Shackleton Primary School

What a May it’s already been for our BBPCF parent carers 💙

From our ADHD Foundations Course, Stronger Beginnings, SEND events, networking with local services and hearing so many lived experiences - thank you to every parent carer who has joined us, shared feedback and supported one another.

And we’re already looking ahead to our June events programme 👀

June is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, ask questions and feel supported, including:

✨ SEND Forum: Health
✨ Bitesize Training Sessions
✨ Understanding PDA
✨ Navigating the World of SEND
✨ Focus Groups helping shape future change

You must be a BBPCF member to attend our events.
👉 Book via your Membership Portal

👉 Not yet a member? It’s quick and free to join here: https://www.bbpcf.co.uk/membership

We can’t wait to continue learning, engaging and empowering together 💙

🧩 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 “𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫”?

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐃𝐀 (𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞) can help make sense of some behaviours and give families practical ways to better support their child.

Join BBPCF for this online session designed for parent carers wanting to learn more in a supportive and understanding environment.

During the session we will explore:

✔️ What the PDA presentation of autism can look like
✔️ Why everyday demands can feel overwhelming
✔️ Helpful strategies to reduce anxiety and support regulation
✔️ Where families can access further support and information

You are not alone - this session is about understanding, reassurance and practical support for family life.

Now we are in Summer Term and the sun will be shining more often, we would like to take this oppurtunity to remind all parents/carers of the above Shackleton Sun Safety Rules.

Sun Cream - this should be a high factor sun cream and should be applied to children BEFORE they come to school. We have noticed some children have been bringing in sun cream to school to apply themselves, doing this may pose a risk if used by other pupils who could experience an allergic reaction. There are many sun creams available that last 8+ hours and will last them the whole school day.

Sun Hat - The children are now playing on the field during lunchtimes and should be wearing a sun hat as an extra layer of protection from the sun, and to avoid the sun getting in their eyes when playing.

Water Bottle - a named water bottle should be provided for your child everyday, especially in summer, to ensure they are staying hydrated throught the day.

Uniform - Children can now wear their summer uniforms if they wish, this is a blue and white gingham summer dress/shorts and grey shorts

SCHOOL OFFICE CLOSED OVER LUNCHTIMES

Please note that the office will now be closing for lunch between 12:00pm and 1:00pm.

If you need to collect/drop off a child during this time, you must do so by 11:55am. Children will not be able to be picked up or dropped off again until after 1:05pm.

Just a reminder that all non-emergency appointments should be made outisde of school hours where possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

Looking for something fun to do this half term? Come along to our Move & Make Together sessions on Thursday 28th May, specially created for SEND children and their families.

These relaxed sessions are all about creativity, movement, dancing, crafting, play and lots of fun, in a welcoming SEND‑friendly space where families can join in together and go at their own pace.

📍 Where: Child Development Centre, Hill Rise, Kempston, MK42 7EB
📅 When: Thursday 28th May
⏰ Session times:
• Ages 3–5: 9:45am – 11:00am
• Ages 6–8: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
• Ages 9+: 2:30pm – 4:00pm

✅ Free to attend (booking essential)
📧 To book, email: [email protected]
✨ Places are limited, so please book early!

Come and enjoy some creative family time in a supportive and friendly environment ✨

🎒 Back to School Support – Our First Event of the Term

As children return to school this January, many parent carers are left with questions, concerns and things they’d like clarity on.

Our first event of the spring term focuses on giving families the chance to speak directly with Heads of Service about education, health and SEND support.

📅 SEND Forum: Heads of Service – Bookable Slots
🗓 12 January 2026
⏰ 9:30 – 11:30
📍 Child Development Centre, Kempston

This session offers parent carers the opportunity to:
• Ask questions about school support and concerns
• Discuss health, therapy and waiting lists
• Get guidance at a key transition point in the school year
• Have your voice heard at the start of term

Back to school can be a crucial time to raise issues early — and this event is designed to support families right from the start.

👉 To book contact [email protected]

The Educational Psychology Team offers FREE 45 minute online consultations for parents of children/young people whose school have purchased the service from Bedford Borough Council. Please check with your school to see if they buy back this service from Bedford Borough Council. To book email [email protected]

They provide an opportunity to discuss issues affecting a child or young person in an educational setting or at home with an Educational Psychologist, with a view to planning a way forward.

An Autism Specialist Advisory Teacher will be present at the ASAT consultation.

Educational Psychologists are trained to work with children and young people, alongside other professionals and families, to improve their well-being and educational outcomes.

How You Feel Matters - get information, help and support for your child or young persons mental health.