Hello Trees families,

Our students have been involved in another fun-filled term full of learning and creativity. Here’s a glimpse of what each class has been up to recently:

7T1 Baking Cakes & Autumn Mobiles  

Students in 7T1 have been working on their baking skills, crafting delicious cakes in the kitchen! Alongside this, they took inspiration from nature to create beautiful mobiles on an autumn walk, using leaves and seasonal colours to capture the spirit of the season.

8T2 Keyboard Skills  

The music room has been buzzing with energy as 8T2 students explored keyboard skills. This hands-on experience has allowed them to build confidence in playing and experimenting with new sounds.

8T1 Drawing Flowers and Plants  

Our budding artists in 8T1 focused on drawing flowers and plants. With each sketch, they honed their observation skills and captured the intricate details of the natural world around us.

Mondrian-Inspired Art & Fireworks (7T3, 7T4, 8T4)

Inspired by the bold, geometric works of Piet Mondrian, students in 7T3, 7T4, and 8T4 created stunning artworks using colour blocks and lines. They also dove into firework-inspired pieces, adding splashes of vibrant colour and energy to their work.

7T2 Photography for DofE

Students in 7T2 took part in a photography project as part of their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) activities. They explored different angles and perspectives, capturing unique and thoughtful images.

8T3 Emergency Services Investigation for DofE  

8T3 embarked on an investigation project focusing on emergency services as part of their DofE learning. This engaging activity allowed them to understand the importance of these services and gain valuable knowledge.

Decorative Biscuits & Life Skills (8T2 & 8T3)  

In Life Skills, 8T2 and 8T3 enjoyed a decorative biscuit session, complete with cups of tea! They learned the art of baking, decorating, and serving with a warm beverage, which was a delightful experience.

Fruit Kebabs & Instructions (7T3, 7T4, 8T4)  

In culinary class, students in 7T3, 7T4, and 8T4 made colourful fruit kebabs and practiced writing step-by-step instructions for preparing them. This activity promoted healthy eating and essential writing skills.

Autumn Lanterns & Halloween Art  

The spirit of autumn and Halloween is in full swing with students creating lanterns, pumpkins, and spooky-themed art. 8T1 in particular showcased fantastic pumpkin art that captured the essence of the Halloween season.

7T2 Drawing from Observation & Shading  

7T2 focused on refining their shading techniques while drawing from observation. This exercise has helped them develop depth and realism in their artwork.

Thank you for your continued support. We’re looking forward to sharing more updates with you soon!

Best regards,  

The Trees Phase Team

Welcome back to another fun-filled edition of our Hills newsletter! Here are some of the wonderful things our pupils have been doing... 

The pupils in 9H1 had a fantastic time on the science trip to the Black Country Living Museum. They learnt all about what life was like without electricity and they all agreed that life is now much easier with electricity. Some pupils admitted that life would be very boring without their phones and games consoles! 9H1 also had a fun science lesson this week during our STEM event. The pupils made small boats from aluminium foil, ensuring their boats were study enough to hold as many balls of play dough as possible without sinking. The record was 25 balls! 

10H1 have been finding out about renewable energy sources and how the UK is beginning to choose these over fossil fuels in our science lessons. Did you know that nearly 50% of UK electricity comes from renewable sources such as wind, water or solar power? 

11H1 pupils have been enjoying their Duke of Edinburgh lessons focusing on the skill of music. This week, they had a go at performing ‘The Cup Song’ from Pitch Perfect which was challenging but fun! They then moved on to working as a group to find the rhythm in ‘The Addams Family’ theme tune and passed the cups round in a circle to the music, and they certainly succeeded!  

11H1 have also continued to enjoy their Duke of Edinburgh skill lessons where they have been looking at various aspects of music. This week, they have begun linking all their learning together to look at different aspects of a song. They have decided on a theme and created a list of key words and phrases they would like to use within their lyrics! They look forward to developing their song over the coming weeks. 

Classes 9H2 and 10H2 have been participating in a sensory retelling of the story, ‘The Hairy Scary Castle’. Pupils have thoroughly enjoyed exploring lots of sensory props to help them retell the story. In Maths this week, we have been using manipulatives to help us add numbers within 20. We have also been exploring the festival of Diwali in RE, creating our own rangoli patterns and Diwali lamps.  

