Newsletters

Umberleigh Weekly Newsletter – Thursday 5th March 2026

 

Umberleigh Academy

 

 

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

 

Life, Love and Learning to the Full

Dear Parents/Carers

It has been such a joy to see the sunshine this week and the bright yellow daffodils in bloom – a sure sign that spring is on its way.

We were also delighted to welcome a member of staff from South Molton Library, who spoke to the children about the joy and importance of reading. She shared how books can spark imagination, build knowledge, and open the door to endless adventures.

The library will be celebrating World Book Day on Saturday 7th March with a special event inspired by The Magic Faraway Tree. There will be magical treats, plenty of fun activities, and even the chance to meet the Wise Old Owl. It promises to be a wonderful celebration for families to enjoy together.

Reading plays a vital role in children’s development, and establishing strong early reading skills is key to future progress across the whole curriculum. When children practise reading regularly, they build fluency, confidence and understanding. This consistent practice not only strengthens their ability to decode and comprehend text, but also supports their vocabulary, writing skills and overall academic achievement. Even just a few minutes of shared reading each day can make a significant difference.

A special thank you to Mrs Westward for running our recent phonics workshop for parents. Early phonics teaching is the foundation of early reading, helping children to recognise sounds, blend words and develop confidence as readers. We are also very grateful to the parents who attended and continue to support reading practice at home – your partnership makes a real difference to children’s progress.

Tomorrow we will be celebrating World Book Day. We are very much looking forward to tomorrow, when the children can come to school dressed as their favourite book characters. We can’t wait to share our favourite stories and continue to nurture a lifelong love of reading.

Best wishes

Corrinne Smith

Head of School 

 

 

School Attendance

This week's whole school attendance percentage is:

95.0%

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

Further Information

School Calendar

World Book Day
All Day
06
March
FUS Non-School Uniform Day
9:00am – 3:30pm
09
March
TEAM Cross Country Festival for Y2 - Y 6
10:00am – 1:15pm
10
March
Star Gazing Evening at School for R, Y1, Y2 & Y3
6:00pm – 7:30pm
11
March
Swimming Lessons R, Y3 & Y5
10:00am – 12:00pm
from 26 Feb and on Thursday each week until 02 Apr
12
March
FUS Secret Mission Mothers' Day
12:00pm – 1:10pm
12
March
National Child Measurement Programme visit for R & Y6
1:00pm
12
March
FUS Secret Mission Mothers' Day
12:00pm – 1:10pm
13
March
View school calendar
View term dates

School Lunch Menu

Jacket potatoes are available daily with filling choices of:- 

Tune, Cheese & / or Baked Beans 

The cost of a school lunch is:-

Junior (Y3 - Y6) - £2.61 per day 

Infant (R - Y2) – FREE

Brumble Bees - £2.05 per day 

Latest News

03 Mar 2026
Rockets Fly for Squirrels
In Squirrel class this week we made our Neil Armstrong Saturn V rockets fly using balloons.
Read more
03 Mar 2026
Brumble Bees Forest School
In our forest school today, we looked at some pictures of where wool comes from.
Read more
27 Feb 2026
Wraparound After School Clubs
Some photos of things we do in our After School Wraparound Club
Read more

Celebration of Achievements 

TEAM Multi-Academy Trust Staff Vacancies 

Further Information and Apply Here

Important Notices

Friends of Umberleigh School Meeting 11th February at 19:30

Minutes

Attendees: Helena Mellows (Chair), Janette Murch (Treasurer), Jenni White & Sarah May (Secretary), Grace Pluckrose-Oliver, Meg Higgins, Hayley Cooper

Apologies: Caroline El-Marazki, Angharad White, Laura Palmer, Harriet May.

Helena opened the meeting, all agreed to the last meeting minutes.

Treasurers report:

£11355.49 is currently in the account. (£420 is pond grant still to be spent)

Fundraising from last term:

  • Wreath making £307.18
  • Xmas bingo £727.42
  • Lego Club £432
  • Antiques fair (awaiting total donation)
  • Xmas raffles £398.99

Funds spent

  • Beaford Arts Thor @ UVH £316.66
  • Scribbleton £290.63
  • VR day £574
  • Xmas gifts for children & staff £207.47

Fundraising plans

  • Big Breakfast. Sun 8th March – Still looking for volunteers to help on the day. Donations are still needed. Signs to advertise the event to be made and put up at either end of Umberleigh bridge. Push the event on social media.
  • Easter Bingo. Volunteers have been confirmed. Raffle prizes needed. HM to discuss the need for a non-uniform day in return for raffle prizes (HM to discuss with CS)
  • Uniform Sale. End of term, alongside a non-uniform day. (Date TBC)
  • Pub Quiz, or family quiz (Date TBC, possible next term)

Confirmed fundraising requests

  • Eden Project Trip £600
  • Bristol Trip £310
  • £200 cash allocated to Brumbles for replacing toys.
  • Groundworks in the school playground £5500. CS to apply for a grant to replace some of the FUS contributions. If this is confirmed, FUS funds can be allocated elsewhere.
  • Playground markings
  • Ipads
  • Outdoor equipment
  • A class budget to update classroom resources.

Antiques Fair.

HM has been in communication with UVH and the Committee no longer require our help at the antiques fairs.

Ideas for future fundraising

  • Sports day cake sale
  • School disco (AW, MH, HC)
  • Ice cream Fridays (Year 6 involvement?)
  • Mothers/Father's Day craft fundraiser.
  • Ice cream sundae session.
  • Umberleigh Garden Show
  • Fun Olympics
  • Tea Towel
  • Christmas cards/craft project.

Future spending

  • Sports Day medals/ice lollies
  • ?Reception/ Year 1 trip.

Any Other business

HM to create a calendar to give out to parents to inform them of all upcoming FUS events and school dates of importance. The calendar will also ask for volunteers for the fundraisers.

Thank you letter sent to Steve Winson for the Cow donation.

Huge thank you to GPO for the donation of storage boxes for uniforms. SM to sort all uniforms ready for sale and safe storage.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed: 22nd April 2pm.

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.