Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Three brand-new Epping Forest Treasure Trails in Ongar, Loughton and Waltham Abbey

  Wed 02 Sep 2026

  Three brand-new Epping Forest Treasure Trails in Ongar, Loughton and Waltham Abbey, designed as fun, self-guided walking adventures suitable for all ages. Each trail takes around two hours to complete, with clues ranging from simple to challenging to ensure everyone can get involved.

   

   Thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) support, the District Council is able to offer the first 500 downloads for each trail completely free of charge on a first-come, first‑served basis.

   

   These trails aim to:

  • Encourage families to get outdoors and enjoy local walking routes
  • Build pride in our towns and neighbourhoods
  • Increase footfall in our high streets
  • Celebrate local architecture, history, landscapes and hidden stories

   We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with your school community through Parent Mail or preferred communication channel.

   

  How families can take part

  1. Choose your local Epping Forest trail and click the link to go straight to it:

  ·       Ongar Trail – https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/products/chipping-ongar-treasure-hunt

  ·       Loughton Trail – https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/products/loughton-treasure-hunt

  ·       Waltham Abbey Trail – https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/products/waltham-abbey-treasure-hunt

  1. Add your chosen trail to the basket.
  2. Use the relevant code at checkout to download the trail for free:

  ·       Ongar: Ongar2026

  ·       Waltham Abbey: WalthamAbbey2026

  ·       Loughton: Loughton2026

   These trails offer a fantastic way for families to explore their local area together while learning about the history and character of our district.

• The Circus is coming to Abridge - 12th June

  Fri 12 Jun 2026
  

• Coffee Morning Fundraiser for our Volunteer run School Production costume provider

  Sat 06 Jun 2026

  The Christian Drama Resource Centre hires, at an affordable cost, costumes, props, scripts and also provide storytelling teams to churches, schools, drama groups and community organisations all over Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex ,Greater London and further afield.  On average we provide over 3000 costumes every year, for productions and school events.

   

  Ivy Chimneys have used the CDRC services many times in the past to provide costumes for productions here and they have asked us to let you know that they are doing a Coffee morning fundraiser on Saturday 6th June.

   

  Please do go along to find out more and support them.

   

  Coffee Morning Fundraiser (10:00am – 12:00 noon)

  All proceeds will go towards supporting CDRC.

  Refreshments will be prepared and served by Wesley’s Café, with a percentage of proceeds generously donated to CDRC. The café will remain open until 1:00pm as usual.

  Enjoy a relaxed morning with:

  • Cakes
  • Plants
  • Jewellery
  • Bric-a-brac
  • Refreshments

   

  

• Puddle Magazine for Early Years and Primary Schools

  Sun 31 May 2026

  Puddle Magazine for Early Years and Primary Schools

  
  The latest free issue of Little and Local Magazine is now available for families.

   

  Inside, you’ll find simple seasonal crafts, local family events and news, and articles exploring topics including children’s friendships, technology / AI, and creativity.

  
  https://issuu.com/puddlemagazine/docs/puddle_magazine_essex_may_2026_issue_13?fr=sNzNhOTkxMDM4MDc

• pre‑recorded workshops created specifically those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

  Fri 22 May 2026

  We are pleased to share a series of bespoke pre‑recorded workshops created specifically for the PINS project developed by KIDS. KIDS is an organisation dedicated to ensuring that all children and young people, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), have equal access to opportunities.

  KIDS will be drawing upon their extensive national expertise in neurodiversity, emotional wellbeing, and sensory‑informed practice. These sessions are designed to support professionals, parents and carers with practical, inclusive strategies.

  Please find details of each workshop below:

  ---

  Introduction to Neurodiversity (1.5 hours)

  This training provides a clear and accessible introduction to autism, ADHD and neurodiversity, rooted in a strengths‑based, neuro‑affirming approach.
  The sessions explore how neurodivergence may present across communication, attention, emotional regulation and social interaction, while challenging deficit‑based narratives. Practical content supports professionals and parent‑carers to build confidence, reduce stigma and apply inclusive approaches across home, educational and community settings.

  Supporting Emotional Regulation and Behaviour (1 hour)

  This 60‑minute pre‑recorded workshop focuses on emotional regulation as a developmental and neurological process rather than behaviour management. It explores the impact of stress, anxiety, sensory overload and communication differences, offering practical strategies to support co‑regulation, emotional literacy and calm, consistent responses.

  Understanding Sensory Processing Differences (1 hour)

  A 60‑minute pre‑recorded workshop exploring sensory processing differences, such as sensory seeking, avoidance, and sensitivity, and how this influences behaviour, learning and wellbeing. The session includes practical strategies for supporting sensory regulation through environments, routines, and activities.

  Creating Neuro‑Affirming Learning (1 hour)

  This 60‑minute workshop helps educators, parents and carers create neuro‑affirming learning environments. It considers how traditional expectations can disadvantage neurodivergent learners and provides guidance on adapting communication, teaching methods, assessments and learning spaces to promote inclusion and engagement.

