Newsletter 28th Sept 2026

28th September 2026

Dear Parents / Carers

This week I will be introducing you all to our Deputy Head, Sally Cregan and our School Business Manager, Paula Harris.

Sally Cregan is the Deputy Head at Mill Water. 

She is an experienced SEND teacher and senior leader, working within special education since 2002.   She is a sensory SEND specialist and is a qualified teacher of the visually impaired.  Sally is responsible for the quality of education, overseeing the Curriculum, Training and Assessment. 

Sally is also the school's music specialist, leading and promoting the arts including running the school choir. Sally is also the school's mental health lead.  She supports staff welling, training and development.   Sally has a visual impairment, this gives her a small insight into some of the challenges young people with disabilities can face and a drive to promote inclusion.  When you see her, let her know who you are as she may not recognise you straight away!

Paula Harris is School Business Manager at Mill Water.

She is responsible for managing the strategy and operation of the business functions of the school, including financial management, human resources and administration. She leads and advises in these areas across the whole school. She is responsible for our recruitment process and managing the upkeep of the Single Central Record.

She stays informed of events across the whole school and through a small team of highly competent administrators, provide administrative and other support to all areas.

☕ Parent/Carer Coffee Morning at Mill Water School ☕

Join us for a friendly chat over tea/coffee and a biscuit on Friday 2nd October 2026 from 10 – 11am

This is a great opportunity to meet other parents, share experiences, gather information, and connect with the school community.

To confirm your attendance, please email: earlyhelp@millwater.devon.sch.uk

I hope you can all make it.

Contact details

Just a quick reminder, can all parents and carers ensure their contact details are up to date by editing on your parent Arbor app or call into Reception. It is essential we are able to contact you in a timely fashion. We need at least 2 emergency contacts for your child.

DIAS “Making Sense of” training

Dates for this term’s DiAS training have been released. The training is for parent carers and/or young people and is based on the questions commonly asked on our enquiry line. There are two different sessions available:

Making Sense of SEND - covers information about special educational needs, SEN support and how the SEND system works. It also helps parents to feel more confident about speaking up for their child and working with professionals. There are online and in-person training sessions every term.

Making Sense of EHC plans - helps parent carers understand their child’s EHC plan and what’s in it, how it is used and how to take part in the review process. There are online sessions every term.

For details of this term’s dates and to book go to: devonias.org.uk/events

PEAK Devon Online Community

Are you a parent or carer of a child or young person with SEND or additional needs? Join us for a friendly and informal online session where you can find out more about the support PEAK can offer you and your family.

This is also a chance to connect with other parents, ask questions, share experiences and talk through some of the challenges you may be facing in a supportive and understanding space.

During the session, we will explain the different ways PEAK can support families, including our free consultation pathway and our 10-week family support programme through Early Help. Whether you are struggling to know where to turn, would like some practical advice, or simply want to connect with other families who understand, you are very welcome to join us.

Online Session for SEND Families
Friendly, informal and supportive
Open to parents and carers of children with SEND

Come along, meet the PEAK team and find out how we can support you and your family. ​Please do not feel pressured to ​join for the entire hour, we understand that your time is precious- so ​feel free to pop along for whatever ​length suits!

PEAK Devon community support session- online at Online event tickets from TicketSource

Children’s Commissioner Survey for children and young people

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and can be accessed here: childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture

Dates for the diary

Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October
Half Term Holiday

Friday 27th November & Monday 30th November
Non-pupil days – Occasional days

Friday 18th December
Last Day of Autumn Term

Monday 4th January
Non-pupil day – Staff training

Tuesday 5th January
Non-pupil day – Staff training

Wednesday 6th January
First Day of Spring Term