Friday Update 06.02.2026

Miss McNamara's Message

A Visit from Our new CEO - Ian Tucker

We were delighted to welcome Ian Tucker into school recently. During his visit, he spent time talking with leaders, exploring the school and getting a real sense of daily life at Coppice Valley.

He was particularly impressed by the calm and purposeful learning environment, the quality of displays, the appearance of the school and the high level of pupil engagement. He also commented on the warmth, professionalism and commitment shown by staff across the school. Our outdoor grounds also sparked interest, with clear enthusiasm to see even more of how these spaces support learning and enrichment.

As he prepares to formally begin his role later this month, he shared how excited he is to be working alongside staff with such high expectations and ambition. We are proud of the positive impression our pupils, staff and environment made.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones have been a topic of conversation nationally in recent weeks. We therefore felt it would be helpful to explain our procedures to all families, particularly in relation to pupils in Years 5 and 6. Our approach is designed to balance pupils’ growing independence with our responsibility to maintain a safe, calm and focused learning environment for everyone.

Some pupils in Years 5 and 6 are permitted to bring a mobile phone to school, primarily to support those who walk to and from school independently.

All mobile phones must be handed in on arrival at school and are turned off and stored during the school day. Phones are returned to children at the end of the day. Children are not allowed to access or use their mobile phones at any time during the school day.

This approach supports pupils’ safety before and after school, while ensuring that learning, wellbeing and social interactions during the school day are not impacted by mobile phone use.

Could your child be a Young Carer?

We would like to let you know that Young Carers in Harrogate are currently reviewing and expanding their services.

If your child is a young carer, or has previously been identified as a young carer, we would encourage you to get in touch with school so that we can re-refer them into the service and ensure they are able to access the Young Carers Services.

A young carer is a child or young person who may help to look after someone in their family because they have:

• a long-term illness or disability
• poor mental health
• issues with alcohol or drug misuse

This could be a parent, carer, or sibling. Some young carers carry out physical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, helping someone take medication, or supporting them with personal care. Others may not do these practical tasks but may spend a lot of time worrying about someone, staying at home to be with them, or offering emotional support.

Spring 2 - After School Clubs - Available to book on Monday Evening

We are pleased to share our Spring 2 after‑school activity clubs. They will be running from w/c 23 February to w/e 20 March 2026.

This half‑term offers a fantastic mix of opportunities for children across the school, including creative activities, sports, wellbeing sessions, STEM‑based challenges and more.

With a blend of new options and returning favourites, there’s something to spark the interest of every child—whether they enjoy getting active, exploring their imagination, or trying out something completely different.

Bookings will open on Enrolmy on Monday evening at 7pm. Clubs fill quickly, so we encourage families to log on promptly to secure places.

Click here for more information on our clubs for Spring 2.

SEND/Mental Health Drop In 

Join Miss Wright and Mrs Fineran on Tuesday 10th February at 9am for a coffee and chat at our SEND/Mental Health Drop In with Julie from MIND. Come to the main door after drop-off.