Newsletters

Witheridge Weekly Newsletter - 05/06/2026



Witheridge

Church of England

Academy


Encourage One Another And Build Each Other Up


Dear Parents and Carers,

 

Welcome back to Summer 2!  We hope that you and your children had a lovely half-term break. It has been lovely to see the children back in school looking so happy, refreshed and looking forward to the half-term of learning ahead. 

 

We have so many upcoming events this half-term, so please do regularly check the website and newsletter for key dates. 

 

Next week it is a very important week for children in Year 4 and Year 1. Children in Year 4 will be completing their Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) and children in Year 1 will be completing the Phonics Screening Check (PSC). Please make sure if your child is in either year group they are well rested and ready for every day at school. Results will be sent to parents alongside the school reports in July. 

 

Just a friendly reminder that our day starts from 8:45, with a phased start until 9:00. The school gates will be shut and locked at 9:00. Any child arriving after this time will need to be signed in via the Front Office and you will not have the opportunity to pass on any messages directly to your child's Class Teacher. We appreciate your support in ensuring that our school day starts smoothly and calmly. 

 

I hope you have a lovely weekend – let's hope the weather cheers up soon!

Warm regards,

Miss Ratcliffe                                                                                                                            Head of School

   Image result for phonic screen check 2026 picture      

           School values Courage circle | School Signs, Nursery Signs, Whiteboards ...

Dear All,

It is my delight and privilege to tell you that late this afternoon, Thursday 4th of June, the interview panel agreed unanimously to offer the appointment of substantive CEO for TEAM Multi-academy Trust to Daniel Polak. The panel consisted of three trustees and two external advisors. This followed internal and external advertising, a rigorous shortlisting process and a very long day with a multitude of tasks which included lesson observation and feedback, pupil voice, written and data tasks, a presentation and a formal interview. Feedback was received from a range of stakeholders during the day, including staff representatives and pupils from two school councils.

We wish Daniel every success in his new role. The trustees are excited to work with him, moving forward, to continue the positive impact of the academy on the lives of the children in North and Mid-Devon.

Kind regards

Sue Wells

Chair of Trustees, TEAM Multi-academy Trust.

 


“I am delighted and humbled to take on this position. I could not imagine a better place in the world to lead schools or a better group of people to lead with. We should feel optimistic about the future of our family of schools and I feel privileged to be a part of this.”

 

Daniel Polak                                                       Acting CEO

 

 

Life, Love and Learning to the Full


School Attendance


This week's whole school attendance percentage is:

91.3%

At Witheridge C of E Academy, we believe that regular and punctual attendance is key to helping children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Further Information

School Calendar


Multiplication Check Window for Y4
All Day
from 02 Jun until 12 Jun
02
June
Monday 8th - FSU Fire Station Visit
9:00am – 3:00pm
08
June
Phonics Screening Check week for Y1
1:00pm – 3:30pm
from 08 Jun until 12 Jun
08
June
Tues 9th - School Class Photos - Russell Wilcox
9:30am – 12:30pm
09
June
Wed Y1/YR Trampolining - GROUP 3
1:00pm – 3:30pm
10
June
Weds 10th - Information Evening for Parents and Carers of September 2026 School Starters
5:30pm – 6:30pm
10
June
Y2 Rock Climbing
1:00pm – 3:30pm
from 04 Jun and on Thursday each week until 09 Jul
11
June
Friday 12th - Enterprise won a non-uniform day
All Day
12
June
Friday 12th - Wave Project
9:00am – 12:30pm
12
June
Walkability for Y3,4&5
All Day
15
June
Spirited Arts Week
All Day
from 15 Jun until 19 Jun
15
June
Monday 15th - Class 1 Tiverton Castle Trip
9:00am – 3:30pm
15
June
Chulmleigh Y5 Taster Day
All Day
16
June
School Council Meeting
12:30pm – 1:00pm
16
June
Wednesday 17th - FSU Sports Day
All Day
17
June
View school calendar
View school term dates

School Lunch Menu


The cost of a school lunch is currently Nursery £2.05 per meal, Reception & KS1 Children – Universal Infant Free School Meals & KS2 £2.61 per meal.

Payment is via your Arbor account.


