It is the start of the summer term and as this this newsletter is written the sun is out – at last – and there is the excited noise of the children playing on the field. It’s great to be back.

Ms Newcombe who has joined us this week to teach Year 4 whilst Mrs Avery is on maternity leave. A warm welcome to Ms Newcombe and we look forward to hearing Mrs Avery’s news…

Our school works with our local NHS Mental Health Support Team to support the children with their mental health. Over the next couple of months the team is hosting online workshops to help you with supporting your children on a range of topics. The workshops are on Microsoft Team and  between 6-7pm and include:

• an introduction to Lumi Nova (a digital therapy game for childhood anxiety) on 29th April (Meeting ID: 399 221 272 523 28 Passcode: pX3ve2bn)
• supporting a successful transition to secondary school on Wednesday 24th June (Meeting ID: 319 109 280 827 09 Passcode; Be77Zx35)
• supporting the use of devices on 15th July (Meeting ID: 345 784 004 151 21  PasscodehM3gu2oa)
• For posters relating to these workshops please see here and here.

Barnstaple Young Generation production of The Little Mermaid is on over half term and one of our former pupils is one of the main parts. For tickets, please see here.

Dates for the diary:

• For details of free wildlife walks (including a night bat hunt) this weekend organised by North Devon Biospghere, see here
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.
• Appledore’s first ever Pride will take place around the village on Saturday 6th June (see here) and please see here for a competition for children to win £50
• Tabsfest, in memory of an Appledore Pupil, is a family music festival at The Big Sheep, Saturday 13th June. See here for info.

Wishing you all a lovely Easter and we look forward to welcoming you back on 20th April.

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

An Easter egg hunt in the woods, a coastal walk, fantastic stories published, sound surveys, an engineering challenge and more on shape, space and angles and much more has been crowbarred into a four day week. Read what else each class has been up to in Around the Classes and in Dates for the Diary are numerous local activities over the Easter holiday.

Thank  you FOAS for organising the school discos and the coffee and cake morning the following day and for your support of these events.

Well done to all our pupils for their artistic talent. We submitted a large number of pieces to the Burton Art Gallery for their schools exhibition and we won a £100 prize.

Dates for the diary:

• Free family activity days for pupils with SEND at Calvert Trust see here
• Northam May Fair, 2nd May, 12pm-2pm, fancy dress competition information here and entry form here
• For a range of football activities at Kingsley over the Easter holiday for all ages, boys and girls, with free places for those receiving benefits see here, here, here and here for more information
• Over the Easter holiday there is a holiday activity and food programme at West Croft Primary School for children aged 5-13 years. This programme is free of charge for children on benefit related free school meals and in care (see here) and there is a charge for children who are not (see here).
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.
• Appledore’s first ever Pride will take place around the village on Saturday 6th June

Wishing you all a lovely Easter and we look forward to welcoming you back on 20th April.

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

Great participation and sporting behaviour by our year 5 tag rugby team in a tournament last Friday and a noisy week with the sound of thirty children playing the trombone in music! Please read on to find out what else has been happening…

Get your disco tickets here

Dates for the diary:

• Class photos will now be taken on Thursday 2nd April
• Spring Disco Friday 27th March. Reception – Yr 2 5-6pm and Yr3 – Yr6 6.30pm-7.30pm
• Coffee, cake and raffle FOAS fundraiser for the school, Saturday 28th March, 10am-12pm, Royal Pub, Appledore
• Northam May Fair, 2nd May, 12pm-2pm, fancy dress competition information here and entry form here
• For a range of football activities at Kingsley over the Easter holiday for all ages, boys and girls, with free places for those receiving benefits see here, here, here and here for more information
• Over the Easter holiday there is a holiday activity and food programme at West Croft Primary School for children aged 5-13 years. This programme is free of charge for children on benefit related free school meals and in care (see here) and there is a charge for children who are not (see here).
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

Wow! What an amazing array of cakes entered in our house baking competition. Thank you everybody who baked and a particular shout-out to the parent who was shopping for butter at 7am this morning – that’s dedication!  Judging was very difficult and photos to follow…

Get your disco tickets here

Dates for the diary:

