Wynstream Pupils Lead Sustainability Drive After Powerful Waste Audit

Pupils from Wynstream Primary School are taking the lead on environmental action after Kestrels Class conducted a powerful waste audit as part of a pupil led campaign to improve recycling in the school.

The initiative began with a petition led by Kestrels pupil Harvey, who gathered over 300 signatures calling for better recycling systems across the school. His actions exemplify Wynstream’s commitment to empowering pupil voice as a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, promoting children’s right to be heard and to help shape their environment.

In April, the class took part in a hands-on waste audit workshop led by Alex Mack from environmental consultancy Resource Futures. Pupils sorted and weighed rubbish collected from classrooms and shared spaces, identifying key opportunities to reduce waste and recycle more effectively.

The pupils’ findings will be shared in a whole-school assembly, where Kestrels Class will outline improvements and inspire others to get involved. Pupils described the experience as both eye-opening and inspiring:

• “It was actually really fun because it was something I've never done before,” said Harvey.
• “I liked doing this experience because I learned a new thing and how to make this school a better place,” added Alhan.
• “I learned we should improve on not wasting and throwing away half-eaten or fresh new food,” said Louie.
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Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:

“This is a fantastic example of our pupils putting values into action. Harvey and his classmates are showing leadership, responsibility and passion for making our school, and our planet, better. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and their impact.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“This is what real learning looks like, pupils identifying problems, taking action, and making a meaningful difference. The work of Kestrels Class at Wynstream is a brilliant example of how education can build agency, community and change. They are true sustainability champions.”

 

 

 

Wynstream Primary Choir Impresses at Devon County Show

This term the talented choir from Wynstream Primary School took to the bandstand stage at the Devon County Show for the third year running, delivering a stunning performance in two-part harmony to a large and appreciative audience.

The choir performed a set of five carefully rehearsed songs, the result of months of dedication and weekly after-school rehearsals. Their hard work paid off, with one experienced singer in the audience praising the group for being “very professional” and commending their “great diction”.

After the performance, pupils enjoyed exploring all that the Devon County Show had to offer, feeding alpacas - some bravely mouth-to-mouth  - meeting livestock, being “rounded up” like sheep by a working dog, and even dressing up as police officers.

It was a day full of excitement, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. As choir member Tife put it: "I just love singing and that's why I go to choir every week, even when I'm tired." 

Fellow pupil Kyon summed it up perfectly: "I loved all of it. The whole trip was just the best thing ever."  

Ava also shared: "It was so fun being able to sing with my friends and then getting the best day after made it even better. Getting asked to go in the dog field was so fun, for the second year!"

Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:

"Our choir absolutely rose to the occasion. Their dedication and joy in singing was clear to everyone watching. We are incredibly proud of how they represented Wynstream - not just through their performance, but in their curiosity, confidence, and sense of fun throughout the day."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

"This is a perfect example of how enriching school life can be when music, creativity and community come together. Wynstream’s choir embodied everything we stand for  at Education South West during their performance at the Devon County Show, bravery, excellence and a love of learning beyond the classroom."

Wynstream’s Dodgeball Stars Advance to National Finals for Third Year Running 

++ U11 Team Make History with Best-Ever Finish Ahead of National Dodgeball Finals ++

Wynstream Primary School is celebrating a remarkable sporting achievement as its Under 11 Dodgeball team progressed to the National Finals for the third consecutive year, this time achieving their highest-ever finish at the regional stage with a runner-up position.

The team stormed through the group stage with an unbeaten 100% record, winning all five matches to top their group. They then overcame Montgomery in the semi-finals, a team they had never beaten before, in a thrilling match that secured them a place in the final.

Although their winning streak came to an end with a narrow loss in the final, the team’s performance was nothing short of exceptional and secured them a well-deserved place at the National Finals in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday 4th July.

The proud squad, Tymon, Finley, Szymon, Raf, Alfie, Ava, Izzy, Destiny and Maja, have written their names into Wynstream history.

Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:

“We are beyond proud of our U11 Dodgeball team. Their determination, teamwork, and resilience are an inspiration to everyone at Wynstream. This is not just a sporting milestone, but a moment of real school pride. We can’t wait to support them at the National Finals.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“To reach the National Finals three years in a row is an incredible achievement and to improve your finish each time shows the power of perseverance and team spirit. These pupils are excellent ambassadors for their school and our trust. We’ll be cheering them on every step of the way in Stoke.”

Devon Family Hubs update

We are still offering Single sessions via the Parent request for contact , and our Advice and Guidance line will still be active for parents to make contact 

Devon Family HUBS - Parent Carer Request for Contact

Advice and guidance Line 0800 538 5458 (Mon-Fri 10am- 4pm) 

TRANSITION TO NEW FAMILY HUBS SERVICE FOR DEVON

From 1 April 2025, the Family Hubs service for Devon will be transitioning to a new service which will provide increased, targeted help to support families in the community.

Last year, Devon County Council announced that like many authorities across the country, it would follow Government guidance in developing the previous Children's Centres into Family Hubs which provided open access to all families without the need for referrals.

Since then, the council has conducted consultations with families, to gauge opinion and develop a plan which will now see support for families provided in village halls, community centres, and other existing places that parents and carers will already be familiar with in their local communities.

The purpose behind Family Hubs is to provide support to families with children from 0 to 19, or to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The help families receive is to prevent them from needing more targeted help later on.

"Why should a parent with a young child or children, who might rely on public transport to get around, have to travel miles to their nearest Children's Centre building in order to get the help his or her family needs? Providing support to families, in their communities, at the right time can prevent them from needing more targeted support in future. I wish to thank Action for Children for their dedication and contribution to Children’s Services over the last 20 years” says Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, the Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for children's services.

From April, families will begin to see a new community-focused service developing that will continue to improve access to support, bringing together education, public health, NHS, early years, community and voluntary sector groups. Parents will be directed to them in settings closer to home in their own communities.

Some group sessions that are currently delivered in Family Hub locations will change, with families who have complex needs being referred to other community-based services through the new system from April.

Devon County Council would sincerely like to thank Action for Children for all their hard work and contribution to the running of Devon’s Children’s Centres and the Family Hubs for the last 20 years.

 

Wynstream Primary School has hosted a Gabrieli Roar workshop this month for three other schools, ahead of their performance at Exeter Cathedral on the 9th of December. Gabrieli is a choir and period instrument orchestra founded and led by Artistic Director Paul McCreesh. They perform and record choral, vocal and instrumental repertoire from the renaissance to the present day and have cultivated an international reputation for excellence, innovation and ambition. They offer first-class performance opportunities to young people through their education programme, Gabrieli Roar. Pupils from Montpelier Primary School, Ide Primary School and Ermington Primary School came along to join Wynstream’s choir of 45 pupils to prepare for the concert. This initiative is supported by the Devon Music Service whose representative at the rehearsal thanked Wynstream Primary School for hosting and said that their cooperation, organisation and choral preparation of the young people was “exemplary.” The children will be performing at ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’, the show will be a festive exploration of English music for parish churches during the Georgian period. It has been designed to offer the perfect platform to encourage young singers to connect with choral and classical music. Tickets can be purchased here. Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School said: "We are so proud of our choir and the dedication they are showing. We know that musical education is really important for children and supports their development in many ways. Rehearsing, working together and performing in front of an audience are all things that help build their confidence and that will help them flourish in every area of life." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “I am so pleased to hear that Wynstream Primary School played host to its neighbours for this exciting workshop. At Education South West we strongly believe in both the power of collaboration and the importance of promoting the arts and this initiative achieves both of those things. I wish the choir all the best with their performance next month.”