This week, parents/carers of children starting Reception in September 2025 received their school place confirmations. There are still a small number of places available for our new Reception class, starting in September 2025. Please contact the school for more information on [email protected]
We are looking forward to meeting our new parents/carers for our ‘New Parent/Carer’ meeting in May. The school will be sending out information during the week commencing 28th April.
I am a huge fan of puzzle books, and it’s great to see new ones hitting bookshop shelves based on some of our favourite characters.
Where’s Wally? A-maze-ing Journeys by Martin Handford
A must-have addition to any young puzzler’s bookshelf. Now available in paperback, this delightful maze-filled journey promises hours of entertainment as young adventurers accompany Wally on a truly unique exploration.
With over 60 maze routes to uncover, the book takes readers through eleven captivating scenes, each more mind-boggling than the last. From art galleries to a bustling sweet factory, a space centre, and even Wallywood, each location is a maze in itself, packed with twists, turns, and plenty of fun distractions. Kids can trace their fingers through the labyrinths, solving the maze challenges, and searching for hidden objects along the way.
In addition to the main mazes, there are mini-mazes and extra searches scattered throughout, adding even more layers of adventure. From groovy discos to fantastical journeys, Wally’s world is as exciting as it is perplexing.
This book is an excellent choice for young puzzle enthusiasts, combining problem-solving skills with the thrill of discovery. Perfect for children who enjoy exploring, learning, and—most importantly—having fun!
Bunny Vs Monkey: The Whopping World Of Puzzles by Jamie Smart
The beloved Bunny vs Monkey series continues with a fantastic new addition that promises hours of interactive fun for children! In this latest book, Bunny, Monkey, and their gang stumble upon a secret theme park hidden deep within the woods, and what follows is a thrilling competition where you become part of the adventure.
Packed with a variety of engaging activities such as wordsearches, puzzles, and mazes, this activity book is designed to keep young minds entertained while offering plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you are solving challenges or joining in the fun with Bunny, Monkey, and the rest of the characters, there’s something for everyone. It’s a wonderfully creative way to keep busy, and this book is sure to be a favourite!
An absolute must-have for fans of the series and any child who loves interactive activities.
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide To Unruly Activities by Louie Stowell
If you are a fan of the mischievous Loki, then this fun-filled, interactive book is sure to keep you entertained for hours. A brilliant new addition to the series, it combines short stories, quizzes, puzzles, and a host of activities that are perfect for curious minds.
The book kicks off with Loki’s latest escapade: after pulling one too many pranks involving… well, let’s just say ‘poo’, Heimdall challenges him to find a more creative (and less messy) way to pass the time. Naturally, Loki is up for the task! With a bit of help from his friends, Valerie and Georgina (and, of course, Thor, who isdefinitely notone of Loki’s friends), he creates a collection of fun and sometimes cheeky activities.
You can try your hand at quizzes about Norse mythology, including a rather tricky one with Valerie and a much easier one with Thor. You can also decipher secret codes, and even hunt for Loki in various animal disguises. There is even an Insult Generator to craft witty (and humorous) remarks that is for out of school use only. Throughout it all, there are promises of those tantalising stories Loki has always been too busy to tell.
Packed with clever, light-hearted activities, this book is perfect for readers who love to engage with their favourite characters in a more interactive way. Whether solving puzzles or enjoying Loki’s mischief, this book is a brilliant boredom buster.
Tips For Wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
Stress Awareness
Stress is what you feel when you’re worried, nervous, or under pressure. It’s your body’s way of reacting to things that feel difficult, scary, or too much to handle. Everyone feels stressed sometimes! Stress can come from lots of things, such as:
School – too much homework, exams, or feeling like you have to do really well.
Friends – disagreements/ arguments, bullying, or feeling left out.
Family – disagreements/ arguments, moving house, or changes like a new baby in the family.
Big Changes – starting a new school, growing up, or losing someone you care about.
Some stress can be good, but too much can cause us to feel anxious or depressed, which might affect our sleeping, eating habits and general wellbeing. If stress is going on for a long time, we may also experience ‘burnout’, which is when our body is exhausted and has not had a chance to rest. There are things we can do to help our body recharge and reduce stress:
Our tips for managing stress:
Talk to someone you trust. This helps you not to feel alone, because someone is there to listen to you and to care. Remember – it’s okay to ask for help!
