Newsletter 3rd October 2025

3rd October 2025

Dear Parents/Carers

This week I will be introducing you all to our school Safeguarding Team. We have a dedicated safeguarding team made up of individuals with a range of roles, skills, and strengths, all working together to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. Every member of our team is trained to a high standard, and we are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive environment for all.

Rowan leads the team as our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), overseeing all safeguarding matters with experience and expertise. Sarah and Grace act as Deputy Safeguarding Leads, bringing their own valuable perspectives and knowledge to the role. Supporting the entire team is Gemma, who plays an important part in helping families overcome a range of challenges.

Rowan Allen began her journey in SEN education 12 years ago here at Mill Water, starting out as an apprentice. Since then she has built a strong dedicated career with in the school. Rowan works in close collaboration with the school nurse and other health professionals, playing a key role in managing and supporting complex health needs within the school. In 2019, she joined the Safeguarding Team as a Deputy Safeguarding Officer and has been the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the past two years.

Rowan leads the Mill Water Safeguarding Team and holds overall responsibility for Safeguarding and Child Protection. She serves as the primary point of contact for staff, parents, carers, and pupils on safeguarding matters, offering guidance and support. Rowan and the Mill Water Safeguarding team are committed to providing quality pastoral care and support to every child, promoting their health and development. Rowan is currently engaging in further education and training to develop a specialism in supporting children’s wellbeing. 

Julie Cornwell is the Safeguarding Governor at Mill Water. She is a qualified and practicing social worker with over 40 years experience in a variety of social care settings. Julie has specialised in safeguarding throughout her career and currently trains in a multi-disciplinary setting. Additionally, Julie works therapeutically with children who have experienced trauma. Julie is the chair of trustees at Devon Link-Up a user based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities.

In her role as safeguarding governor Julie works closely with Rowan (DSL), meeting with her on a regular basis to ensure Mill Water maintains a culture that is child centred with safeguarding at the core. Julie is always keen to engage with staff and has wider governor responsibility for staff wellbeing. If you see Julie in school please say hello.

Gemma Corry has 9 years’ experience of working in special education. Gemma has become expert in supporting families on their SEN journey. Gemma helps families navigate different SEND systems and processes. Gemma has extensive experience of working with other organisations such as The SEN 0-25 team, The Preparation For Adulthood Team, Careers South West and Citizens Advice Bureau to name a few.

In April 2024, Gemma joined the Safeguarding Team as the Family Support Worker where she is committed to keeping children safe and supporting families through difficult times. Gemma is passionate that families are listen to and achieve positive outcomes. 

In addition to her work at Mill Water, Gemma volunteers as an ambassador for DiAS (Devon Information & Advise Service), collaborating closely with local Family Hubs to connect families with valuable advice and community resources.

Online Safety Group

We are inviting parents/carers to register their interest in joining our Online Safety Group. The group is currently made up of a variety of staff including our Safeguarding Governor and our IT Manager. We would like to expand the group to include parents and carers to promote a safe and supportive digital environment for all our pupils.

If you're passionate about keeping children safe online and would like to be involved in discussions or simply stay informed, we’d love to hear from you!

Please express your interest by emailing enquiries@millwater.devon.sch.uk

Attendance

New guidance has been issued by the Department of Education to help the school community work together to improve school attendance. Regular attendance at school is essential to ensure uninterrupted progress and to enable children to meet their full potential. At Mill Water, we have the expectation of 100% attendance from every pupil. Non-attendance is an important issue that is treated seriously. However, each case is different and the school acknowledges that no one standard response will be appropriate in every case.

If a pupil frequently arrives late or has multiple unauthorised absences, we are obliged to notify the Local Authority. This measure is necessary to comply with the requirements set out by the government.

If you or your child are struggling with attendance in anyway, please do contact the school.

Cauliflower Cards

Pupils have been enjoying designing their Christmas cards. Envelopes with the cards and more information about this will be sent home with your child today. You can place your orders online for Christmas cards, gift tags, gift wrap, mugs, spiral notebooks, and new this year—playing cards featuring your child’s artwork with a choice of games. Value packs are also available.

Please remember to return your child’s artwork to school by Monday, October 13th.

Dates for the Diary

Monday 20th October – Friday 24th October
Celebrating Harvest in class

Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October
October Half Term

Friday 7th November
Tempest Photography will be in school