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  • Weekly Update 03/07/26

    Published 03/07/26

    Good afternoon everyone,

    Our weeks are still super-busy. On Tuesday morning some of our nursery families joined us for worship. We did a craft together reminding us to let our light shine – and be happy, positive and kind to those around us. Most children spent the day with their new teacher on Tuesday. Unfortunately, Mrs Kaye wasn’t able to be with us – but she is looking forward to meeting our current Y4 class on Tuesday at our next pass up day. Mrs Lowe said that Y3 thoroughly enjoyed their day at Liverpool Museum on Wednesday. I accompanied Y6 for their first leavers’ service at Manchester Cathedral.  It was a very special occasion enjoying some time with other schools from Manchester Diocese. In the afternoon Mr. Lawrenson was out of school with a group of Y6 pupils taking part in a  cricket competition. The team was made up of some experienced cricketers and others representing school for the first time. The team played 3 games- hit some sixes, bowled brilliantly taking wickets and made some fabulous catches. Sadly the team didn’t win, but had lots of fun. Well done team! Miss Brennan and Mrs Peake were out of school with our netball team. Well done to our St Stephen's netball team, who won the first match against Garret hall 6-0 , Lost the match against Holy family 6-5 , and drew 3-3 against St Ambrose! The team showed fantastic determination, encouraging one another as they battled through three games in a row. It was also great to see our boys taking part this year too. A brilliant team effort – well done, everyone!

    As we look to next week please note that most of the after-school clubs have now finished. A huge thank you to the staff who give up their time to run the sessions. Rees Sports sessions will still be taking place on Wednesday and Thursday next week. As I’ve already mentioned, we have our 2nd pass-up day on Tuesday. Our Y6 families are invited to join us at a Leavers’ Service for local schools at St. George’s on Thursday at 10am. On Friday Y2 go to Staircase House, and we finish the week with our Y6 Leavers’ Ball in the evening. 

    After that we then go into the final week of this school year!

    Enjoy the weekend.

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  • Weekly Update 26/06/26

    Published 26/06/26

    Well done to everyone for getting through an exceptionally warm week in school. Each day the children have played outside at the start of the day and at morning break, and stayed in classrooms at lunchtime. An ice pop each afternoon has helped slightly. Thankfully the temperatures look more manageable next week.

    This week it has been lovely to welcome some of our new nursery pupils and their families to school as well as seeing our new Reception pupils and their families having fun together. Some of our Y6 pupils have been visiting Bedford High School and Fred Longworth this week in preparation for September.

    On Wednesday morning, our Y4 pupils performed their final Brass performance for their families and Y3. Well done everyone on an excellent performance. As Y4 pupils move to Y5 they are entitled to free instrument hire for the Autumn term. The deadline to sign your child up for music tuition is Tuesday 30th June.

    Tomorrow we have our Summer Fair. We hope to see as many of you there as possible. The fair starts at 11.00am and finishes around 2.00pm.

    Next week we have lots happening on Tuesday. Our Y6 pupils going to St. Mary’s High School will spend the day there. We start in school with an end of year worship with our nursery pupils and their families. All our pupils will be spending the day in their new classroom for their first pass-up day. Wednesday is even busier! Our nursery and Reception pupils are having a superhero day. Y3 are visiting Liverpool World Museum. Y6 are joining a Leavers’ Service at Manchester Cathedral. Years 4 and 5 are going to St. Mary’s High School to watch their Summer concert on Wednesday morning. We have some pupils taking part in a cricket competition and others involved in the netball league in the afternoon. We finish the day in school with our Open the Book worship with members from church.

    Hope to see you tomorrow at the fair.

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  • Weekly Update 19/06/26

    Published 23/06/26

    Thank you to everyone who was able to come along to our Sports Days. It was lovely to see so many of you there. A huge well done to all the children. You were amazing! Can I just remind families please not to share photos/ videos on facebook etc as not all children have permission to be on there. Congratulations to Hanover- our winning team!

