OPAL: The Power of Den Building Play - Nurturing Creativity, Cooperation, and Confidence in Children

The Power of Den Building Play: Nurturing Creativity, Cooperation, and Confidence in Children

We all want our children to thrive - emotionally, socially, and physically. One of the most underrated yet impactful ways to foster these skills is through the simple act of den building. This delightful pastime often conjures images of childhood adventures, secret hideaways, and imaginative play. But its benefits extend far beyond just having fun.

What is Den Building?

Den building is an open-ended play activity where children use natural or man-made materials to create a shelter or a cozy nook. Whether using branches and tarpaulin in the playground, blankets and cushions in the living room, den building allows children to design and construct spaces that spark their imagination.

Why is Den Building Important

1. Encourages Creativity and Imagination: Den building unleashes a child’s creative potential. Children become architects of their own dreams as they decide how their den will look, what materials to use, and even what role their new space will play in their imaginary adventures.

2. Promotes Cooperation and Teamwork: When children collaborate on a den, they learn valuable social skills. They negotiate, share ideas, and find compromises. This cooperation nurtures friendships and enhances their ability to work as part of a team—skills that are essential in every aspect of life.

3. Builds Confidence and Problem-Solving Skills: As children navigate the challenges of den building, such as finding the right support for their structure or figuring out how to make their den  comfortable,they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each successful creation boosts their self-esteem, reinforcing the belief that they can overcome obstacles.

4. Connects Children to Nature: If conducted outdoors, den building encourages children to engage with their environment. They learn about the natural world, develop respect for it, and foster a love for outdoor play. This connection can lead to a lifelong appreciation for nature, as well as increased physical activity and health benefits.

5. Enhances Fine and Gross Motor Skills: The physical aspects of den building involve a variety of movements, from climbing and reaching to collecting and assembling materials. This kind of play naturally advances children’s motor skills, contributing to their overall physical development.

Den building is definitely one of our most popular OPAL activities. Take a look at the delightful dens our children have been building at playtimes.

To ensure our children can enjoy den building throught the winter months, we would greatly benefit from the donation of materials like:

Tarpaulin/waterproof sheets,

Outdoor mats,

Crates (plastic or wooden)

Ropes and pegs

Odd Socks Day - Tuesday 12th November 2024

Odd Socks Day 2024

This year, we’ll be celebrating Odd Socks Day as part of Anti-Bullying Week. 

Odd Socks Day provides a chance for children and adults alike to celebrate Anti-Bullying Week in a positive way by asking everyone to wear odd socks to school, work or home. There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or buy expensive costumes. All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks, it could not be simpler!

Odd Socks Day will take place on Tuesday 12th November to help raise awareness for Anti-Bullying Week.

As part of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week campaign, we are thinking about how we can ‘Choose Respect’, and how we can role model this behaviour. 

We know that the term ‘respect’ can mean different things to different people. When we talk about respect, we talk about showing that you value someone, including valuing their feelings, views, and opinions, even if they differ from yours. We also talk about accepting and understanding others, giving them the same consideration you would expect for yourself.

The children will attend an assembly and then complete activities throughout the week around the theme 'Respect'.

We will be revisiting our Anti - Bullying contract:

Pupils are encouraged to STOP and ACT! 

Start

Telling 

Other 

People

Ask the bully to stop, Collect a friend or witness and Take them with you to tell an adult.

All pupils sign the anti bullying contract in school and a copy is kept in the class information folder in school and sent home so that their parents have a copy of what they have agreed to.

 

Poppy Appeal 2024

 Poppy Appeal 2024

 We are pleased to announce that the yearly poppy appeal boxes have arrived in school and will be coming around to classes from tomorrow until Friday.

Please send donations in with the children in the mornings if you wish for them to purchase Remembrance merchandise. 

There is a suggested donation of £1 for snap bands, zippers and poppy keyrings.

There will also be standard poppies available too.

Boxes will be coming around with the prefects during morning work time 8:30-9:00am so please ensure your children are in school on time so that they don't miss out.