Stress bucket activity – follow the QR code/link to complete your own stress bucket. This may help you to see what is contributing to your stress, as well as what helps you to feel calmer.
Moving your body can help to release stress and make you feel good. Why not try dancing to your favourite song or going for a walk with friends or family?
Get creative – Art has been found to help people feel present in the moment and reduce the feeling of stress and worry. Follow the QR code/link for more information!
Create a calm corner – It is important to have somewhere that you feel safe, and you could go there when you feel like you need a break. You could fill the corner with soft things like pillows and blankets, and is the perfect place to read, draw, or even listen to calming music!
This year, our Year 5 & 6 Hooked On Books Quiz Team triumphed, beating all of the competition with their knowledge of this year’s shortlisted books. They answered questions on animals, names, numbers, food and drink, places, and other general knowledge, winning school a fabulous haul of books. This week, I’m sharing my favourites from our prize box.
For our younger readers, I’ve picked a fabulous non-fiction picture book, Do Bears Poop In The Woods by Huw Lewis Jones and Sam Caldwell
A fascinating and engaging field guide that takes readers on an exciting journey through the wild to uncover the wonders of eight different species of bears. Aimed at young explorers, this book offers a perfect blend of information and adventure, making it an ideal read for families interested in wildlife and conservation.
In this informative guide, Huw Lewis Jones introduces us to the world of bears, from the iconic panda and polar bear to the lesser-known sun bear and sloth bear. With the help of the expert field guide, children will learn how to identify these incredible creatures, and discover fascinating facts such as why bears poop so much, how to stay safe in bear territory, and the crucial ways we can help protect these magnificent animals.
Not only does this book teach about the lives of bears, but it also highlights the importance of conserving their habitats and understanding their unique needs. With its engaging narrative, fun facts, and beautiful illustrations, it is a must-have for nature-loving families and young readers eager to explore the wild.
So, lace up your walking boots, grab your binoculars, and set off on an unforgettable adventure into the world of bears. It’s both educational and entertaining, making it a perfect addition to any child’s reading list.
For our more confident readers, I’ve chosen another non-fiction title, Extinct: Hainan Gibbon by Ben Garrod, illsutrated by Gabriel Ugueto
TV scientist, Ben Garrod, presents an eye-opening exploration of extinction through the lens of one of our closest living relatives; the critically endangered Hainan gibbon. This book offers a compelling look at how evolution’s most remarkable creatures have survived the most destructive forces of nature, and how some are now on the brink of disappearing forever.
Ben Garrod’s unique approach makes complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting, showing how extinction has shaped life on Earth. The book asks a crucial question: can we help the Hainan gibbon become a ‘super-survivor’? With only a handful of these primates left, Ben challenges readers to reflect on our role in the story of life, encouraging us to move from being careless bystanders to active ‘super-savers’ – individuals who take responsibility for preventing the extinction of species we share the planet with.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, Extinct: Hainan Gibbon makes science fun and relevant, inspiring hope and action for the future. Ben’s thought-provoking message about conservation and the need for urgent action is both a call to awareness and a celebration of the incredible animals we still have the chance to protect. This book is a must-read for families interested in wildlife, conservation, and the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
And finally, for our oldest readers, I’ve selected The Others by Sarah Merrett
An exciting historical sci-fi adventure that will captivate young readers and spark their imaginations. Set against the backdrop of an observatory, the story follows Reuben, a boy living with his astronomer grandmother, who is determined to win the Guzman Prize — a prestigious award for discovering and contacting extraterrestrial life. However, Grandma faces fierce competition from the sinister Professor Pinfield, whose mysterious intentions could put everything at risk.
Reuben, though confined to the observatory, sneaks out one day and encounters an alien he names Blue. What follows is a thrilling race against time as Reuben must protect Blue from the evil professor while also unraveling the mystery of his own identity.
This fast-paced, action-packed novel combines elements of science fiction with historical intrigue, making it an engaging read for children. Sarah’s storytelling is rich in suspense, and the characters are both relatable and intriguing. Reuben’s bravery and determination shine through, and the themes of loyalty, courage, and discovery are woven throughout the story.