    Well done to our Y6 maths reasoning group who had their final session on Wednesday. Miss Brown is so pleased with them and the resilience shown in the sessions, resulting in them coming first this week in their session.

    Next week we have another busy week at St. Stephen’s. On Monday we are looking forward to the druhm sessions. Each class from nursery upwards will be spending time in the hall drumming developing a whole host of core skills for everyday life – namely focus and attention. For the sessions we have asked for a contribution of £2.00 per child, payable on ParentPay.

    On Tuesday we have family worship with Years 1 & 2. Please meet at the junior gate on the carpark. Worship will start at 9.10am, and refreshments are available beforehand. On Wednesday afternoon we look forward to welcoming our new Reception pupils and their families into school for a fun afternoon.

    This afternoon we were treated to a performance from one of our past pupils, Austin, on his cello. He has been working with Wigan Music Service to promote the cello. We have been offered a small number of free places for cello tuition, including instrument hire for the Autumn term. This is available for current Y2-5 pupils on a first come-first serve basis. Please email the office on enquiries@admin.astleysaintstephens.wigan.sch.uk to express your child’s interest.

    Preparations are underway for our Summer Fair on Saturday 27th June. If anyone is able to provide some sweets or chocolates for our tombola they would be very much appreciated.

    Fingers crossed we continue to see some sunshine.

    Take care, and have a lovely weekend.

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  • Weekly Update 12/06/26

    Published 12/06/26

    We started our week with talks from volunteers from the Canal and River Trust. In these valuable sessions, the children were reminded to be SAFE (stay away from the edge) and how to get help should they come across someone in difficulty in the water. We had some great demonstrations of a star float and explored the things we could throw to someone needing help in the water. Please talk to your child(ren) about this and remind them that we call 999 in the UK and ask for the fire rescue service. 

    On Tuesday Miss Brown accompanied 2 of our Y6 boys at a chess competition. The boys played brilliantly, getting through to the semi final.

    On Wednesday Miss Quinn set up an art exhibition that some of our local schools had been creating work for. The finished result was stunning. A huge thank you to Miss Quinn for all her work in getting everything ready, and congratulations to everyone who had their work displayed and to the Singing Club for an excellent performance.

    Everyone looked great yesterday for our World Cup theme day. A big thank you to Allesshia and Johanne for the delicious lunches. It was a shame that the weather wasn’t on our side. The children didn’t manage to get outside at any point of the day. 

    As we look to next week we will try again to hold our Early Years Sports Day. This is scheduled for Monday morning, with a starting time of approximately 9.30am. On Tuesday we have family worship with Reception. On Wednesday our Year 6 maths reasoning group will be out of school for the final time. Good luck to the team. Our school sports day for Year 1-6 is scheduled for Thursday morning next week weather permitting 🤞🏻

    Weekly we review and risk assess OPAL play. It has come to light that using the crates on the tarmac has been resulting in damage to uniform and coats. Also we had an accident this week where one of our younger pupils got hurt. Once the weather clears up we propose to try the crates on the grass. To use them we are thinking it would be a good idea to put a carpet tile in each crate. If anyone has access to a few carpet tiles that are not being used, we would welcome them in school. Thank you. 

    Let’s hope the weather is kinder over the weekend.

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  • Weekly Update 05/06/26

    Published 12/06/26

    It has been lovely to see everyone back in school this week. On Wednesday morning I joined our Singing Club at St. George’s Church, where they joined a few of our local schools in a singing event. Each school sang 2 songs. All the children sang beautifully, and performed for us again in assembly on Wednesday afternoon. Thank you to Miss Quinn for organising the event and for her time preparing our children for the event.

    The children may have told you about the Music Alive performance yesterday. A group of staff from Wigan Music Service joined us. We learned about a number of woodwind instruments and how to play them, and we were all entertained with a great selection of music. The children from current Y2 upwards can choose to learn to play a musical instrument next year. For those children interested we have some forms in school where you can find out about hiring an instrument if necessary and the cost of the tuition. These will come home next week with those children interested.

