Dear Parents and Carers, 
First week back
We’ve had a wonderful first week back at school. The children have settled extremely well and have quickly slipped back into the routines established last term. In classrooms they’ve been focused and ready to learn, and at breaktimes they’ve been making the most of our OPAL equipment despite the wet and icy start to the year.
The icy conditions did cause some bus and taxi cancellations earlier in the week. This service is run by Devon County Council and, if we experience poor road conditions again, parents can check whether transport is running by visiting
https://www.devon.gov.uk/schools/school-and-route-closures/page/2/
or by searching “Devon school route closures”.
With the wintry weather continuing, please ensure children come to school with appropriate clothing to keep them warm and dry. We try to avoid wet playtimes wherever possible, but wellies, coats and spare clothes (including socks) are really helpful in case children get wet during lunchtime.
Looking ahead to the Spring term
The Spring term is always one of progress. As headteacher, I am continually looking at ways to increase our capacity and ensure we provide the very best opportunities for all children. This term, we have begun offering some specialist provision activities in the afternoons for some of our SEN children, providing bespoke learning opportunities that better meet their individual needs. This is an area we will continue to develop as the year goes on.
There are also lots of exciting opportunities coming up this half term. Year 5 will be heading to London, one of the highlights of the year and a trip I always feel privileged to lead. Swimming for Years 3 and 4 begins at Torrington Pool, and Emily has been working with local providers to organise circus skills and skateboarding workshops to broaden the children’s experiences and skill sets. Exeter City FC are back in school teaching Hedgehogs multi-skills this half term, and our ambassadors will be leading gardening activities around the school site.
We’ll also be continuing our link with SDM School in India. Both Otters and Owls are studying Hinduism this half term and we’re hoping the SDM children can give us deeper insights into how religious beliefs shape daily life in India.
New arrivals
We also have some new arrivals at Beaford. Over Christmas, Zoe rescued some guinea pigs, and the Play Rangers will be caring for them alongside our school snake, Nacho, and our giant African snails. The children have already been very excited to welcome them into our school community.
Clubs
Clubs continue to be popular this term. Lego Club is ongoing. Miles of Smiles will be coming in to start a brand new club, which we’re really looking forward to. Football Club is now for children from Y3 to Y6 and Play Rangers with Zoe starts where she’ll be playing games and caring for our animals. Play rangers and Football club still have spaces available.
Join the team
Our after school club has been very busy this week and, unfortunately, we have had to turn some children away. To increase our wraparound care capacity, we are still recruiting for two playworker roles. If you live locally, enjoy spending time with children and would like to help us run this vital service, please consider applying or share the details with someone who might be interested.
https://mynewterm.com/jobs/149090/EDV-2025-BCPS-20298
https://mynewterm.com/jobs/149090/EDV-2025-BCPS-16023
Enjoy your weekend. We look forward to seeing you and the children on Monday.
