Dear all our Parents and Carers,

We are slowly returning to a new kind of normal and it is lovely to see our wonderful school buzzing with small groups of students again. We have been lucky in Learning Support to see small groups of students managed to make the transition back into school life and we are very proud of you all.

Our team of Learning Assistants have been no less that fantastic, and shown so much dedication and hard work with a constantly changing timetable and routine for them. Particular thanks goes out to Mrs Hughes, Mrs Malik, Mrs Ellicott, Mrs Roucco, Ms Richardson, Ms Davies, Mrs O’Leary for being so proactive with our students, and taking the time out to give them bespoke teaching and support.

During lockdown we have had a lovely group of keyworker children who have attended school on a daily basis. We took some photos of them enjoying some timeout for our memory book, before they all returned to teaching in ‘bubbles’ on Monday 15^th June 2020.

Ms Richardson and Miss Smart took their time out to do some art work and face painting with the Key Worker children. The younger keyworker children have also enjoyed phonics and reading.

Another testament to the dedication of the Learning Support team. Putting their large set of skills into place.

Alternative provision:

At Bushey Meads we are so proud of being able to offer alternative provision to our students. This is something that I am passionate about as I want to see all our students reach their full potential in what they excel at. Kindly, our very own Mr Campion took a student under his wing this week to teach him some decorating skills. These will lead to an AQA Unit Award for him that he can use to further his career.

Our very own Mrs Ellicott has found it difficult with not being able to have her hair cut over the past few months. Miss Burton offered to get the scissors out and give it a good chop for her, but she wasn’t too keen on that idea. Instead, she sorted the problem herself. Who knew that Amazon boxes could be so useful!

Since then, Mrs Ellicott has been both digging in her gardening and going for hikes.

We hope that Mrs Ellicott can get an appointment with a hairdresser as soon as it is safely possible.

Exciting update:

Ms Pool has just purchased four new weighted blankets for the Learning Support department. There are two for KS3 and two for KS4.

Weighted blankets are developed for the purpose of relieving stress and anxiety. While using these blankets, they provide the sensation of being hugged or embraced. They are individually made according to your height and body weight.

However, they offer much more than just a hug. Studies have shown that using a weighted blanket increases the level of serotonin and melatonin and we as reduces cortisol, enabling you to be calmer and improve your mood.

Year 6 transition days:

We have organised four additional transition mornings for students who are particularly anxious about starting at Bushey Meads School. We are looking forward to welcoming Year 6 into BMS. We are painting stones with acrylic paint and placing the stones to start the student’s foundation at Bushey Meads School.

Learning Support Bubble:

We are delighted with the hard work that is being completed in our Learning Support ‘bubble’ classroom. This morning all students were working under the careful tuition from Mrs Hughes, Mrs McCoombe, Miss Smart

Please do not forget that the whole team is now back in the office full time, and if you would like to contact us please do not hesitate:

0208 950 3000

dillonr@busheymeads.org.uk / poolr@busheymeads.org.uk

hedgesj@busheymeads.org.uk / burtone@busheymeads.org.uk