14th November 2025
School News
Rebecca Richards, Headteacher at Long Itchington CofE Academy writes:
“We had a really wonderful time last week, especially for our spirituality ambassadors, who arrived at school early to greet the new Bishop of Coventry, Bishop Sophie. They started with a tour of our school for the bishop and then our ‘open the book’ team shared the story of Jacob and Esau. The Bishop then finished our collective worship with a beautiful blessing and a very special ‘Amen’ at the end. It was a lovely event for all the children. We were also so happy to host four prefects from St Lawrence CofE Primary, Napton who asked if they could join our service. It was so wonderful to share this time with other local youngsters in the spirit of friendship.
After the collective worship, our spirituality ambassadors enjoyed a brilliant Q&A session with Bishop Sophie in the library, with some refreshments, which was the icing on the cake and I am sure it will be an opportunity the children always remember. We covered the Bishop’s views on God and the weather; ways to make RE more exciting for children; the journey taken to become a bishop and importantly, Bishop Sophie also shared what it is like to be a member of the House of Lords. The Bishop was such an interesting person to listen to and it was a real privilege for everyone.
I feel sure that our children made the visit as special for the Bishop, as she made it for us and we are so grateful that she made a stop to our school during her deanery visit.”
In advance of their remembrance service this week, the pupils at Barford St Peter’s CofE Primary were given a half term task to create a poppy of any size using any materials they wished so that the school could create a display. This had an incredible impact with lots of the families taking part. Children used a very wide range of materials including hamma beads, lego, k’nex, paper, card, oil paints, and crochet to name a few and the displays were fantastic.
Matthew Parker, Head of School at Wolvey CofE Primary writes:
“This week, Wolvey CofE Primary School was delighted to welcome Mr John Slinger MP. He joined our FREE Breakfast Club—where we’re proud to be an early adopter—speaking with children about the importance of starting the day positively. Mr Slinger also presented awards during our Wolvey Wolf Assembly and enjoyed a tour of our school.
Throughout his visit, he commented on the warmth, respect, and sense of community that shines through our children and staff. His visit perfectly reflected our school vision: “Embracing equality and experiencing excellence.” At Wolvey, we celebrate individuality and value every child’s unique strengths, ensuring that everyone is included, supported, and able to thrive within our caring Christian community.”
Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch Last Week
A number of Heads met last week for an extended lunch networking meeting which was a safe space for discussion and support with fellow Headteachers.
Here is some of the feedback we received:
“A much needed safe space in which to talk, listen and reflect. A wonderful venue, inspiring activities, opportunities to connect with new colleagues and of course…delicious food!”
“The wellbeing retreat day was a restorative and inspiring experience that struck the perfect balance between reflection, connection, and rest. The day offered a rare chance to step back from daily routines, reflect on personal and professional wellbeing, and return feeling grounded, re-energised, and with a renewed sense of clarity.”
If you would like to book to attend the next one on Thursday 05 March 2026, let us know here. (those that attended last week do not need to re-book, we’ll be in touch in the new year).
New SIAMS IQs Overview – Short Recording Now Available
Jen Jenkins has recorded a short 22 min overview session on the SIAMS inspection questions. It is updated with the latest guidance and is suitable for those new to SIAMS, senior leaders and governors. This is available on the DBE website resources section. Find it under SIAMS and accessible with the usual password.
Thrive Licensed Childhood Practitioner Course
Stour Federation MAT are offering this course for the spring term. The Thrive Childhood Practitioner Course will revolutionise how you view behaviour. Equipped with Thrive-Online, you will learn how to identify pupils’ social and emotional needs and create targeted action plans to remove barriers to learning. See further details and how to book here.
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org