Once again, our Rivers pupils have been very busy doing lots of exciting activities both in and outside of school. Take a look at what we have been up to... 

9R1 had a lovely start to the first week back which started as a wonderful trip to the Dudley Archives. We had met with Archivist Hannah who shown us original pictures of the Black Country and how it looked in the late 1970’s. We then listened to an original recording of a lady who retold her story of her childhood who grow up in the late 19th century and early 20th century. This trip was very interesting. Why not ask your child what they have learned from this trip. 

9R1 have worked incredibly hard over the past few weeks to produce a Remembrance Day assembly. We have raised a total of £283.26 for the royal British Legion Poppy Appeal – a massive well done to 9R1 and thank you to everyone who bought an item! 

9R2 have been exploring the local writer Bejamin Zephaniah. They have learnt about his life and his wonderful stories, poetry, and songs. They have looked for similarities between Benjamin’s writing and the author Pamela M Tuck (As fast as words could fly) who wrote in a comparable way to Benjamin focusing on the rights of black lives. Benjamin used a typewriter, and pupils experienced what it would be like to use this type of machine, which was also present in the novel by Pamela. 

10R1 have been exploring the story ‘Wonder’ during last half term. We have been looking into character growth and the way emotions change throughout the story. From looking at events within the story we have been able to empathise with Auggie and understand his emotions and actions with reason. 

10R1 have also started to investigate a new area of the music industry, theatre. The students had to design and create their own show thinking about what the show was about, the purpose, design, how long and so on. The students have enjoyed learning about the different job types so far and are starting to understand there are more pathways available then what meets the eye. 

This term our PSHE theme is ‘self-awareness'. 10R2 have been looking at what makes us special and how others around us are different in many ways, but just as special. Pupils will be writing a positive affirmation for themselves and another pupil in the group to create a display that we can always look at to remind ourselves about how valued we are. 

10R2 have also been busy making Christmas crafts to sell at our Christmas school fair. They worked together as a team to read and follow instructions to make salt dough Christmas tree decorations. We're looking forward to decorating them with paint and glitter next week as we look forward to Christmas. We had such fun! 

11R1 really enjoyed working out ‘who did it’ during STEM day. We had to investigate shoe treads, DNA profiles and fingerprints of various staff to solve the crime. Throughout, we used our scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as our literacy skills, to decipher who the criminal actually was! 

11R1 also visited Mary Stevens Park, as part of their tutor pathway. Pupils looked at the outdoor gym equipment and facilities for people to keep fit and healthy. Whilst there, pupils engaged in their own physical activity and had a kick around with a football! It was lovely to get some fresh air and exercise amongst pretty surroundings! 

Christmas is a magical time of year that brings joy to families across our community. Be sure to join in the festive spirit by attending one of the Christmas light switch-on events happening throughout the borough. Please see the dates above, or alternatively, click on this link for more details.

The holiday season can be a busy and sometimes overwhelming time, making it essential to stay mindful of how the added demands of this season can affect our mental health. Aspire4u is a community interest company in the West Midlands, offering low-level mental health support to adults in Dudley. They are dedicated to helping individuals understand and manage their mental well-being by providing positive activities, groups, 1-to-1 support, and peer-led experiences.

Aspire4u also develops and delivers projects that focus on understanding mental health, financial well-being, and personal purpose. Working alongside local authorities, statutory services, housing associations, schools, and non-profits, Aspire4u creates tailored programs for specific community needs, including therapy, group sessions, and psychological education.

Referrals to Aspire4u can be made through the Dudley Council referral system, or individuals can self-refer directly, see here.

As we approach the holiday season, many of us will be shopping online for gifts. To help keep you and your family safe online, please remember to use secure websites, avoid clicking unfamiliar links, and protect your personal information. For more tips on staying safe online this Christmas, please click this link.

This Anti-Bullying Week, Sutton School stood together to celebrate our differences and show our support for inclusion. This simple act reminds us of the beauty in diversity and reinforces our commitment to making our school a safe, welcoming place for everyone.

At Sutton School, we proudly uphold our core values of courage, forgiveness, safety, honesty, and respect. These values drive our commitment to stand against bullying in all its forms. With each of our pupils bringing unique strengths, perspectives, and personalities, we recognise that our differences make us stronger. This week and every week, we are united in fostering a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

At Sutton Special School, we celebrate diversity and understand that our children come from a variety of family backgrounds. We are pleased to share information from Dudley Local Authority about the support available for kinship carers and families. This includes valuable resources, advice, and assistance tailored to those providing care for children within their extended family or close networks.

