Newsletter 10th March 2023

10th March 2023


Dear Parents and Carers,

Life Cycles

Donna and Tracy's classes are currently learning about life cycles. As part of this theme the children have been finding out about the life cycle of a frog and greatly enjoyed a visit from Freddie (Rosie's 'chubby frog'). All the children greatly enjoyed the experience and were particularly interested in watching Freddie swim across a tray of water.


School Relationship Education Event

Parents of pupils in Upper KS2 and above are invited to a RSHE (relationship, sex and health education) event in school on Friday 24th March, 10-11am. This will be an informal ‘coffee morning’ style event where parents can find out more about what their child will be learning and can ask questions and raise any concerns they may have.


Next ‘Preparation for Adulthood’ Parent Forum

Preparation for Adulthood Social Worker Elaine Letten will deliver a Parent Forum in school on Tuesday 14th March, 10-11am. This is for parents and carers of pupils in Year 9 and upwards. This will be the last of the series of sessions and will cover ‘Power of Attorney and Deputyship’.

To book a place please email parentforum@millwater.devon.sch.uk


Consultation Information

I am attaching a link to the consultation document which considers the future of Mill Water’s Post 16 provision.

We are currently in the process of typing up the minutes from the first consultation meeting which will be shared on the website ASAP. In attendance were members of SLT, Jackie Ross DCC, Simon Niles DCC, Shona Meek DCC, Chair and Vice Chair of governors, a former Mill Water pupil’s parent, Laura Mann Reviews Officer, Bobbie Potter Clerk to governors, 14 parents and 2 additional governors. Thank you to those parents who attended the consultation meeting this week and shared their personal experiences so openly.

We will be holding a further Consultation Coffee Morning on Thursday 23rd March from 10-11.30am. Come and join us and Jackie Ross from DCC for further discussion. Please let us know if you will be attending.

I am also looking at providing an evening session for parents who are unable to attend during the day. I will write again as soon as this is arranged.


Helpers needed for Bicton Spring Fayre Fundraiser

Come and 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. Money raised will help pay for extras for pupils.

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


Ofsted 2023

I look forward to sharing our Ofsted report with you when it is published. The school community rose to the challenge and represented Mill Water brilliantly. I am not yet able to share our outcome with you, however one of the inspectors said “you should be incredibly proud of your pupils. They are a credit to the school”.


Strike Action next week

A separate letter has gone out today with information about the two strike days next week Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March. Please get in touch with your teacher if you are still unsure of the status of your child’s class.


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...

Exeter & District Mencap is holding its AGM on the morning of Wednesday March 22nd at Toby Inn Carvery, Middlemoor, Exeter EX2 7HL. Arrival 10:30 (for coffee), with the meeting starting at 11:00. The theme of the meeting will be Day & Respite Services. All welcome to attend. A buffet will be available after the meeting so please book your place by March 15th by emailing barbfsecedms@btinternet.com or ringing Barbara Ferrity on 07721 907443.


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.