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.