Countess Wear Primary School

Important Update – School Closure Thursday 25th June

Following our update yesterday, we are writing to confirm that all schools and nurseries across the trust will remain closed on Thursday 25th June due to the continued extreme temperatures forecast for tomorrow.

After reviewing conditions again today, we do not feel it is safe for children and staff to return to school buildings while temperatures remain at these exceptionally high levels.

We understand this continued disruption will be difficult for many families and we appreciate your patience, understanding and continued support.

At this stage, we expect all schools to reopen as normal on Friday, with the current weather warnings due to end and temperatures forecast to return to safer levels

⚠️Important Update – School Closure Wednesday 24th June⚠️

Following the letter sent to parents this evening, we want to ensure all families are aware that all schools and nurseries across the Trust will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday 24th June) due to the forecast extreme heat.

Temperatures are expected to reach 35°C and today we have already experienced classrooms becoming extremely hot, with some indoor areas hotter than outside despite additional cooling measures.

We will continue to monitor the forecast tomorrow and provide an update regarding opening on Thursday as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Important Parent Update ☀️

Following the letter sent out regarding this week’s severe weather warning, we wanted to share a reminder in case any families have not yet seen it.

Due to the very hot weather forecast this week, all Sports Days scheduled across our schools this week have been cancelled. We will provide an update later this week regarding possible alternative dates before the end of term.

Please note that all trips and activities planned for Monday 22nd June will still go ahead as planned, including:

• CWPS & MPS Year 2 – Paignton Zoo Trip
• WCPS Year 5 – Historical Re-enactment at Killerton
• MPS Year 5 – Historical Re-enactment at A La Ronde
• CWPS Year 6 – Dartmoor Activity Day

Staff will make adjustments throughout the day to ensure children stay safe in the heat, including access to shade, regular hydration and limiting time spent outdoors where needed.

Please ensure your child comes to school tomorrow:
Wearing summer uniform
With suncream already applied before arriving at school
Bringing a sunhat or cap

Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Further updates will follow as needed.

The children have been busy celebrating creativity as part of Sky Arts Access All Arts Week and exploring this year’s theme of JOY 🌈

Our Year 5 and 6 pupils stepped into the role of designers and architects, taking inspiration from the bold and colourful work of Morag Myerscough as they reimagined areas of the school. Using colour, pattern and creative thinking, they explored how spaces can be transformed into more welcoming, joyful and inspiring places to learn.

Meanwhile, our Year 2 children explored creativity in a different way through their Joyful Shapes project, experimenting with colour, pattern and design to create beautiful bunting. Their vibrant creations are already helping to brighten our learning spaces and showcase their wonderful individuality and imagination.

It has been fantastic to see creativity shining across the school.

What a lovely letter written by one of our year 3s when they heard Lewis Capaldi was performing at Powderham Castle if you haven’t managed to get tickets you can look forward to hearing the children at our concert next week instead on Tuesday the 16th

Wow lots of exciting activities at after school club tonight

As part of the National Year of Reading, we're celebrating Discover Your Library Day, and the important role school libraries play in helping children develop a lifelong love of reading.

Across Cornerstone Academy Trust, we have libraries in every school, each stocked with thousands of books for our pupils to explore, enjoy and borrow.

But a library is much more than shelves filled with books.
It is a place where children can discover new interests, share stories, receive recommendations and find a book that sparks their imaginations. At the heart of each library is a dedicated librarian who helps bring reading to life every day.

Across the trust, more than 150 junior librarians help support our libraries by recommending books, assisting younger readers and creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels inspired to read.
The National Year of Reading reminds us that reading is about more than learning to read – it's about finding enjoyment, building confidence and discovering stories that stay with us for a lifetime.

Behind every great school library is someone willing to recommend a book, share a story, and help a child discover their next favourite read.