Newsletters

Umberleigh Weekly Newsletter – Thursday 18th June 2026



 

Umberleigh Academy

 

 


Building Community; Building Futures; Building Learning Power; Building Self-Esteem


 

Life, Love and Learning to the Full

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we begin planning for the new academic year, I would like to share our class arrangements for September, along with some important staffing news.

In September:-

  • Squirrels Class (Reception & Year 1) will be taught by Mrs Brayley & Mrs Westwood.
  • Hedgehog Class (Year 2) will be taught by Mr Hookes & Mrs Brayley.
  • Fox Class (Year 3 & Year 4) will be taught by Mrs Langdon.
  • Owl Class (Year 5 & Year 6) will be taught by Mr Lovelass.

We are delighted to welcome Mr Hookes to the Umberleigh team. He will be visiting the school to meet the children during our transition days, which will take place on Wednesday 24th June and Tuesday 7th July. These sessions will provide an opportunity for pupils to spend time with their new teachers and become familiar with their classes ahead of September.

There are also some staffing changes to share. At the end of July, we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Jo Dennis, who has successfully secured a position at South Molton C of E Primary School.   Jo has been a valued member of staff at Umberleigh since September 2018 and has nurtured and supported many of our youngest children through their first year of school. Her care, dedication and positive influence have had a significant impact on countless pupils and families over the years. She will be greatly missed by both staff and children alike. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Jo for her commitment, hard work and the contribution she has made to our school community, and we wish her every success in her new role.

On a happier note, we are also delighted to announce that Mrs Westwood is expecting her second child, with the baby due in November. We would like to offer our warmest congratulations to Mrs Westwood and her family on this wonderful news. An advertisement for maternity cover will be issued shortly to ensure that we are able to appoint a suitable replacement and maintain continuity for our pupils during her leave.

Best wishes,

Corrinne Smith

Head of School 

School Attendance


This week's whole school attendance percentage is:

94.8%

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

Further Information

School Calendar


Whole School & Leavers Photos inc Brumble Bees by Tempest
1:10pm
19
June
Transition Morning
9:00am – 12:00pm
24
June
Lifeguard Day for Owls & Hedgehogs
9:00am – 3:30pm
25
June
Y6 Bikeability at High Bickington
9:00am – 2:30pm
29
June
Owl Class Basket Ball Festival at Pilton Community College
9:00am – 12:00pm
30
June
Sports Day
2:00pm – 3:30pm
30
June
World Woman's Cricket Cup Match - Y4, 5 & 6 that selected to attend
8:40am – 5:15pm
01
July
Fox & Squirrel Pirate Day!
9:00am – 3:30pm
03
July
Transition Morning
9:00am – 12:00pm
07
July
Y3 & Y4 Residential to Wildside
All Day
from 08 Jul and every day until 10 Jul
08
July
Y3 & Y4 Residential to Wildside
All Day
from 08 Jul and every day until 10 Jul
09
July
Y3 & Y4 Residential to Wildside
All Day
from 08 Jul and every day until 10 Jul
10
July
Music Sharing / Rock Steady Concert at Village Hall
8:50am – 9:45am
15
July
Brumble Bees Leavers Party
1:30pm – 3:30pm
16
July
Leavers Assembly at Village Hall
2:30pm – 3:30pm
17
July
View school calendar
View term dates

Lunch Menu 

Jacket potatoes are available daily with filling choices of: 

Tune, Cheese & / or Baked Beans 

School Lunch Prices per day: – 

Junior (Y3 - Y6) - £2.61  

Infant (R - Y2) – FREE

Brumble Bees - £2.05 

Advance Notice – SCHOOL MEALS 

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

Nursery: £2.10

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

Years 3, 4, 5 & 6: £2.66

Latest News

15 Jun 2026
Fox and Squirrel Children Explore the Rockpools at Lynmouth
Fox and Squirrel children enjoyed an amazing day at Lynmouth, exploring the fascinating rockpools and discovering the incredible creatures that call them home. From tiny crabs to colourful sea anemones, the children were captivated as they learned about the rich variety of marine life found along th...
Read more
12 Jun 2026
Rumpelstiltskin
This week, we have been reading the traditional tale Rumpelstiltskin. The children thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story and talking about the characters and events.In the story, the Miller’s daughter gives her necklace to Rumpelstiltskin in exchange for spinning straw into golden thre...
Read more
11 Jun 2026
Beach Fun with Nick Thorn Surf Coaching for Foxes
What a fantastic day of beach fun with Nick Thorn Surf Coaching! The children had an amazing time building their confidence in the water, learning new skills, and enjoying lots of exciting activities on the beach. There were smiles all around as they embraced new challenges and worked together as a...
Read more
11 Jun 2026
Viking Clay Masks
This afternoon, Owl Class enjoyed getting creative by making Viking-themed clay masks. The children carefully shaped and moulded the clay, adding details such as fierce expressions, helmets, and decorative patterns inspired by Viking warriors.Everyone showed great imagination and perseverance as...
Read more
11 Jun 2026
Kaydon's Fantastic Viking Longboat
I couldn't resist taking a photo of this very cool Viking longboat! Kaydon worked incredibly hard to create it, paying close attention to the details and showing great work and creativity. It has been wonderful to see his enthusiasm for our Viking topic and this impressive longboat is something...
Read more

Celebration of Achievements 

TEAM Multi-Academy Trust Staff Vacancies 

Follow the link to My Term for more information:

Teaching & Education Jobs Search | Find Teaching, Leadership & School Support Vacancies

Further Information and Apply Here

Important Notices

Owl & Hedgehog Lifeguard Day

We are delighted to be offering our annual Lifeguard Days at Putsborough Beach this June. These exciting sessions provide children with the opportunity to enjoy a range of beach and water-based activities under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Dates

  • Thursday 25th June – Owl & Hedgehog Classes

Children will travel to Putsborough Beach by school minibus with teaching staff, arriving at approximately 10:00am and returning before the end of the school day. Activities will be tailored to suit the age and ability of each group, with instructors varying the depth of water and activities as appropriate.

What to Bring

Please ensure your child brings:

  • Warm clothes (weather dependent)
  • Swimming costume and towel
  • Packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle
  • Sun cream and sun hat
  • Full-length wetsuit (optional, as wetsuits will be provided)

School Packed Lunches

Children entitled to Free School Meals may request a school packed lunch. Please book this through the school office by Monday 8th June.

Permission Required

Please complete the consent form via Arbor → Trips by Wednesday 10th June to confirm your child's attendance.

Cost

There is no charge for this activity.

We look forward to a fun-filled and educational day at the beach for all participating children!

Arbor Parental Consent Request

Thank you to everyone that has already consented to this.  I will send an email reminder to parents that are still required to do this today!

Tuesday 14th July

Have you set up your sponsorship page yet? If not use this link to get started: https://sportal.sportsforschools.org/events/136067/promo

If you’ve already got yours set up, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!

If you need help with setting up your sponsorship page, watch this short video on how to set one up: https://vimeo.com/1000802304

WRAPAROUND CARE CLUBS AVAILABLE DAILY 

NEW Clubs Starting After Half Term

Please book via Arbor by selecting: – 

 Clubs – After School Wraparound Club – Summer 2

Please book via Arbor by selecting:- 

Clubs – Breakfast Wraparound Club – Summer Term  

Community News


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.