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

• 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

  Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn

  Sign up to our newsletter here 

  

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

  Fri 01 May 2026