The Others is a fantastic choice for readers looking for an adventurous, thought-provoking book that blends science fiction with a historical twist. It will undoubtedly inspire curiosity about space, science, and the unknown, while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. A must-read for fans of adventure and mystery!
Tips For Wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
Be Active
Moving our body every day can boost self-esteem, improve quality of sleep, contribute to better social skills and reduce feelings of anxiety. When we feel anxious, our bodies can experience the ‘fight, flight, freeze’ response. Our hearts beat faster, we sweat more, and our muscles tense; physical activity can help release these feelings!
Our brain also releases chemicals when we exercise, called endorphins, that make us feel good. Even just 10 minutes of fast walking can contribute to mental alertness, increased energy and positive mood.
Being active may be new to you, or you may already exercise regularly. Try to find an activity that you want to do, and you find enjoyable. It’s okay if you aren’t sure what this is yet, have a go at experimenting and why not start by checking out our ideas for being active below?
Our tips for being active:
Add extra movement to your regular routine – Can you change the way you travel to school? Could you walk or cycle to your friend’s house, instead of travelling by car? If you need to use the car, think about parking further away to get some extra steps in!
Try a new sport or activity – This is a great way to improve your sporting ability, but also an opportunity to make new friends and feel part of a team.
Dance to music – Whilst it can be a good idea to join a sports club if you enjoy this type of activity, we can still be active whilst listening to music and having fun! You could dance to your favourite playlist whilst you are tidying your bedroom or helping your parents/carers around the house…you might even forget you are doing chores too!
Get outdoors and move your body in the fresh air. If the weather is cold or rainy, why not try Zumba, hula hooping, skipping, or yoga.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
It’s our final week celebrating the amazing books shortlisted for this year’s Coventry Inspiration Book Awards, and we look at what to read next if one of these runners up was your favourite book.
What’s The Story? – Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield, illustrated by Hoang Giang
When Jeremiah plants a packet of sunflower seeds, the very last thing he expects is for the vines and leaves to grow overnight and burst through the ceiling of his apartment. As Jeremiah and his brother chase the magical plant up through the floors of their tower block home, they discover an array of curious neighbours who join in the adventure. But what could be waiting for them at the top of the building? And will Jeremiah find his voice to help the neighbours discover the true magic hidden within these sunflower seeds?
If this was your favourite book, try Omar, The Bees And Me by Helen Mortimer, illustrated by Katie Cottle
In a world full of complex environmental stories, Omar, The Bees and Me offers an uplifting and accessible take on sustainability for young readers. With a focus on the importance of protecting nature, this delightful book encourages children to plant wildflowers and create bee corridors in their local communities.
The story follows Omar, a new boy from Syria, who befriends Maisie as they embark on a journey to help the bees. Through their growing friendship, themes of cultural identity and belonging are explored, offering a heartwarming message of inclusion and collaboration.
Katie Cottle, the award-winning illustrator behind The Green Giant and The Blue Giant, brings the story to life with her stunning artwork, making the book as visually captivating as it is meaningful. The book also includes fascinating bee facts on the endpapers and a delicious honey cake recipe on the final page, perfect for encouraging young readers to engage further with the story.
A gentle and joyful read, Omar, The Bees and Me is a wonderful resource for parents looking to introduce children to sustainability, cultural diversity, and the magic of nature.
Telling Tales – Hercules by Tom Vaughn, illustrated by David O’Connell
If Hercules Braver is going to survive his new secondary school, he has to live up to his name, fast. He needs to become strong and tanned and popular, like a Greek hero. Not weak and pale and unpopular, like a Greek yoghurt. But his bid for popularity ends up saddling him with a set of impossible tasks… like cleaning out the monster-riddled school pond, facing up to the school bully and finding the headmaster’s missing cat. Then Herc’s charming, impressive birth dad turns up after years living in Greece, and Hercules thinks his problems are solved. With God-like strength and awe-inspiring powers, could his dad even be … the real Zeus?! And will Hercules learn what it truly means to be a hero?
If this was your favourite book, try Loki: a bad god’s guide to being good by Louie Stowell
Get ready to laugh out loud, a lot, as we meet Loki as he would never want to be seen in this anarchic adventure.