Kinship has upcoming training workshops for kinship carers, including an exciting announcement around the new offer from January.   

Current training 

Sessions for the rest of 2024 are now available for carers to book through our website. You can find the specific link for the next version of each workshop below, so please do share directly with your network of kinship carers, and any social workers working with them: 

Introduction to kinship care - 18 November 2024 — 7:30pm - 9:00pm 

Managing contact for kinship families – practical tools and tips - 20 November 2024 — 10:00am - 11:30am 

Managing contact for kinship families – the emotional journey - 25 November 2024 — 10:00am - 11:30am 25 November 2024 — 10:00am - 11:30am 

Preparing for sensitive conversations with kinship children - 26 November 2024 — 7:00pm - 8:30pm 

Understanding trauma and attachment in children - 27 November 2024 — 9:30am - 11:00am 

Understanding formal kinship care arrangements - 28 November 2024 — 10:00am - 12:00pm 

Understanding local authority support: information session for kinship carers - 2 December 2024 — 12:00pm - 1:15pm 

Overview of the EHCP and SEND process - 13 December 2024 — 10:00am - 11:30am 

Future training 

They are also excited to announce the will be launching more free workshops on in January.  

Understanding what financial support is available to kinship families 

Supporting your kinship child at school 

Dealing with emotional challenges as a kinship carer 

Understanding foetal alcohol spectrum disorder    

Exploring cultural heritage in kinship families 

Managing challenging behaviour in children in kinship care 

Understanding how to keep children in kinship care safe online 

Understanding drug and alcohol misuse as a kinship carer 

Life story work with children in kinship care 

We will share more information on dates and sign-up process for carers in the coming weeks. 

We've had an exciting and creative time in Trees Phase recently, and we’re thrilled to share what our talented students have been working on!

Stained Glass Windows (7T1 & 7T2)
Students in 7T1 and 7T2 created beautiful stained glass windows to represent the cross. These vibrant pieces reflect both their artistic skills and understanding of symbolism in religious art. The windows have brought a wonderful burst of color to our classrooms.

Makaton Story (8T2)
The students in 8T2 have been busy with an exciting project: filming a Makaton story! This fantastic initiative combines storytelling with sign language, enhancing both communication skills and creativity. The film has been a heartwarming collaboration for all involved.

Paper Mache Titanic (8T3)
The history of the Titanic came to life in 8T3, where students created paper mache replicas of the iconic ship. Their models show impressive attention to detail and demonstrate a growing interest in historical events. We are proud of their hard work!

Firefighter Visit
The Trees Phase had a special visit from our local firefighters, who shared important safety information and demonstrated their equipment. The students were captivated, asking lots of insightful questions while gaining an appreciation for these everyday heroes.

Andy Warhol-Inspired Portraits (7T3, 7T4, 8T4)
In Art, classes 7T3, 7T4, and 8T4 have been diving into the world of Andy Warhol. Inspired by his unique style, the students created their own portraits using bold colors and innovative techniques. The results were stunning!

Leaf Sculptures & Clay Leaves (7T1 & 7T2)
7T1 and 7T2 tapped into nature for their next project—crafting intricate leaf sculptures and creating clay leaves. These activities encouraged students to observe nature closely and translate their findings into artistic creations.

Bird Sculptures (8T3)
In 8T3, students continued their paper mache journey by sculpting beautiful birds. Their work is a testament to patience, attention to detail, and growing confidence in working with new materials.

Watering the Plants
Our young gardeners have been taking great care of the plants around the school, making sure they stay healthy and vibrant. This responsibility helps the students develop a sense of pride in their environment.

We are so proud of all the hard work and creativity that our students have shown. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the coming weeks!

Welcome to another edition of our Hills news! We’ve got plenty of exciting news, upcoming events, and pupil achievements to share with you. Take a look at what’s been happening... 

9H1 took part in an exciting trip to the Black Country Living Museum. They explored different ways people lived in the past and how they lived without electricity. They also explored the mines and learnt about the children and men who would have been working in the dark dirty conditions. 

