Yeo Valley Primary School have been named as our Chance to Shine School of the Term for the 2024/25 Autumn Term.

The Barnstaple school, which is part of the Cornerstone Academy Trust, received a six-week Whole School Programme in Term 1 with our North Devon Community Coach, Martin Brice.

"All of the classes fully embraced the sessions," says Martin. "There was clear growth and development of skills across the six weeks, especially the life skills, and Yeo Valley are fully deserving winners of this award."

Students at Yeo Valley Primary School were presented with a certificate and Chance to Shine kit bag.

Located in the St Mary's area of Barnstaple, the school services one of the most deprived areas of the country, with over 40% of attendees in receipt of free school meals.

Speaking on the Whole School Programme, Head of School Louise Morris said:

"Children showed excitement on Mondays when arriving for school and during my morning welcome on the playground as I was asked multiple times 'is it Cricketman day today.'

"The children became more focused on their cricket opportunities as the weeks went on which was highlighted in 1) the numbers actually bringing in their PE Kit increased and 2) the numbers of children engaging in the sessions showed a positive uplift.

"Cricket is now very much a PE option within the school and, with the continued support of the Devon Cricket Foundation going forward, it is hoped this will continue and the numbers of children accessing cricket opportunities will start to build."

Last week, Martin returned to Yeo Valley to present the school with a certificate and a Chance to Shine kit bag as part of the award. During the presentation, student Oli said he "enjoyed the sessions and learning all the skills that are needed to be a good cricket player."

"I thought I wouldn't like cricket as I didn't know how to play and didn't think I would be any good at it," said Amelia, who also took part in the Whole School Programme.

"But it was actually a lot of fun and I enjoyed the different games we played. All the different activities were kept fun so it didn't feel that hard to learn it after all."

Oli (centre) and Amelia (right) being presented with the certificate by Martin Brice.

It wasn't just the students at Yeo Valley who benefitted from the Whole School Programme. Louise said "the teachers loved Martin's relaxed and engaging approach to the sessions for the children and encouraging them to be involved in more than just a supporting role.

Many of the different delivery strategies and methods used during the sessions have been tried, adopted and further developed with class."

Our Community Coaches have already started delivering in schools for the Spring Term and looking for our next School of the Term.

Find out more about our Whole Schools Programmes on our website or by contacting your local Club & Community Coach.