  Understanding Behaviours that Challenge (1 hour)

  A trauma‑informed, relational 60‑minute workshop reframing behaviours that challenge as meaningful communication stemming from unmet needs, anxiety, sensory overload, or environmental mismatch. It supports participants to recognise triggers, understand escalation and use proactive strategies to reduce distress and build positive relationships.

  Resilience (1 hour)

  This workshop explores resilience as a relational and environmental process rather than an individual trait, with a particular focus on neurodivergent children and young people. Topics include positive identity building, emotional literacy, coping strategies and fostering safe, supportive relationships- while recognising the impact of chronic stress and exclusion.

   

  To access these workshops, please visit the web page below. The page is password protected so users will need the password to access the content. You can see the page using the link below.

   

   

  https://www.kids.org.uk/essex-pins/ Password:EssexPins26

   

   

• Learn to DJ at Epping Music School

  Wed 20 May 2026

  Jan, our wonderful music coach, from Epping Music School is starting a 'Learn to DJ' 6 week course at the Music School in Thornwood.  

   

  Please see all the details attached.

  

• Good Beginnings Course for Early Years and Primary Schools

  Tue 19 May 2026

  Good Beginnings is a popular information course for parents of autistic children under 5. Join the course over eight weeks to meet other parents of autistic children, learn more about autism and how to support your child, and hear from professionals in education and health. The course is taking place in Rayleigh, Chelmsford, Jaywick and Loughton. Book a place via the Essex Local Offer website.

• Become a Nature Explorer for a Weekend!

  Sun 03 May 2026

  Headline: Become a Nature Explorer for a Weekend!

  Join the Wilderness Foundation for the Mann Wood BioBlitz this May Bank Holiday weekend (2nd – 3rd May). Mann Wood is a beautiful 92-acre private woodland in Great Leighs that is usually closed to the public—but for 24 hours, we are opening the gates to find every species of plant and animal that lives there!

  This is a brilliant opportunity for children and families to:

  • Meet the Experts: Work with specialists from the Essex Bat Group, South Essex Bird Ringing Group, and more.

  • Get Hands-on: Take part in guided workshops, wildlife surveying, and family activities.

  • Support a Local Charity: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Foundation, which provides environmental education and nature therapy across Essex.

  Location: Mann Wood, Great Leighs, Chelmsford, CM3 1PP

  Booking: Space is limited to protect the woodland habitat and booking is essential

  Book Here

   

  Contact Details:

  Tel: 0300 123 3073

  catherine@wildernessfoundation.org.uk

  wildernessfoundation.org.uk

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• Essex Open Netball Club - trials for year 6 next year

  Fri 01 May 2026
  

• Free online support opportunity for parents and carers through the Autism Family Support Service.

  Thu 30 Apr 2026

  Has a child been diagnosed with autism (or suspected autism)?

   

   

  I'm writing to let you know about a free online support opportunity for parents and carers that we run through the Autism Family Support Service.

   

  The next free online drop-in takes place on Tuesday 3rd March from 7pm - 8.30pm.

   

  Please check out our website to learn more about You Are Not Alone.

   

  We'd love it if you could share this with families who may benefit. You can share this leaflet with them. If you can't download the leaflet, please email me at team@youarenotalone.community and I will send it as an attachment.

   

   

  What parents say:

   

  ‘Thank you so much for the group this evening. I can't tell you how grateful I feel, and I really do feel less alone and more validated. My hope is back’

   

  Juliet, parent

   

   

  You Are Not Alone - Free Online Parent Drop-In

   

  Parenting an autistic child can feel amazing, confusing, and overwhelming, sometimes all in the same day. That's why we host our no-cost monthly online drop-in sessions for parents and carers.

   

  First Tuesday of every month

  7pm - 8.30pm

  Platform: Zoom

   

  What these sessions are all about

   

  We've created a safe, non-judgemental space where parents can bring their questions, share worries and connect with others who 'get it'.

   

  Topics often included:

   

  • Understanding and responding to challenging behaviour
  • Making sense of autism on a deeper level
  • The ups and downs of family relationships and dynamics
  • Working with schools and professionals
  • Meeting like-minded parents and realising you are not alone

   

  What we would like parents to take away:

   

  • Feeling heard, appreciated, and understood
  • Knowing they are seen as the experts on their own child and family
  • Feeling hopeful and having gained practical ideas

   

   

  Who runs the sessions?

   

  The drop-ins are run by Erik Wagter (Social Worker) and Sally Wagter (Teacher) both with 20+ years of lived experience being the parent of an autistic child.

   

  These sessions are a chance for parents to talk openly, learn, and connect. They don't have to do this on their own.

   

  If you have families who may be interested, please provide them the leaflet.

   

  Parents can now request the Zoom link on our website's home page.

   

   

  Thank you for helping us spread the word. Together we can make sure parents know they are not alone.

   

   

  Kind regards,

   

  Erik Wagter

   

  Autism Family Support Service

  You Are Not Alone

   

  www.autismfamilysupportservice.com

  www.youarenotalone.community