Grey by Laura Dockrill and Lauren Child
The child in this story feels grey today. It’s okay to feel grey. We can’t be bright every day. Sometimes we don’t feel sunshine yellow or treetop green. A grey day is a sad or lonely day. But the colours are still inside us. People still love us.
New to list June ’25
Mauntie and me by Rajani Larocca and Nadia Alam
Priya’s favourite aunt, Mauntie, plays games with her and cooks treats. When cousin Aditi comes to stay, Priya feels confused. She isn’t used to sharing Mauntie. Will she learn to play with Aditi and her aunt?
New to list June ’25
Leave the Trees Please by Benjamin Zephaniah and Melissa Castrillon
Trees are a home for animals; they help birds and bees. Trees make oxygen. So, leave the trees please because they work with the breeze to put all living things at ease.
New to list June ’25
John’s Turn by Mac Barnett and Kate Berube
In assembly, it’s John’s turn to share something he’s good at. He feels nervous. His heart is beating fast. He dances and dances in his leotard and black slippers. And suddenly, his friends are clapping. How is he feeling now?
New to list June ’25
Ruth’s Blog: Handwriting matters
It depresses me to see children who don’t enjoy writing because they find putting pencil to paper hard. It’s no good our saying, ‘Don’t worry about your handwriting, just write your ideas’ because children do worry. Any writing is hard if you’ve not been taught to handwrite. Three reasons why children need fluent handwriting Good […]
Downshall Primary School – Spotlight on SEND
“With more children with SEND in mainstream education, we talked with headteacher Ian Bennett about his approach to getting every child reading.”
Ruth’s Updates
In this month’s update, find out what’s new on the school portal – including its upcoming makeover!
Timbertree Academy, West Midlands
“Pupils enjoy reading. It is a high priority in school. Staff are determined that every pupil will become a fluent reader. There is a rigorous approach to the teaching of reading, including phonics. This has a positive impact on pupils learning to read. Pupils that need more help receive daily support. The school nurtures a love of reading through selected texts that reflect diverse cultures and experiences. The school facilitates older pupils reading with the younger ones. Pupils benefit from structured whole-class reading sessions.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
As they play music, make art and share stories, all children are welcome in this busy, joyful school. ‘No matter how you start your day, what you wear when you play, or if you come from far away, ALL ARE WELCOME HERE!’
Gina Kaminski Saves a Wolf by Craig Barr-Green and Francis Martin
Often, Gina finds school 1) hot, 2) smelly or 3) loud. (Gina likes things in threes).Sometimes she uses her sticker chart to explain how she feels. Today, she decides to retell the story of Red Riding Hood with her in it. And in her way.