Friday Update 23.01.2026
Posted 22nd January 2026
Miss McNamara's Message
After the intensity of last week, it has been lovely to enjoy a calmer week in school! It’s given everyone the chance to catch their breath, refocus on the day-to-day joy of school life, and spend time doing what we do best - supporting our children to learn and thrive.
We are delighted to welcome Mrs Bradley-Coles, who has joined us as a Teaching Assistant. Mrs Bradley-Coles is an excellent and experienced TA who has joined us from another of our Trust primary schools. She will be working mainly in Year 4 and Year 1, but as with all of our staff, she will work flexibly across the school to support pupils wherever needed. We’re very pleased to have her as part of the Coppice Valley team and know she will be a fantastic addition.
This week we were also incredibly proud of our Youth Board, who presented a beautifully made hedgehog house and a thoughtful poem to our CEO, Richard Sherriff. As you may know, Richard will be retiring in mid-February, and it was a lovely moment to celebrate his impact. Richard has been an incredible child-centred leader of our trust, always keeping pupils at the heart of decision-making, and the Youth Board’s presentation was a fitting thank you.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Little Ferns at Coppice Valley
We are delighted to share an update on Little Ferns Nursery, opening at Coppice Valley Primary School in September 2026.
Building work on the former caretaker’s bungalow is progressing well, with all structural work now complete. Plastering is the next stage, and the space is already coming together beautifully.
Alongside the build, we have begun planning the nursery curriculum and sourcing furniture, toys and learning resources to create a nurturing, inspiring environment for our youngest children.
Little Ferns will offer a caring start to school life, rooted in the values of Coppice Valley Primary School, with a strong focus on outdoor learning and curiosity as part of our eco‑school ethos.
Wraparound care will be available, with provision from 7.30am (including breakfast) and until 6.00pm (including a light tea). Further details can be found on the school website.
We are now taking expressions of interest for September 2026. Families are invited to complete the online form with as much accurate information as possible, and we will be in touch shortly regarding admissions arrangements.
We are very excited to welcome our first cohort of children and will continue to share updates as the opening approaches.
Morrisons Donations
⭐Highlights for next week!⭐
- Apple Class will be going on a geography field trip!
Willow Class have been completing some super writing this week about WW2 - we'll be completing our letters!
- In Beech class, the children will be using junk modelling as part of their art lesson. We will be using lots of maps in geography, and trying to find Harrogate using an atlas. The children will be continuing their forest school and outdoor learning in science too!
Spring 1 Menu - Week 4
🌧️ Wet Walk Tip
After rain, take a short wet walk and look out for worms on paths and playgrounds. When you get back home, you could make a simple worm hotel to give these helpful garden friends a safe place to live.
⭐ Attendance ⭐
Class |
% |
|
Oak |
98.7% |
|
Beech |
95.3% |
|
Ash |
94.3% |
|
Sycamore |
98.7% |
|
Apple |
94% |
|
Chestnut |
93.2% |
|
Willow |
94.3% |
|
Whole School |
95.5% |
Wellbeing Corner
Adult Learning Courses
We’re pleased to share an exciting Multiply learning opportunity for parents and carers. You can sign up to a range of free, short online courses designed to support everyday skills. Registration takes less than a minute, and all courses can be completed at your own pace.
Available courses include:
- Developing Confidence with Numeracy Skills (Class code: 3W2788)
- Supporting Children with Literacy and Numeracy (Class code: F2HJ69)
- Grow Your Digital Skills (Class code: 9LHC7S)
As an added bonus, each completed course enters you into a prize draw to win a £50 voucher.
Taking Small Steps Towards Big Changes
Looking for support, guidance or new opportunities? This project offers help with education, volunteering, wellbeing, empowerment and employability, tailored to your needs.
The service is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.
Spring 1 Dates
Friday 6 February - Walk to School Day
Tuesday 10 February - Oak Class - St Wilfred's Church Visit
Tuesday 10 February - Safer Internet Day
Tuesday 10 February - SATS Info Meeting Y6 after school
Wednesday 11 February - Young Voices Concert
Friday 13 February - School Closes for Half Term
Spring 2 Dates
Monday 23 February - School Opens
Thursday 5 March - World Book Day
Monday 9 March - Oak and Sycamore - Hinduism Workshop
Friday 13 March - Walk to School Day
Friday 13 March - Y1/2 Sleepover - Details to follow
Tuesday 17 March - Family Breakfast
Wednesday 18 March - Y1 Sculpture Park
Tuesday 24 March - Apple Class Harrogate Synagogue Visit
Thursday 26 March - PTFA Sponsored Bounce
Friday 27 March - School Closes for Easter Holiday