10H1 have been learning about renewable and non-renewable energy. As a practical learning experience, we made mini wind turbines. Luckily it was a windy day so we could test out our creations!  

11H1 have been working extremely hard towards their qualifications in their final year at Sutton, to reach for the best possible outcomes! They have been showing their amazing Maths skills across different topics, and even asking for extra challenges. In English, they have been excelling in both their Speaking and Listening and Reading Assessments. Some amazing learning happening in 11H1! 

Classes 9H2 and 10H2 have been working hard using Colourful Semantics to help them create their own class newsletters about all the fun and educational things that they have experienced this half term. 10H2 have also been taking part in hydrotherapy sessions and have been developing their skills in the water.  

Pupils had a great time learning all about Japan during MFL day. They tried different foods, learn some new Japanese phrases, practiced origami and learnt all about the history and culture of Japan. 

We hope you all have a wonderful half term break.

As we come to the end of the first half term, we celebrate the hard work of our pupils. Their creativity and achievements continue to make us proud. From school-wide experiences to classroom highlights, this edition is packed with positive news!  

9R1 are proudly raising money for the Royal British Legion poppy appeal. We have been working hard at planning and organising when and how we will sell these during the school day. A ParentMail with more information will follow shortly. 

9R2 Have been exploring the local writer Benjamin Zephaniah they have learnt about his life and his wonderful stories, poetry, and songs. They have looked for similarities between Benjamin’s writing and the author Pamela M Tuck (As fast as words could fly) who wrote in a comparable way to Benjamin focusing on the rights of Black lives. Benjamin used a typewriter, and pupils experienced what it would be like to use this type of machine, which was also presented in the novel by Pamela. 

10R1 This term we have been focusing on the story ‘Wonder’. We have been looking into character growth and the way emotions change throughout the story. From looking at events within the story we have been able to empathise with Auggie and understand his emotions and actions with reason. 

This term 10R2 have been looking at festival celebrations in RE. We are currently learning about Yom Kippur a Jewish celebration which focuses on the theme of forgiveness and cleansing. We will be doing some role play this week to show the benefits of forgiving others and understanding why sometimes this can be difficult. They have also made a positive start to their speaking and listening assessments and have been transferring these skills to make a podcast on our novel ‘Wonder’. They’ve been working in small groups to recreate a scene from the book. The pupils will be recording these podcasts next week as they continue to build their confidence using their speaking and listening skills. 

This half term 11R1 have been exploring the solar system. After lots of patience with papier mâché, we have finally been able to decorate our balloons, bringing our previously designed planets to life! Not only have we named them, we have also selected a habitat and population size. We are looking forward to learning more about the solar system from Brian Cox’s new documentary series after half term! 

11R2 have been working hard and completed their speaking and listening assessments and their reading assessments in English. They have developed presentation skills and confidence. We are very proud of them all for their hard work and determination! 

This week, our pupils have been exploring the fascinating culture and history of Japan. They learned about traditional customs, tried their hand at origami, and discovered the beauty of Japanese art and calligraphy. The children were excited to learn a few Japanese phrases and even got to taste some authentic Japanese snacks! It’s been a wonderful experience broadening their understanding of this unique and vibrant country. 

We hope you have a wonderful half term break.

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme - Dudley Half-Term

We are excited to inform you about the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) initiative running across Dudley this half-term. Keeping children active and in a routine during the holidays is incredibly beneficial for their physical and mental wellbeing. The HAF programme offers a range of fun and engaging activities, alongside nutritious meals, at no cost.

In addition to HAF, there are other free activities available throughout the Dudley borough. Click the link to explore the full list and plan your half-term!

We understand that with the current cost of living crisis, feeding children during the holidays can be a daunting and costly task for many families. If you are struggling to feed your family at any point, please know that the Black Country Foodbank is available to help. Sutton School is a voucher holder for the foodbank, and we can make referrals on your behalf if needed.

As a pastoral school, we are committed to working closely with parents and the wider community to support our pupils' wellbeing. Please don't hesitate to reach out for assistance.

To self refer please click here.

We would like to sincerely thank parents and carers for their continued support in helping improve school attendance. Attending school regularly is not just about meeting targets—it plays a key role in supporting your child’s mental health and overall wellbeing.

A special congratulations to 11R2 HDN for achieving 97.1% attendance this half term!

