5th December 2025
Dear Parent Carers,
Weekly Update: 05/12/25
I hope this update finds you well. The countdown to Christmas is in full swing, and it may be a good time to consider putting a plan in place so that we know what is happening and when. During busy periods having the opportunity to change or adapt plans helps us to enjoy special times with our friends and family in a selfassured, calm and managed way.
Farewell to Bryony
This week we said farewell to Bryony Holman. Bryony worked at St Martins for 14 years - starting first as a Teaching Assistant before training as a Teacher and honing her skills through 10 fantastic years in the classroom! Bryony has made the decision to move to a different specialist school as she feels that now is the right time to move on. We thank Bryony for the wonderful contribution that she has made to St Martins during her time here and wish her all the very best.
Welcome to new staff
This week we have welcomed two new staff to the team – James and Ellie. James Scott-Howes will be taking on Bryony’s pastoral group - he is an experienced Teacher who has previously taught in specialist schools in Leicester. Ellie is a Teaching Assistant who has worked in a mainstream school before, supporting learners with additional needs. I hope that you will extend a warm welcome to them both.
Christmas Jumper Day – 11th December
We are supporting Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday 11th December. Students are welcome to wear a festive jumper/t-shirt or other festive accessory along with their uniform. A letter was sent home with a donation link.
Winter Wondershow – Tickets – 16th December
As shared last week, the Winter Wondershow is taking place on Tuesday 16th December at 9:30am. The show will last for approximately one hour.
Tickets are available to Parent Carers of performers only, due to the limited space available. If your young person is taking part and you wish to attend, please call the School Office on 01332 571151. Spaces are strictly limited to two per family and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Toni Beardmore Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
Christmas Dinner – 17th December
Students on main site will be having Christmas Dinner on Wednesday 17th December. If your child would like to have a meal on this day, please make payment of £3.35 on ParentPay. Students in receipt of Free School Meals can have this provided as usual. A copy of the menu is included in the update.
Shoe Box Appeal
We are pleased to be supporting a Shoebox Appeal this year to help those in our community who are experiencing homelessness. We kindly ask for donations of nonperishable items that can be packed into shoeboxes and distributed to individuals in need.
Suggested items include:
• Toiletries (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant)
• Warm socks, hats, gloves
• Non-perishable snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit)
• Small blankets or hand warmers
• Reusable water bottles
• Other small essentials that might bring comfort and support
If you are able to contribute, please send any donations to school by 12th December Even a small item can make a big difference. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in helping us support this meaningful cause.
Pupil Progress Reports
Parent Carers will receive an Autumn Term Progress Report during the last week of the term. This report looks at ‘Attitudes and Learning’ and ‘Attainment’ for each of the areas that your child/young person is studying in school. We hope that you will find this useful as an update of your child’s progress.
Derby SEND Voice
Derby SEND Voice are hosting an informal get together for Parent Carers on Monday 8th December from 10am-12pm. They will be in the Derbion, opposite Marks and Spencer on the ground floor.
Congratulations
We are delighted to let you know that Alice Malone has welcomed baby Etta Grace into the world! Etta was born on 2nd December, weighing 8lbs 8oz.
With best wishes,
Toni Beardmore Headteacher
Toni Beardmore Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
Dates for your Diaries:
Date Event Details
Thursday 11th December
Tuesday 16th December at 9:30am
Tuesday 16th December
from 2:30pm-3:30pm
Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day
Winter Wonder Show
Christmas Market
Information has been shared.
Information has been shared. Ticketed event!
Information has been shared.
Wednesday 17th December Christmas Dinner for students Information to follow.
Term Dates 2025/2026
Autumn Term 2025
School Starts Back – Monday 3rd November
School Breaks up for Christmas – Friday 19th December
Spring Term 2026
INSET Day – Monday 5th January 2026
School Starts Back – Tuesday 6th January
School Breaks up for Half Term – Friday 13th February
School Starts Back – Monday 23rd February
School Breaks up for Easter – Friday 27th March
Summer Term 2026
School Starts Back – Monday 13th April
INSET Day – Friday 1st May
Bank Holiday – Monday 4th May
School Breaks up for Half Term – Friday 22nd May
School Starts Back – Monday 1st June
School Breaks up for Summer – Wednesday 22nd July
INSET Day – Thursday 23rd July
St Martins follows Derby City Council’s term dates. Dates for next year can be found on their website – please follow the link for these - https://derby.gov.uk/educationand-learning/schools-and-colleges/term-holiday-dates/#
Social Media Links
Facebook - St. Martins School Facebook Instagram - St. Martins School Instagram
Toni Beardmore Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT
Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk