Donnington

Pen Portrait Alan Watkins

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Hello My Name is Alan, I grew up in Donnington and attended Donnington Wood Junior School. My role as a governor is to ensure that infomation that is happening on the ground is report into the school, so they know of the acitivites, support and events that are happening within the local community. I can also shape the way in which community work happens in our community by understanding the challenges and the needs that the school are facing. I have over 15 years back ground in managing community building so a very good understanding of budgets as well as a very good understanding of the Early Year offer through my work with Family Hubs. If you need to reach out to me you can via email at alan.watkins

Hope that okay

Kind Regards

Alan Watkins

Manager & D.S.L for-

The Silver Threads Hall

ARC Award Winners

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Donnington Wood Church of England Junior School is proud to announce that it has been named the Regional Winner of the prestigious ARC Alex Timpson Attachment and Trauma Aware Award for Primary Schools. This award recognises schools that demonstrate outstanding attachment and trauma-informed practice, enabling children to feel safe, valued and able to flourish.
Attachment theory explains how children develop their understanding of themselves and the world through relationships. Experiences such as trauma, abuse, neglect, separation and bereavement can significantly affect a child’s sense of safety and ability to learn. The ARC Awards celebrate schools that successfully rebuild those foundations through nurturing relationships and compassionate practice.
At Donnington Wood CE Junior School, this recognition reflects years of dedication to creating a community where every child is known, valued and supported. Guided by our Christian vision and our core values of Hope, Friendship and Perseverance, we have worked relentlessly to ensure that every pupil can flourish, regardless of their starting point or the challenges they may face.
Our journey towards becoming an attachment and trauma-aware school began with a simple belief: every child deserves the very best. Through whole-school training, trauma-informed practice and a culture built upon understanding behaviour through curiosity rather than judgement, we have created a safe and nurturing environment where children feel secure enough to learn, grow and thrive.
This work was recognised in our recent SIAMS inspection, which described the school as:
“A safe haven for those who face challenges in their lives and learning.”
For us, however, this award is not simply about what happens within our school walls. It is about a community coming together to ensure children and families receive the support they need.
Over the past year, we have expanded our support for families by bringing services, expertise and opportunities directly into our community. We know that schools cannot do this work alone, and we are incredibly grateful to the partners who walk alongside us on this journey.
Most importantly, we celebrate the incredible team at Donnington Wood CE Junior School. Every day, they demonstrate extraordinary commitment, compassion and determination. They refuse to give up on children, relentlessly seeking solutions, building relationships and creating opportunities that allow pupils to succeed.
This award belongs to all of us; for the parents, pupils and families.
We celebrate the small steps, the big breakthroughs and the life-changing moments that happen every day. We celebrate the child who attends school with confidence for the first time, the family who feels listened to and supported, and the pupil who discovers hope in their future.
Being named Regional ARC Award Winners reinforces our belief that relationships matter, that community matters and that every child can flourish when surrounded by people who believe in them.
As we continue this journey, we remain committed to sharing our learning, supporting others and ensuring that Donnington Wood remains a place where hope grows, friendships flourish, perseverance is nurtured and every child is empowered to achieve their full potential.
Together, we are not simply educating children; we are helping an entire community to flourish.

Thursday 25th June- This will be sent out on Arbour Tomorrow AM.

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School is Open as normal on Thursday, we are keeping cool under the trees.

Next few weeks
Energize wellbeing morning Wednesday 1st July
A reminded that we have rescheduled the wellbeing day for Wednesday. Please come in in PE kit, bring a water bottle and hat. This is just for the children.
Sports Day Thursday 2nd July 1:30- 2:15pm on the field.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to our summer sports day next week. Pupils will compete in 7 events (with one rest station). They will rotate around the field competing in different activities.
Parents are asked to stay on the outside of the track. Children will be organised into groups this event.
Please come in PE kit.
The weather is looking good for this event but if it rains, we will have to cancel. Please be careful crossing the grass around the field.
The focus as always, is to show our school values, of friendship, hope and perseverance.
Transition days: Tuesday 7th July and Wednesday 8th July
We look forward to pupils working in their new year groups for the days. Some classes will be mixed up a bit to balance numbers.
On the Tuesday 7th July, Years 3, 4 & 5, will come to school as normal and then be sent to their new classes. They will leave via their new classes in the afternoon. On Wednesday 8th pupils will go straight to their new classes and be dismissed from those classrooms at the end of the day.
Our current Year 6s will be going to their new schools on those dates, however, need to attend here if there dates are not the Tuesday and Wednesday. They will be based in the Library.
Classes for next year are, we are letting you know earlier than usual so pupils can start meeting and saying hello to their new teacher.
Year 3P Mrs Poyner – Year 2
Year 4O with Miss Oshea – 3R
Year 4B wit Miss Berrow- 3P
Year 5R with Mr Rawson – 4O
Year 5PD with Mrs Dymond and Mrs Plamer- 4B
Year 6D with Mrs Davies – 5H
Year 6B with Mrs Bradburn – 5P
Hoo Zoo Visit: We need consent on Arbour.
We will be visiting Hoo Zoo on Thursday 9th July. If you are struggling to pay, please speak to the office, as there are lots of things we can offer to assist you. We must have the consent signed or your child cannot go.
Educational visits in September
In the Autumn term 2026, we are planning different visits for each year group classes:
Year 6 will spend a day at Sky reach and kayaking (last year this was £35), Year 5 will visit Arthog Outreach at the Short wood centre (last year this was around £35).
Year 4 will be visiting the local Gurdwara, and Dewa, Chester (around £30)
Year 3 will be visiting Blists Hill (around £20)
We want to let you know early so you can save for the trips, and we will let you know final costs and details nearer the time.
In September, as always, we focus on the core value of Friendship, and we will support all pupils to make new connections and fresh relationships. The new classes will be set for the transfer days in July, and then pupils will get further opportunities to be in their new groups over this Summer term.
There is always anxiety with change, but rest assured we will support all pupils to settle in their new classes through our inspiring curriculum and pastoral support.
Free Breakfast Club will be starting in September. It will be 7:45- 8:25 and will be free of charge.
The new prospectus is now on the Website.