However, we remain concerned about the number of children arriving late to school. This is something we will continue to monitor. If you are finding it difficult to get your child to school on time, please let us know so we can work together to find ways to support you.

For a reminder, please see the attached information on the new government guidance around school attendance.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support.

We are proud to share that the Dudley Special Schools Orchestra recently performed at the prestigious Birmingham Symphony Hall!

As a SEN school, we have seen first hand the incredible benefits that performing arts have on our pupils' confidence, creativity, and overall wellbeing.

Please take a moment to watch their amazing performance and celebrate the talents of our wonderful students.

Click here.

Trees Phase Highlights

7T4 & 8T4

During Science lessons, 7T4 and 8T4 have been exploring the signs of Autumn and created a beautiful Autumn tuff tray display to celebrate the season. They also planted a grape hyacinth in water, using a glass jar to observe its growth and changes right in the classroom—an exciting experiment to watch!

7T1 

7T1 delved into the world of dental care, learning the importance of dental hygiene through hands-on activities focused on proper teeth cleaning techniques. They also had a lot of fun interviewing Mr. Twit, bringing some lively character studies into the classroom! Additionally, 7T1 participated in a treasure hunt around the school, using a site map to navigate and solve clues.

7T2 

7T2 joined 7T1 for the treasure hunt, which encouraged teamwork and map-reading skills as they explored the school grounds together.

8T3 

8T3 tapped into their artistic side by making clay tiles and drawing birds in their Art lessons, creating some stunning pieces for their portfolios.

7T3 

7T3 got creative with leaf printing, capturing the beauty of Autumn through art. They also completed a jigsaw puzzle about the world's oceans, enriching their geographical knowledge in a fun and interactive way.

7T1 (again!) 

7T1 has been busy! They also worked on their digital skills, editing photos using Pixlr, exploring how to enhance images through technology.

7T4 & 8T4 (A Special Treat) 

Both classes enjoyed a delicious treat by making pizzas last week, turning their classrooms into mini pizzerias. It was a fun and tasty experience for everyone involved!

It’s been a vibrant and activity-packed term so far, with every class diving into hands-on learning and creative projects. We look forward to more adventures and discoveries in the coming weeks!

Welcome back to another edition of our newsletter where we can share the wonderful things our Hills pupils have been working on!  

Pupils in 9H1 have been having fun creating their own versions of Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ during their DofE lessons. They first painted the background and then designed their own silhouettes. The paintings turned out really well and we’ll be displaying them in the classroom. 

11H1 are thoroughly enjoying their Duke of Edinburgh skill topic of Music, exploring The Planets by Gustav Holst last week and creating their own planets this week. They were able to explore a range of instruments and be as creative as they could. Our planets ranged from a Jamaican planet to a Big Hero Six planet.  

11H1 have been enjoying their ‘Going on a Visit’ topic where they have been exploring various local places that they could plan a trip to. So far, they have found that both the Black Country Museum and the Sea Life Centre have great accessible facilities for all, making it both inclusive and fun for everyone to enjoy! 

9H2 and 10H2 have been getting creative during their pathway lessons and using collage to create pieces of art of different animals. Pupils in 10H2 have also been enjoying their weekly hydrotherapy sessions and have been working on their water skills! 

Pupils have alos been taking part in Woodland School, building shelters and practicing their skills of how to keep safe and warm in the outdoors.

It has been another busy fortnight for our fabulous Rivers pupils!  

On Tuesday 9R1 had the privilege of visiting the library in Wordsley. We have had a lovely experience exploring the library and becoming familiar with the library system and how to take out books.  

10R1 have been involved in recording a radio show! Students researched, planned and carried out the production of the show. Most students had a speaking role in the show, talking about the author, J. K. Rowling. The students who did not want to talk contributed in a different way such as inputting music, recording and producing a part of the show. After the trip all students wrote a report on their experiences.  

10R2 were very impressive when they discussed the following phrase ‘real men don’t cry’ during our PSHE lesson on managing feelings. They were sensitive, articulate and mature when listening to each other's opinions and thoughts. They all agreed at the end that people do express their feelings and emotions differently because we are unique, and we should respect each other's views. Well done for taking such a mature approach, 10R2! 

