Happy half-term:

As we reach the half-term break, I wanted to say how much I have enjoyed working with everyone and getting to know the pupils, staff, and wider Fountaindale community. I think I’ve finally cracked most of the pupils’ names, although I still have a little work to do with some of the staff names! It has been lovely getting to know everything that makes Fountaindale such a special place. There are some truly exceptional people who make up this community, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it.

Wishing everyone a happy and restful half-term break!

Pupil Groups - 2026/27:

We understand that anxieties can sometimes be raised at this time of year as families begin to think ahead to September, thinking about class groupings and possible changes.

As a Senior Leadership Team, we are currently working through the process of putting class groups together for academic year 2026/27. There are a number of staffing aspects that we are in the process of finalising and establishing to support this process. We are also taking into account feedback from teachers in relation to their professional thoughts and observations, and this work is ongoing.

We have scheduled the sharing of finalised pupil groups for 2026/27 with all our staff during our staff meeting on Wednesday 8th July.

In addition, we have arranged two transition opportunities for pupils:

Tuesday 14th July:

• Transition 1: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Thursday 16th July:

• Transition 2: 1:30pm–2:30pm

We will share further information with parents/carers once arrangements are fully finalised, so that you have timely information to help support your young person through this transition ahead of the summer break.

Reminder Regarding Appointment Evidence:

Please can we remind all parents and carers to send evidence of any appointments via Seesaw directly to Aby Goodwin, EHCP Administrator. This can be in the form of a screenshot, photograph of an appointment letter, or a paper copy sent into school. Providing this information promptly is extremely important as it ensures that school registers are coded correctly.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in helping us keep attendance records accurate and up to date.

Medical Update: 

As we are going into the warmer months of the year, please ensure that you are happy about the amount of fluids your child is getting in school. Please check with your dietician plan to ensure you have additional fluids written into the plan for when your child needs this (and when the sun shines!) If you need any support with this, please pop in and see the meds team or Charlotte Adu - Deputy Headteacher.

Please can you also send a message on Seesaw to the class team and meds team when you are sending in medication. This ensures that staff are expecting medication to be arriving and to check the bag immediately on arrival. 

Opportunity to Become a Parent Governor at Fountaindale School:

We are currently looking for a Parent Governor to join the Academy Council (governing body) at Fountaindale School.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support the school, contribute to decision-making, and help shape the future for our pupils and wider school community.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact me for an informal discussion about the role and next steps.

Email: bnorman@nexusmat.org or contact me on Seesaw.

Outdoor Learning Week - 1^st - 5^th June 2026:

We are looking forward to our upcoming Outdoor Learning Week taking place from Monday 1st June to Friday 5th June 2026.

Throughout the week, pupils will enjoy a variety of exciting outdoor activities including:

• Forest School sessions
• Bushcraft activities
• Den building challenges
• Outdoor exploration and sensory experiences
• Teamwork and problem-solving activities
• Nature-based learning opportunities

These activities will give pupils opportunities to develop confidence, independence and communication skills whilst enjoying hands-on learning experiences outdoors with both school staff and visiting providers.

Preloved Uniform Shop:

A reminder to families that we have a wonderful selection of preloved school uniform available in our reception area. Thanks to many generous donations, we currently have lots of uniform items available, with even more stored in the cupboard in the hall.

If you cannot find the size you need on the railings in reception, please let your child’s teacher know. The Woodpeckers Enterprise Team will be happy to check our additional stock to see if we have the sizes or items, you are looking for.

Half-term Activity:

If you’re looking for something a little different over half term, you might enjoy visiting the Luminarium: Timisien at. This immersive, walk-through experience is filled with colourful light and spaces to explore and is suitable for all ages. There is a dedicated SEND session on Wednesday for children who are able to manage some noise levels, although the quieter sessions have unfortunately sold out. The venue is generally accessible throughout the event. It’s a wonderful experience and well worth a visit if you get the chance!

https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/festival/luminarium-timisien/

Weekly Safeguarding Update - Child Exploitation and Grooming Awareness:

This week’s focus is on child exploitation and grooming. Grooming can happen both online and in person, and involves someone building trust with a child in order to manipulate, exploit, or harm them. This can be very subtle and difficult to recognise.

Key things to be aware of:

• Grooming can take place through social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps, or in person
• Perpetrators may use gifts, attention, or secrecy to build trust with a child
• Children may not realise they are being exploited and may feel confused, loyal, or frightened
• Exploitation can also involve pressure to share images, personal information, or meet in person
• Changes in behaviour (becoming withdrawn, secretive, or anxious) can sometimes be a sign something is wrong

Top tips for parents and carers:

• Talk openly about healthy and unhealthy relationships, both online and offline
• Encourage your child to tell you if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or asks them to keep secrets
• Remind children that they will not be in trouble for speaking up
• Monitor changes in behaviour, friendships, or online activity
• Use parental controls and privacy settings, but balance this with ongoing open conversation

Useful resources for further support:

• NSPCC - Child exploitation and grooming: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/grooming/
• CEOP Education (Thinkuknow): https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Have a great week!

Ben Norman

Headteacher

 bnorman@nexusmat.org