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Larwood School

Part of Larwood Academy Trust

School News

Page 3

  • Fire and Rescue OPEN DAY!

    Published 11/03/19

     Stevenage Fire and Rescue, are hosting their annual open day at Longfiefld Training Centre, Longfield, Hitchin Road, SG1 4AE on Saturday, 13th April 2019 from 11am until 4pm. It's free entry and there will be a host of activities taking place; Fire demos, Air Ambulance, ‘Req’s the fire dog will be in attendance, bouncy castle, meet the super heroes, teddy bear parachute jumps, BBQ, Ice Cream van and much much more! Check out the PDF flyer attached below.

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  • WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOMO CHALLENGE

    Published 01/03/19

    Momo is a sinister ‘challenge’ that has been around for some time. It has recently resurfaced and once again has come to the attention of schools and children across the country. Dubbed the ‘suicide killer game’, Momo has been heavily linked with apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and most recently (and most worryingly)... YouTube Kids. The scary doll-like figure reportedly sends graphic violent images, and asks users to partake in dangerous challenges like waking up at random hours and has even been associated with self-harm. It has been reported that the ‘Momo’ figure was originally created as a sculpture and featured in an art gallery in Tokyo and unrelated to the ‘Momo’ challenge we are hearing about in the media.

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  • Secret Conversations: everything you need to know about Facebook's new feature

    Published 28/01/19

    Safer Internet Day is on Tuesday 5th February this year. The aim of 'Safer Internet Day' is to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. As part of this day, Larwood will continue to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of technology by posting useful tips/information to give YOU the tools to help keep your child safe.

    To kick off this sharing of information for 'SID' we previously posted about 'In-game chat', this post gives you some information about 'screen time'.

    Within this article in the colour burgundy or underlined words, are more external links to help support the following information: 

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  • 5 Things parents/carers should know about screen time - In conjunction with Safer Internet Day!

    Published 25/01/19

    Safer Internet Day is on Tuesday 5th February this year. The aim of 'Safer Internet Day' is to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. As part of this day, Larwood will continue to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of technology by posting useful tips/information to give YOU the tools to help keep your child safe.

    To kick off this sharing of information for 'SID' we previously posted about 'In-game chat', this post gives you some information about 'screen time'.

    Within this article in the colour burgundy or underlined words, are more external links to help support the following information:   

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  • In-game chat: What you NEED to know! - In conjunction with Safer Internet Day

    Published 24/01/19

    Safer Internet Day is on Tuesday 5th February this year. The aim of 'Safer Internet Day' is to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. As part of this day, Larwood will continue to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of technology by posting useful tips/information to give YOU the tools to help keep your child safe. To kick off this sharing of information for 'SID' we're looking at 'In-game chat'. Within this article in the colour burgundy or underlined words, are more external links to help support the following information:   

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  • LARWOOD LOWDOWN VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    Published 20/12/18

    Wishing all of our pupils, families, friends, colleagues, and governors a very Merry Christmas 2018. I hope that you get the time to enjoy yourselves, and spend some precious time with loved ones and this theme will be something that I will discuss with pupils before the end of the term.

    As usual, your children continue to make excellent progress in a wide variety of ways. At the time of writing, some of them will be involved in rehearsals for the Christmas Cabaret. However, we have had many other activities that are worthy of a mention as well:

    • A number of pupils have been working on their ‘coaching’ skills. They have undergone training, via our Skills Curriculum on a Thursday afternoon and then applied them with other pupils. This has then moved onto coached playtime sessions during the week.
    • In Life Skills, pupils have received training on how to deal with emergency situations
    • In Literacy, pupils have been working hard on a range of themes, including Hero’s, Chocolate and Excellent Earth!
    • We have introduced a ‘Hands on Monday’ so that all pupils engage in their lesson, (on Mondays), in a practical way as possible.
    • We have had a range of charity-based events including a Coffee morning, Valentines sale, Children in Need and we will be holding our Christmas Jumper day on Friday 15th December.
    • Some pupils have joined the The Space Hub. This is the old residential area of the school and has now been refurbished to allow us to educate up to 12 pupils. Five of our existing pupils have joined the Hub, alongside some new pupils as well. All pupils in the Hub have autism as part of their needs.