After one prank too many, trickster god Loki is banished to live as a “normal” school boy. If he can show moral improvement within one month, then Loki can return to Asgard … and if he can’t? Then it’s eternity in a pit of angry snakes. To keep track of his progress, Odin has handed over this magical diary in which Loki is forced to confess the truth. (Even when that truth is as ugly as a naked mole-rat.) As if moral improvement and the indignities of school weren’t challenging enough, Loki is banned from using his awesome godly powers and (even worse) must put up with Thor tagging along and making him look bad. Anyone reading Loki’s diary is about to learn that this is one god who hasn’t a clue how to tell good from bad, trust from tricks, or friends from enemies…
As he writes in his truth journal, we see him battle against and then come to accept the challenge he has been set to save himself from an eternity of torture. I loved the journal’s responses to his lies and self-beliefs. Poking fun at modern day life, sharp observational humour is used to great effect to show our anti-hero evaluating his fate at Odin’s hand.
Louie’s hilarious doodles and cartoons show the inner workings of our god turned boy’s mind as we see him struggle with concepts like living in a mortal body in a mortal’s house, what a conscience is and feelings like guilt bubbling to the surface. His understanding of friendship grows slowly as he gets to grips with school, smartphones and mortal snacks.
With plenty of hints at the legends that surround Loki scattered liberally throughout the book, there is plenty to spark curiosity in readers about the Viking’s Trickster God and his family in Asgard.
Hooked On Books – Kofi And The Rap Battle Summer by Jeffrey Boakye
Kofi had an idea… one big lightning bolt of an idea that hit him like electricity. And all it needed was Kelvin’s incredible memory for words.
Kofi is used to stuff going wrong, he’s usually in detention or about to be. But when he finds out his best friend Kelvin has a photographic memory, he comes up with a genius money-making scheme. The whole school is obsessed with music, but no one can ever make out the words, so the boys hit the jackpot selling a new fanzine full of song lyrics: PAPER JAM. It’s not long before one of the teacher’s tells Kofi: ‘You could be a real leader at this school, you know that?’ and . . . suddenly it’s turning out to be the best summer ever!
If this was your favourite book, try The Adventures Of Rap Kid by MC Grammar
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud adventure with the first book in a brilliant new series from the multi-award-winning teacher and World Book Day Ambassador, MC Grammar!
Meet Z, a boy who only speaks in rhyme. Teased at school for his unusual way of talking, Z is known as “Zero” – not because he has nothing to say, but because he says nothing at school! But Z is about to find his voice in a big way. When the Royal Rap Rumble comes to town, searching for the next rhyming rap legend, Z is given the chance to show the world what he’s made of. With the help of his super-cool English teacher, Mr G, his best friend SFX, and a hip-hop makeover, RAP KID is born!
Can Z become the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) and take home the coveted golden mic? The stage is set for an epic rap battle, and the vibes are about to get real!
Filled with humour, heart, and an infectious energy, The Adventures of Rap Kid celebrates the power of words, creativity, and the importance of friendship. This fun and inspiring story is perfect for young readers who love a good rhyme and are ready for a rap-packed adventure!
Tips For Wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
Positivity
“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.” – Alice Morse Earle.
Positivity means focusing on the good things in life, even when things get tough. It’s about thinking and acting in a way that makes you feel happy and hopeful. Being positive can help you feel better, solve problems, and have a more joyful life.
Our tips for practising positivity:
Help others – Helping someone else, even in a small way, can make you feel good about yourself too.
Focus on the good – Look for the positive in every situation. Every day, there is always something positive.
Use positive words – Try saying things like “I can do this” or “I’ll keep trying and I will get there”.
Be kind to yourself – Don’t be too hard on yourself. Try to remind yourself that you are trying your best. Celebrate any small successes!
Practise gratitude – Think about three things that you are thankful for each day. It could be something as simple as a sunny day or a friend saying something nice to you.
Spend time with positive people.
Find something you enjoy – Whether it is a hobby, sport, quality time with friends and family, or watching your favourite TV programme, doing something you love can bring you joy.
Try using positive affirmations – Tell yourself one positive thing every day, like “I am enough” or “I am trying my best”.
Keep a positive journal – Write down things that you are proud of or moments that made you smile.
Positivity makes a big difference!
When you practise positivity, you start seeing the world in a brighter way. You can face challenges with confidence and believe in yourself. Positivity is also contagious — when you’re positive, you inspire others to be positive too!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
