Dear Families, 

One of the real highlights of the past week was our September Social on Saturday. It was great to see so many families, children and staff enjoying time together, and a reminder of the strong sense of community that makes Coleham such a special place.  Well done to Miss Othen, Mrs Edwards & Mrs Jones for getting everything organised!

We’ve also seen the first week of our new librarians in action. They have made an excellent start, approaching the role with enthusiasm, responsibility and pride. Reading sits at the heart of what we do, and it is encouraging to see pupils stepping forward to help promote a love of books across the school.

Another exciting development has been the launch of our Future Leaders Academy. Providing children with opportunities to develop skills beyond the classroom is an important part of our work, and this programme gives pupils the chance to take on additional responsibilities, serve as role models and grow in confidence.

Already, we are seeing the impact: earlier this week, some of our Future Leaders helped me welcome and show prospective parents around the school as they make their choices about September 2027. They were outstanding ambassadors for Coleham, speaking confidently about their experiences, answering questions thoughtfully and demonstrating the values we are so proud of. As a headteacher, there is nothing more powerful than hearing children talk about their school with genuine enthusiasm and pride!

We’re half-way through the first half-term, and there is still so much to look forward to – keep an eye out in the newsletter!

Have a lovely weekend!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Looking for some new recommended reads?

The UK Literacy Association has longlisted these books for their 2027 Book Awards, the only national awards judged by teachers and not influenced by sales or expensive marketing campaigns allowing books from smaller publishers to be included.

Longlist Age 3-6

Aya Has Never Seen a Bear. Written by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane, translated by Paul Qiao and Helen Mixter, illustrated by Jiu’er (Greystone Kids)

Bear’s Nap Written and illustrated by Emily Gravett (Two Hoots)

Broken. Written and illustrated by X.Fang (Pushkin Press)

Cranky, Crabby Crow ( Saves the World) Written  and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor(Greenwillow Books)

Ellie Has a Secret. Written and illustrated by Amelia Bothe (Clarion Books)

Five Little Friends. Written by SeanTaylor and illustrated by Fiona Woodcock (Walker Books)

George and Lenny Are Always Together. Written and illustrated by Jon Agee (Scallywag Press)

If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone. Written by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Emily Hughes (Clarion Books)

King School. Written and illustrated by Alexis Deacon (Otter-Barry  Books)

Monkeypig. Written and illustrated by Huw Aaron (Puffin)

Mo’s Stick. Written and illustrated by Fiona Lumbers (Little Tiger Press)

Oh Dear, Look What I Got. Written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (Walker Books)

Once Upon a Time in the Woods. Written and illustrated by Anthony Browne (Puffin)

Raindrops. Written and illustrated by Robin Boyden (Farshore)

The Lost Robot. Written and illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton (Flying Eye Books)

The Sleeper Train. Written by Mick Jackson and illustrated by Baljinder Kaur (Walker Books)

The Tour at School. Written by Katie Clapham and illustrated by Nadia Shireen (Walker Books)

To Activate Space Portal Lift Here. Written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis   (Scallywag Press)

Unexpected Guests. Written and illustrated by Mariajo Illustrajo (Frances Lincoln Childrens Books)

When Tad Kicked Vlad Written by Julian Gogh and illustrated by Ross Collins (Faber)

Longlist Age 7-10

Birdlands. Written by Anthony McGowan (Rock the Boat)

Boy Vs Reality. Written by James Fox (Scholastic)

Cabin Head and Tree Head. Written and illustrated by Scott Campbell (DK Flip)

Everything In Between. Written by  Shagufta K.Iqbal (Troika Books)

Gloam. Written by Jack Mackay and illustrated by Ben Joel Price (Rock the Boat)

I Am Ray’s Imaginary Friend. Written by Brian Moses and illustrated by Bethan Welby (Scallywag Press)

Korobá The Case of the Missing Kolo. Written and illustrated by Àlàbá Ònájìn (Scallywag Press)

Letters From the Upside. Written by Katya Balen (Bloomsbury)

Minotaur Boy. Written by Shane Hegarty and illustrated by Ruby Fresson (DK Flip)

Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past. Written by Maisie Chan (Piccadilly Press)

Runaways. Written by E.L.Norry (Bloomsbury)

Small Wonder. Written by Ross Montgomery (Walker Books)

The Blitz Sisters. Written by Judith Eagle (Faber)

The Dawn of Adonis. Written by Phil Earle (Andersen Press)

The Experiment. Written by Rebecca Stead (Andersen Press)

The Feathered Book. Written by Charlie Nutbrown (Everything with Words)

The Lions’ Run. Written by Sara Pennypacker (Hodder) 

The Monsters at the End of the World. Written by Rebecca Orwin.(Puffin)

The Night I Borrowed Time. Written by Iqbal Hussain (Puffin)

Two is a Crowd. Written by Cath Howe (Nosy Crow)

We know that some of our children LOVE Graphic Novels, so we’ve introduced more Comic Carts in school.

They can be a gateway into reading for children who struggle to stay motivated by text.

Don’t worry if your child ONLY WANTS to read graphic novels or comics.  Key research studies have found these benefits:

Come and Have Lunch with Your Child

We are looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

The field gate will be opened at 12 o’clock for entry.

Spread the word and bring your family & friends

* Burger Kitchen
* Cafe
* Garden Bar

*Crafts

* Badge Making

* Tombolas & games

* Donkey Rides

* Exotic animals and snakes galore

* Soak the Coach

Live Music from The Belle V’ukes @ 12, Mr William’s choir @ 1.30pm and Mr Latham’s rock band @ 2pm