This week, our student Digital Leaders led a brilliant assembly on AI (Artificial Intelligence). As these technologies become part of our daily lives—from voice assistants to smart TVs—we want to ensure our pupils use them safely and responsibly.
Key Messages for Families:
AI is a Tool, Not a Person: We reminded pupils that while AI can help us find information or suggest songs, it doesn't "think" or "feel" like a human. Your brain is still the most awesome tool you own!
The "Stop, Think, Ask" Rule: If a child sees something online or via an AI tool that makes them feel uncomfortable, they are taught to:
STOP using the device immediately.
THINK about what they have seen.
ASK a trusted adult for help.
Age Matters: Most AI technologies are designed for users aged 13 and older. We encourage all parents to speak with their children before they use AI apps or smart speakers at home.
Humans are in Charge: AI can make jobs faster, but humans make the choices. We want our pupils to be the ones making the "right choices."
We need your help in keeping children safe online. The government are launching a new website on 16 February 2026 to support families and encourage regular conversations about what they’re seeing online, asking simple questions, like “who shared this” and “why?”. Based on parents’ main concerns and needs, it provides:
tips for parents’ conversations with their children
actions to support each stage of their child’s life
parental controls information
We are also signposting to trusted resources from charities and third parties, where parents can access other forms of support (like speaking to an expert).
The website will continue to grow and be developed this year, supporting the Online Safety Act and wider government aims.
We had some very special visitors this week! We were incredibly grateful to welcome professional players from the Manchester Storm Ice Hockey Team, who delivered an engaging and high-energy assembly that had the whole hall buzzing with excitement.
Following the assembly, our Reception and Year 3 children took part in practical hockey sessions. It was wonderful to see our youngest learners in Reception settling in with such confidence and tackling new skills with a smile. Our Year 3s showed fantastic teamwork and resilience—traits we value dearly here at Wincham.
Every child thoroughly enjoyed joining in, whether they were holding a hockey stick for the first time or showing off their existing skills. At Wincham, we celebrate sporting success and physical activity as a key part of our children's development. A huge thank you to Manchester Storm for inspiring our future athletes!
Manchester Storm Ice Hockey Club would like to share a 'schools ticket offer' with you. This will enable you to secure tickets at significantly discounted prices (Adults £17.50, Under 16s £7.50) for all of their remaining games.
Our Year 3 and 4 pupils stepped back in time this week with a fantastic visit to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse (The Salt Museum) right here in Northwich. As part of our history focus, the children enjoyed a truly "hands-on" experience, discovering what life was really like for the Anglo-Saxons in our local area.
From examining ancient artefacts to learning about the importance of salt in Saxon Midwich (as Northwich was then known!), the children were inquisitive and engaged throughout. It was wonderful to see them making links between our local landscape and the history books.
At Wincham, we believe that learning should be an adventure. Our curriculum is carefully designed to build logically year on year, and trips like these ensure that the knowledge "sticks" because the children have experienced it for themselves. A huge well done to Year 3 and 4 for representing the school so beautifully—your behaviour and curiosity were a credit to us!
This week, the whole school has been engaging with our "No Outsiders" lessons. This scheme is a vital part of our curriculum; it teaches children about the Equality Act 2010 in an age-appropriate way, helping them understand that there are no outsiders at Wincham because everyone is welcome.
These lessons are closely cross-referenced with the statutory Health & Relationships programme of study. Through beautiful picture books, our pupils explore themes of diversity, identity, and kindness. As Ofsted recently noted, our pupils develop a "strong sense of citizenship and empathy," and these lessons are key to that development.
The lessons have been taught separately to children in mixed year group classes.
Reception
Hello hello - Brendan Wenzel
No Outsiders Learning Objective To say hello.
Relationships & Health Education Objectives
Caring friendships: How important friendships are in making us feel happy and secure, and how people choose and make friends.
Year 1
Going to the volcano - Andy Stanton.
No Outsiders Learning Objective To join in.
Relationships & Health Education Objectives
Caring friendships: How important friendships are in making us feel happy and secure, and how people choose and make friends.
Year 2
Amazing - Steve Antony.
No Outsiders Learning Objective To consider what makes a good friend.
