2026 Summer #7

Welcome Back

I hope you all had a wonderful half-term break and enjoyed some time with family and friends. We are delighted to welcome everyone back for what promises to be an exciting and busy half term.

On 1 June, Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge CE Primary Academy proudly marked a significant milestone as it officially joined the Diocese of Hereford Multi Academy Trust (DHMAT).

To celebrate this special occasion, the children took part in a range of activities throughout the day, reflecting on what makes our school such a special place to learn and grow. The celebrations provided an opportunity to honour the school’s rich heritage through history lessons, while looking forward to an exciting future as part of a family of Church schools across the Diocese.

One of the highlights of the day was the creation of a school time capsule. Children were invited to share their memories, experiences and thoughts about school life, creating a wonderful snapshot of Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge CE Primary Academy for future generations.

Pupils also took part in activities celebrating our school values, strong sense of community and unique place within the Ironbridge Gorge. Their enthusiasm and pride in their school shone through as they reflected on friendships, learning opportunities and the caring environment that makes our academy so special.

As we begin this new chapter as part of DHMAT, we look forward to the opportunities that this partnership will bring for our children, staff and wider school community, while continuing to nurture, inspire and support every child to flourish.

With an exciting and event-filled half term ahead, we encourage all parents and carers to keep an eye on the Key Dates for the Diary section of the newsletter so that you can join us in making the most of the weeks ahead.

Mrs M Dhaliwal
Headteacher

Year 5 Debate

This week, our Year 5 children had the opportunity to take part in a debate, showcasing their growing confidence, communication skills and critical thinking. The children impressed everyone with their ability to present their ideas clearly, listen respectfully to different viewpoints and support their arguments with thoughtful reasoning.

Taking part in a debate provided a valuable opportunity for pupils to develop their speaking and listening skills, whilst learning how to express their opinions in a respectful and constructive manner. We were incredibly proud of the maturity, enthusiasm and confidence demonstrated by all those involved and they represented the school brilliantly throughout the event.

New Tuck Shop Trial

We are excited to introduce a new tuck shop, which we will be trialling from Tuesday 9th June.

The tuck shop will offer a range of healthy snack options, including:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Raisins
• Rice cakes
• Breadsticks

All items will be priced at 20p each.

If children would like to purchase a snack at breaktime, they will need to bring a small amount of change to school.

We are also pleased to share that our Learning Council will be running the tuck shop, giving them the opportunity to take on responsibility and develop important leadership skills. This initiative aims not only to provide healthy snack choices, but also to help children develop important money management skills, encouraging them to become more confident and responsible with their spending.

We look forward to seeing how this new addition supports our pupils’ wellbeing and independence.

Community News – A Tribute to the Coalport Ferry Disaster of 1799

“That Fateful Day”

 Join us on Thursday, 18 June at 6.00 pm at The Boat Inn, Jackfield

 Through drama, poetry and music, children from Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary Academy will present a tribute to this event which explores the social history of the Ironbridge area

The play tells the story of that fateful night on 23 October 1799, when twenty-eight workers at the Coalport China Museum, died after the ferry across the River Severn overturned whilst on their way home to Broseley after a long thirteen-hour shift. Many of those who died were young children. The background to the tragedy highlights the harsh conditions of the time and the dangers faced by our ancestors without whom the industrial revolution would never have taken place.

It is hoped that, by raising awareness of this little known piece of local history, a memorial can be erected near the site of the disaster in the area of Coalport Museum and The Boat Inn so that visitors and school children, both local and around the country, can learn more about the early beginnings of the social history of the Industrial Revolution.

Refreshments can be purchased at The Boat Inn.

Please note: Parking will not be available at The Boat. Alternative parking can be found at The Maws, The Shakespeare Inn, Coalport Museum & The Half Moon.

SEND Space

Coffee Afternoon Invitation – Thursday 2 July

We are pleased to invite parents and carers to our next coffee afternoon, taking place on Thursday 2 July from 2:00pm to 3:20pm.

This session will focus on transition between year groups, with particular guidance and support for families of pupils moving from Year 6 to Year 7.

We are also delighted to welcome representatives from SENDIASS, who will be available to offer advice and answer questions on a range of topics related to SEND and EHCP support.

This event provides a valuable opportunity to:

• Meet and speak with the school SENDCo.
• Connect with our Pastoral Lead.
• Share experiences and ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting.

Refreshments will be provided, and we hope this will be a welcoming and supportive opportunity for all who attend.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Wraparound Watch

A great start to 30 Days Wild this week in Wraparound.  Children have signed to The Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild and shared what activities they have been doing.  In Wraparound we have enjoyed nature yoga, including hula hoop yoga!  The children have enjoyed upcycling rolls into butterflies, 30 days wild word search puzzles, dot to dots and colouring in with interesting facts about the animals.

For more information on the 30 Days Wild click on the link 30 Days Wild | The Wildlife Trusts

Online Safety Newsletter

Please click on the link below for June’s Online Safety Newsletter.

Online Safety Newsletter June 2026

Online Safety Video

This month’s theme is Online Scams & Digital Footprints.

Description:  This video provides a quick overview on online scams targeting young people and the importance of digital footprints.

https://www.knowsleyclcs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Scammers-and-Digital-Footprints-June-2026.mp4

Friends News

🌞🎪 COALBROOKDALE SUMMER FAIR 🎪🌞
Friday 10th July (3:00pm – 5:00pm)

STALL HOLDERS WANTED!
Would you like to run a stall at our Summer Fair?
Examples of stalls include crafts, handmade gifts, cakes and bakes, plants, books, toys, jewellery, and local business displays.
£15 per stall
To book a stall or find out more, please contact:

📧 friendsofcoalbrookdale@yahoo.com

Join us for an afternoon of fun, games, stalls, refreshments and community spirit!

🍰 Refreshments
🎁 Stalls
🎯 Games & Activities
🎉 Fun for all the family

We look forward to seeing you there!

Moments Matter – Attendance Counts

Highest class attendance for week ending 22 May:  Year 2

Most improved class attendance from the previous week:  Year 2

Community News – Coalbrookdale Open Gardens & Scarecrow Weekend

Community News – Summer holiday football

Please click on the link below for details on summer holiday football camps at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.

https://officialsoccerschools.co.uk/shrewsburytown/shrewsbury-town-courses.html

Children’s Commissioner’s Big Future Survey

As Children’s Commissioner, I’m writing to ask for support in helping children take part in my national survey, The Big Future.

Children can take part here: http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture

This is a valuable opportunity for children and young people to reflect on their experiences, share what matters most to them, and tell us about their hopes and ambitions for the future in their own words.

Direct student participation is essential to ensuring that young people’s voices are heard and represented.

I want to hear from children and young people aged 0–18 from every background, in every part of the country. The survey asks about the things they enjoy, the challenges they face, the changes they would like to see in their communities, and what they believe a good childhood should look like today.

The findings will help inform national conversations and decision-making about children’s lives and futures at the highest levels.

To support you, I have created a pack of resources, including an introductory video, lesson materials and FAQs, all available on my website.

I will publish the findings next year, and they will help shape the conversations and decisions being made about children’s lives and futures for years to come.

Thank you so much for your support.

Dame Rachel de Souza

Children’s Commissioner for England