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." Charles Sindoll

What is The Zones of Regulation?
The Zones of Regulation is a curriculum full of a range of activities to help your child develop skills in the area of self-regulation. Self-regulation can go by many names, such as self-control, self-management and impulse control. It is defined as the best state of alertness of both the body and emotions for the specific situation. For example, when your child plays in a basketball game, it is beneficial to have a higher state of alertness. However, that same state would not be appropriate in the library. 

Some of the aims of The Zones of Regulation programme: 

• To help children recognise when they are in the different Zones and how to change or stay in the Zone they are in. 

• To gain an increased vocabulary of emotional terms so that they can explain how they are feeling. 

• To gain insight into events that might make them move into the different Zones eg. disagreement with a friend, a certain subject being taught or a fire drill. 

• To help children understand that emotions, sensory experiences, physiological needs (eg. hunger/lack of sleep) and environments can influence which Zone they are in. 

• To develop problem-solving skills. 

• To identify a range of different calming and alerting strategies/tools that support them. Tools identified may be personalised sensory supports, calming techniques or thinking strategies.

You can see our pupils participating in the morning 'check in' here. 

Parents Evening and Pupil Passports

We are looking forward to welcoming all parents into school this week to discuss your child's learning  with you at the beginning of this academic year. 

At the beginning of the term you will have received a curriculum letter from your child's class teacher. This provides you with everything that you need to know for the term ahead. What the children will be learning, which topics they will be covering and any special events that will be taking place. 

We believe that pupils, parents and teachers need clear guidance on what is expected at each stage of the Broadford Primary voyage. We believe that we should support parents in helping extend their child's learning at home. We believe that by working in partnership, our children will be able to achieve and exceed our high expectations. 

The pupil passport informs pupils and parents of key end of year expectations in the areas where parents will be able to have the greatest impact supporting their child. Now you know the destination and have the support you need, get ready to enjoy the journey. 

Later in the year you will be invited back into school to discuss your child's progress on their learning journey. We will provide you with a mid-year review which will indicate whether your child is behind, on track or ahead of the journey to meeting the end of year expectations for the specified curriculum objectives.

We believe it is vital for parents to be regularly updated on their child's progress. We believe this information helps parents support and challenge their children more effectively. 

If you want to go fast, go alone. 

If you want to go far, go together. 

African Proverb

SEND coffee afternoon - reminder

 

You are invited to our SEND coffee afternoon.

As you may be aware, Broadford Primary is taking part in the PINs project. PINs is a government funded project looking at how schools locally and nationally can improve their offer to neurodiverse pupils.

As part of the project it is important that parents have their say. Following the survey completed in the Summer term, we are inviting parents of all children to meet with us and Louise Brown from Havering SEND Family Voice to share your thoughts.

So we can cater for everyone please complete this form to inform us if you will be attending this event.

Havering Emotional Support Team - practical strategies to help with children's anxiety, sleep, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

 

Dress to Express - Thursday 10th October 2024

 

Dear Parents/Carers,

Broadford Primary will be celebrating World Mental Health Day by inviting all children to attend school in non-school uniform. 

Children can attend school in any outfit of their choosing (please don't feel the need to buy new!). 

They can express themselves however they feel, in bright colours and comfy clothes.

Across the school we will be completing activities and most of all talking! 

Thanks for your support.

The Wellbeing Team. 

Weekly Newsletter - Friday 4th October, 2024

Headteacher: Mrs L Nichols 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Part 1 Broadford News

Read, Write Inc (RWI) Meeting
We are hosting an information meeting for parents of pupils in Reception, year 1 and year 2. This is an opportunity for parents to find out more about how we teach phonics and early reading.
The meeting will be held in the Sorrell hall @ 9.00am on Monday 7th October. Please wait at the double grey door to the left  of the main office door to enter the hall. We hope you can join us on this occasion and we look forward to seeing you there. 

Parents Evening - Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd October - Deadline TODAY!
We are looking forward to welcoming all parents on Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd October for parent consultation meetings. You will have the opportunity to meet your child’s new class teacher and find out how they have settled so far this year. The teachers will also explain the expectations for the end of the year for your child.