Relationships & Health Education Objectives
Caring friendships: The characteristics of friendships, including mutual respect, truthfulness, trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, generosity, trust, sharing interests and experiences and support with problems and difficulties.
Year 3
The truth about old people - Elina Ellis.
No Outsiders Learning Objective To recognise a stereotype.
Relationships & Health Education Objectives
Respectful relationships: What a stereotype is, and how stereotypes can be unfair, negative or destructive.
Year 4
Julián is a mermaid - Jessica Love
No Outsiders Learning Objective To show acceptance.
Relationships & Health Education Objectives
Respectful relationships: The importance of respecting others, even when they are very different from them (for example, physically, in character, personality or background), or make different choices or have different preferences or beliefs.
Year 5
The girls - Lauren Ace and Jenny Løvlie
No Outsiders Learning Objective To explore friendship.
Relationships & Health Education Objectives
Caring friendships: that most friendships have ups and downs, and that these can often be worked through so that the friendship is repaired or even strengthened, and that resorting to violence is never right.
Year 6
You're so amazing! - James and Lucy Catchpole.
No Outsiders Learning Objective To consider attitudes towards disability.
Relationships & Health Education Objectives
Respectful Relationships: What a stereotype is, and how stereotypes can be unfair, negative or destructive.
At Wincham Community Primary, we believe in learning, growing, and—occasionally—flipping! To celebrate Shrove Tuesday and raise funds for our school grounds, we are holding our annual Sponsored Pancake Flip.
This event isn't just about the fun (though there will be plenty of that!); it’s a wonderful way for our children to work together, set personal goals, and contribute to our school community. As Ofsted noted, our pupils are "exceptionally well prepared to contribute to their community," and this is a perfect example of that spirit in action.
The Details:
When: 24/2/26
The Challenge: How many flips can your child manage in 60 seconds?
Sponsorship: Forms have been sent home in book bags this week. Please encourage friends and family to support our flippers!
We invite all parents to come along and cheer! We are a school where "every child and their family is known to us," and events like these are what make our Wincham family so special.
Can you help? We are looking for parent volunteers to help with the counting. Please contact the school office if you can spare an hour.
Think you don’t have time to join the PTA? Think again! 🕒 At Wincham, we know life is a juggle. That’s why we love our volunteers. Whether it’s serving popcorn at a film night or helping prep a craft stall, just sixty minutes of your time directly funds new resources for our children.
No long meetings, no heavy lifting—just a helping hand. Ready to be part of the magic? Get in touch using wff@winchamcp.cheshire.sch.uk or 07764740866
Does "new maths" feel like a different language? You aren't alone!
At Wincham, we believe that when parents and teachers work together, our children fly. We are hosting an exclusive KS1 Maths Workshop for our grown-ups to share the "tricks of the trade" for building number fluency and confidence at home.
Come along for a relaxed, jargon-free session where we’ll show you exactly how we teach calculation and how you can support your child without the stress.
📅 When: Monday 23rd of February 4pm
📍 Where: Wincham Primary School
⚠️ Note: This is an adults-only session to allow for focused discussion.
📚 World Book Day is almost here at Wincham! We're so excited for everyone to celebrate their love of books on March 3rd, 2026. Get creative and dress up as your favourite book character – remember, many amazing characters wear 'ordinary' clothes, so you can make a fantastic costume with a little imagination! We can't wait to see all the wonderful creations in our special parade. It’s a fantastic way to spark a lifelong love of reading.
Get ready to give your pre-loved costumes new adventures and find a fantastic new-to-you outfit for FREE at our Costume Swap! Parents: Bring in your gently used costumes and let your child explore a treasure trove of literary looks. It's sustainable, fun, and easy!
Please leave your pre loved costumes in the Courtyard Room. They will be available to browse at the end of each day.
Does your early years setting, school or college have a story worth sharing? This is your chance to tell it on a national stage! Join the Pearson National Teaching Awards for a week-long celebration of education on BBC One’s The One Show. The deadline for entry is the 27th February – so don’t miss out - ENTER NOW!
Each nomination is:
· Free and easy to enter, open to early years settings, schools, and colleges across the UK.
