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

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

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

 

 

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.