2026 Spring #4

Parent Survey Feedback – January 2026

Thank you to the 81 families who completed our recent parent survey. We really value your feedback and use it to help us continue to improve our school.

We are pleased that the survey shows strong positive feedback across many areas:

• Most parents told us that their child is happy and feels safe at school
• Parents highlighted effective communication and felt confident raising concerns
• The majority of families said they would recommend our school to others

Parents also shared views on behaviour and bullying. Feedback shows that many families have not needed to raise bullying concerns, while others highlighted the importance of clear communication about how issues are managed. This has helped us to reflect on how we continue to promote our anti-bullying approach, ensure children know how to report concerns and reassure parents about the steps we take when issues arise.

Support for children with additional needs was also reflected in the survey. Families shared positive feedback about the support in place, while some indicated they would welcome further communication. This feedback is helping us to strengthen how we share information about SEND provision and support.

Overall, the survey confirms that parents feel the school acts in children’s best interests and provides a safe, caring and supportive environment. We will continue to use this feedback to inform our work and strengthen our partnership with families.

Thank you for taking the time to share your views.

Holidays in term time

We would like to share some important information regarding holidays taken during term time, as regular school attendance plays a vital role in supporting children’s learning, wellbeing and friendships.

Term-time holidays

The Department for Education expects children to attend school every day and headteachers are only able to authorise leave during term time in exceptional circumstances. As a result, family holidays are not normally authorised during term time.

Any request for leave must be made in advance and will be considered on an individual basis.

What are “exceptional circumstances”?

Exceptional circumstances are situations that are:

• Rare and unavoidable
• Out of the family’s control
• Not linked to convenience, cost or availability of holidays

Examples may include:

• A significant family event that cannot take place outside term time
• A serious or acute family situation
• Exceptional service-related circumstances for parents (e.g. armed forces)

Please note that:

• Cheaper holidays
• Parent work patterns
• Family trips or celebrations
  are not usually considered exceptional circumstances.

Why attendance matters

When children miss school, they miss more than lessons. They also miss:

• Opportunities to build friendships
• Continuity in learning
• Important routines that support wellbeing and confidence

Even short periods of absence can have an impact, particularly for younger children.

Our commitment

We understand that families value time together and we are always happy to discuss individual situations. Our role is to work in partnership with you to support your child’s education while following national guidance.

For further information, parents and carers can also refer to our Attendance Policy, which is available on the school website.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular situation, please contact the school office.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wraparound care – Important reminder

If you have booked your child into wraparound care and your plans change, we kindly ask that parents ensure they inform the school office as soon as possible. Recently, there have been occasions where children have been expected in wraparound but have instead been collected at the end of the school day. Clear communication helps us ensure all children are safe and accounted for. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Half Marathon – 16 May 2026

After half term, children have the opportunity to take part in a cumulative half marathon (13.1 miles).

Children will complete the first 12 miles of the total distance each week in school during breaktime.  The final 1.1mile will be completed at Telford Rugby Club on Saturday 16 May 2026 (a letter with finalised details will be sent closer to the time).

The entry fee is £12.00.  Please click on the link below for more details.

_Half Marathon 16th May

CBeebies Parent website

We would like to share a helpful online resource that you may enjoy using at home with your child — the CBeebies Parenting website.

CBeebies Parenting is designed especially for families with young children. It offers a wide range of easy-to-use ideas, hints and tips to support your child’s learning and development through everyday play. The activities are fun, practical, and linked to things you already do at home, such as playing, talking, reading and exploring together.

On the website you will find:

• Simple activity ideas to try at home
• Short videos and advice from child development experts
• Tips on supporting communication, early maths, creativity, and wellbeing
• Ideas that fit easily into daily routines

You can choose activities that suit your child’s age and interests, and dip in whenever it works for your family — there is no need for special equipment or lots of preparation.

We encourage you to explore the CBeebies Parenting website and use it as a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time learning together at home.

CBeebies Parenting

Friends News – Raise £25 in 2025/26

Our “Raise £25 in 2025/26” has gone digital!

This year, every child in our school has been invited to take part in a fun and empowering challenge — Raise £25 in 2025/26. It’s all about building confidence, encouraging creativity, and helping our pupils make a positive impact on their school community.

To support them, we’re using SuperKind, a brilliant fundraising platform designed especially for schools and PTAs. It gives our children a safe, simple way to share their fundraising pages with friends and family — and it makes donating easier than ever.

Why we chose SuperKind:

• No platform fees
• The only child‑safe, fully GDPR‑compliant platform
• Reach up to 4× more donors & raise 3× more than paper forms
• Built‑in Gift Aid (+25%) & donor data
• No more paper forms or cash counting

Every pound raised helps fund enrichment activities, resources, and experiences that benefit all our children. Let’s cheer them on and make this an amazing year of kindness, confidence, and community

Don’t forget the class who raises the most by the summer fair will win a class reward.

Set up an account and start your first fundraiser in just minutes. When you set up your event search ‘coalbrookdale’ and the PTFA charity should pop up.

Social Action and Philanthropy in Schools | SuperKind

Friends News – Wonderlicious Bar – Golden Ticket Fundraiser

We’re excited to launch our 2026 Wonderlicious Bar Golden Ticket Fundraiser, organised by the Friends of Coalbrookdale School!

Each child will receive a Wonderlicious chocolate bar and hidden inside a small number of bars will be a special Golden Ticket. Lucky ticket holders will win a fantastic prize, while every bar sold helps raise valuable funds to support school activities, resources, and events.

What’s the fun?

• Buy a Wonderlicious Bar
• Look out for a Golden Ticket inside
• Win a special prize and support our school at the same time!

Important date

Bars will be distributed to children on World Book Day – Thursday 5th March 2026.

Purchase your bars via the PTA-Events website (link below) or send in £2 per bar in a sealed envelope to the school office.

Friends of Coalbrookdale

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Fundraisers like this make a real difference and help the Friends of Coalbrookdale School provide extras that benefit all our children.

Good luck – and may your bar be golden!

Moments Matter – Attendance Counts

Highest class attendance for week ending 23 January:  Reception & Year 3

Most improved class attendance from the previous week:  Reception

Community News – Temporary road closure – Jiggers Bank, Coalbrookdale.

Severn Gorge Countryside Trust are planning to undertake structural inspection works. The work is set to commence on Monday, 9th February 2026 and will last for a duration of 2 days between the hours of 09:15am and 17:00pm with an end date of Tuesday, 10th February 2026.

The diversion route for vehicular traffic travelling southbound will be via Buildwas Bank, A4169 From End Of Buildwas Bank To Wrekin District Boundary, Much Wenlock Road, Buildwas Road, Dale End, Dale Road, and Wellington Road. For vehicular traffic travelling northbound vice versa.

Community News – Half term soccer

Please click on the link below for details of a February half term soccer school being run by Wolves in the Community at Telford College.

Half Term Soccer School