Firstly, we must celebrate the author in our midst! Neil Maslen, our valued Director of Education has just published ‘The A-Z of Special Educational Needs’ along with a lady called Lindsay Cooper – Smith and featuring some input form Dawn House School staff. This is available on Amazon, but I might lend you my signed copy if you’d like a read. Congratulations Neil.

In other leadership news, the Dawn House School Senior Leaders spent last Saturday working on our strategic plans for September when we anticipate having even more additional pupils in school, likely up to 115 in total! We have considered everything from how the school day looks, lunchtimes, the curriculum, staffing, our assessment process, EHCP reviews…to name but a few! It was such a productive day, without the usual day to day interruptions. Pupils have also been asked to consider similar aspects today in the Pupil Leadership Group and when we return after Easter we will be talking with staff and sharing with Parents and the Schools Advisory Board.

Robin Hoods Bay Residential Trip

https://www.dawnhouseschool.org.uk/2025/03/25/pupil-experience-of-robin-hood-bay-trip/

Please follow the link to hear one of the students accounts of the KS5 trip to Robin Hoods Bay. I’m sure you’ll agree it sounds like they all had a great time!

Sarah Throup (SLT) who supported the trip said ‘it’s incredible to be part of this as an SLT, as all pupils thrive, develop and become more confident through the carefully planned, multiple / layered up opportunities to apply their literacy, numeracy, language, social communication and emotional regulation skills in real life, community and social situations with deliberately fading support from familiar staff’

Dawn House School Table Cricket Team – On to the County Finals!
The Dawn House School table cricket team were outstanding in their recent tournament, winning 5 out of 6 games and only narrowly losing one match by a few runs. Their teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship shone throughout the day. As a result of their brilliant performance, they have now qualified for the Nottinghamshire County Finals at Nottingham Trent University, where they’ll face the best teams in the county for a chance to progress to the regional finals. A huge well done to the whole team – you’ve done the school proud!

Our Outdoor Learning Group went climbing this week with Mr Winfield- look out for some great photos on the website and the Facebook page.

Free Wills Month – a message from Speech and Language UK

Do you want to look after your loved ones?

Your will is a chance to shape a legacy that is as unique as you are.

Writing or updating your Will is made easier by our partner Octopus Legacies, who are offering the free Will service to Speech and Language UK (with no obligations!).

Doing this now means you will save the people you love time, money and stress when the inevitable comes to pass.

If you choose to include a gift in your will, it’s a powerful way to help children and families just like yours.  And leaving a gift in your Will to charity is easier than you might think.

Get in touch directly with Octopus Legacy via this unique link, or contact Speech and Language UK here if you have any question about ways to support the charity and school.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – take this important step today.

Finally – a request for garden tools to support our pupils growing interest in growing things! Any items gratefully received to help us enhance the reading garden and other outdoor areas of school. One of the groups planted sunflowers today! I can’t wait to see where they appear!

Please send any items to the school office.

A reminder too that we break up at 1pm NEXT Friday 4th April and to remember to put your clocks forward this Saturday night!

We hope your children enjoyed their shopping at the Mother’s Day stall, and that you all enjoy your gifts. Thank you to the wellbeing team for arranging this and to parents for supporting.

Have a lovely weekend,

Jenny