For the full February newsletter, click here.
Can you believe we’ve already completed our first half term of 2026? Time has certainly flown by, and it has been a busy and exciting start to the year at Kniveton. Pupils have been fully engaged in a wide range of learning and enrichment opportunities, and the school community has enjoyed a brilliant mix of events, workshops and celebrations.
A huge thank you to all families for your continued support. It truly makes everything we do possible.
Enrichment opportunities and active learning
This half term has been packed with enrichment, with pupils taking part in a fantastic range of sporting and physical development activities. Forest School has continued to be a real highlight, with Class 1 enjoying weekly sessions and Classes 2 and 3 taking part on alternate weeks.
Following the introduction of Flag Football into the PE curriculum, seven Year 5 and 6 pupils attended a related event and showed great enthusiasm for this exciting new sport. Key Stage 1 and EYFS children also took part in two Fundamentals Festivals, with 33 pupils attending each event to build confidence and core physical skills.
Dance workshop preparing for QEGS Arts Day
All Key Stage 2 pupils enjoyed a dance workshop delivered by a QEGS dance teacher as part of preparations for the upcoming QEGS Arts Day. Pupils threw themselves into the session with energy and enthusiasm, building confidence and creativity through movement.
It was a wonderful opportunity for pupils to work with external specialists and experience something new.
Book fair success and new books for school
A huge thank you to all parents, carers and families for supporting the recent Book Fair. Thanks to the generosity of the school community, Kniveton has received £260 worth of free books from the company.
These new books will be a fantastic addition to classrooms and the school library, helping to encourage a love of reading and supporting learning across the school.
School council making a difference
We are proud to introduce Kniveton’s School Council representatives for this term. These pupils are helping to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and are already bringing forward exciting ideas to improve school life.
So far, they have been planning a Whole School Kindness Day, launching Book Buddies across the school, and exploring training opportunities for Key Stage 2 Play Leaders. We are looking forward to seeing their ideas come to life.
Forest School fun in full swing
Forest School has been full of excitement, creativity and plenty of mud! Pupils have been designing their own areas within the Forest School site, working together to create imaginative spaces.
Children have enjoyed making bird feeders to attract wildlife, crafting bracelets, and learning through outdoor play and exploration. It has been wonderful to see how engaged pupils are, building practical skills, confidence, teamwork and a love of nature.
FoKS fundraising challenge: the 2026 challenge!
Friends of Kniveton School (FoKS) have launched an exciting fundraising initiative: the 2026 Challenge. Children are encouraged to raise £20.26 in any creative way they choose, whether through sponsored activities, performances, art sales, car washes, or something entirely of their own invention.
All money raised will go towards new indoor sports equipment or workshops that will benefit all pupils. Children who complete the challenge will be celebrated in Friday Celebration Assembly and receive a certificate and applause from their classmates.
Additional updates at a glance
- Spring term attendance is currently 94.99%.
- Gates open at 8:45am and learning begins at 8:50am; pupils arriving after 8:55am must report to the main entrance.
- Wraparound Club reminders:
- Collection after 3:30pm means wraparound charges apply.
- Collection after 6:00pm incurs a £5 charge for every 5 minutes late.
- World Book Day takes place on Thursday 5th March, with dressing up encouraged.
- Families are invited to send in a photo of their child reading in an unusual place (parents encouraged to join in too).
- Forest School reminders include bringing a separate waterproof coat, a large bag for belongings, spare clothes, and named wellies.
- Class 1 pupils should be dropped off and collected from the Village Hall on Thursdays.
- Forest School is requesting donations of old pots, pans, metal teapots and bowls for imaginative play.
- Key diary dates include:
- 23 February – back to school
- 27 February – Shrovetide Disco (FoKS)
- 6 March – Police County Lines workshop
- 11 March – School Council Kindness Day
- 13 March – Mother’s Day service in church
- 16 March – INSET day (no children in school)
- 20 March – cake sale after school
- 23 March – FoKS meeting (9:00am)
- 25 March – Easter service in church (Class 2 presenting)
- 26 March – Parents Evening
- FoKS 2026 Challenge fundraising money and photos should be submitted by 10 July 2026.