11R1 enjoyed the ‘Picture News’ debate this week. We discussed the pros and cons of working from home, with others and the ‘hybrid’ style of work. There were many opinions given based on recent changes to the way Amazon employees shall be working. The class unanimously agreed that human interaction is really important. I wonder how our pupils will all work in the future?! 

Year 11 pupils have also been researching planets during their D of E lessons. After creating their very own planet last week, giving it a name, habitat and associated facts, this week, they made the planet. Pupils used balloons, newspaper and PVA glue to bring their planets to life! 

Year 9 Rivers have had the privilege of working with an external provider, Charlie, from Oldswinford Cricket club. Pupils have been having lots of fun exploring and learning new skills which include overarm windmill bowling to batting. 

We all know that life can get overwhelming at times, and it’s important to remember that support is available.

Dudley Support Circles is a low-level mental health service designed to help adults in Dudley self-manage their mental health. They provide personalised support, getting to know you and your needs to create a plan that works for you. Through positive activities, group sessions, 1-to-1 support, and peer-led activities, they can help you on your journey to better wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take that step towards wellness.

Click her to find out more.

This week is National Dyslexia Week, and as a SEN school, we are committed to supporting and raising awareness of dyslexia. It’s important to recognise the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia, and to ensure that our school environment is inclusive and supportive for all learners. For more information on dyslexia, please visit here.

We understand that managing different school settings for your children can be challenging and may affect punctuality and attendance. To help, Dudley borough is offering wraparound childcare support for families who are struggling with this. This service aims to ease the stress of coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups, ensuring that all children can attend school on time and regularly.

If you have a child aged between 4-11-years old they could access a Wraparound Childcare Service located at or near to your child's school during term time.

Wraparound childcare will support your child to rest and relax before and after school, enjoy activities with their friends and receive a healthy breakfast and snacks. This will enable you as a parent to seek employment, work more flexibly, work longer hours, or attend training/appointments. This service will be chargeable however you will be able to either access tax free childcare or if you are in receipt of universal credits then 85% of the costs could be paid for you.

All childcare is regulated and inspected by Ofsted and is provided by registered professionals who are fully trained and experienced in looking after children and all staff will have been police checked (DBS).

The childcare could be through a local primary school, childminder, or an early year’s provider.

Trees Phase Highlights

This week in Trees Phase, students across various classes engaged in a variety of creative and hands-on activities:

7T1 used iPads to explore the world of photography, capturing unique moments while also researching interesting facts about the beloved author Roald Dahl.

7T2 and 7T3 tapped into their creativity by making kites, learning about aerodynamics and enjoying some outdoor fun.

In 8T2, students explored the fascinating history of flight, focusing on the Wright Brothers. They put theory into practice by crafting paper planes and testing their designs.

8T3 expressed emotions through art in Core Studies, crafting clay faces that represented various emotions and learning how facial expressions communicate feelings.

A fantastic week filled with learning, creativity, and exploration!

It has been a busy fortnight for our Hills pupils! They have taken part in Reading Buddies, been out to Wordsley Library, reading sessions with Jo, school show rehearsals, hydrotherapy sessions, after school clubs, practical learning during pathways and a WM Police workshop. 

Rivers have had an action-packed few weeks both in and out of school! Pupils have been on trips to the leisure centre, supported with organising the school library and visited Wordsley library, participated in our Reading Leaders scheme and have been rehearsing for our school production in a range of singing, dance, acting roles.  

Supporting World ADHD Awareness Day

As part of our commitment to promoting inclusivity and understanding, Sutton school proudly supports World ADHD Awareness Day during #ADHDAwarenessMonth. We believe it’s essential to spread the message that neurodivergence is normal and that children with ADHD can live balanced, fulfilling lives when given the right support and understanding.

Let’s continue to raise awareness, break down misconceptions, and foster a supportive community for neurodiverse children. Together, we can help end the stigma surrounding ADHD and ensure every child thrives.

#ADHD #ADHDsupport #ADHDawareness #ADHDcommunity #EndTheStigma

World Mental Health Day: Supporting Positive Mental Health

At Sutton School, we are dedicated to promoting positive mental health for all our students and their families. As a SEN school, we understand the importance of providing tailored support that nurtures both the emotional and mental wellbeing of our students. This World Mental Health Day, we want to emphasise the importance of mental health awareness and share some tips for both students and parents/carers to maintain a healthy mindset.