    During the first term of this academic year, I have also been working alongside a range of colleagues to promote a wider remit within the community, for Larwood Academy Trust. When we choose to become an academy, one of the aspects of this process that we wanted to pursue was being able to support other schools, pupils and colleagues and other pupils with special educational needs. This has now developed into the following:

    Outreach support for Stevenage Primary Schools

    This started in September and has been commissioned by DSPL 2 (Developing Specialist Provision Locally), and we now provide support for any primary school in Stevenage that has completed Tier 1 and 2 of the agreed behaviour support process. More information on this can be found by using the following links:

    http://www.larwood.herts.sch.uk/page/?title=OUTREACH&pid=100

    http://stevenagedspl.org.uk/tier-3/

    This service is led by Joe Scales.   

    Working with Brandles secondary school in Baldock

    I am currently continuing to work with Brandles School, supporting the Headteacher review some aspects of day-to-day practice, alongside any strategic changes that may also be developed. We are considering the possibility of formalising this process during the course of 2019. There are many immediate benefits for such a change. The most obvious being a clear continuum of provision from Larwood to Brandles for pupils that transfer there as part of their secondary provision. Additional support is also being    provided with Mr Van (Deputy Headteacher) and Mrs Fitzpatrick (Business Manager).

    The Space Hub

    Following the closure of our residential unit, we have now used the vacant space to open up our Space Hub! This operates like a ‘school within our school’, and is available for pupils with autism as part of their needs. It is not for every child that has autism and has been created for up to 12 pupils.

    Day to day, the Hub works differently to the rest of the school. They work in small pods rather than a traditional classroom, and best practice for staff working with autistic pupils is a key emphasis. It is new and developing, but I am very pleased with the progress that we have made so far. Mrs Williams is the Space Hub leader, and Mrs Otero and Mrs McKeever support her.

    Farewell to Mrs Massey

    Finally, at the end of this term we say farewell to a long serving member of our Kitchen team. Mrs Massey has served our school and pupils for many years. Originally, she worked with the residential pupils and recently has moved to helping with lunchtime service. She has been a fantastic colleague and has always taken huge pride with her work.

    On behalf of all pupils, staff and governors, I take this opportunity to wish her a long and enjoyable retirement.

    All pupils return on Monday 7th January 2019, at the normal time. As previously published with our term dates.
    THIS IS NOT AN INSET DAY!

     

                                                                            

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  • Parental Controls - eSafety @ Christmas Time

    Published 12/12/18

    It's that time of year again where children get new technology for Christmas or spend more time on their computers/tablets over the Christmas period. To help parents/carers make sure their children are safe online, we have updated the 'Parent Zone' eSafety section with a lot of information regarding 'Parental Controls' to help or guide you in the right direction on how to keep your children safe online. 

    The Parental Control section covers:

    • Broadband providers (Virgin, BT etc.)
    • Games consoles and other devices (Nintendo, XBOX, Google home etc.)
    • Mobile network operators (O2, EE etc.)
    • Online platforms (Netflix, iTunes etc.)
    • Operating systems (Windows 7, 8 etc.)
    • Search engines (Google, Bing etc.)
    • Social media (Facebook, Instagram etc.)
    • Tablets and Smartphones

    Parental controls can be used to block upsetting or harmful content, control in-app purchases or manage how long your child spends online. And the good news is, parental controls are really easy to set up.

    Innocent searches sometimes reveal not so innocent results. So if you’re worried about what your child is searching for online, who they’re talking to or what they’re seeing, the guidance we have provided should help. 

    It’s simple to get started. And, along with talking to your child regularly, using parental controls is one of the best ways to help keep children safe online.

    Conversations starters:

    • Encourage your child to behave safely online
    • Help them identify potential risks
    • Help limit the risks they may face online
    • Know what to do and where to go if they need help.

    TALK!

    You’ll find lots more information under the eSafety section of the Larwood School website <-- Click Here or call 0808 800 5002 to chat to an NSPCC or O2 advisor.

    If there are any parental controls for devices you would like that are not listed, please contact school, and we will try and source them for you. 

