Newsletter 22nd July 2022

22nd July 2022

Dear Parents/Carers,

PaddleBoat Theatre

We have been enjoying learning from and working with, the wonderful PaddleBoat Theatre Company. Here’s a bit about them from their website.

Our Story

PaddleBoat Theatre Company believe that theatre is a space where imagination is brought to life.

Born from the vibrant city of Exeter, we are committed to delivering high-quality productions and exciting workshops for children and families across the South-West. At the heart of PaddleBoat’s work is the desire to inspire the imagination. PaddleBoat believe in theatre which engages with the young minds of tomorrow – as well as reminding every adult that they too can rediscover their own imaginations.

PaddleBoat’s award winning productions always blend creative storytelling with playful and engaging audience interaction. We invite all audiences into a space where performers and audience members alike embark on journeys, create adventures and get lost in magical worlds together.

With over 5 years of working with a wide range of schools and community groups, paddleboat has developed a unique theatre-with development model - working with communities to create work - ensuring our theatre is inclusive. this has helped us welcome all audiences to engage with our work in theatres, libraries, community spaces and schools.

A group of 19 Mill Water pupils went to Exeter Phoenix to perform to two other schools on Wednesday. They created their own piece based around dreams and performed to two other schools and the Lord Mayor of Exeter. The students have been taking part in drama workshops with PaddleBoat Theatre company all term. They also did a second performance today to parents in the school hall. I want to thank the staff who worked alongside the paddleboat group for giving our pupils a wonderful experience. The play included a short film created by class 8 pupils. This meant that those that didn’t want to “act” were still part of the show.

September Information

We will be sending out class transition books next week, to help your child with the long summer break. The communication team has been busy editing them to keep up with the changes. We want you to have the most up to date and accurate information for your child as we understand how important it is. There is still time however, for new pupils to be admitted to the school roll and for staff to change. Thank you for your understanding.

Wow Moments!

Class 1 teacher Grace says: “I am super proud of my whole class and how they have all progressed in the recent weeks!” Here are some of their wow moments:

JS - amazing transitioning around the school and in the park and using his PECs book really well for communication.

GS - really confidently moving around and exploring independently especially outside the classroom.

SG - independently and confidently moving herself into her chairs and moving herself around the environment.

JH - amazing talking this week saying adults and children’s names and transitioning really well around the school and in the park.

KH - has been trying new ‘bite and dissolve’ foods and feeding them to herself and has been doing excellent walking.

HS - has been really confident in his persistence at communicating with adults and his transitioning around school. He also went in the pool again for the first time in a long time.

CE - has been really bright and alert especially during her favourite songs.

Meanwhile NDLT in Class 2 was very proud that she received a Special Award certificate from Sarah P for always being the first to help tidy the classroom when it is tidy up time.

I was also pleased to give out a certificate to JB in class 4, for some confident swimming and going under the water.

Parent Forum

Elaine Letten from the Preparing for Adulthood team is offering some sessions (for parents/carers of pupils in Year 9 and above) to help introduce and find out more about the 'hot topics' in adult social care such as Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty. This will also be an opportunity to ask any questions. The first session is planned for Tuesday 20th September, 1 - 2pm, at Mill Water School. This will be an Introduction to Preparing for Adulthood. Please do attend if you can. The PowerPoint presentation will be available afterwards for those who cannot make it. To confirm your place and for further details, please email: movingon@millwater.devon.sch.uk

Support during the Summer Holidays

Snippets are a weekly round-up of information relating to Children With Additional Needs, produced by Signpost Plus. They are available to everyone and anyone who would find the information we produce of use to them or someone they care for.

To view the latest Snippets, go to the Devon Signpost Plus webpage

Action East Devon provides a wellbeing service for young people and families who are experiencing emotional and mental health issues. For further details about this support please visit their website or contact Action East Devon on 01404 549045 or info@actioneastdevon.org.uk

Do you feel isolated or need more support during the long holidays? East Devon Citizens Advice can help. Just complete the Parent Support Referral Form using this link

They can also advise on the Government’s Household Support Fund (£98 per eligible household). And they have a wealth other helpful information they can signpost you to. Contact Ann Jones, Children’s Link Caseworker for East and Mid Devon, on AnnJ@citizensadviceeastdevon.org or 07527 599813.

The Government has now announced ‘cost of living support’.
Anyone struggling can find out what help and support is available here

Lower-income householders across Devon are invited to apply for free energy efficiency improvements to their homes worth thousands of pounds, thanks to new government funding.