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.

• 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

• Essex Fire Museum - Family open day Sunday 28th June 2026

  Thu 18 Jun 2026

  There will be opportunities for families to get involved in history trails around the museum, spot hazards in our fire safety room, partake in craft activities, sit on our fire engines (and squirt water).   We can also take referrals for families who don’t have working smoke alarms and arrange a free home visit.

   

  The museum is free entry (but visits are by appointment only……..as we are on the site of an operational fire station).

  If families are interested, could they please make a booking via Eventbrite:

   

  Sunday 28^th June 2026:  Essex Fire Museum Open Day Tickets, Sunday 28 June  •  10:30 AM - 4 PM | Eventbrite 

    

   Suggested last admissions are 2.30pm.   This is just so that people have enough time to experience everything on site.

   

  Our address and contact details are:

  Essex Fire Museum

  Grays Fire Station,

  Hogg Lane,

  Grays RM17 5QS

  Phone: 01376 576847

  Email: museum@essex-fire.gov.uk

  Website:  Fire Museum (essex-fire.gov.uk)

• MISSION: MUD for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

  Thu 18 Jun 2026
  

• The Circus is coming to Abridge - 12th June

  Fri 12 Jun 2026
  

• Have Your Say: Help Your Child Shape 'The Big Future' 📢

  Thu 11 Jun 2026

  We need your help to amplify our students' voices. Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has officially launched The Big Future, a landmark national survey designed to give children and young people a direct say in shaping their communities and national policy. 

   

  Why Should Your Child Take Part?

  The Children's Commissioner will take the direct views of our youth straight to the Government to influence future policies, services, and funding. The survey asks children about:

  • Their biggest worries and concerns
  • The positive changes they want locally
  • Their hopes and aspirations for the years ahead
  • What a good childhood truly looks like today

   

  Survey Details & How to Complete It

  • Who can enter: All children and young people aged 0 to 18.
  • Time commitment: It takes less than 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
  • Privacy: All responses are entirely anonymous and private.
  • Adult support: Children can complete it independently, or parents/carers can complete it alongside younger children or those who need extra help. There are also accessible options available for children with SEND.

  👉 Click here to complete the survey with your child: Take The Big Future Survey

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• 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:

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  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.