Our year 6 prefects will also be on hand to show you to the classrooms and will be asking parents to complete our annual parent survey.

Please complete the attached google form by the end of the school day on Friday 4th October. You will receive your appointment on Friday 11th October. 

Autumn Term Parents Appointment Request

IMPORTANT – REGISTER TO VIEW SCHOOL PHOTOS

Exciting news! Carmel Jane Photography will be visiting our School on the 11th of October 2024, to take the Individual & Sibling Photos.

All parents are requested to pre-register for instant access to your child’s photographs once they are ready, pre-registration is required for every photo shoot.

Register in 3 easy steps in less than a minute:

1.       Head to www.carmeljaneshop.co.uk

2.       Enter your unique code : JRWSF9KSV3

3.       Include your child’s full school register name.

Parents who pre-register will receive an exclusive 10% discount code for digital prints! This will be sent via email by Carmel Jane Photography once the photos are ready.

Don't miss out - pre-register today!
Sibling photographs will be taken between 7.45-8.45am in the Charlton (new) hall and the gates on Faringdon will be open for access to the hall. 

Stay & Learn
We are looking forward to welcoming parents in year groups 4,5  and 6  next week for your stay & learn session. These will be held at the following dates and times. 

Tuesday 8th October @ 2.15 pm - Year 5
Wednesday 9th October @ 2.15 pm - Year 4
Thursday 10th October @ 2.15pm - Year 6
Please wait at the front of the school and a member of staff will collect you to take you to classrooms. We hope that you can join us for these occasions.

PINS - Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools
As you may be aware, Broadford Primary is taking part in the PINs project. PINs is a government funded project looking at how schools locally and nationally can improve their offer to neurodiverse pupils.
As part of the project it is important that parents have their say. Following the survey completed in the Summer term, we are inviting parents of all children to meet with us and Louise Brown from Havering SEND Family Voice to share your thoughts.
So we can cater for everyone please complete this form to inform us if you will be attending this event.

Part 2 Broadford Information

Autumn Term Dates

Monday 7th October	RWI information meeting for Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 parents.
Tuesday 8th October	Year 5 stay & learn @ 2.15 pm
Wednesday 9th October	Year 5&6 cross country event  Year 4 stay & learn @ 2.15 pm
Thursday 10th October	Dress to express day Year 6 stay & learn @2.15 pm
Friday 11th October	Carmel Janes school photographer - individual photos
Monday 14th October	Prospective parents tour @ 10am  Year 3 stay & learn @ 2.15 pm
Tuesday 15th October	Flu vaccinations
Wednesday 16th October	Year 4 VR workshop  Year 5/6 wellbeing festival  Year 2 stay & learn @ 2.15 pm
Thursday 17th October	Year 6 spinebreakers Waterstones trip Year 1 parents stay & learn @ 2.15 pm
Friday 18th October	Year 5 visit to science museum Year 6 visit to British museum Parent forum @ 1pm
Tuesday 22nd October	Parents evening
Wednesday 23rd October	Parents evening
Thursday 24th October	Parents SEND meeting 1.30 - 3pm
Friday 25th October	Autumn 1 ends

INSET Dates for 2024-2025

Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
2nd September	3rd September	4th November	21st July	22nd July

Havering school term dates 2024-2025

Autumn term: 

Monday 2 September to Friday 20 December 2024 

Spring term: 

Monday 6 January to Friday 4 April 2025 

Summer term:
Tuesday 22 April to Tuesday 22 July 2025

Havering Catering Services

Week beginning 7th October is week 1 on the Havering catering services menu.
You can see the Havering catering Menu here
School dinners continue to be free to ALL primary aged pupils. 

Part 3 Pupil and Parent Responsibilities
At Broadford Primary pupils, parents and carers are expected to meet three key responsibilities

Pupil Job 1 - Come to school every day on time
Parent responsibility - Ensure that your child arrives for school on time, every day and ready to learn.

Weekly Attendance  Target 96%

KS1: 95% KS2: 97% Overall: 96%
Congratulations to Oak  and Mulberry  who top the attendance table this week. Another great week for attendance, Well done everyone!

