In the news this week...

The path around the school field was installed eight years ago and it is hard to remember the frustrations of being unable to use the lovely green space for months at a time when the ground was too wet for children to leave the playground. Every day, the children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 run their Launton Laps, with time spent outdoors contributing to their health and wellbeing. Thirty two of the children in Key Stage 2 have qualified to run in the Bicester Cross Country Event this afternoon and we wish them well; the forecast looks perfect for a run.

Orlaith, Amy and Darcey have been planning this week … and will be launching a new club.

Running Club by Orlaith, Amy and Darcey

We think that we should start a school running club to keep people fit and ready for Cross Country running. We have been to the Cross Country event before and we think that it is an amazing opportunity. Also, we think that running is good for your mental health. In our club, you need to wear trainers to run, for safety reasons. We love running and we think it would be great to share our love with different people. We hope that by the end of the term, lots of people will enjoy running as much as we do.

Harvest Service

Reverend Sarah and Oak Class will lead our Harvest Festival Service in St Mary’s Church at 9.30am on Friday 17^th October. If you feel able to send a contribution, the foods requested by the Food Bank are listed in the table and children should bring them into school on the morning of 17^th October. Parents and carers are very welcome to join us. If you are able to help with crossing the road, please speak to Ms Paterson or Mrs Terry in the playground: after seven years of fantastic support, one of our long-standing traffic marshalls is no longer available. High-vis vest, training and a shorter term of office all available…

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.