SSq Newsletter - 5th November 2025

Dear Families,

Welcome back! We hope you had a lovely half term break. It’s been great to see the children return with such energy and positivity.

This half term, our focus is on the value of Community. Across the school, Changemaker Projects are now underway in Years 1–6, with children working together to bring this value to life by identifying real-world issues and finding ways to make a difference. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have.

This week, poppies are available to buy in the playground before and after school as we approach Remembrance Day, which falls on Tuesday 11th November. We’ll be marking this in next week’s assembly, linking it to our values of Community and Respect, as we take time to remember all those affected by war – past and present, near and far.

In assembly yesterday, we celebrated our SSQ Parliament as they were officially awarded their badges. Each cabinet member also shared their minister role with the whole school – explaining what their role involves and how they plan to make a difference this year. It was brilliant to see their confidence and leadership shining through.

Next Wednesday (12th November) is Individual Class Photo Day. Please make sure your child is in full school uniform and ready with their best smiles!

Next week is also Anti-Bullying Week, launching with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10th November. Children are invited to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique. Throughout the week, classes will take part in sessions and discussions focused on kindness, respect, and inclusion – an important part of our work in ensuring every child feels safe, supported and valued.

We’ll end the week by supporting Children in Need on Friday. In line with the national campaign, children are invited to come to school in non-uniform in exchange for a small donation to this brilliant cause. Thank you in advance for your support.

A quick reminder that Visit Your Child in Class Morning is coming up on Wednesday 19th November. If it’s not already in your calendar, please add it! We’ll start as usual at 9:00am in the bottom hall before heading into classrooms. It’s always a great opportunity to see your child’s learning in action – we’d love to see you there.

We also want to take a moment to acknowledge the devastating hurricane that has impacted Jamaica this week. Our thoughts are with all those affected – especially any members of our SSQ community with family or loved ones in the region. We are currently thinking about how we can offer support as a school, and we’ll be sharing more details in the coming weeks. If your child has been affected by the news or through personal connections, please do let us know – we’re here to help and support.

We’re looking forward to a brilliant and purposeful half term ahead. Have a lovely end to the week.

Matt

NEWS – SSq has the P Factor!

See below for a summary of this great event that was the culmination of our Identity Curriculum here at SSq.

We will be sending a link to all the performances via Arbor this week. Please do not share them on social media.

NEWS – Odd Socks Day and Children in Need!

On Monday 10th November, children are invited to wear odd socks as we start anti-bullying week.

NEXT Friday 14th November, children are invited to wear their own clothes for a donation of £1 as we raise money for BBC’s Children in Need. See below for more information.

NEWS – OKRFZ Youth Club SUCCESS!

OKRFZ held their first ever youth club in the holidays with a Black History focus. It was great to see so many children attend. Please see some pictures of the event: the children were playing a connecting activity with prizes up for grabs. Find out more about the Old Kent Road Family Zone here.

NEWS – Surrey Square Park – have YOUR say!

NEWS – Local Art Competition – OPEN!

NEWS – Early Reading Workshop – THURS 6th NOV!

On Thursday November 6th there will be an Early Reading parent workshop in the bottom hall at 9.00am. Here you will be shown how your child is learning to read through phonics so you can support your child at home. It is aimed at parents and carers of children in EYFS , Year 1 or 2.

NEWS – Year 2 Artists Flying High!

As part of their art day for Foundation Week, Year 2 took inspiration from Picasso, Miro and Klee. Nadeem class watched bird drawing tutorials and looked at pictures in books. Otedola class used the artists to help them with their own animal art.

We think you’ll all agree they’re brilliant!

Visit Your Child in School – Coming Soon!

Keep sharing the word!

Open Sessions for Prospective Reception Families!

Do you know a family member or friend who is looking for a primary school place for September 2026? Let them know about our upcoming open mornings for prospective pupils this term. Please share this link with them.

Dear Parents and Carers,

The government has just passed a new housing act called “Awaab’s Law”. Awaab's Law is a new rule for social landlords (like the council or housing associations). It was created after the tragic death of a two-year-old boy, Awaab Ishak, who died because of severe mould in his home that his landlord ignored. The main point of the law is to force landlords to fix serious problems in your home very quickly and stop them from ignoring dangerous issues like persistent damp and mould. If you report an emergency, like a leak, the landlord has 24 hours to investigate and start fixing the issue. If you report a significant hazard like severe damp and mould, they have to begin the repair within 5 working days and investigate within 10 working days. If you are experiencing any of these issues, please email repairs@southwark.gov.uk or dampandmould@southwark.gov.uk mentioning Awaab’s Law – feel free to copy me in fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk

Certain families in Southwark with a child who is under 5 years of age until August 2026 can apply for Rose Vouchers, giving them access to free fruit and veg. You have to be on certain benefits, or have No Recourse to Public Funds or if you are seeking asylum. Please use this link to register https://www.1stplace.uk.com/rosevouchers

More information here https://www.1stplace.uk.com/rosevouchers

I’ve been made aware that some Health Care companies are having their licenses to sponsor overseas workers revoked, which means that people in the care sector on sponsorships might lose their jobs. If this applies to you, please see this website https://hub.goodworkselondon.co.uk/international-recruitment and let me know if you’d like to discuss this further. The government also has this website for support https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-offer-to-international-asc-workers-whose-employers-sponsor-licence-has-been-revoked/support-offer-to-international-asc-workers-whose-employers-sponsor-licence-has-been-revoked

London South Bank University (LSBU) provides a free legal advice service for a range of issues. Please see this website for more information about how to access support https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/our-colleges/law-and-education/study/subjects/law/legal-advice-clinic

Please can you let me know if you currently live on the Aylesbury Estate? We know that conditions in some of these blocks are very poor right now, and we would like to support you if possible.

Please do remember to let me know if you are in Temporary Accommodation or are renting privately, and would like support with any housing problems. We have a great partnership with a housing advocacy organisation called Kineara, who can support our parents with questions they might have about living in TA or in the private-rented sector. Please come and collect a referral form from me if you would like to book an appointment.

I am available in school from Monday to Wednesday – do get in touch (fcarrick-davies@ssq.org.uk) if you have any questions in the meantime.

Keep an eye on my information page outlining advice from me about various issues that may concern you plus many opportunities that are available to you and your family here in Southwark, also check out the numerous opportunities in and around our area at the bottom of this page!