· A chance to nominate an inspiring colleague or team, and boost your whole community, with regional and national press coverage including a chance to appear on BBC’s The One Show
· A chance for an invitation to exclusive, free celebratory events in London
Enter the awards today and and celebrate the achievements of your teaching community. Awards entry closes on the 27th February! ENTER NOW!
We have some fantastic news to share! The latest data from the Department for Education has been released, and I am absolutely delighted to share that Wincham’s attendance remains a real point of pride. At a time when national figures show many schools are struggling, our families have truly stepped up.
A massive thank you to all our parents and carers for your unwavering support. Every time you prioritize a prompt 8:55 am arrival or choose to book appointments outside of school hours, you are making a direct investment in your child’s future.
The link between being here and succeeding is undeniable. National research shows that children with attendance between 95–100% are significantly more likely to reach the expected standard in Reading, Writing, and Maths than those who fall just a little below. It isn’t just about the lessons; it’s about the friendships made at break time, the confidence built during a class discussion, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of the Wincham "community" every single day.
We know that winter bugs can be a challenge, but please, let’s not let it slip. Consistency is the key to ensuring no child feels "lost" in their learning. We know our children so well here, and we know they thrive when they are with us.
If you are ever struggling with your morning routine or facing barriers to getting your child into school, please come and talk to us. We are a community that supports one another, and we are here to help.
At Wincham, we are committed to ensuring every child has the fuel they need to learn and thrive. We want to make sure no family misses out on the support available through Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC).
Support for Your Family For our older pupils, eligibility for free school meals is based on household income and specific benefits (such as Universal Credit or Income Support).
Why Apply? (Even if your child prefers a packed lunch!) Registering for benefits-related free school meals does more than just provide a daily meal. It unlocks vital Pupil Premium funding for our school, which we use to provide extra staff, resources, and support for our students. It also grants your family access to:
Holiday food vouchers.
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
How to Apply: The process is quick and confidential. You can apply:
Online: Via the Cheshire West and Chester website.
By Phone: Call 0300 123 7021.
By Email: Contact benefits@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
If you have any questions or need a hand with the application, please pop into the office for a private chat. We are here to help!
Boosting Number Confidence at Home
As part of our commitment to ensuring every child at Wincham feels capable and confident in their learning, we want to highlight a brilliant (and free!) resource: the White Rose 1-Minute Maths app.
Who is it for? The app is primarily aimed at Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) and Foundation Stage (Reception), but it is also a fantastic tool for older pupils who want to sharpen their "mental gymnastics" and speed up their recall, including times tables.
Why we love it:
It’s Quick: As the name suggests, tasks last just one minute. It’s perfect for that "in-between" time—while waiting for tea to be ready or during the drive to swimming lessons.
No Stress: There are no logins, no passwords, and no adverts. Once downloaded, children can jump straight in.
Builds Fluency: It focuses on the basics—adding, subtracting, subitising (recognising groups of objects), and even multiplication.
Helpful Hints: If a child gets stuck, they can tap a "hint" button that shows the problem in a visual way, just like we teach it in class.
We want our children to "dream big" with their education, and having a solid foundation in number fluency is the first step. Why not give it a try this week?
How to get started: Simply search for "1-Minute Maths" in your app store or visit the link below: [Insert Link: https://whiteroseeducation.com/1-minute-maths#download]
At Wincham, we know that being a confident reader is the key to unlocking the entire curriculum. While our staff provide expert phonics and reading instruction, there is nothing quite like the magic of a child sitting down and sharing a book one-on-one with a friendly adult.
We are looking for volunteers to join our "Reading Army" to hear children read in school. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or a friend of the school, just 30 minutes of your time can make a world of difference to a child’s confidence and fluency. If you would like to support our pupils in this rewarding way, please contact the school office or speak to your child’s class teacher. Let’s help our children "Grow and Dream" through the power of reading!
All volunteers must be DBS checked, and this can be done by the school admin team.
