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

• Summer Reading Challenge 2026 - “Read to the Beat”

  Sat 05 Sep 2026

  We’re excited to share that the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 is launching this July, with this year’s theme “Read to the Beat”, a fun, music-inspired challenge celebrating reading, rhythm, and creativity!

   

  The Challenge will run in Essex libraries from Saturday 18 July to Saturday 5 September, giving children the opportunity to enjoy books over the summer, build confidence in their reading, and earn rewards along the way. 

   

   

  The Summer Reading Challenge helps children:

  ·Maintain and improve their reading skills during the summer break. (The ‘Summer slide’ can cause children to lose up to 20% of their reading gains made during the previous school year (Gov.UK).)

  ·Discover new books and authors

  ·Build confidence and a love of reading

  ·Stay engaged and motivated through a fun, themed programme

  

• 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.

• FREE Children's Workshops for eligible children who receive a WONDE code

  Sun 30 Aug 2026

  We are delighted to be running FREE Children's Workshops during the summer holidays, funded by Active Essex and Essex County Council.

  These small, friendly clubs (maximum 20 children per session) will offer a range of fun and enriching activities, including cooking, sports, and creative arts and crafts. A hot lunch will be provided for every child attending.

  Parents and carers of eligible children will receive a WONDE code, which they can use to book a free place. We also have a few number of paid spaces available each day. Parents can book via this link Book - Loughton Summer Holiday Clubs - Loughton | eola

  

• Supporting Your Child's Transition to Secondary School

  Thu 25 Jun 2026

  Free Online Event: Supporting Your Child's Transition to Secondary School
  Thursday 25th June | 7:00–8:00pm | Zoom

   

  Register your interest below to secure your place.

   

  We'll send you an email with your Zoom joining link and final event details three days before the event, with a reminder on the day itself.

   

  Attendance is free and open to all parents and carers. Following the event, attendees will also receive a practical handout summarising the key tips and advice shared by our speakers.
  
  You'll also receive our monthly newsletter packed with expert advice, resources and practical guidance to help support children's mental health and wellbeing. You can opt out at any time.

   

  https://mailchi.mp/nipinthebud.org/parent-zoom-live-signup-page

• The Circus is coming to Abridge - 12th June

  Fri 12 Jun 2026
  

• 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.

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

  Fri 01 May 2026