Special Schools
Milestone Academy
At Milestone we have enjoyed beginning to get back to a more normal routine, taking part in activities that have not been possible over the last 20 months. It has been a joy to see the students back in school re-engaging with learning, with each other and staff. A particular focus for this term has been on developing the creative arts across the academy as a driver for improving pupil confidence, speaking and listening and reading. Our newly installed Teepees provide a COVID safe space to host events and come together outside.
We are planning to host a reading brunch in December where parents will come and join us to share quality text, read and signed by staff and parents. To illustrate the things we have been achieving and life at Milestone, we have worked with the media team to put together a portfolio of images and a video (available soon on the Trust recruitment portal), which reflects the energy and enjoyment each day brings. We hope you enjoy these and are inspired to visit us when it is possible to do so.
Snowfields Academy
Unicef Rights Respecting: We are very proud to have received our Rights Respecting Bronze Award which recognises the steps we are taking to gain our Silver award by the end of this year.
We have also been busy in our horticulture area which is now producing an abundance of crops. Students are taking great pride in planting, nurturing and harvesting spinach, chard, leeks and strawberries and our work has led to us becoming a member of the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardening Club; no mean feat when our polytunnels were not even in use this time last year. Some of our students enjoy 'mindful gardening' when they are feeling a little anxious or overwhelmed and can enjoy the peace and quiet of some supported activity.
Willow, our academy wellbeing labradoodle is growing by the day! She is well cared for by 4 trained handlers and makes life better for all of us. She is often there to greet and support our reluctant students at the beginning of the day and some students work to spend time with her as a reward. She brightens our day and is well worth her weight in kibble.
Students in years 9 and 10 have been preparing for a football match against another Kent special school, Broomhill Bank which is taking place soon. Let the best team win, although we will have some very disappointed students (and staff) if it's not us!
Infinity Cafe: After some protracted operational delays we are set to open in January 2022 if Covid doesn't scupper our plans. When we have a firm date, we will send booking arrangements out to everyone. It will be an ideal coffee and meeting venue for small groups and will provide exceptional vocational opportunities for our students. Please come along and support us when our opening times are confirmed.