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  • Outstanding Governor Awards 2018

    Published 06/12/18

    Outstanding Governor Awards 2018

    Picture left to right;
    Andrew de Csilléry - Managing Director HfL
    Sandra Barr - Chair of Governors @ Larwood School
    Michael Taylor - Chair @ The Hertfordshire Association of School Governors   

    Earlier on in the year, Mr Newman nominated our Chair of Governors, Sandra Barr for the Hertfordshire Outstanding Governor Award 2018. Sandra has been in Governance for over 30 years, and Chair of Governing Body at Larwood School since it was opened by Tim Wood MP; on the 4th October 1996. That’s 32 years’ voluntary and outstanding service! 

    Herts for Learning (HfL) welcomed over 200 governors to the 2018 Hertfordshire Governors’ Conference, held at the Hertfordshire Development Centre, Stevenage on Saturday 17th November.

    With the theme of ‘School Leaders Managing Change’, delegates enjoyed a comprehensive conference programme jointly put together by the HfL Governance Services team and the Hertfordshire Association of School Governors (HASG). Opening the conference, HfL’s Managing Director Andrew de Csilléry, recognised the important and integral role that governors play, as volunteers, in raising school standards in Hertfordshire. Rachel Macfarlane, Director of Education Services at HfL, shared an overview of Hertfordshire’s current academic results. However the most exciting part of the conference was the announcement that Sandra had been selected as the outstanding Governor of The Year for 2018. 

    Sean Trimble (Headteacher) stated that this is a fantastic award and it is great to see Herts for Learning recognising Sandra's dedication and impact, during many years of service. She has always put pupils first, but has constantly considered the challenge that staff and families face when trying to create the very best learning circumstances for our pupils. I have never known a governor to give so much of her time for all concerned. She really is a 'one of a kind!'

    Thank you, well done, and congratulations Sandra!

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  • LARWOOD LOWDOWN VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1: NEW ACADEMIC YEAR!

    Published 21/11/18

    The start of a new academic year always promises so much! New pupils have been welcomed, and changes have been made during the summer term and holidays. There are clear examples of new plans continuing to use and improve upon old strategies, but also new ventures are part of our future plans. This includes the following:

    • A new curriculum - which is the Chris Quigley model. Please see our website for more information and information shared by Mrs Osobu: Assistant Headteacher
    • The end of the residential consultation process in September. This now proceeds to a governing body vote and sharing information with the DFE.
    • Increasing work with another SEMH school (secondary) - Brandles in Baldock. This is one of our main feeder schools for our pupils and we are considering ways of formalising this approach in the future, if possible.

    During the summer term, we spent much time evaluating many areas of school life. As in previous years, all of this information is on our website. The relevant section can be found in the following way:

    Within this area, you can see other sections titled ‘What Others Think of Us’, ‘What Pupils and Parents Think About us’ and ‘What We Know About Ourselves’. The website is always under review and being changed. Have you seen the video about Frank?

    Please do let me know what you think about our website, if you can spare the time.

    Our new School Development Plan highlights the continued need to make improvements in the areas of Progress, Well-Being and Sustainability. We have various plans involving the curriculum, assessment, outreach, well-being, mental health training for staff, governance, teaching and learning and developing our work with pupils who have autism. Your support is essential as we move forwards. There were many areas of our plans that were successful last year.  However, we have also identified areas that we want to make improvements with. For example, the new curriculum has been adopted to promote even better engagement from pupils building on last year’s practice, where pupils were leading themes with their own ideas in writing.

    Please do not forget that our half term break starts today and pupils are not expected back until Monday 5th November at the normal time.

    S D Trimble - Headteacher

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  • What We Know About Oursleves!

    Published 12/10/18

    The Larwood School 2017 - 2018 data for:

    Behaviour and Attendance
    Leadership and Management
    Personal Development
    Progress and Attainment
    The Pupil Premium
    The Sports Premium
    & Key Data Overview; is now LIVE! Please follow this link:
    http://www.larwood.herts.sch.uk/page/?title=What+We+Know+About+Ourselves&pid=64

    Or follow the links from the main menu: How Effective Are We//What we Know About Ourselves//and then click on the 2017 - 2018 data.

