Newsletter 23rd Sept 2022

23rd September 2022


Dear Parents and Carers,

Support Mill Water PTFA

Please see here the latest minutes from the PTFA meeting held in school last week. This was well attended and we were delighted to welcome new faces to the school. Opportunities for fundraising events and for growing our community of Mill Water supporters were discussed. However, the PTFA now needs a couple of committee positions filled. These don’t need to be big tasks or require a lot of time. It can be great fun and very rewarding, especially choosing how to spend money on enrichment activities for our pupils! But the PTFA does need people to take on the positions in order to satisfy its charitable status and in order for the PTFA to continue its valuable role. Charitable status means we can access a broader range of funding streams. 

For more details, have a read of the minutes or email: fundraising@millwater.devon.sch.uk

New children and new grounds

All our new starters have had a successful couple of weeks, and in particular the reception children have thoroughly enjoyed the new playground facilities. In half term the next stage of our development begins and this includes an outdoor sunken trampoline plus fixed exercise equipment. 


Visiting school

In the last parent survey your responses were overwhelmingly positive. We did however take on board some of your areas for development such as opening up the school post Covid. We intend to return to pre-covid practice and hold events in school again. So far this term we have had stay & plays for EYFS families and a preparation for adulthood parent forum.

Elaine Letten, Preparing for Adulthood Social Worker covering Exeter, East & Mid Devon, came to advise our parents on how to support their children in to adult services. She saved time at the end to allow for Q&As which was great for our parents, lots of questions asked and answered. She received lots of positive feedback so this was a great success.

If you missed the session, you can view the PowerPoint here and email any questions to preparingforadulthoodsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

Elaine will run a session every term covering: Mental capacity, Deprivation of Liberty, Best Interest Decisions Power of Attorney / Deputyship.

We already have plans for parents’ coffee mornings to enable you to meet each other, some of our governors, the safeguarding teams and other key staff.


Celebrations

Ted received the head teacher trophy this week for showing immense maturity in a challenging situation. He gets to keep it in class for a week- well done Ted.


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


National Online Safety

The online world is posing an ever-increasing risk to children, and it is important that schools, parents and carers work together to take an active role in teaching children about online dangers. Learning how to act safely when using the internet is an incredibly important part of safeguarding our children.

We are therefore delighted to announce that Mill Water have shown our commitment to protecting our pupils online by working with National Online Safety and providing resources for all parents and carers.

You can find links here to register with our school to create a free account, download the National Online Safety App and access 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


Signposting...

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