Emma has been a staff governor since the beginning of this academic year. Emma has been teaching since 2011 and began working at Wincham in September 2016. Emma is the school's Science lead, and is currently studying to gain the National Professional Qualification in Special Educational Needs. Her own two children attend the school and she spends most of her spare time supporting them from the sidelines at football and rugby matches as well as enjoying listening to music, visiting the Lake District and spending time with her cat.
Each week we will feature a brief introduction to our school governors. Information about the whole governing board is on the school website.
At Wincham, our motto "Together, we learn, grow, and dream" extends far beyond the classroom walls. We are increasingly mindful of the challenges posed by the digital world and the impact early access to smartphones can have on children’s mental health, sleep, and social development.
We are proud to support the Smartphone Free Childhood movement—a parent-led initiative aiming to protect our children from the pressures of the online world until they are older and more resilient.
How can you help? There is a national conversation happening right now about raising the legal age for smartphone ownership. We are encouraging our Wincham parents to lend their voices to this cause. It takes less than 60 seconds to write to our local MP using this simple, pre-written tool:
👉 Raise the Age: Contact Your MP Here
By working together, we can ensure that our children enjoy a childhood filled with real-world play, face-to-face friendships, and the space to grow without the distractions of a smartphone. For more information on the movement, visit www.smartphonefreechildhood.org.
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/smartphonefreechildhood/
Our Butterflies Nursery is a happy and exciting place for your child to start their educational journey.
We can support you with a smooth transition from being at home to learning through play in a safe environment with high quality resources to facilitate play, staffed by qualified teachers who care about the children and will support them to achieve their very best.
We offer a flexible package using the government's 15 (or 30 if eligible) hours of free childcare for 3 & 4 year olds, with additional hours if required.
Please read our prospectus, or contact a member of the team by ringing 01606 288060 or emailing nursery@winchamcp.cheshire.sch.uk or to express interest in a place, please complete the online form.
We understand how busy family life can be, and ensuring you have all the dates for school events, holidays, and key class activities is a priority for us. To make this easier than ever, we have made our full, up-to-the-minute school calendar a central feature on our school website.
Every term date, every PTA event, every assembly, and every school trip is uploaded here, and it is the single most accurate source of information. You can even subscribe to the calendar from your phone or home computer so the dates automatically appear in your own personal calendar app!
We are really excited to share more of our school life with you and the wider community. You can find us on:
We will be using these pages to share all the good things happening in school, celebrate pupil successes, and give you a sneak peek into our daily adventures. It's a great way to stay connected and see what your children are getting up to!
Do give our pages a 'like' and a 'follow' to see our posts pop up in your feed. We would love for you to comment and share our posts too, to help spread the word about our amazing school.
Please remember, the weekly newsletter will always be the best place for detailed information and key updates. Our social media pages are there for sharing all the good news and showing off our brilliant community.
All of our posts will follow our school's social media policy and the permissions you granted when your child started school. If you have any questions, please do get in touch.
This week's gratitude award
Butterflies Nursery - Arthur Armstrong
Foxes Reception - Lorena Worne
Rabbits Year 1 - Jin Ryan
Grasshoppers Year 1 & 2 - Lucie Earl
Bumblebees Year 2 & 3 - Umi Ryan
Hedgehogs Year 3 - Lily Gildea
Badgers Year 4 - Azlan Khan
Magpies Year 5 - Lainey -Rae Bennett
Dragonflies Year 6 - Lucy Carson
Butterflies Nursery - Ayaan Khan
Foxes Reception - Mia Bainbridge
Rabbits Year 1 - Willow Massey
Grasshoppers Year 1 & 2 - Ella Ashbee
Bumblebees Year 2 & 3 - Sofia Hillis-Smith
Hedgehogs Year 3 - Evie Blades
Badgers Year 4 - Selin Kilinc
Magpies Year 5 - Sufyan Khan
Dragonflies Year 6 - Hugo Moorhouse
Butterflies Nursery - Kiera Simpson
Foxes Reception - Awais Gohar
Rabbits Year 1 - Bella Taylor
Grasshoppers Year 1 & 2 - Raif Al-Zidgali
Bumblebees Year 2 & 3 - Oakley Wells
Hedgehogs Year 3 - Holly Chilvers
Badgers Year 4 - Olivia Ashbee
Magpies Year 5 - Hannah Miller
Dragonflies Year 6 - Summer Brown
Butterflies Nursery - Leo Jarvis
Foxes Reception - Ren Williams
Rabbits Year 1 - Autumn Lucas
Grasshoppers Year 1 & 2 - Gabriella Kimber
Bumblebees Year 2 & 3 - Miles Brown
Hedgehogs Year 3 - Ibrahim Khan
Badgers Year 4 -Lennon Rowlands
Magpies Year 5 - Alice Kerr
Dragonflies Year 6 - Elfin Lucas
Feeling a sense of belonging plays a vital role in children’s wellbeing, confidence and gives them the ability to thrive, both academically and emotionally. This Wake Up Wednesday guide explores why belonging matters and how small, everyday interactions can make a meaningful difference in helping children feel accepted and included.
