Author: donningtonwood

Parent Zone

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Uncovering the Hidden Financial Risks in Children’s Gaming
With 88% of UK children playing online games, digital play is an important part of childhood. However, current age rating systems fail to flag the financial risks endemic in gaming.

Parent Zone has been a leader in researching and responding to online financial risks and harms affecting families for many years. In 2018 our independent research uncovered young people’s exposure to skin gambling, we led the Child Financial Harms consortium and recently we have developed the Gaming Risk Index.

Gaming Risk Index (GRI)

By analysing millions of reviews across thousands of Google Play Store games, the Gaming Risk Index scores titles against ten child financial risk categories, including loot boxes, subscription traps, skins, and pay-to-win mechanics.

We are still in early stages of analysis but so far we have found that over 99% of the games we have looked at contain financial risk indicators and that risks occur fairly uniformly across all age ratings.

We also found that whilst educational games may score lower on risks like gambling, they have the highest prevalence of subscription traps – showing how business models shift so that the reality of what’s in a game may not match our expectations.

Through this work we have evidenced what many parents already tell us, that game ratings are confusing, don’t reflect parents’ concerns and miss key risks. And, our findings align with broader research on persuasive design. An Ofcom study identified manipulative features, such as dissociative in-game currencies and impulse-activating countdown timers, that encourage unchecked spending, while a University of Sydney report identified misleading monetisation in 14 out of 15 games they sampled on Roblox.

Gaming has a valuable role in children’s lives. It brings many positives – but also hidden risks and challenges for families. Improvements are underway, but broader system changes are still needed. In the meantime, we will continue to help parents make sense of it all.

Level up…

Take a deeper dive into the Gaming Risk Index and Child Financial Harms, tune into Tech Shock, or get practical parenting guides.

Term Dates for future years- We need to add PD Days in.

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Attendance Support Team

Term Dates and Holidays for Academic Years

2028-29, 2029-30, and 2030-31
We are pleased to publish the agreed term dates and holiday calendars for the 2028-29, 2029-30 and 2030-31 academic years.

We know that schools and educational settings often begin planning in advance, so we are pleased to make this information available at an early stage to support forward planning.

Please note:

  • The Local Authority has not designated any PD (Professional Development) days for these academic years.
  • Schools are responsible for selecting all five of their PD days each year.
  • Once agreed, schools are encouraged to publish their PD days on their website to help parents and carers plan effectively.
Agreed Term Dates 2028-29
Agreed Term Dates 2029-30
Agreed Term Dates 2030-31

Children in Need Friday 13th November

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Children in Need Non-Uniform Day
Friday 13th November 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
To support BBC Children in Need, we will be holding a Non-Uniform Day on Friday 13th November 2026.
Children are invited to come to school wearing their own clothes instead of school uniform. We kindly ask for a 50p donation, which can be paid either in cash or via Arbor.
Please note: There is no need to buy a special outfit. Children can simply wear their favourite comfortable clothes while helping to raise money for a fantastic cause.
What is Children in Need?
BBC Children in Need is a UK charity that raises money to support children and young people facing challenges such as poverty, illness, disability, mental health difficulties, and family hardship. The money raised helps fund projects and services across the UK that make a real difference to young lives.
The Children in Need 2026 Challenge
This year’s appeal encourages schools, families and communities to come together to raise money through fun activities and donations, helping every child have the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential.
Thank you for your support and generosity. Every donation, no matter how small, helps make a difference.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Fox
Donnington Wood Church of England Junior School

Meet your Governor: Pen Portrait Nicole

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Nicole – Parent Governor
I am a parent of a child at the school and became a Parent Governor because I am passionate about championing our pupils, supporting the wider community, and helping the school continue to thrive.
I believe that every child should feel included, valued, and welcomed, and I am committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential. As a governor, I want to support the school in providing the best possible environment for every pupil and family.
If you would like to contact me, please let the school office know and I will be happy to get in touch.