The Early Years Library is a new addition to our school.  We opened in October to provide opportunities for children and parents to share high quality texts.  Research shows sharing stories and books is an essential part of a child’s healthy and successful development.  The National Literacy Trust found that in 2024, fewer parents reported engaging daily reading activities compared with 2019.

The library was an instant success and we actually have queues of parents and children waiting to enter at 3 o’clock.  Some children have visited every day and many children who were once reluctant to read now attend with requests for books they want to take.

In the next academic year we hope to build on the popularity of our EYFS library by hosting regular storytimes where parents can come and read, used book sales and extending to year 1 as our current children transition to their new classes.

Library opening times Monday Friday 3.00-3.15

Year 1 had a fantastic time during our Phonics Cafe afternoon. We had the pleasure of inviting parents in for biscuits and phonics fun in our classrooms.

Parents observed a whole-class phonics “Speed Sounds” lesson, giving them an insight into how this part of the session is delivered and the thinking behind it. They then took part in phonics activities alongside the children.

We hope the parents enjoyed it as much as we did!

On May 8, 2026, Tudor Court Primary School officially opened its new butterfly garden, a project created as a fluttering tribute to Sir David Attenborough. The ceremony featured a butterfly release, with special involvement from the school council and the school choir. Following the garden’s inauguration, the atmosphere turned festive as the entire school participated in a birthday-themed street party. This event not only honoured a legendary naturalist but also provided the pupils with a dedicated outdoor space to connect with nature and observe local wildlife firsthand.

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The Year 5 and Year 6 School Councillors visited the Thurrock Civic Offices on Friday, where they met the Mayor of Thurrock, Sue Shinnock. During their visit, the children had the opportunity to ask insightful questions about her role and what inspired her to become Mayor. They also discussed the local area and shared some of the decisions they have made as School Councillors.

After enjoying some light refreshments, the group visited the debating chamber, where they took part in a lively debate on the motion: “School uniforms should be banned in the UK.” The pupils presented thoughtful arguments and spoke confidently in support of their viewpoints. The debate concluded in a draw, with Mrs Arnell casting the deciding vote that school uniforms should not be banned!

The trip was highly informative, and the children were a credit to the school. They behaved impeccably, contributed excellent ideas, and asked a range of creative and engaging questions.

The winners of our “Read in an Interesting Place” competition were announced last week. We had so many imaginative entries making the competition a great success.  We saw children reading on top of sheds, perched on fridges, striking gymnastic poses and even in a submarine and an aeroplane cockpit! These photos will be displayed in school. Each year group has selected a winner, and the successful entrants were awarded a £10 Book Token voucher, kindly donated by our PTA – Friends of Tudor Court. (FTCA). Thank you to all the entrees.

The winners were as follows:

Earlier this month, we were delighted to celebrate World Book Day across the school.

We are incredibly proud of all the children who took part in the Thurrock Performance Poetry Competition heats. We had entries in every category from Year 2 through to Year 6, and the children showed remarkable dedication in learning and rehearsing their poems. Many gave up their own time at home and during lunchtimes to practise and their performances at the heats at Mossbourne Herd Lane Academy were outstanding.

We are pleased to share that both our Year 2 Large Group and Year 3/4 Large Group progressed to the finals, held on the evening of 19th March 2026. Our Year 2 large group performed ‘Night Noises’ by Givase Phinn and was made up of:

Lily-Anne, Eric, Gabriela Amelia, Sophia, Jayla, Danya, Albie, Philip, Glory and Isla. Our Year 3/4 group performed ‘There’s a Monster in the Garden’ by D Harmer and was made up of:

Maisie, Meadow, Estelle, Iris, Mia, Fatima, Ariana, Lindsai and Maddie.

The standard of the competition was extremely high, and all performers demonstrated impressive confidence and clarity in their delivery. We are especially delighted to announce that our Year 3/4 Large
Group were winners in the final.

Well done to all of our performers—we are immensely proud of you. We would also like to thank the staff
who generously gave their time to prepare the children and support them throughout the competition.