    As we look to next week, the phonics screening tests will be carried out in Y1 and in Y2 as required. Y4 will also be carrying out their multiplication tables check. On Monday we have someone from the Canal and River Trust coming into school to deliver some very important water safety messages. On Tuesday family worship is with Y5 & 6 at the usual start time of 9.10am. On Wednesday our Y5 pupils have their art work on display at Leigh Spinners Mill. On Thursday the children are invited to join us in wearing a football kit/ sports wear for the start of the World Cup.

    Next week is a week that determines the funding we receive for Bee Ready Club. If your child has not tried our free breakfast club, then they are very welcome. The junior gates are open from 8.25 – 8.35am, and the children can choose from toast, yoghurt, cereal with a drink. No need to book in – just turn up.

    Have a lovely weekend.

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  • Weekly Update 22/05/26

    Published 12/06/26

    Please find attached our latest Newsletter, you can also access this via our school website: https://astleysaintstephen.ovw10.juniperwebsites.co.uk/

    This week, two pupils from Y4 represented school at an ATSA Times Table competition. Well done to Sofia and Samuel for taking part.

    The next family worship will be with Y3/4 on Tuesday 2nd June. As usual, the junior gates will be opened from around 9am to allow you into the school to join us in the hall. Refreshments will be available. It would be lovely to see you there!

    Have a lovely half term break and we will see you on Monday 1st June.

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  • Weekly Update 15/05/26

    Published 12/06/26

    A huge congratulations to our Year 6 pupils. They have coped so well with the demands of this week’s assessments. We are so proud of the way they have come into school each day and really focused themselves on the tests. They can now enjoy their last few weeks together.

    This week is Christian Aid week. We mentioned it in worship on Wednesday looking at the work of the charity supporting people to live the life they want free from poverty and injustice. We had a small number of envelopes to give out to our younger pupils. Otherwise, if you would like to contribute to the collection, please send money into school in an envelope labelled ‘Christian Aid’.

    Yesterday Mr. Grogan came into school to announce the winner of the ATSA logo design competition. We were delighted to find out that, out of the 300 entries, the winning design comes from Bella in Year 6. Congratulations Bella!

    On Monday morning we waved year 4 off as they set off on their 2-night residential to Bispham Hall. They had a great time with the Nomad Rangers carrying out a huge range of activities, including grass sledging, orienteering, fire-lighting and frisbee golf. If you follow this link to the website you can find out more - https://astleysaintstephen.ovw10.juniperwebsites.co.uk/page/?title=Y4+Residential+to+Bispham+Hall+May+2026&pid=972
    Thank you to Mr. Burrows, Mrs Deakin and Miss Longshaw for giving up their time to be with the children.

    This half-term seems to have flown by, and next week is the last week before the one week break. On Tuesday family worship is with Y1 & 2. We will start at the usual time of 9.10am. Please wait at the junior gates if you are able to join us. Refreshments will be available as usual.

    We finish the week with our sponsored walks on Friday afternoon. Families who are joining the junior walk are asked to wait by the junior gates ready for their walk at 1.30pm. Families who are joining the infant walk are asked to wait by the infant gates ready for their walk at 2.30pm.

    Just to remind you all- Bee Ready Club is our free breakfast club open to all pupils attending our school as and when required. The junior gates are open from 8.25 – 8.35am to welcome the children to school. The children have access to drinks, fruit, cereal and yoghurts before the start of the school day, and spend time playing with their friends. There is no need to book. Just turn up.

    Enjoy the weekend, and we will see you on Monday.

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  • Weekly Update 08/05/26

    Published 08/05/26

    That was a strange week! Only 3 days in school. Thank you to everyone for their generous donations for the School Fair today. If you have any items at home that we could use at the Fair they are most welcome. As already mentioned, the School Fair is on Saturday 27th June. If you or anyone you know is interested in having a stall, please contact the school office. If you can advertise the Fair too do please call in at the office for a poster.

