Newsletter 7th October 2022
7th October 2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have had a busy week in school and the pupils have enjoyed activities on and off the school site. Some of our secondary pupils visited the Open Door Centre in Exmouth where they have experienced the food bank and community larder in action. The younger pupils have been exploring our orchard which is alive with colour, as well as local playgrounds and walking trails.
I am aware that there a lot of coughs and colds around currently and we do not expect you to keep your children off with just a sniffle. We have had some pupils in school this week though, with streaming noses and coughs which they have been unable to contain. Please think twice before sending your child in poorly. I really want to keep the school community as well as possible through the winter.
Why do we visit playgrounds?
Communication, physio, regulation and physical development targets can be worked on at different playgrounds. Just walking over different surfaces and moving at different heights can improve gross motor skills. Your child’s personal learning goals that we discuss with you need to be practised and mastered in a range of settings, so getting out and about is paramount.
Sensory Training
Staff received some sensory training by external Devon Occupational therapists which was positively welcomed. They plan to deliver an hour on each sense next (did you know we talk about 7 senses in the world of SEND?).
You can find out more about our Occupational Therapists and some helpful information about Sensory Differences on our Occupational Therapy page.
You said we did…
We listened to your feedback in the parent survey where lots of you wanted to get back into school. We will be running lots of children in need activities in the week 14th-18th November. There will be opportunity for you to come in and share in the fun.
We will be hosting a coffee, cake and chat morning on Tuesday 8th November from 10.00am. This is where you can meet other parents/carers and senior leaders will be there to answer any questions and talk about school wide issues.
Rotary Raffle Tickets on sale for Mill Water
Tickets and a letter have gone home for the regional Rotary Club Raffle for 2022. 90% of tickets sold will go directly towards extras for our pupils.
First prize is £1,000!
£1 per ticket or £5 for a book of 5. On sale until Mon 31st October, with the draw taking place on Thursday 22nd November. If you need more tickets or details, please email the office at info@millwater.devon.sch.uk
Thank you and good luck!
Community Mental Health Project lends a Helping Hand
Thank you to volunteers from Exmouth-based support group RV.ONE who came and re-located a shed and some heavy garden furniture. This will pave the way for the next phase of our playground revamp project. The inclusive organisation's focus is to support people's mental well-being through fitness and community activities. They have an open day this Sunday 9th October, 2-5pm, at Warren View Sports Ground in Exmouth.
Blue Tokens for Mill Water
Tesco is kindly supporting Mill Water again through its blue token community grants scheme. Remember to get yours at the till when shopping at any Exmouth or Budleigh store. This will run from October 2022 to January 2023. Money raised will go towards the school’s playground transformation project. Thank you and spread the word. Every little helps!
Short Breaks Coffee Mornings
Devon County’s Short Breaks Project is working to improve its offer for disabled children and their families. It is working alongside Parent Carer Forum Devon to host a series of coffee mornings so that parents and carers can talk directly about their experiences of the service.
The nearest to Mill Water will be in Exeter on Monday 14th November.
The dates and locations of all their coffee mornings and the booking form can be found on the SEND Local Offer Website
Devon Inclusive Folk Ensemble
Open to any young people ages 13-25 with special educational needs or disability and their families and carers.
No previous musical experience is necessary. There will be options for everyone to sing as well as instruments that are provided, or you can bring your own.
Fortnightly on Saturdays 2pm - 5pm at Main Hall, InFocus, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 6HA.
Led by professional musicians and experienced community music leaders, Jenny Read and Sarah Owen.
2022: 15 Oct, 5 Nov, 19 Nov, 3 Dec
2023: 7 Jan, 21 Jan, 4 Feb, 4 Mar, 11 Mar, 18 Mar
£10 per family/group per session.
Register your interest by email to info@wrenmusic.co.uk
Online Gaming Advice
This week's National Online Safety topic raises awareness and advises parents and carers about Loot Boxes, which offers gamers rewards. You can download this leaflet here
You can register with our school here to create a free account, download the National Online Safety App and access all of the free resources.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
To mark AAC month, AssertiveWare is offering an extra trial month and a 50% discount on orders between October 11th and 17th. View the offer details here
Autumn Covid Booster Vaccination
The Autumn Covid Booster vaccination is now available to all unpaid carers aged over 16.
Book or manage a COVID-19 vaccination
Further guidance for the COVID-19 autumn booster can be found here
Exmouth Foodbank provides food help to anyone struggling to make ends meet, from its premises in Sheppards Row.
Web: www.exmouthfoodbank.org.uk
Tel: 07749 322291
Email: help@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk
Devon Information Advice and Support (DIAS) free online sessions:
Click here for all details and to book a free place
- Demystifying SEND: Tues 4th October, 10.30am – 12.30pm
- EHCP Review Myth-busting: Mon 10th October, 10:30am – 12.30pm
- Listening to your Child’s Views: Tues 11th October, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Devon County Financial Support and Advice
Help with household bills, energy costs and financial assistance
Do you need help with childcare costs?
The Government’s Childcare Choices lists all the schemes available here