Newsletter 24th February 2023

24th February 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you are aware, Industrial Action is happening across the country because of a national dispute between the National Education Union (NEU) and the Government over funding in schools and, as a part of this, a rise in teachers' pay. The second planned strike day which affects our school is Thursday 2nd March 2023.

The majority of teachers at Mill Water are members of the NEU and so we are again expecting significant disruption on this day. Please also remember that, like the first strike day, many of the schools which our staff’s children attend will be closed.

Whilst school will be open for the classes that did not attend last time, it is important to recognise that there may not be the usual class staff supporting your child and timetables could be different. Please also remember that just because your child’s class is open, this does not mean the teacher will be in.

Classes that will be CLOSED next Thursday 2nd March are below.

Name of Teacher Status of Class
Grace / Vicky CLOSED
Tracy CLOSED
Keth  CLOSED
Beccy  CLOSED
Niki  CLOSED
Andy
CLOSED
If your child receives free school meals, we will be in contact with you again with arrangements for the day.
 
My apologies for any disruption the strike days may cause. I would also like to reiterate that the dispute is between the NEU and the Government.

Consultation Information

I am attaching the link to a consultation document for a proposal in conjunction with the local authority. There will be a meeting here at Mill Water with myself, governors and Jackie Ross (Interim Deputy and SEND Strategic Director) on March 8th between 11-12pm.  

Proposal to close Post-16 Provision and increase numbers in the lower age range

Creative Workshops

Visiting Horrible Histories children’s illustrator Martin Brown had pupils enthralled with an animated workshop on Wednesday. As well as sharing gruesome tales, the main theme of his talk was that anyone can draw and become an artist. The famous illustrator’s visit was organised thanks to Budleigh Literary Festival. It was so successful that they want to do it again. Pupils suggest perhaps David Walliams or Michael Morpurgo next time! 

The school was alive with the sound of music this week, thanks to a three-day residency with Live Music Now. Pupils explored a range of instruments, focusing on rhythm and learning new songs.

Helpers needed for Bicton Spring Fayre Fundraiser

Could you spare an hour or two to support Friends of Mill Water PTFA's stand on Sunday 19th March, between 9am and 5pm, at Bicton Spring Fayre? Helpers will get free entry, so you can enjoy the fun.

All money raised will go directly to extra resources and activities for pupils. The stand will include a sale of cakes and pre-prepared picnic lunches, plus an Easter raffle and games.

The PTFA is also appealing for donations of cakes for their stand, to be brought into school on the Friday 17th March or to the stand on the day.

If you can help, please email Georgia at
fundraising@millwater.devon.sch.uk

Details about the Fayre can be found here

World Book Day

Mill Water will be celebrating World Book Day on Friday 3rd March this year (since Thursday 2nd is a strike day) with a visit from Paddleboat Theatre. A group of pupils will help put a show together in the morning, which will then be performed to the whole school in the afternoon. Pupils will also have the opportunity to choose a world book day book from our new vending machine.

Raising Money While You Shop

Don't forget that you can raise money for Friends of Mill Water School (PTFA) while you shop via

You can find out more about the PTFA here

Signposting...

Devon Signpost Plus has loads of useful information relating to Children with Additional Needs in its weekly Snippets round-up

Winter Support for Woodbury, Exmouth and Budleigh residents
Seachange in Budleigh can offer help with the purchase of ‘energy saving’ items this winter, through the National Grid Community Matters Fund. Please initially contact Sarah Forde at Seachange via sarah.forde@seachangedevon.org

This fund is limited and once it’s gone it’s gone. 

Household Support Funding (approx. £100)
Available for those on pre-payment gas and electric meters.
Complete this online form to apply.

Exmouth Foodbank
Exmouth Foodbank provides food help to anyone struggling to make ends meet, from its premises in Sheppards Row.
Tel: 07749 322291  Email: help@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk

Wesley’s in Budleigh Salterton
Community larder and a monthly ‘pay-as-you-can’ community supper, in Temple Methodist Church hall, Fore Street, EX9 6NG. Call 07955 863160 for more details.