    The children are bringing home information and sponsor forms for our Sponsored Walk taking place on the afternoon of Friday 22nd May. This year money raised with go towards OPAL play.

    On Monday morning our Year 4 pupils set off on their 2 night adventure to Bispham Hall. I will keep you updated on how they are getting on when I call to see them.

    There will be no family worship again next week, as our Year 6 meet in the hall for breakfast ahead of their Sats.

    We have been informed of a few cases of headlice recently. Please check your child’s hair and treat accordingly.

    We are so proud of our Year 6 pupils and how hard they have worked throughout their time with us. We know they will be amazing next week in their Sats. Have a great weekend Y6 and spend some time doing the things you enjoy the most! Your Reception buddies especially are cheering you on and have a little gift for you!

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  • Weekly Update 01/05/26

    Published 01/05/26

    As you are aware we were inspected under the new Ofsted inspection process at the beginning of March. We are due our report soon. Instead of single-word judgements like “Outstanding”  or “Good”, schools will now receive a five-point scale for each area:

    Exceptional – Nationally exemplary practice

    Strong Standard – Highly effective and consistent

    Expected Standard – Meets all requirements

    Needs Attention – Some weaknesses to address

    Urgent Improvement – Serious concerns needing immediate action

    All statements must now be met to achieve the above grading statements. It is now a secure fit system and not a best fit system as in the previous framework.

    The graded areas are:

    • Leadership & governance

    • Curriculum & teaching

    • Attendance & behaviour

    • Achievement

    • Personal development & well-being

    • Inclusion

    • Safeguarding will retain a simple Met/Not met grading

    The children have loved our new OPAL areas- especially the digging area and mud kitchen. If anyone has any gardening trowels or forks that you could donate to school, they would be very much appreciated.

    This week the children all saw the dress rehearsal for St. Stephen’s Got Talent, and last night all the finalists performed for their families. It was a fantastic show. We were treated to singing, dancing, comedy and music from children as young as Year 2. Well done everyone! You were all amazing! Thank you to our judges, Mrs Lowe and Mr Lawrenson, and a huge thank you to Miss Quinn for all your time in putting everything together. We really appreciate it.

    On Wednesday we had 2 of our Year 6 pupils taking part in a spelling competition, and then later that day the reasoning group from Y6 were also out at their next session. Well done to you all.

    Reception and Year 1 had a fabulous day out at Smithills Farm earlier in the week, and yesterday Y3 all looked fantastic for their Roman day.

    Can I please ask everyone to be considerate in their use of the car park? Last night one of our families needed access to a disabled bay, and they were all in use. Please do not use the disabled bays unless required.

    Next week we have a strange week with it being Bank Holiday Monday and the school is closed on Thursday for the local elections. On Tuesday all children must be in full school uniform (which is P.E. kit in nursery) for class photos please. On Friday 8th May we are holding a non-uniform day, asking if the children can bring in an item for one of our tombola’s at the Summer Fair.

    I mentioned to you recently about your child’s attendance record being sent to you digitally. It has been emailed to you this afternoon.

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  • Weekly Update 24/04/26

    Published 01/05/26

    It’s hard to believe we are now in the final term of this school year. All after-school clubs have started and the children are really enjoying some of the different clubs available to them. Mr. Lawrenson continues to be really proud of Y6 as they prepare for their Sats, which take place week commencing Monday 11th May. They are doing a great job even attending extra sessions after school each week. All your hard work will be worth it Year 6! This morning we had a group of Y5 pupils start some art work ahead of an exhibition they will be involved in later in the term. We welcomed a number of local schools to school for the workshop this morning that Miss Quinn was leading.

