Newsletter 4th Nov 2022

4th November 2022


Dear Parents and Carers,

Cookery Teamwork

There have been some really great peer interactions happening in cooking in Paul’s class this week, particularly between pupils who do not usually work closely together. There was fantastic communication and decision-making in pairs. Great work by all those involved!


Ghoulish Fun!

Pupils had a wicked time celebrating Halloween on Monday. There was a whole school parade in the hall and everyone loved getting together to cheer each other on and show off their outfits.


Children in Need Week

Details will be coming home via your class teacher about the Children in Need activities being planned for the week of 14th-18th November. Each class will take part in activities and a sponsored event. We hope that it will be possible for parents to attend some of the fun. Further details will follow next week. 


Peace Poster Winners

Three Mill Water pupils have won a Peace Poster competition sponsored by Budleigh Salterton Lions Club. They worked well in a small group, talking about what peace means when linked to an emotional situation and how it makes them feel safe. They discussed what things make them different and what makes them the same as each other. They focused on these thoughts while sharing one pencil to carefully and gently draw around each other’s hands. They returned to class afterwards really calm and happy, and they proudly shared with staff what they had created.


PTFA Meeting

Mill Water PTFA held its Annual General Meeting this week and voted in Debbie Knowles as its new chair. Debbie has extensive experience of school life, as a current Governor and parent of a former pupil. The Committee also kindly voted to grant £800 to pay for this year’s school Christmas panto.

The meeting’s minutes can be viewed here. If you would like to get involved in the PTFA or wish to learn how you could support fundraising activities for Mill Water pupils, please email Georgia at fundraising@millwater.devon.sch.uk


Preparing for Adulthood

Parents and carers of pupils in Year 9 and above are invited to an in-school session on Thursday 24th November, 11am-12noon, being run by Elaine Letten from the Preparing for Adulthood team. This will be a chance to learn more about the service and find out about the ‘hot topics’ in Adult Social Care such as Mental Capacity, Deprivation of Liberty, Deputyship. It will also cover the Mental Capacity Act and be an opportunity to ask any questions.

Please do attend if you can. The PowerPoint presentation will be available afterwards for those who cannot make it. You are welcome to send any questions in to parentforum@millwater.devon.sch.uk ahead of time if you do not feel that you want to speak in the group.


Online Safety

This week's National Online Safety topic raises awareness and advises parents and carers about Amigo. This is an app designed with mature users very much in mind and is therefore not recommended for children. 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.


Evidence for Learning

If parents are unable to access evidence for learning, please can they contact Grace Norman using this email address EfL@millwater.devon.sch.uk

There is also a guide here for downloading and using the Evidence for Learning Family App


Local Christmas Holiday Clubs

For details of Holiday Activities and Food clubs happening in your area this Christmas, visit: Devon HAF Providers Christmas 2022


Speech and Language Resources

A new Speech and Language Therapy online service has been launched by Devon’s Children and Family Health.

Find out more here: Children and Family Health Devon #earlycomms

If you are waiting to see a therapist, you can also find helpful resources here: Speech and Language Therapy Resources #Covid-19


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!


The Hangout!

Mill Water parent Ruth is running the Hangout again for children with additional needs and their parents/carers (siblings also welcome) this Saturday in the Old School Hall at All Saints Church in Sidmouth, EX10 8ES. This will not be in the actual church hall as before. Phone Ruth on 07961915598 for any further information.


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


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


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 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