Latest News


22 May 2026
​ Adventure Bude – Final Update (22/05/2026) ​​​​​​​​
The waves were perfect for the bodyboarders, while the children on Team Trail enjoyed getting dunked in the dunk tank beneath clear blue skies.
Read more
21 May 2026
🌊 Adventure Bude – Update 4 🌊
The cave system runs right underneath the centre, so the children enjoyed a range of exciting challenges in some very tight spaces!
Read more
20 May 2026
Resource Futures - Recycling Workshops with Sally
We were very excited to welcome Sally Jackson from Resource Futures back to Witheridge
Read more
20 May 2026
KS1 Recycling Workshop
KS1 had a wonderful visit from Sally, where we learnt all about the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling and recreating.
Read more
20 May 2026
🌊 Adventure Bude – Update 3 🌊
Everyone was either eager to get straight onto the astro turf to enjoy the warm weather or race back to their rooms to put on their fancy dress costumes.
Read more
20 May 2026
Pirate Pat visits Reception Class
Reception Class had a swashbucklingly good time during a special visit from Pirate Pat!
Read more

Celebration of Achievements


Class Awards
Nursery Nursery 2 for excellent listening and contribution during phase 1 phonics.
Reception

Mia for trying hard to make sensible choices.

Class 1 Lucas for his listening skills and beautiful explanations in RW
Class 2 Zara for challenging herself to try new foods.
Class 3 Freddie L for excellently telling the time.
Class 4 Jacob for consistently sharing his ideas and contributing in all class discussions.
Writer of the Week
Reception Lily-Rose excellent effort and progress in writing.
Class 1 Gracie for taking ownership of her writing.
Class 2 Georgia for beautiful handwriting.
Class 3 Mitchell for using voice to text to record an excellent Egyptian narrative.
Class 4 Jack Mc - For giving detailed answers, writing in full sentences in reading comprehension activities.
School Contribution Award
FSU Lucy for showing encouragement and kindness t younger children.
Class 3 Noah S for being an encouraging and caring friend during PE.
40 Merit Awards
Reception Bella & Zack
Class 2 Charlie
60 Merit Awards
Class 3 Ava H & Maggie
House Points
Discovery 59 Endeavour 60
Enterprise 69 Voyager 82

TEAM Multi-Academy Trust Vacancies


Further Information and Apply Here


PTFA News


     

Dear parents and carers,    

The PTFA are very excited about the plans for the second half term of the summer.

Here are some important dates for your diaries: 

Friday 5th, 12th and 19th June: Name the St John's Fayre Bear sales after school

Friday 12th  June: onwards and every Friday until the end of term- Treat Friday lollies and Ice creams after school. 

Saturday 13th  June: PTFA stall at village market

Saturday 20th June: St John's Fayre, helpers need for our stall. 

Tuesday 23rd June: Sports Day refreshments

Thursday 2nd July: KS2 Leaver's Disco

Tuesday 14th July: Yes Day! in school to raise funds for PTFA 

 

If you can help in any capacity with any events that we have coming up, please do speak to Phoenix, Dean or Mrs. Seymour. 

Also, if you have any queries please email ptfa@witheridge.devon.sch.uk 

Thank you for your continued support. 

The PTFA.


Important Notices


Dear Parents and Guardians of FSU,  

As part of the review stage for the Big Brush Club programme, we would be very grateful if you could take a few moments to complete the parent survey using the link below:

Parent Survey Review Stage - The Big Brush Club

We would also appreciate your support in helping us continue to improve and promote good oral health habits for our children.  

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support with the programme — it is greatly valued by all the staff at The Big Brush Club.  

Kind regards,

Mrs North    


May be an image of text that says "After school club presents... Cooking 20th May: Egg muffins 3rd June: Rocky road 10th June: Pin wheels 17th June: Fruit crumble 24th June: Mac and cheese 1st July: Ice cream 8th July: Sausage rolls 15thJuly: 15th July: Fruit kebabs Every Wednesday Bring α container to take home your tasty treats"    

Advance Notice – SCHOOL MEALS 

From September 2026, there will be an increase in meal charges, as follows:

Nursery: £2.10

Reception, Years 1 & 2: £0 free (UIFSM remains unchanged)

Years 3, 4, 5 & 6: £2.66

    

 


Community News


May be an image of tennis player and text that says "CHULMLEIGH EIGH TENNIS CLUB Tennis Coaching Now Available At Chulmleigh Academy Sports Centre E18 7AA Covering ages 5 up to adults Rackets and balls provided! All abilities welcome No experience required We are offering sessions on Wednesdays (after school) and on Saturday mornings David is an experienced LTA Level 4 Coach. To find out more, email izzymoser@hotmail.co.uk or visit our website: https:/fara.amaereo/le"

May be an image of text that says "BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! Stay & Play Sessions Witheridge Witheridge Parish Hall Our pop-up role play town is on the way! Book now @ popup-toddlertown.co.uk/sessions More Stay & Play sessions coming soon! Covering Devon & & Somerset ាតង TODOLEI -TOWN- d"

 

Any articles which appear in the school newsletter that have not been organised by or on behalf of the school, have not been verified by TEAM Multi-Academy Trust as to the suitability for children.  The news items are for parent information only!