ASHURST CE AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL LANE, ASHURST, WEST SUSSEX, BN44 3AY
Headteacher: Mrs S Smith
BA (Hons) RE & English, PGCE, CNPQH, L4 SMHWB
www.ashurstcofe-pri.w-sussex.sch.uk
Email: office@ashurstcofe-pri.w-sussex.sch.uk Telephone: 01403 710426
Monday 8th December 2025
Dear Parents and Families,
As we come to the end of a very busy term, we would like to thank you for all your
support. We are so proud that our children have been so willing to engage in new
things, including our first Wellbeing Day back in October, and our first Spirituality
Day at the start of December. As part of our new plans to develop an outside learning
environment for Mouse class, the children in Squirrel and Mouse class helped with
the classroom swaps and report that they like their new ‘homes’!
Worship Warriors
Following an online webinar aimed at KS2 children, our Worship Warriors are
certainly making the best of their gifts and talents. Not only have they grown in
numbers, with more waiting in the wings to join next year, they have taken over the
Picture News Collective Worship on a Wednesday. It is an absolute joy to see how
they organise themselves, share out the responsibilities and present the children
(and adults!) with interactive quizzes at the end so they can see, as one Worship
Warrior put it, ‘who has been listening and remembered the main points’!
Pupil Admissions for YR September 2026
The deadline for admission documentation to WSCC is 11.59 pm on 15 January 2026.
If you have not yet applied for your child, may we politely remind you to do so and to
complete a supplementary form. The supplementary form is available from the school
office, or on our website and should be returned to the school office. This form
allows us to confirm with WSCC admissions which category you are applying under
and if, where applicable, we have received a supporting letter confirming church
attendance from a member of the clergy at your place of worship.
Music Tuition
Mr Smith continues to give private flute and saxophone lessons in school on Monday
afternoons and has spaces available; if you would like more information please contact
the school office.
eSchools Lite App
Did you know that a very quick and easy way to access school dates and information
is by downloading the eSchools Lite App? It has links to the school calendar, latest
newsletters, online safety information and school contact details.
After school clubs
Thank you to those of you who have already signed up; for the spring term we are
offering Textile club on Tuesdays, Dance & Drama club and Puzzle club on
Wednesdays, Sports club on Thursday and Construction club and Watercolour/Art
club on Friday. All of these run from 3.30-4.15 and we appreciate your prompt
collection afterwards. The after-school clubs do not run the first week of term.
Swimming Sessions
We are pleased to continue our partnership with Steyning Grammar School and ‘MXT
Swimming’ to offer a number of water safety sessions for Y5/6 and swimming
sessions for Y3 in the Spring term. Please remember your child will need a verruca
sock if they have a verruca and a swimming hat (they will not be permitted to swim
without a hat). Transport will be provided by minibus, and a packed lunch will be
required on these days.
Requests for Absence from School
Thank you for ensuring that your recent requests for absence from school, including
late arrivals and early departures due to medical/ dental appointments have been
accompanied by an absence request form (These are available to download from our
website or paper copies are available from the school office.).
Fire and Emergency Lockdown Procedures
We are delighted to report that our Fire and Emergency Lockdown Procedures
practices have gone very smoothly and all children responded promptly and calmly.
Safeguarding
As always, should you have any concerns regarding your child/children, please contact
the school as soon as possible, in order that matters may be quickly and effectively
resolved. Should you have any safeguarding concerns please contact the DSL team,
Mrs Smith, Mrs Welstead and Mrs Sansbury direct or via DSL@ashurstcofe-pri.w-sussex.sch.uk.
Dates for your diary
As we approach the end of term, we thought it would be helpful to explain for all
families what the Christmas traditions are at Ashurst CE Aided Primary School. We
have this year already enjoyed our Spirituality Day, which included our Advent
service at St. James’, and Christingle making with members of the local community.
Christmas Post Box 1.12.25
Our Christmas post box is in the library; children can put Christmas cards in here for
friends and staff. It is emptied regularly and the contents distributed by children in
Y6.
KS2 Christmas Production 10-11.12.25
Children in Squirrel and Owl class will be entertaining us at two performances:
The matinee will be at 1.30pm on Wednesday 10th December and an evening
performance at 5.00pm on Thursday 11th December.
Coproduction Meetings w/b 15.12.25
For children and families involved in coproduction meetings, these will take place in
the last week of term. Mr Julian will be in contact with you shortly to arrange your
appointment.
Open Afternoon 15.12.25 2.30-4.00pm
This is when we open the classrooms for you to come and look through your children’s
work and books. We would also like you to kindly complete the comments form - these
provide us with valuable feedback from you and help us shape what we plan for the
coming year. You are very welcome to take one away with you and ask that you return
it by the end of term so we can collate the responses and comments.
If you would like to take your child/ren home early when you have seen their work,
please notify a member of staff before doing so.
Santa Dash/ Santa Stroll 16.12.25
Children are invited to wear a Christmas themed jumper or top and/or a crazy
Christmas hat for our Santa Dash/Stroll. This takes place around the field or on the
playground, and children can choose which one they would like to participate in.
Christmas Bazaar 16.12.25 2.30-4.00pm
The Christmas Bazaar is run by children in Owl class (Y5&Y6); it is an enterprise
initiative with funds raised going to the charities chosen by our YAGs (Young Ashurst
Governors).
Games, refreshments, stalls, competitions as well as produce from Gardening Club
are set up in what is now Squirrel class. The Owls look forward to welcoming you with
your children (and your spending credits!) during the afternoon to come and
enjoy the goods and games on offer.
Christmas Lunch 17.12.25
All the children, whether they have a hot lunch or a packed lunch, eat their Christmas
Lunch together.
Mouse Class (EYFS and KS1) Nativity 17.12.25 and 18.12.25 9.15am
The Mouse Class Nativity performance is on Thursday 18th December at
9.15am. There is also a full dress rehearsal on Wednesday 17th and families with
younger children are warmly invited to this performance.
Christmas Party 18.12.25 1pm
Owl class creates a list of desired party food which will be available the week prior
to the party. We would really appreciate it if you could tick off a couple of items
that you are able to provide.
Fresh food can be brought into school on Tuesday morning; crisps,
biscuits, drinks and cakes can be brought in from Wednesday 17th December.
Please do not provide food which requires cooking; we do not have the capacity to do
this.
Children can bring their party clothes in a named bag with them in the morning; they
will change into these after lunch.
They do still need a lunch as the party food is at the end of the party. We are hoping
everyone is well behaved and that Father Christmas may join us during the afternoon!
Children’s Talent Show Friday 19.12.25
Children can sign up to perform in front of their friends and school staff
(either individually, or in small groups) the week before so that a programme can be
put together. Children may bring small props and changes of clothes to support their
act. Previous acts have included music, singing, dancing, acting, puppetry, jokes and
magic tricks to name but a few!
Last Day of Term Friday 19th December.
On this day children may bring in table games and activities to play with their friends
in the afternoon.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a
peaceful new year and we look forward to seeing you on Monday 5th January 2026.
Kindest regards,
Mrs S Smith
Headteacher