Frome Vale Academy has opened its brand-new kitchen space with the launch of a flagship culinary event delivered in partnership with local charity CRuNCH.

The new kitchen – designed and built by the academy’s Building Services Manager, Ricki Petchey – was brought to life through free labour generously provided by staff from Waterhouse, with Simon, Rubin and Cam all pitching in. Further support also came from colleagues across the Cabot Learning Federation estates team, including Joshua and Derick.

The upgraded facility provided the perfect setting for the inaugural community cook-along, where families took part in a hands-on session preparing either a chicken or vegetable tikka masala accompanied by a fresh kachumba salad. Parents, carers and pupils worked side by side before sitting down to enjoy their homemade meal together.

This is part of CRuNCH’s five-week Cook5 programme, which teaches pupils to cook five simple, nutritious meals while developing teamwork, problem-solving and resilience. Each programme ends with a celebratory family cook-along, extending learning into the home and helping nurture positive habits around cooking and eating together.

Frome Vale Academy is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, and the event builds on CRuNCH’s growing partnership with the trust. The charity has already delivered Cook5 across several CLF schools, including Bristol Brunel Academy, Bristol Metropolitan Academy, CLF Post 16, Snowdon Village and Winterstoke Hundred Academy, supporting young people to develop essential cooking skills and confidence.

Since launching in December 2024, CRuNCH has delivered 21 programmes to more than 350 young people and their families. Across these programmes, 82.3% of participating students report feeling happier and more positive in themselves, while 94.1% say their confidence in the kitchen has grown.

With an ambitious goal to make Bristol the UK’s first “Cook5 City”, CRuNCH aims to reach 5,000 young people by 2028 and create a model that can be scaled nationally to transform the lives of more than half a million young people over the next decade.

Kate Percy, founder and CEO of CRuNCH, said: “Cooking is the catalyst for so much more. Events like these at Frome Vale Academy show how food can bring families and school communities together.

“When children cook alongside their parents and carers, we see their confidence blossom. They take pride in their skills, and that positivity carries into the home and the classroom.”

Jan Saunders, Principal of Frome Vale Academy, said: “We are thrilled to open our new kitchen with such a meaningful community event. Watching families learn, laugh and cook together in this space has been incredibly special.

“The Cook5 programme gives our pupils skills that will last a lifetime, and we are proud to work with CRuNCH to help strengthen family bonds and promote healthy, affordable eating.”

By equipping children and families with the skills to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals, CRuNCH and Frome Vale Academy are helping build positive, lasting change within the community.

It was a day spent witnessing the engineering marvels of Isambard Brunel for Year 5 pupils from Redstart Primary School during a visit to Bristol.

The first stop on their whistle-stop tour was the Clifton Suspension Bridge, where pupils experienced the dizzying heights and striking architecture of the world-renowned structure. Completed in 1864 after more than 30 years of construction, the bridge offered a powerful introduction to Brunel’s ingenuity and vision.

The next destination was the SS Great Britain, the groundbreaking iron steamship launched in 1843.

Pupils stepped back in time as they boarded the vessel, meeting costumed characters and imagining what life might have been like for passengers and crew during the Victorian era. The immersive experience brought history vividly to life and deepened their understanding of the ship’s pioneering design.

A school spokesperson said: “This trip was an incredible opportunity for our pupils to see history come alive.

“Experiencing Brunel’s work firsthand helped them understand not just the scale of his achievements, but also the creativity and determination behind them.

“The children came away inspired, excited, and full of questions, exactly what learning should spark.”

Twenty-nine Spanish language students from Hans Price Academy visited the amazing Spanish city of Barcelona for a three-night stay.

Students had an incredible time as they packed in plenty of sightseeing, starting with Parc Güell and the Nou Camp, home to FC Barcelona, followed by the breathtaking La Sagrada Família, which left everyone amazed. They also explored the sights of Las Ramblas and the remarkable architecture of the Gothic Quarter.