Tips for students:

- Talk about your feelings: It's okay to share your worries or emotions with a trusted adult, whether it’s a teacher, parent, or carer.

- Stay active: Physical activity, even just a short walk or movement breaks, can improve your mood and help manage stress.

- Take breaks: Make sure to rest when things feel overwhelming—take time to relax, read a book, or listen to your favourite music.

- Practice mindfulness: Simple breathing exercises or focusing on the present moment can help calm your mind when things get tough.

Tips for Parents and Carers:

- Encourage open conversations: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings without judgment. Listen and validate their emotions.

- Promote routine and structure: Consistent routines help children feel secure, so try to maintain regular sleep, meal, and activity times.

- Be a role model: Show positive ways of managing stress by practicing healthy habits, such as self-care and mindfulness, and let your child see how you handle challenges.

- Seek support when needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you feel overwhelmed. Our school is here to offer guidance and resources to support you and your child.

Let’s continue to work together to prioritise mental health and create a supportive environment for all our students and their families.

This National Teachers' Day, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for the incredible teaching staff at Sutton school. As a SEN school, we recognise the unique dedication, patience, and care that our teachers put into supporting every child’s individual journey. Their passion for education and commitment to nurturing our students' growth makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

We are proud of the tireless work our teachers do each day to create an inclusive, understanding, and empowering learning environment. On this special day, let’s celebrate our amazing educators for their invaluable contributions to our school community.

In our creative adventures this term, 8T1 designed and crafted space rockets! The class had a blast, combining science and imagination to construct these unique models.

It has been a pleasure to welcome Hills pupils back into school! A special mention to our year 9 pupils who have settled into upper school really well. We have wasted no time in getting stuck into our autumn term curriculum; embedding safe, happy, learning towards independence into everything we do. Here’s a snapshot of the exciting things we have been up to... 

It has been wonderful to welcome our Rivers pupils back into school. We are really proud of how well year 9 have settled in. Pupils have began working towards qualifications, exploring lots of different subject areas and attending after school clubs. Here is what we have been up to...

As the children form new friendships, it's important to be aware of the platforms they use to communicate. Social media, messaging apps, and online games can be fun ways to connect, but they can also expose children to risks.

Here are a few tips to help keep your child safe online:

1. Monitor platforms: Know which apps and websites your child is using. Familiarise yourself with their features, especially privacy settings.

2. Encourage open conversations: Make sure your child feels comfortable talking to you about their online experiences, both positive and negative.

3. Set boundaries: Discuss time limits and appropriate content for their age. Remind them not to share personal information online.

4. Stay informed: Technology changes rapidly, so regularly check for updates on online safety.

By staying mindful of your child’s digital interactions, we can work together to create a safe online environment where they can thrive.

As we transition back into the school routine, we want to emphasise the importance of re-establishing healthy habits, especially when it comes to sleep and daily structure. A consistent sleep schedule is crucial to ensuring children are rested and ready to engage in their learning each day.

- Set a regular sleep schedule: Encourage your child to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

- Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Reading a book or listening to calming music before bed can help signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down.

- Limit screen time before bed: Try to reduce exposure to screens (phones, tablets, TV) at least one hour before bedtime.

In addition to sleep, establishing daily routines helps children feel secure and supported. Here are some helpful tips to create a routine that works for your family:

- Morning preparation: A regular wake-up time paired with a calm and organised morning can set the tone for a productive day.

- After-school wind-down: Allocate time for play, and relaxation after school, keeping a balance between activities and rest.

We hope these suggestions help create a smooth and positive transition back to school. Here's to a wonderful term ahead filled with learning and growth!

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We are pleased to introduce PC Katie Russell, who has joined our wider school community as our Police and Young Persons Coordinator. PC Russell will be working closely with our pupils, providing guidance and support where needed, and helping them understand important matters around making the right choices.

Her role will involve offering advice on various topics, ensuring that our pupils are informed about their rights and responsibilities, while promoting positive behaviour both inside and outside of school. PC Russell is a fantastic resource for the school, and we are excited to have her on board.

She will also be available at this year's Parents' Evening on 23rd October 2024, so feel free to stop by and say hello!

We look forward to seeing the positive impact PC Russell will have in supporting our pupils and strengthening our school community.

To keep update with all the events happening at school please see our events page of our website.