Job 2 - Do your best in every lesson
Parent responsibility - Support your child’s learning at home.

E for Excellence Winners

These wonderful children have demonstrated excellence this week.

Nursery	Eden and Kingston	Ash	Millen
Alder	Nirgun	Cedar	Success
Apple	Jacob	Cherry	Ambica
Aspen	Arianna	Elm	Maya-Aisha
Apricot	Tayo Daniel	Maple	Adyaan
Beech	Aadhvik	Willow	Bruno
Walnut	Tovin	Almond	Eason
Mulberry	Lujah	Lime	Abdulahad
Pine	Inaya	Oak	Archie
Rowan	Happiness	Birch	Kindah
		Larch	Lavinia
		Redwood	Oliver

Learning Power Awards These are the key skills that our children will need to learn effectively in class and to be successful later in life.
Reciprocity These children have shown interdependence, collaborated effectively, listened to others, displayed empathy and have imitated effective  ideas and methods from others.	Vrisha, Elyakim, Anya,Sophie, Larissa, Poppy-Mae, Stanley, Kiara
Reflectiveness  These pupils have planned carefully, revised ideas, identified key features and can talk about their learning.	Freya, Irfan, Danni-Ella, Lily, Teddy, Azyaha, Chloe, Daisy, Osazemen, Lyra
Resilience These children have demonstrated perseverance, managed distractions, noticed patterns and been absorbed in their tasks.	Theo,Emily, Riley,Billy, Joni, Eric, Amelia, Aisha
Resourcefulness    These pupils have been curious about learning, made links between ideas, shown imagination, reasoned methodically and capitalised on resources.	Tommy,Asad, Sofia, Jefflyn, Billie, Jessica, Louie-Ra, Prakhyati, Nikita, Layla, Alariah, Erikas, Rithik

 

Certificate of Presentation

The following children have been recognised for the beautifully presented work in their books. They clearly take pride in all that they do and are doing their best in every lesson. 

Aryaan, Tesha, Billy, Ayaan, Paige, Aiza

Star Writers

These children have been awarded a star writer certificate and golden pencil in recognition of their excellent writing, use of powerful vocabulary and sophisticated writing  techniques. 

Tillie-Rose, Spencer, Layla-Mae,Alex, Poppy, Aadya, Elsie, Siana, Nana, Zhyan, Nehemiah, Adeyemi, Akela, Ksenija, Logan, Samairah, Jessica, Jacob

I Made My Teacher Happy

These pupils have all made sure their teachers have a smile on their face this week, 

Sadid, Onyeka, Eva, Aisosa, Asra, Sultan, Dani, Elliot, Victoria, Loju, Mir Hamin, Tyler, Khaleesi, Flynn.

105 Books to Read Before You Leave Broadford

These pupils have read five books and earned their Bronze certificate. 

Ryan, Lukas, Emir, Vanessa, Vrisha, Emma

These pupils have read 10 books and earned their Silver certificate. 

Vanessa, Vrisha, Emma

These pupils have read all 15 books, earning their Gold certificate and completing their trackers. 

Emma

Tracker Awards

		Prestige
Bronze certificate	Jackson
Silver Pencil	Cameron, Aditi, Harley J, Theo, Lukas, Vrisha, Tommy,
Gold Bookmark	Stefania
Platinum prize	Pragya, Joshua, Elena, Logan
Platinum certificate	Dina	Asher
Diamond prize	Niamh
Diamond certificate	Bruno,
Star prize	Sophia
Star certificate	Tesha

Job 3 - Be kind and polite to everyone you meet

Parent responsibility - Model politeness and kindness to everyone you meet.

Housepoints

Pupils are awarded housepoint for using kind words and actions and demonstrating good manners. These go towards their house teams weekly total but they are in competition with their  teachers (Dudley - orange house). If pupils do not demonstrate these behaviours then the teachers' house teams are awarded the house points instead. 

Farringdon  Red house	Chatteris Blue house	Dulverton Yellow house	Cricklade Green house	Dudley Orange house
638	675	590	562	680
Weekly Winner - Dudley Orange house

I hope you all have a brilliant weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs L Nicholls 

Headteacher