    Please note:
    If you require any information that isn't currently listed; please call 01438 236 333, and a copy can be printed off, and sent home. Thank you

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  • Data Protection & Privacy Notice

    Published 07/09/18

    CONTENTS

    1. Aims...............................................................................................................................................

    2. Legislation and guidance...............................................................................................................

    3. Definitions.....................................................................................................................................

    4. The data controller........................................................................................................................

    5. Data protection principles.............................................................................................................

    6. Roles and responsibilities..............................................................................................................

    7. Privacy/fair processing notice.......................................................................................................

    8. Subject access requests.................................................................................................................

    9. Parental requests to see the educational record..........................................................................

    10. Storage of records.......................................................................................................................

    11. Disposal of records......................................................................................................................

    12. Training........................................................................................................................................

    13. The General Data Protection Regulation....................................................................................

    14. Monitoring arrangements...........................................................................................................

    15. Links with other policies..............................................................................................................

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  • This is Frank! :)

    Published 07/09/18

    What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

    “a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialised expertise and within the scope of practice of his/her profession. Outcomes are documented, measured and evaluated” — SOCIETY COMPANION ANIMAL STUDIES

    PAWS Animal Assisted Therapy was founded in July 2016 by Sarah Gordon. PAWS is based in Harlow, Essex.

    Sarah is a qualified teacher and has experience teaching children with complex behavioural and educational needs.

    Animal Assisted Therapy is becoming a popular form of therapy in the UK. It is of great importance that both practitioner and therapy animal are certified appropriately. Please find below a list of qualifications that Sarah currently holds.

    • Qualified Teacher BA (HONS)
    • Special Needs Teacher for 2+ Years teaching children with complex needs including; Autistic Spectrum, ADHD, Global Development Delay, PDA, Attachment/Traumatised Child Disorder, Genetic Disorders (chromosomal deletions), Speech and Language Delay, Sensory Integration/Attachment Disorder.
    • Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Practitioner, BSY
    • Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, CPCAB
    • Animal Assisted Therapy in Counselling Certificate, Humanim CIC
    • Certificate in Therapeutic Play, IATE
    • Animal Assisted Play Therapy, Level 1, IIAAPT
    • Animal Assisted Play Therapy:  Level 2 Relationships and Applications, IIAPT
    • Canine Communication in Animal Assisted Play Therapy, IIAPT
    • Essentials of Canine Behaviour & Training for AAPT: Building the Therapeutic Partnership, IIAPT
    • Level 2 Award in Speech and Language Support for 5-11s, AptEd
    • Certified Professional Practitioner of Animal Assisted Play Therapy™, IIAPT

    “We are very pleased to announce that Sarah has been awarded the credential, Certified Professional Practitioner of Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ (CPP-AAPT). Sarah’s Approved AAPT dog is Frank, a Newfoundland. It takes a substantial amount of training (online and live) as well as specialized supervision to become certified in AAPT, but it is a prized credential because of its depth and breadth, as well as its attention to animal welfare while providing a very valuable service to clients and students.” — INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL ASSISTED PLAY THERAPY™

    Therapy Animals

    Currently our one therapy animal is a Newfoundland dog named Frank.

    Being a Newfoundland, Frank is an exceptionally large dog with an extremely charming personality. Newfoundland’s are known for the gentle temperament and their patience with children. Some may recall "Nana" the Newfoundland in Peter Pan.

    Frank was selected very carefully from a quality breeder. 

    Like Sarah, Frank has also worked very hard for his qualifications:

    • APDT Puppy Pre-School
    • APDT Puppy Foundation
    • Kennel Club Puppy Foundation
    • Kennel Club Bronze Good Citizen Award
    • Kennel Club Silver Good Citizen Award
    • Kennel Club Gold Good Citizen Award [working towards]
    • Pet as Therapy assessed
    • Approved Animal Assisted Play Therapy Dog, IIAAPT™
    Sarah Gordon BA (Hons), QTS, CPP-AAPT
    Professional Practitioner in Animal Assisted Play Therapy™/
    Special Needs Teacher

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKoAbGJ_k_s&t=21s

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