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Hello, everyone!
What an incredible adventure this summer term has been!
The summer term in Special Educational Needs is always a dynamic and purposeful time. It’s a season of both reflection and preparation—looking back on the year’s progress and forward to the opportunities ahead. Together with the team, we’ve been deeply engaged in evaluating the impact of our work, considering how we’ve supported our pupils to overcome barriers to learning and thrive.
Our focus has remained on broadening horizons for every young person with SEND, guided by our core intentions: promoting well-being, preparing for adulthood, raising aspirations, and securing positive outcomes.
From planning support strategies and assessments to reviewing staffing and provision, every step has been taken with September in mind, ensuring we’re ready to welcome pupils back to an inclusive environment where all learners can flourish.
The summer term has seen the team:
Planning for the New Academic Year
Reviewing and Reflecting on the Previous Year
Supporting Pupils with SEND
Over the summer, we will be reflecting further by reviewing the SEND registers in school. Reflecting on budgets and taking into consideration maintaining the excellent support for the children, including SEND.
We are preparing to welcome our new early years children to senure We support the children from the earliest stages in school.
Evaluating our professional development needs to ensure staff have the developmental opportunities in SEND.
Hamish and Milo Training
Ms K Woodcock
Aston Hall SENDCo
kwoodcock@astonhallschool.org
The Aston Hall Way
The Aston Hall Way
We are proud of our achievements!
We are proud of our achievements!
Updates
Trust Welfare Officers
Wickersley Partnership Trust is very pleased to announce the appointment of three Primary Welfare Officers.
Their role will be to support children and parents, to ensure children are in school, and that their attendance is a priority. Rotherham Local Authority and national partners have recognised the importance of improving attendance in schools since the COVID pandemic. As a Trust, we want to do all we can to support families and children. We know that high attendance directly impacts academic achievement and progress. We also know how important social interaction with peers is in supporting children in developing and achieving emotionally and socially. In addition, pastoral support from our staff can offer further strategies and interventions to support families. The Welfare Officers come from experienced backgrounds both in school settings and external agencies, and bring expertise that will help support families where there is a need. If your child is identified as needing support through the school, the school will liaise with the family and the Welfare Officers to offer support and guidance.
Key Responsibilities:
Attendance Monitoring and Support - Welfare Officers monitor student attendance and work to address any issues that may be preventing students from attending school
Working with Students - They provide support to students facing various challenges, including those related to their wellbeing, social-emotional needs, and educational progress.
Challenging Behaviour - They assist in managing challenging student behaviour and may intervene to de-escalate situations.
Home Visits - In some cases, Welfare Officers may conduct home visits to gain a better understanding of a student's circumstances and support their wellbeing
Safeguarding - They are responsible for reporting any concerns about children at risk and putting into place procedures to safeguard children in school.
Loose Lips don't Sink Ships!
New academic year, new parents to welcome on board and share a coffee and a cake with. Mrs Wall and I will be planning a little differently next year - I hope you will join us in the autumn term for a good old catch-up.
In the meantime, there is a lot of advice available over at the Parent Carers Forum website.
With Me in Mind
Over this term, the WMIM team has held a KS1 Flowers support group for anxiety and worries.
Flowers 125 is a wellbeing group provided by the With Me in Mind team, who are part of the NHS mental health services.
A small group of our students recently accessed a 6-week wellbeing program focusing on managing anxiety and worries. Using interactive workshops, action-based methods, and taking a holistic approach to overall wellbeing.
Students who attended gave some great feedback and felt that they had gained a better understanding of their wellbeing and strategies on how to better manage emotions.
If you feel your child may need further support, please don’t hesitate to contact their class teacher.
Further links for support can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.
Watch this Space - Hamish & Milo!
Launching Next Year: Hamish & Milo – A New SEMH Support Programme
We’re excited to announce that from next year, Aston Hall will be launching a new whole-school SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) support programme in partnership with Hamish & Milo.
At Aston, we are committed to supporting every child’s mental health, emotional well-being, and social development. Hamish & Milo offers a comprehensive approach through carefully designed curriculum resources, targeted intervention programmes, family support, and staff training—helping us strengthen our graduated response to the growing number of children experiencing SEMH challenges.
The programme includes a wide range of small group wellbeing interventions that address crucial topics such as:
● Self-esteem and resilience
● Grief, loss and sadness
● Explosive feelings and emotional regulation
● Anxiety and worry
● Peer relationships and conflict
● Diversity and inclusion
● Change and transition
These sessions provide a safe, structured space for pupils to explore their emotions, build confidence, and develop the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
For more information, visit hamishandmilo.org or speak to Kay Woodcock or Sharon Wall
Let's Snoop Around...
Let's Snoop Around...
One Voice
Back in June, we attended One Voice, which was hosted by Rotherham Music and Children's Capital of Culture at Magna Science Adventure Centre.
One Voice is a musical event within this initiative, featuring songs inspired by the Children's Capital of Culture theme - "Who We Are and Where We Come From", including an original song written by Rotherham schools.
All the students had a brilliant time and performed amazingly!
VE Day Celebrations
Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945; it marked the official surrender of all German military operations.
Everyone at Aston Hall had a great time honouring the day.
SATs
A huge WELL DONE to our Y6s for being incredible during SATs week.
Each and every one of Y6 showed amazing resilience, determination, and gave it their all, and we’re all so proud of them.
Fantastic work!
SEMH Support Group
Crafting and chatting sessions with Mrs Wall and her SEMH support team provide a nurturing, low-pressure environment where children struggling with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs can feel safe, valued, and understood.