The group continued their adventure with a walk up to the Olympic Park and the castle on Montjuïc Mountain, before discovering the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona’s bustling port.

The students were a credit to themselves and to the academy, and staff are extremely proud of the exemplary behaviour they demonstrated throughout the trip.

George Morris, Teacher of Spanish at Hans Price Academy, said:
“This trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience Spanish language and culture first-hand.

“Their enthusiasm, curiosity and conduct were outstanding, and it was wonderful to see them grow in confidence as they explored such an inspiring city.”

Year 11 students from Sky Academy had the fantastic opportunity to attend a Careers Fair hosted by Winterstoke Hundred Academy. The event brought together a wide range of post-16 providers, including colleges, universities, employers, and apprenticeship representatives.

Students engaged in meaningful conversations, explored future pathways, and gained valuable insights into the options available after they leave The Sky Academy. This experience allowed them to network with industry professionals and education specialists, helping to raise aspirations and broaden horizons.

The Careers Fair proved to be an invaluable experience, inspiring our students and equipping them with knowledge to make informed decisions about their next steps. We are proud of their enthusiasm and look forward to seeing how this event supports them in shaping their future.

Charlie Ennals Careers/Personal Development lead at The Sky Academy said: “Events like this are incredibly valuable for our students. It gives them the confidence to explore new possibilities and begin shaping their own futures.

“We’re grateful to Winterstoke Hundred Academy for hosting such an engaging and informative fair.”

Schools Minister Georgia Gould visited Minerva Primary Academy (MPA) this week for a face-to-face meeting with academy staff and colleagues from across the region to hear their views on the Department for Education’s planned reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

During the visit, Ms Gould listened to insights from practitioners on proposals to introduce a new national framework for the support available to pupils with SEND. These discussions will help shape the government’s longer-term reform plans.

The DfE has announced new plans to host regional and online engagement events designed to ‘put parents’ experiences at the heart of SEND reform’. The programme will gather public views on a range of ideas put forward by experts and think tanks, including:

• The creation of a national framework for SEND support across all settings
• Written records of support for every child
• Access to independent advocacy for families

The new consultation activity comes after the government’s decision to delay publication of the Schools White Paper – expected to outline its vision for the future SEND system – until 2026.

Engagement events will explore five key themes of early intervention, local provision, fairness, effective practice and collaboration.

Ms Gould said: “For too long, families have felt unheard and left to battle a system that simply doesn’t deliver for their children.

“We’re committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity for children with SEND, which is why we’re putting lived experience at the heart of our reforms and creating a direct line to parents across the nation.

“We want this to be the biggest national conversation on SEND in a generation, and I urge parents, teachers and all those with views to participate and help us deliver lasting reform.”

A spokesperson for the Cabot Learning Federation said: “We were pleased to welcome the Schools Minister to Minerva Primary Academy and to share the experiences of our staff, pupils and families.

“Ensuring every child receives the support they need is central to our mission, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to a national discussion that puts children’s needs and parental voices first.”

Pupils at Minerva Primary School have been exploring the magical Julia Donaldson book The Scarecrows’ Wedding.

Pupils immersed themselves in the story, reading, re-telling and bringing the tale to life through hands-on creative activities.

They crafted colourful wedding bouquets, built their own friendly (and sometimes frightening!) scarecrows, and learned about celebration traditions in a fun and engaging way.

To conclude their learning, children held their very own Scarecrows’ Wedding. Pupils dressed up for the occasion, enjoyed a joyful ceremony, and celebrated together with confetti.

The event was filled with excitement, laughter and plenty of imaginative play.

Debbie Glenn, Safeguarding Officer and Assistant Deputy Safeguarding Lead, said:
“It was wonderful to see pupils so engaged and enthusiastic.

“Activities like this help bring stories to life and give our pupils memorable learning experiences that build confidence, creativity and joy.”

The children and staff all had a fantastic time celebrating this special event.