• Class photos will now be taken on Thursday 2nd April
• Spring Disco Friday 27th March. Reception – Yr 2 5-6pm and Yr3 – Yr6 6.30pm-7.30pm
• Coffee, cake and raffle FOAS fundraiser for the school, Saturday 28th March, 10am-12pm, Royal Pub, Appledore
• For a range of football activities at Kingsley over the Easter holiday for all ages, boys and girls, with free places for those receiving benefits see here, here, here and here for more information
• Over the Easter holiday there is a holiday activity and food programme at West Croft Primary School for children aged 5-13 years. This programme is free of charge for children on benefit related free school meals and in care (see here) and there is a charge for children who are not (see here).
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Wishing you all a super weekend

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff

(more…)

Next Friday (20th) is Red Nose Day and the children can wear something red for an optional donation to Comic Relief. Please be aware that if you do make a donation, due to banking restrictions we cannot accept coins less than £1!

The Department for Education has recently published its schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, and is inviting parents to take part in the consultation on SEND reform, Putting Children and Young People First. The proposed reforms are extensive and your views are important. Please follow the links for the white paper and the SEND consultation.

For our most recent attendance letter, please see here.

Dates for the diary:

• Class photos will be taken on Tuesday 17th march
• Spring Disco Friday 27th March. Reception – Yr 2 5-6pm amd Yr3 – Yr6 6.30pm-7.30pm
• Coffee, cake and raffle FOAS fundraiser for the school, Saturday 28th March, 10am-12pm, Royal Pub, Appledore
• For a range of football activities at Kingsley over the Easter holiday for all ages, boys and girls, with free places for those receiving benefits see here, here, here and here for more information
• Over the Easter holiday there is a holiday activity and food programme at West Croft Primary School for children aged 5-13 years. This programme is free of charge for children on benefit related free school meals and in care (see here) and there is a charge for children who are not (see here).
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Wishing you all a super weekend

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

Pyjamas, speed guns, body parts and plate tectonics – all part of a normal working week here!  Please take a look in Around the Classes to find out more…

Dates for the diary:

• Class photos will be taken on Tuesday 17th march
• Over the Easter holiday there is a holiday activity and food programme at West Croft Primary School for children aged 5-13 years. This programme is free of charge for children on benefit related free school meals and in care (see here) and there is a charge for children who are not (see here).
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Wishing you all a super weekend

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

Dates for the diary:

• Big Brush Club – Free Oral Health Webinar for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children 10am 28th February see here
• World Book Day – Thursday 5th March – Children in FSU and KS1 (Turtles, Dolphins, Year 1, Year 2) children can come to school dressed in pyjamas ready for a bedtime story.  KS2 children (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) can choose whether they wear pyjamas or come dressed as a character from a book they have read.
• Over the Easter holiday there is a holiday activity and food programme at West Croft Primary School for children aged 5-13 years. This programme is free of charge for children on benefit related free school meals and in care (see here) and there is a charge for children who are not (see here).
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Wishing you all a good (and dry, perhaps) half term.

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

It was quite special celebrating the end of our Positive value half term in an assembly today and seeing children receiving awards. Well done to Caya for receiving the Values Cup for being so positive and always seeing and celebrating the best in others.

Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? If you, please see here for a dental surgery that is accepting new patients.

When we return after half term, please continue to park respectfully for our neighbours and remember that Kingsley Avenue is private road that you are not permitted to park on when collecting or dropping off your children. If you need a parking permit for Odun Road, please contact the school office.

For our most recent attendance newsletter please see here.

Dates for the diary:

• Half term theatre workshop Monday 16th February, Shirwell Village Hall see here
• Half term sports camps at Bideford Blues, Sandymere, EX39 1XX on the 16th and 18th February see here
• The Northam Burrows rangers run free family events and on Tuesday 17th February they will have crafts, games and stories at the Northam Burrows visitor centre – all on the theme of ‘magnificent mice’! see here and Thursday 19th February the Northam Burrows Rangers will be on the rocky shore near Westward Ho! slipway to lead a rock pool ramble see here. Both events will take place from 2pm to 4pm and are free to attend.
• Half term free Safari Storytime and Play, ages 4-11, 10am-12.30pm, Tuesday 17th February, St Mary’s Hall, Appledore see here
• Big Brush Club – Free Oral Health Webinar for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children 10am 28th February see here
• World Book Day – Thursday 5th March – Children in FSU and KS1 (Turtles, Dolphins, Year 1, Year 2) children can come to school dressed in pyjamas ready for a bedtime story.  KS2 children (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) can choose whether they wear pyjamas or come dressed as a character from a book they have read.
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Wishing you all a good (and dry, perhaps) half term.

