Dear Howley families,

As we come to the end of another successful academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on all that our children have achieved and to thank you for your continued support throughout the year.

Our children have so much to be proud of, from their academic progress to their personal growth and development. They have consistently demonstrated resilience, determination and the courage to embrace new challenges. It has been wonderful to see the children’s confidence grow and to celebrate so many successes both inside and outside the classroom. Every child has contributed something special to our school community, and we are incredibly proud of them all.

None of this would be possible without the dedication, care and commitment of our staff team. I would like to express my sincere thanks to every member of staff for their tireless efforts throughout the year. Their unwavering support for our children and their families ensure that every pupil is given the opportunity to thrive. We are fortunate to have such a hardworking and talented team, and I am grateful for everything they do each day.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our PTA and Governing Body for their continued support throughout the year. The PTA has worked tirelessly to organise events, raise valuable funds and create opportunities that enrich our children's school experiences and bring our community together. Our Governors have generously given their time, expertise and commitment to helping to ensure our schools continues to move forward and improve. Their dedication is greatly appreciated, and I am thankful for all they do behind the scenes.

I am so grateful for the support, encouragement and partnership our families provide. Working together enables us to achieve the very best personal and academic outcomes for our children, and your contribution to school life is greatly appreciated by us all.

As they reach this important milestone, the time has come to say a special goodbye to our amazing Year 6 pupils and many of their families too. We hope the children leave us with many wonderful memories of their time here at Howley Grange. Watching them walk up our driveway one last time will be a bittersweet moment as we will miss everyone terribly, but we are also excited to see what the future holds for them as they begin the next chapter of their story. Everyone here at Howley wishes our ‘Class of 2026’ every success and happiness in their new schools and hope they will always remember that they will forever be an important part of our Howley family.

I hope you all enjoy a restful, happy and safe summer holiday, and I look forward to welcoming many of you back in September for another exciting year.

Sent with my very best wishes,

Miss Lewis

School Meals

The price of a school meal will rise to £2.70 in September.

From September 2026, more children will be able to receive a free meal at school. This is because free school meal eligibility is expanding to include children from households receiving Universal Credit.

More families may now be eligible, so we are asking parents and carers to complete an application if they think this could apply to them.

It could save your family money each week and help make sure your child can have a meal in school if they want one.

Please apply, even if your child already gets a free meal.

If your child is in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2, they already receive a free school meal through the universal infant free school meals scheme.

However, if your household receives Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit, please still apply.

This is because your child may need to be recorded in a different way. Some successful applications may also help the school receive additional funding to support pupils. This depends on the eligibility category confirmed by the check.

Please complete an application if any of these apply to you.

1. Your household receives Universal Credit
2. Your household receives another qualifying benefit.
3. Your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a free meal, but your household receives Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit.

You do not need to work out whether your child qualifies. You only need to apply. The eligibility check will do the rest.

Your child will not be treated differently.

Children and young people who receive free school meals are not treated differently in school.

Information shared as part of a free school meal application is managed carefully and used to check eligibility.

If your child is eligible, they will use the school meal system in the usual way.

Your child can still bring a packed lunch if they prefer. Registering simply means they can have a free school meal when they want one.

Why applying matters

There are two types of benefits based free school meals from September 2026.

Some pupils will meet the criteria for Targeted free school meals. This means they can receive a free meal, and the school may receive additional funding to support pupils.

Other pupils will meet the criteria for Expanded free school meals. This means they can receive a free meal, but this does not automatically bring additional school funding.

You do not need to decide which category applies. The check will confirm this.

How to apply

Applying should only take a few minutes.

Apply here: https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/benefits/free-school-meals/

Summer holiday activities and bank holiday at DBleisure

DB Leisure's holiday programme runs from Tuesday 21 July to Monday 31 August inclusive, and includes the following activities:

• Free swimming for Dudley residents aged 16 and under* at Crystal, Duncan Edwards, and Halesowen
• Five-day intensive ‘learn to swim’ courses at Duncan Edwards (selected dates and times, pre-booking essential)
• Under 5s splash time at Halesowen
• Waikiki Waves - family water disco at Crystal
• Float Fest - family fun adventure at Duncan Edwards
• Under 5s stay and play at Crystal
• Planet Play (soft play) at Duncan Edwards and Halesowen (plus soft play available at Crystal)
• Quids In football - Play for £1 at Dell Stadium
• Quids In badminton - Play for £1 at Crystal and Duncan Edwards (on selected days and times)
• Table-tennis at Crystal and Duncan Edwards
• Pickleball at Crystal
• Compact pickleball at Halesowen
• SEND Planet Play (soft play) at Duncan Edwards and Halesowen
• SEND family disability swimming at Crystal, Duncan Edwards, and Halesowen

*People who have not previously registered for free swimming must do so by visiting the free swim website in advance of their swim. Numbers are limited and entry will be on a first come first served basis. All children must be supervised by a responsible adult aged 18 or over.

Terms and conditions apply to sessions. Activities vary between facilities and may be subject to change.

Find out more by visiting the website or call 01384 812800.

A SEND Planet Play (soft play) session  was recently trialled at Duncan Edwards that is suitable for children 12 years of age and under with disabilities, special educational needs, ASD and their siblings. Following a very successful trial, this session will now take place every Thursday, including school holidays.

Day and time of session: Thursday, 3.30pm - 6pm

For more information on soft play areas, please see the website

After School Clubs

Please use Arbor to sign up for the after school clubs for September.  Your Sport will send out their own sign up information at the start of next term.