Consultation on Proposal to Change Age Range from 4–11 to 3–11 Years (Effective September 2026)

We are writing to inform you that Wynstream Primary School is proposing to change its age range from 4–11 years to 3–11 years, by introducing a nursery/pre-school provision for children aged 3+. This change is considered a significant alteration under Department for Education (DfE) guidance and requires formal consultation.

Educational Reasons for the Change

• Improved School Readiness: High-quality early years education supports children’s social, emotional, and language development, ensuring they are better prepared for Reception.
• Continuity of Learning: Offering nursery places within the school provides a seamless transition into primary education, reducing anxiety and improving outcomes.
• Meeting Local Need: There is increasing demand for funded early years places for 3-year-olds in our community. This proposal will help meet that need.
• Raising Standards: Evidence shows that early intervention narrows attainment gaps and supports disadvantaged pupils, aligning with our commitment to inclusion and excellence.

 

Consultation Details

The consultation will run for four weeks, starting:

· Start Date: Tuesday 13 January 2026

· End Date: Tuesday 10 February 2026

 

You can respond by email to: admin@wynstreamprimary.org.uk or in writing to the school office. All responses must be received by 5:00 pm on 10 February 2026.

Following the consultation, the Governing Body will review all feedback before making a final decision and submitting the required application to the DfE.

 

How to Have Your Say

Please send your comments or questions to:

Email: admin@wynstreamprimary.org.uk or,

Post: Wynstream Primary School, Burnthouse Lane, Exeter, EX2 6AY

Thank you for your support in shaping the future of Wynstream Primary School.

 

Yours sincerely,

Ms Elise Redman Headteacher

🎭 The Panto is Back! 🎭 Dear Parents/Guardians, We are thrilled to announce that the magic of pantomime is returning to our school! Next week, the whole school will enjoy an in-school performance of Snow White – full of laughter, music, and plenty of “He’s behind you!” moments! 📅 Date: Wednesday, 14th January 2026 📍 Location: Wynstream Primary School This promises to be a fantastic experience for all our pupils, bringing the joy of live theatre right into school. No special arrangements are needed – just lots of excitement!

Wynstream Pupils Crack the Code in Exciting Cybersecurity Challenge

Year 5 pupils from Wynstream Primary School have taken part in a high-stakes mission this month during an exciting cybersecurity and cryptography workshop. 

The pupils transformed into digital detectives as they explored the world of secret codes, learned historical techniques, such as the ancient Caesar Shift (a simple encryption technique where each letter in a message is replaced by a letter a fixed number of positions down the alphabet), before moving to the modern digital era, using a specialised programme to encrypt and decrypt messages and pixel art. This provided a firsthand understanding of how codes protect our information online.

Working collaboratively in teams, the pupils applied logic and critical thinking to analyse clues and break complex codes to unlock a seemingly impossible digital safe. Through this challenge, they gained essential experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and, most importantly, discussed how to apply their skills to online safety by creating strong, secure passwords. 

Wynstream Primary School’s comprehensive computing curriculum aims to provide children with the skills and knowledge they require to use technology positively, responsibly, and safely. To that end, teachers at Wynstream consistently model its appropriate use. They teach pupils to be creators rather than merely consumers and use technology daily to ensure that learning is accessible to all pupils. 

Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:

“The workshop was an incredible opportunity for our pupils to experience computing in action and I want to say a big thank you to class teacher Mr Ellis for organising it. They absolutely loved the challenge and showed fantastic teamwork, creativity, and problem solving throughout. It was wonderful to see them connect what they were learning to real world issues like online safety and protecting personal information.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“At Education South West, we want our pupils to leave primary school confident, curious, and equipped with the digital skills they’ll need for the future. Activities like this bring computing to life and show just how engaging and relevant the subject can be in helping young people stay safe and think critically in a digital world.”

 

 

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.
•  

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."