Offering ten practical, easy-to-apply tips, the guide supports parents and educators in building positive relationships, celebrating individuality and fostering inclusive cultures at home and in school. Featuring information on language choices, emotional validation and shared decision-making, this edition of #WakeUpWednesday highlights simple ways to strengthen connection and nurture a genuine sense of togetherness.
Our wonderful PTA make a fantastic difference to the lives of the children by providing resources that enhance their learning. If you think you could help with an event, or have ideas about new events, please get in touch.
Contact us on -
email - wffcommittee@gmail.com
whats app - 07800837859
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WinchamSchoolFamilyandFriends/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/winchamschoolfamilyandfriends/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/WinchamWFF
There are a range of services we can signpost to, including financial support. There is a wide range of information available on the school website. This includes the Foodbank, free uniform, wider support with rising cost of living, and a range of other things.
If you are struggling financially, please don't hesitate to speak to Mr Boot or Ms Boag-Munroe.
If you're looking to eat well for less, be sure to visit The Winsford Community Hub and Very Green Grocery Northwich for discounted bags of food.
For just £7, you can fill up a shopping bag of essentials as well as lots of treats. Check out their Facebook pages to see what they have on offer.
This is especially helpful as we approach Christmas, where we know money can be tight.
In Christmas week there is always lots of fresh food - including turkeys - and they often run extra sessions with lots of goodies at extremely affordable prices that boost anyone's budget (past offers for example, 2 fresh chickens for £1 and 5 CoOp Irresistible Pizzas for £5)
All offers and extra sessions are posted on the Very Green Grocery Facebook pages.
Many families are struggling with rising energy bills, and some risk fuel poverty. Citizens Advice Cheshire West, funded by CWaC’s Household Support Fund, runs a Heating bank to provide emergency help with heating costs.
The Heating Bank is designed for families and individuals who may be struggling to keep their homes warm this winter. By offering temporary relief with heating costs, the service aims to reduce the health risks, stress, and hardship caused by cold homes.
Last year, we supported around 1,000 households with an average of £233 each towards energy bills. The service is free, confidential, and offers quick assistance to households on benefits who are struggling to stay warm.
How to access the Heating Bank:
Families can apply directly https://www.citizensadvicecw.org.uk/heatingbank/
Support is available to households who are in receipt of benefits and struggling to meet their energy costs.
The service is free, confidential, and designed to provide quick assistance.
By working together, we hope to make sure no family has to choose between heating and other essentials.
Below are some useful links to help parents and carers:
https://kidsonlinesafety.campaign.gov.uk/ Government website to support families and encourage regular conversations about what they’re seeing online, asking simple questions, like “who shared this” and “why?”. Based on parents’ main concerns and needs, it provides tips for parents’ conversations with their children, actions to support each stage of their child’s life & parental controls information. The website also signposts to trusted resources from charities and third parties, where parents can access other forms of support (like speaking to an expert).
Supporting Families from Google Parenting today involves raising the first generation of children growing up with technology all around them — at school, at home and in their pockets. As you chart the path that feels right for your family, Google is here to help.
Thinkyouknow (advice from the National Crime Agency to stay safe online)
Internet matters (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
Parent info (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
LGfL (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
Net-aware (support for parents and carers from the NSPCC)
Let’s Talk About It (support for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation)
UK Safer Internet Centre (tips, advice, guides)