Wynstream Primary School

13/10/2026

Wynstream Primary Celebrates 40 Colourful Years of Dedicated Teaching Assistant
Wynstream Primary School held a special day of celebration for Mrs Bassett, a teaching assistant, to mark her 40th year of service at the school.
Mrs Bassett originally volunteered to help with reading at the school before taking up an official position in September 1986.
One of the reasons why she is so appreciated by everyone at Wynstream is that she wears colourful clothing every day. Each day is a different outfit, often colour themed and she takes requests from the children about what she should wear.
Favourite outfits include a flamingo themed one, for which she dons special flamingo slippers, earring and leggings.
The school invited pupils, staff members and parents to dress as colourfully as Mrs Bassett does to create a special atmosphere for her and demonstrate how much she is valued by the entire school community.
Elise Redman, headteacher at Wynstream Primary School said:
“Mrs Bassett really is the heart of Wynstream. For four decades, she has brought kindness, joy and an incredible sense of fun to our school, and her colourful outfits are just one small part of what makes her so special.
“She remembers everyone’s birthdays, decorates the staffroom for different celebrations and always notices when someone needs a little extra care. She gives so much of herself to our school community, and we wanted to make sure she knew just how loved and appreciated she is.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
“Mrs Bassett’s colourful outfits may be what everyone notices first, but behind the bright clothes is someone who has spent forty years caring for the children and families of Wynstream.
“To see pupils, parents and colleagues all dressing colourfully to celebrate her was a wonderful tribute, it is clear that Mrs Bassett has become a very special part of the fabric of the school.”

22/07/2026

Wynstream Primary School Celebrates Fourth Consecutive National Dodgeball Finals Appearance

Pupils from Wynstream Primary have once again demonstrated outstanding teamwork and determination after qualifying for the National Dodgeball Championship Finals for the fourth consecutive year.
The team travelled to Kettering for the prestigious competition, setting off from school at 5.00am for the almost five-hour journey to compete against some of the best primary school dodgeball teams in the country.
Throughout the day, the pupils represented both themselves and the school with pride, demonstrating exemplary behaviour and great sportsmanship.
Competing in a challenging group, the team secured one win, two draws and one loss, narrowly missing out on a place in the quarter-finals after finishing third in their group.
The school would like to thank Christian Daly, who volunteered his time to support the trip and safely transport the team to and from the championships.
Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School said:
"This is an incredible achievement for our pupils and for everyone involved in supporting school sport at Wynstream. To reach the National Dodgeball Finals for four consecutive years is a testament to the dedication, perseverance and team spirit of our children and staff.
"We are immensely proud of the way our pupils represented the school, not only through their performances on the court but through their outstanding behaviour, respect and encouragement of one another throughout the day. They are wonderful ambassadors for Wynstream, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next."
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
" To qualify for the National Dodgeball Finals for four years in succession is remarkable and reflects the commitment of both the pupils and the staff who support them.
"Congratulations to everyone involved, especially the team, Mr Fricker and Christian Daly. The whole of Education South West is incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”

03/07/2026

Wynstream Primary Celebrates Major Environmental Success Following Waste Reduction Drive

Wynstream Primary School is celebrating a remarkable environmental achievement after dramatically reducing the amount of waste produced by the school and significantly increasing its recycling rate through a dedicated whole-school sustainability initiative.
The project, led by teacher Sarah Vickery, has focused on improving waste management practices across the school and encouraging positive behaviour change among pupils, staff and the wider school community.
The latest waste audit revealed outstanding results, showing that the school has reduced the amount of waste sent for incineration from more than 11 tonnes per year to just 1.84 tonnes annually. To help put this achievement into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to cutting waste from the weight of around 11 baby elephants to fewer than two.
At the same time, Wynstream Primary’s recycling rate has increased dramatically from just 9 per cent to an impressive 68 per cent.
The achievement reflects the power of collective action and the impact that education, awareness and consistent positive habits can have on protecting the environment.
Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the commitment shown by Sarah Vickery, our pupils and the entire school community in achieving these fantastic results. Sustainability is something we take seriously at Wynstream Primary, and it has been wonderful to see how small daily actions can lead to such a significant positive impact. This achievement is a real testament to the enthusiasm and determination of everyone involved.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
“This is an exceptional achievement by Wynstream Primary and demonstrates the important role schools can play in helping young people understand environmental responsibility. The dedication shown by Sarah Vickery and the wider school community has created meaningful and measurable change, while also empowering pupils to become active contributors towards a more sustainable future.”

