Newsletter 17th January 2025

17th January 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we settle into the new term, we’re filled with excitement for the many positive opportunities ahead. The nights are gradually getting that bit lighter which always puts a positive spin on what seems like the longest month of the year.

Our pupils continue to impress with their dedication and achievements across all areas of school life. I’ve just walked through the hall and the school choir are singing with gusto and joy. I wish I could bottle it for you all.

The week after next we have our Chinese New Year celebrations so I am looking forward to sharing these photos, but for now please enjoy the class photos from the Winter visits we did last term.

Cotley Farm

Before Christmas Class 4 enjoyed a wonderful trip to Cotley Farm. We all greatly enjoyed looking at the farm animals, playing in the snow from the snow machine and exploring all the sensory elements of Santa's grotto.

Sepsis Notice

Due to a change in health guidance, we are being urged to ''think sepsis''. If your child is unwell in school and displaying symptoms of concern, we will draw your attention to the possible signs of sepsis. To discuss this further please contact Clare schoolnurse@millwater.devon.sch.uk

Message from HMRC

Don’t miss out on up to £1,331 a year in Child Benefit Are you a parent or carer who doesn’t claim Child Benefit, or has opted out of payments because of the High Income Child Benefit Charge?

We wanted to let you know that the amount you can earn before you need to start paying the charge has increased from £50,000 to £60,000. If you and your partner both have an adjusted net income of less than £60,000, you no longer have to pay the charge.

If you or your partner have an adjusted net income between £60,000 and £80,000 it can still be worth your while financially to claim, so it’s worth checking what you would get

There’s more to Child Benefit than just payments too — you’ll also:

    • Receive National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension
    • Make sure your child automatically gets a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

Claiming on the HMRC app or online is quick and easy.

If you already claim but have opted out of payments and would like to restart these, you don’t need to claim again – the parent or carer that originally claimed can simply opt back in quickly and easily through the app or online

Don’t forget, if you claimed Child Benefit payments before 6 April 2024 and you or your partner had an individual income of over £50,000, you may have to pay the tax charge for 2023 to 2024. You can check the Child Benefit tax calculator to find out more.

Get on it – download the HMRC app

You can view and manage your claim quicky and easily on the HMRC app. This includes viewing payments, proof of entitlement and adding additional children – all without needing to call HMRC.

By downloading the app, sign-in can be even faster with a PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition too – giving you everything you need to know about your Child Benefit claim at your fingertips.

Lambing Experiences & Half Term Family Activities

Join us this lambing season for a hands-on experience for all ages. Learn about lambing, help with afterbirth care, and potentially bottle-feed lambs. You might even witness and assist with the birth of a lamb!

Mon 10th - Sat 22nd February excluding Fridays & Sundays.

£6 per child, £8 for 16+, free for 2 & under.

Book via the website