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

   

  

• Half Term Band Camp and Musical Theatre Workshop by Epping Music School

  Fri 29 May 2026

  Run by Jan and her team at Epping Music School...please see flyers for more details.

  

• May Swimming Crash Course

  Fri 29 May 2026

  lessons are all 1:1 (siblings are very welcome to share a session!) and are tailored to each swimmer’s individual needs

  

• 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.

  

• 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

• Video Resources to support your neurodivergent child

  Sat 25 Apr 2026 Clare Cooper

  https://shortbreaks.essex.gov.uk/short-breaks-resources/