26/05/2026

Wynstream Primary School Celebrates Governor’s Recognition at Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Wynstream Primary School is delighted to celebrate the recognition of Carol Willis, a long-standing member of its school community, who was recently invited to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in acknowledgement of her exceptional contribution to public service, education, and community leadership.
Carol, alongside her husband Trevor, attended the prestigious event, which brings together individuals from across the country who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their communities. The invitation reflects her decades of commitment to Wynstream Primary School, where she continues to serve as a valued governor and volunteer.
After 38 years of dedicated service at Wynstream Primary School, Carol recently retired, leaving behind an exceptional legacy. What began as a parent helper role quickly grew into a lifelong career in education, with Carol becoming one of the first Higher Level Teaching Assistants and then became a trusted, highly skilled teacher.
Known for her warmth, patience and unwavering commitment to children, Carol has made a lasting impact, particularly supporting pupils with the most complex needs and helping to create calm, nurturing environments where they can thrive. She also played a key role in developing the school’s music hub, extending opportunities for children across the wider community.
The Buckingham Palace Garden Party celebrates individuals who have made a significant difference in their communities, recognising excellence in public service, education and voluntary work across the UK.
Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Carol and this very well-deserved recognition. Her commitment to Wynstream over so many years, both as a teacher, governor and volunteer, has had a lasting and positive impact on our school community. This honour reflects everything she has given to support our children and families.”

01/05/2026

Wynstream Primary School welcomes families to successful nursery open event

Wynstream Primary School recently welcomed local families to a drop-in event showcasing its new nursery, which is set to open in September 2026.
Held on Wednesday the 29th April, the event saw a strong turnout of parents and carers who attended across two sessions in the morning and afternoon. Visitors were given the opportunity to explore the new nursery environment, meet teachers and school staff, and learn more about how the provision will support children’s early development.
The new nursery, for children aged 3 to 5, will offer a warm and engaging setting designed to give children a positive start to their education. Families were able to take guided tours of the spaces and hear more about the school’s approach to early years learning.
The nursery will run weekday sessions from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:00pm to 3:00pm, with eligible families able to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare.
Families are now able to apply for places and those who were unable to attend the event are encouraged to get in touch with the school if they would like a tour. They can contact the school on 01392 284990 or email [email protected].
Applications also can be made online via the school’s booking form here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/a19WWbgXg4
Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:

“It was fantastic to welcome so many families into school and share our plans for the new nursery. There was a real sense of excitement, and it was great to see children already enjoying the space. We are looking forward to welcoming our first cohort in September 2026.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“We were really pleased to see such a strong turnout from families and such a positive response to the new nursery at Wynstream Primary School. High-quality early years provision is so important in giving children the best possible start, and this new setting reflects the school’s commitment to supporting both children and families within the community. It was great to see the enthusiasm on the day, and we are excited to see the nursery open and thrive when it welcomes its first children later this year.”

29/04/2026

Exciting news…
We have another drop in session for our new nursery on Wednesday 20th May.
Don’t worry, baby group will run as usual along side the sessions.

29/04/2026

23/04/2026

Speech, language and communication Easy access drop in sessions

As part of the Balanced System, we are starting easy access drop ins for pre school children.

Would you like any advice and support for your child’s speech, language and communication skills? Visit one of our easy access drop ins with your child to see a Speech and Language Therapist. Get advice, support and strategies from the team.

Drop in sessions are now being held in different locations across Torbay, South Devon and North Devon. Exeter, East and Mid Devon.

Find a drop in session near you:
✴ Exmouth Library - 16 April 2026, 9:30-11:30am
✴Exeter Central Library -23 April 2026, 9:30-11:30am
✴Exeter Central Library - 28 April 2026, 9:30-11:30am
✴Ethelwynne Brown Community Hall, Bideford - 28 April 2026, 9:30-11:30am
✴Boutport Street Church, Barnstaple, EX31 1TD - 29 April 2026, Toddler stay and play group
✴Barnstaple Baptist Church, Boutport Street, EX31 1TD - 30 April 2026 Multiple births Toddler stay and play group

Find out more:
▶ https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/easy-access-drop-in/