Pre-Prep Reflections 15 May 2026

Dear parents,

This week we have enjoyed meeting with the new school council reps, welcoming a new early years advisory teacher from the local authority, and discussing sun safety and the latest local, national and global news stories in our assemblies.

Mental health awareness week

We have been doing all sorts of exciting things to mark mental health awareness week. From special assemblies and daily story sessions to positive affirmations and whole school wellbeing walks after lunch, we hope the children have expanded their awareness of mental health and understanding of this year’s theme of ‘take action’. Thanks to Miss Wheller for leading the week’s events.

Year 2 cross-country

On Monday afternoon, Mrs Titchin and I had the pleasure of accompanying Year 2 to Blundell’s Prep School to take part in their first ever sports fixture; a cross-country festival! This was no tall order with several primary schools competing to run the 1.2km course, which included various fun obstacles along the way, in front of a huge audience of spectating parents. While we did not win, I was hugely impressed by the children’s impeccable behaviour, strong team spirit and excellent sportsmanship throughout the afternoon. Every one of them completed the course, many with beaming smiles; they really did us all proud! Thanks to Mr Dutch, head of junior school sport, and Mr Jones, head of senior school PE, for organising and leading this great experience for the children, and to Mr Harris for the pre-event coaching in their PE lessons.

IAPS conference

As I write this, I am in Oxford for the annual IAPS pre-prep and early years conference. It has been an interesting and informative two days of professional learning, being inspired by guest speakers and networking with pre-prep heads from across the country. Thank you to the team back at school for keeping everything running smoothly in my absence.

Next week

I will be out of school from Tuesday to Thursday next week on an ISI inspection. Mrs Lawrence-Jones will be pausing her maternity leave briefly to cover my teaching and duties on Tuesday and Thursday, ahead of her return to school in September. Mr Bone, Mrs Van and Mr Wood will each be spending time here at Exeter Pre-Prep on Wednesday. I am very much looking forward to being back in school next Friday for the trip to iTown with Nursery, Reception and Year 1!

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy Eurovision if you’re watching!