    We are ready now to introduce some new areas to our OPAL play- starting with a digging area (in the polytunnel area), a temporary mud kitchen, some water play and a colouring area. The children have talked through the risks associated with the areas and the rules that need to be put in place. We’ll send you some photographs next week. We are still on the hunt for more dressing up clothes. The children love them. Even some adult clothing – shirts, hats, bags etc would be most welcome. We would appreciate a couple of shelving units for the messy kitchen if you have one you are getting rid of.

    I’m sure the children have told you that the first part of the interviews for my successor took place yesterday. They continue today and we will all be informed of the outcome in due course.

    Next week our Reception and Year 1 classes are going to Smithills Farm on Tuesday. Family worship on Tuesday is with Y5 and 6. On Wednesday two of our Y6 pupils are taking part in an ATSA spelling competition, and a group of our Y6 pupils will take part in the next maths reasoning session. Also on Wednesday the children in school will have the opportunity to watch a dress rehearsal for St. Stephen’s Got Talent ahead of the final after school on Thursday. On Thursday Y3 are also having their Roman Day. What a busy week we have in store!

    Just a reminder that school is closed on Thursday 7th May for staff training. On this day the school building will be used for the local elections.

    Looks like we should have some more sunshine over the weekend! Take care, and we will see you on Monday.

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  • Weekly Update 02/04/26

    Published 02/04/26

    A huge thank you to Mrs Ogden and Year 3 who ran the Easter draw this afternoon, delivering the prizes to the winners. Thank you so much for all the donations received in school, and for buying tickets. A fantastic £515 was raised for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. It was lovely to see so many family members in our Easter services this week. Thank you to all the children who performed beautifully.
    If you are doing any sorting out over the holiday we would welcome more donations for OPAL play – action figures, cuddly toys, suitcases, items that can be used in the mud kitchen, plastic jugs, bottles and bowls. Next term we are looking to expand the zones, and have water play, a digging area, and a messy kitchen.
    Can I remind all family members again not to use the car park at the start and end of the day unless by prior arrangement with the office. With the work taking place at the moment on site there are reduced spaces, and it is making the children’s entrance to school unsafe. Thank you in advance for your support.
    We will also be posting our latest newsletter on dojo. Please take some time over the holiday to read it.
    You can also see attached the dates for family worship next half-term.
    Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing break. See you back in school on Monday 20th April.

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  • Weekly Update 20/03/26

    Published 25/03/26

    The ATSA events all didn’t go ahead as planned this week- but Bronte and Phoebe still represented school in the mindfulness and movement session after school on Wednesday. Mr Burrows was really proud of the girls for taking part. Well done girls!
    Yesterday, Mr. Grogan, Headteacher from St. George’s Central, was in school to do a presentation for the juniors regarding the re-branding of ATSA, after it has been running for 15 years.
    Name: Atherton and Tyldesley Sports and Arts
    Strapline: Friendship through sports, arts and community
    All pupils are invited to enter the competition designing the new ATSA logo, based on the new name and ‘strapline’. All designs are to be on A4 paper – with name and school on the back of each design. For this, the children are asked to use their own creativity, and avoid using Artificial Intelligence resources. The design does not have to follow the design of the current logo in shape or size or colour scheme, but should incorporate the current offer of events. Closing date is 9.00am on Monday 30th March.
    Today it has been great to see everyone in school wearing their red noses, and enjoying some fun and games in their houses.
    Year 3 are still collecting ester eggs for this year’s Easter Draw. Details will come home on Monday about the sale of raffle tickets.
    Next week we have our final family worship of this half-term, which will be with Y3/4. Family members are invited to join us for the worship at 9.10am, with refreshments being served beforehand in the hall. Just to remind you of the dates of our Easter Services in the final week of term- Tuesday 31st March with Y1,3,4 and 6 and Thursday 2nd April with Reception, Y2,4, and 5. We break up on Thursday 2nd April for the Easter break.
    Let’s hope this beautiful weather continues into the weekend.

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