. You can use any bags to bring in your donations. 

Your clothing donations will then be collected by Rags2Riches4Schools, weighed, sorted, then shipped to the Ukraine where they will be available for people to buy at an affordable price. Not only is recycling clothes good for the planet, but Launton School PTA receives a cash donation per kilo of clothes donated! 

If you've missed this collection, we have a Rags2Riches collection scheduled in each term so keep hold of any preloved clothes you are clearing out ready for next time. 

Please see the link below for more information on Rags2Riches4schools and what clothes they accept:

https://rags2riches4schools.co.uk/

friendsoflaunton-pta@googlegroups.com

Your current PTA trustees: 

Lucy Crawford (Year 3 parent)

Emma Austin (Year 2 and 4 parent)

Catherine Ravensward (Reception and Year 4 parent)

Charlotte Noakes (Year 1 and 4 parent) 

Jill Bali (Year 2 and 4 Grandparent)