Engaging in creative activities like crafting helps reduce anxiety, build confidence, and develop fine motor and problem-solving skills. Meanwhile, the informal nature of the conversations allows children to express their thoughts and emotions more freely, fostering stronger relationships and trust with supportive adults.
This holistic approach not only boosts emotional wellbeing but also promotes social interaction and resilience in a calm, positive setting.
Yes - We're Wearing Orange!
As part of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Awareness Month, our school community proudly wore orange to show support and help raise awareness of this rare genetic condition.
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a complex condition that can affect individuals in many ways, including physical development, learning, and behaviour. It is typically identified shortly after birth and presents unique challenges throughout life.
By participating in this event, we not only showed solidarity with those affected by PWS, but also took another step toward removing barriers, broadening horizons, and nurturing a culture of understanding and inclusion for all.
First Aid - Building Confidence, Saving Lives
This term, all children have taken part in a progressive programme of First Aid education, carefully differentiated by age and ability to ensure that every pupil—regardless of need—can access and benefit from these vital life skills. Sessions are delivered in hour-long blocks, offering a balance of basic theory and hands-on, practical experience.
We begin with our youngest learners in Year 1 and Rainbows, focusing on First Aid essentials. These early sessions introduce key safety principles, including how to stay calm in an emergency and how to make an effective 999 call.
By Year 6, pupils are developing a confident understanding of more advanced first aid responses. They learn how to assess and support in a range of situations such as bleeding, fractures, fainting, head injuries, choking, the recovery position, and CPR.
This programme is more than just a skill-building activity—it’s a powerful tool for removing barriers to confidence, communication, and safety. Through First Aid education, we…
Prepare for adulthood by equipping pupils with real-world safety knowledge;
Support wellbeing through increased self-efficacy and awareness;
Raise aspirations by showing all children they can be capable first responders;
Improve outcomes by ensuring that everyone, regardless of need, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead in an emergency.
Colour Run Fun!
In May, schools from across the borough signed up to take part in the Colour Run, kicking off several weeks of learning about the incredible work of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice through assemblies and classroom activities.
Pupils were encouraged to raise money through sponsorships using the JustGiving platform, and many also brought donations on the day itself—showing fantastic community spirit.
Our Key Stage 2 children joined in the fun during a high-energy morning event. For many of our Year 6 pupils, it was the perfect way to let off steam after completing their SATs the day before!
Set on a 500m course filled with colourful powder paint and fun obstacles, the children were challenged to complete as many laps as possible in 30 minutes. Some even managed a full 5K—an amazing achievement—while others enjoyed jogging or walking the course alongside friends, making memories and supporting a great cause.
Rainbows 🌈
Our Rainbows Nurture Provision continues to be a safe, supportive space where children can grow in confidence, build positive relationships, and develop key social and emotional skills.
Rooted in the principles of nurture, Rainbows provides a calm, structured environment where children are given the time and care they need to understand their emotions, express themselves safely, and build trusting connections with adults and peers.
By creating an environment that removes barriers to learning and supports emotional development, Rainbows contributes directly to the four key SEND intentions:
Supporting well-being through emotional regulation and connection
Preparing for adulthood by building resilience and interpersonal skills
Raising aspirations by helping children see their strengths and potential
Improving outcomes by enabling pupils to re-engage with learning and thrive
Rainbows is more than just a provision—it’s a place where children are seen, heard, and celebrated as they take meaningful steps forward in their learning journey.
Exploring the Outdoors!
This term, our Outdoor Club has given children the chance to connect with nature, build curiosity, and enjoy hands-on learning experiences—all while having fun in the fresh air.
Each session has been designed to support and enrich the curriculum. The children have observed insects up close, planted and cared for flowers and vegetables, and explored how weather and soil conditions affect growth.
Through outdoor exploration, children are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, and observations—bringing scientific skills to life in a real-world setting. The club also helps to develop teamwork, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Coming soon...
Coming soon...
We are beyond excited to announce our upcoming school performance: School of Pop – and it’s not just any show… we’ll be joined by the one and only Barry Darlow!
This unforgettable musical event will have our children singing, dancing, and performing like true pop stars as they take to the stage in a high-energy, feel-good celebration of music and confidence.
The children will have the chance to work with Barry - renowned for his inspirational performances and work with schools - to build their performance skills, boost their self-esteem, and experience the joy of working together to put on a show to remember.
Get ready for catchy tunes, big smiles, and lots of sparkle as we bring music, movement, and magic to life on stage.
Ways to Support
Ways to Support
Here are some links and resources to help support children with SEND/SEMH.
Useful Links
The Worry Tree App- Worry Tree helps you to take control of your worries, transform your thoughts and feel better using CBT techniques and sensory practices.
Chill Panda - Something new I have found to support anxiety, worries, and calming strategies. May be a good one to support some of the children to develop strategies. Available on GooglePlay and AppStore.
Worry Monsters - these are recommended by psychologists and teachers to act as a 'waste bin' for fears, troubles and woes that children don't always talk about
who's who and what's what?
who's who and what's what?
Alex Matheison - EHCP Coordinator
Local area school nurse
Nasrat Haider Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (School Nurse) 0-19 Service South Area SPA - 01709423333 Work Days Mon - Thu 9am- 5pm
Rhian Especito - School Inclusion Team, part of Rotherham's Inclusion Support Services
Tamra Leon - (Locum) Educational Psychologist
With Me in Mind Rotherham - one of the nation Mental Health Support Teams based in Doncaster & Rotherham
Speech & Language Therapist
Traded School Service - Family Health Division - Therapy Admin office: 01709 423229/30
Rotherham SENDIASS stands for Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service
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