Newsletter 6th February 2026

6th February 2026


Dear Parents/Carers

Please see below a message from our CEO.

Mill Water School Public Consultation

Thank you for all of the feedback you have shared during the public consultation.

The consultation is now closed, we want to express our appreciation for the time, thought, and engagement demonstrated throughout the process.

The Trust has now collated all of the information and feedback received and has submitted the full body of evidence to the Department of Education.

As soon as we receive any further feedback, information, or a decision, we will of course communicate this with you promptly.

If you have any questions or queries in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Yours sincerely

Guy Chappell
CEO

Special Partnership Trust


Reminder: School Closure Protocol

As we saw during Storm Chandra, there may be rare occasions when I am required to make a decision about closing the school. I want to reassure all families that any such decision is made solely with the safety of our entire school community in mind.

Because our pupils and staff travel significant distances each day—121 pupils, 100 staff members and a large number of transport teams—weather conditions can vary greatly across the region. This means that while it may appear safe to travel in your own area, conditions elsewhere on the journey may present risks.

Please note that if DCC Transport cancels an individual route, this does not automatically mean the school is closed. Where it is safe to do so, parents are always welcome to transport their child to and from school.

If a full school closure is necessary, we will communicate this promptly through the following channels:

    • School Website: A notice will be posted as soon as all essential information has been gathered.
    • Text Message: All families will receive a message via School Comms.
    • DCC School Closures Website: The status will be updated accordingly.
    • DCC Transport: Will be informed immediately after the decision is made.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Ensuring the safety of our pupils, families, staff, and transport partners will always guide any decisions we make.


Match Report: Boccia Tournament at Mill Water

4 pupils from Pink Class participated in a Boccia tournament against other local primary schools. Boccia, similar to lawn bowls, requires skill and strategy, and our team approached the event with enthusiasm.

The team performed well, winning several matches and showing good listening, turn-taking, and accurate bowling. They eventually lost a close quarter-final encounter, reflecting their competitive spirit.

The students can be proud of their efforts. Their ability to handle both victories and defeats with grace demonstrates solid sportsmanship. Well done to all for representing Mill Water so effectively!


Workshop and Activities

Join the Thelma Hulbert Gallery for a printing activity for all ages.
Tuesday 17th February between 11am and 3pm. No booking required.
Poster saved

SEND Family Fun Days Dartmoor Days. For further information and to book you place visit: SEND Dartmoor Days for children 8-13 years old and 11-17 years old

SEND Quiet Day – Take part in an exciting adventure and discover the wonders of parliament through a sensory tour.

Parental Minds online skills workshop. Parental Minds is running a free, online skills workshop for parents and carers whose children or young people hurt themselves when they feel overwhelmed by their emotions. Workshops take place online via Zoom from 7pm – 9pm on the following dates 09.02.26 and 16.02.26. For further information or to book your place fill in this online form


SEND Training

DiAS making sense of SEND, Tuesday 24th February at 10.30am – 12pm. To book you place, please visit devonias.org.uk/events

Autism & Us session in March. This is a free online programme for parents and carers in Devon with children aged five to sixteen who are on the neurodiversity assessment pathway. This programme helps families build understanding and explore practical strategies to support their child. To find out more visit: Devon’s SEND Local Offer


Dates for your Diary

Monday 16th – Friday 20th February
Spring Half Term Holiday

Monday 23rd February
First Day Back

Thursday 2nd April
Spring Term Ends