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

Dear parents and carers

Next half term our value is Healthy and children will continue to learn about how they can keep themselves safe and healthy. Included within this is the statutory curriculum for relationship, sex and health education.

To support you with understanding what will be taught and to address initial questions and concerns we have published information, including relevant outline lesson plans and FAQs, on our school website

The lesson plans content meets the Department of Education statutory requirements of what we have to teach and the timing of the content, which may have been earlier than some expect, is based on guidance that ensures children become aware of what they need to know before it could happen, e.g. girls menstruating.

The lessons are designed to ensure children are safe and safeguarded and delivered sensitively and in a way to eliminate stigma, which is why lessons will be taught to boys and girls. Opportunities for children to ask questions 1:1 or in small same sex groups will be provided if proving necessary.

Please follow the links to understand what will be taught and to prepare yourself for questions your children may ask following their lessons. If you have any questions, please email admin@appledoreprimary.co.uk and we will respond asap and prior to the delivery of the lessons.

A week of rain dodging has not stopped another busy week here. Please read the around the classes section to find out what has been going on in each classroom.

Next half term our value is Healthy and children will continue to learn about how they can keep themselves safe and healthy. Included within this is the statutory curriculum for relationship, sex and health education. Please see here for more information, including lesson content.

Dates for the diary:

• Half term theatre workshop Monday 16th February, Shirwell Village Hall see here
• Half term sports camps at Bideford Blues, Sandymere, EX39 1XX on the 16th and 18th February see here
• Half term free Safari Storytime and Play, ages 4-11, 10am-12.30pm, Tuesday 17th February, St Mary’s Hall, Appledore see here
• World Book Day – Thursday 5th March – Children in FSU and KS1 (Turtles, Dolphins, Year 1, Year 2) children can come to school dressed in pyjamas ready for a bedtime story.  KS2 children (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) can choose whether they wear pyjamas or come dressed as a character from a book they have read.
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Have a good weekend everybody.

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff

(more…)

Dates for the diary:

• Free Safari Storytime and Play, ages 4-11, 10am-12.30pm, Tuesday 17th February, St Mary’s Hall, Appledore see here

Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Have a good weekend everybody.

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff

(more…)

Household Support Fund Applications are being received if you need help with food bills, energy bills and wider essentials not linked to water, energy of food. For more information please contact us so we can complete the application on your behalf. Please see here for more information and note the closing deadline for applications is the 19th of March 2026

Dates for the diary

• Appledore Library Lego club we have on Saturday14th February 12-1pm. Book a space by emailing appledore.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk or calling 01237 477442 during opening hours. See here for more information.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

Parentkind offers a curated series of free webinars designed to empower parents and carers with knowledge on education, child development, and well-being that can be accessed here. The 2026 schedule includes interactive sessions on Zoom. Note that these sessions are not recorded for later viewing to encourage live participation. Upcoming topics in 2026 include:

• An Introduction to Autism.
• Socialising in Reception: Guidance on helping children navigate friendships and independence in primary school.
• Parenting Styles that Shape Children’s Future: Explores how different styles impact emotional well-being and boundary setting.
• Coping Tools for Your Child’s Big Emotions: Practical strategies for managing emotional moments through mindfulness.
• Keeping Your Child Safe Online: A behavioural approach to digital resilience for primary-aged children.
• Helping Your Child Develop a Love of Reading: Tips for making reading an enjoyable part of family life.
• From Meltdowns to Mindfulness

Also, Autism and Us is a programme offered to parents and carers of children and young people who are currently on the neurodiversity assessment pathway, as well as to families of those who have received an autism diagnosis. It is delivered by members of the Inclusion and Learning Service at Devon County Council and more information can be found here

For information about a netball camp at half term see here and for entering your child in a triathlon aimed at children of all abilities aged 7-13 please see here

Have a great weekend

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)