Life, Love and Learning to the Full

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I wanted to share an update with you about our class structure for September. We have carefully considered the best arrangements to ensure that we continue to provide consistency, strong relationships, and the best possible support for all of our children.

From September, Mrs Brayley will be teaching Squirrel Class, which will be our Reception and Year 1 class. Mrs Brayley has done a fantastic job this year making the transition from teaching music across the school to becoming a class teacher, and she has developed a lovely understanding of this age group. Having Mrs Brayley continue with our youngest children will provide valuable consistency as they move through Reception and into Year 1. We know how important strong relationships and familiarity are in these early years, and this will help children to feel secure, confident, and ready to learn.

Mrs Westwood will be teaching Hedgehog Class, our Year 2 class, alongside Mr Hookes. Mrs Westwood knows the Year 2 children incredibly well and has built strong relationships with them throughout their time at Umberleigh. This means she can continue to support their learning and development as they move into Year 2. When Mrs Westwood begins her maternity leave, Mr Hookes will already have spent time getting to know the children, their individual needs, and their learning journeys, ensuring a smooth transition and continued consistency for the class.

The main reason for these changes is to ensure that children have the strongest possible continuity in their learning and relationships. We know that children thrive when they are taught by adults who know them well, understand their strengths and areas for development, and can support them both academically and personally.

I am confident that these arrangements will provide a positive and successful experience for all of our children. The staff team are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible and ensuring that every child continues to feel supported, valued, and ready to achieve their best.

Best wishes,

Corrinne Smith

Head of School 

This morning, our Owl class took part in a Taskmaster challenge to celebrate all their hard work this past year. They were given a variety of problem-solving tasks which were sometimes very silly. Filming their own movie scenes was a particular highlight.  

Mrs Brayley would like to share Amelia’s runner bean plant which she has grown since her science lesson before Easter!

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