Milestone Academy Newsletter
May 2022 - Term 5
May 2022 - Term 5
Dear Parents and Carers
This term has been as busy as ever with the welcome addition of the return to more off site activities. Our phase 3 students enjoyed a residential trip to Kingswood in Norfolk. They had glorious weather and a great time. Rumour has it that on the last day they all slept in until 7am! We have more residentials planned for Term 6 and of course our Summer Fair. The Summer Fair will be our first since 2019 so please do come along and support it. The Friends of Milestone continue to be a huge support by providing much needed funds linked to key projects for our students. One major development, happening in the next few months, is a complete refurbishment of the library area on the main site. In addition to this we will be refurbishing the library areas at the satellite provisions once work on the main site is completed. Our Friends of Milestone have kindly donated £5000 to this which is greatly appreciated. Alongside the refurbishment we have invested in hundreds of books to reinvigorate our students' love of books and reading. Books are being catalogued and prepared ready for the opening of the refreshed facility.
We have started to invite our older students from Wilmington to take part in work experience activities on the main site. Some of the work they are engaging in includes being a librarian and food technician. Students have enjoyed preparing themselves for work and being regarded as one of the team working at the academy rather than a student. We are positive that these days will greatly support their transition toward life beyond Milestone.
Following consultation with one of our students we now have wheelchair access to our Tepees with a view to improving access across the horticulture site as well. Our phase three student could not believe that the plans he drew were used to inform the location and direction of the pathways to the Teepee.
This term we finished our project with host artists 'Arty Party'. Where possible, every student at every site contributed to each piece of art work all of which are now displayed in five different locations. The sculptures have added a feeling of joy and wellbeing to the corridors and rooms they decorate, I hope you agree when you see the pictures.
In addition to all our curriculum activities we have had a restructure of our leadership team. In acknowledgement of her outstanding contribution to the ongoing success of Milestone and in response to the growing numbers of pupils and staff, Janet Tidmas has been promoted up from Vice Principal to Deputy Principal. We have successfully recruited two new Vice Principals, Terry Brock, who is currently our Phase 4 Assistant Principal, and Sonia Sharma, who currently leads on SEN at another academy in Kent. I know that you will join me in congratulating them all and wishing them well in September when they start their new roles.
This week we have finished the term by celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. At the time of writing this letter we have only just begun these events and will post pictures in next term's letter to share with you.
It remains for me to thank you all again for your continued support and positive engagement with all of us at Milestone. I wish you all a restful half term when hopefully the sun will shine and the Jubilee bank holiday will be fun for everyone.
Sarah Goosani - Principal
Stepping Stones have been doing lots of activities based around our topic ‘When I grow up’. We have been reading the stories ‘Dear Zoo’ and ‘Emergency!’. Our home corner became a hairdressers and a shop which we really enjoyed and we dressed up as doctors, firefighters and police. We have also been exploring the local environment including visits to the local shop and sensory walks around the environment.
We did some painting, sticking, hand printing and paper mache to make the different animals from the story ‘Dear Zoo’.
Koala Class have had a wonderful term! This term's theme was ‘When I grow up’ and we focused a lot on different roles in our community, such as a dentist, doctor, hairdresser and even an astronaut! The children were really involved in the activities and they explored the different textures in the sensory tray to replicate the job roles we looked at. We spent our time in forest school searching for animals, and building forts made out of sticks and twigs and the children really enjoyed exploring the area!
Turtle Class have had an amazing Term 5. We have had a new pupil and staff member join us which has added to the classroom fun! We started our new RWI programme at the beginning of this term and pupils are making amazing progress with their set 1 sounds! Pupils have shown a real progression in displaying their understanding for the daily routine and enhancing their independent skills. This Term, Turtles have really enjoyed RE where we have focused on Buddhism and calming techniques to help us regulate our emotions and teach us how to be a kind friend. Pupils have also really enjoyed Science, where we have focused on learning with our senses in different environments such as Mary's Garden and in the community.
Penguin Class have really enjoyed joining Flamingo class and sharing their Beaming Stars sessions. We explored lots of new equipment and enjoyed being gymnasts! Penguin class also enjoyed a walk to the local village one sunny afternoon, to have a picnic on the green. The children have also begun to explore the world of Read Write Inc sessions through sensory stories and have enjoyed focussing on objects beginning with 'S'.
Giraffe Class have had another busy term! It has flown by! We have been enjoying our topic of 'When I grow up' by learning in History all about Florence Nightingale and her very important job alongside learning some basic first aid, ourselves and the importance of hand washing. We have also been learning about other people's jobs and what we might like to be when we grow up (being a police officer was a very popular choice in Giraffe Class!). In science, we have been learning about our 5 senses and the children have explored their senses by playing, listening games and identifying objects while wearing a blindfold!
Lion Class had an exciting term. We have started our new phonics scheme and are enjoying exploring the letter sounds. We have continued to visit the park for community participation but also have been to the local supermarket to collect items required for our food tech sessions. In food tech we have made bread rolls to link with our topic. “ When I grow up” where we have explored keeping healthy.
Flamingo Class have enjoyed the topic ‘When I grow up’ and we have looked at not only how we grow, but we’ve also planted seeds and enjoyed exploring how animals change as they grow too. Some flamingo students have begun using Read, Write Inc phonics and we are very proud of how well they are doing! As the weather has improved we have enjoyed visiting the sensory garden again and we have also used our art focus on sculpture to make a scarecrow to add to our outdoor area! In sensory cooking we have enjoyed exploring ingredients we can grow in our gardens and during science we have had a different sense to focus on each week which has led to some fantastic explorative activities from all our students. In addition we have celebrated St. George’s Day and the Queens Jubilee which have both been great fun!
A special mention to one of our learners who has begun walking independently this term and we are so so proud of this amazing achievement!
Tiger Class have been enjoying lots of outside learning activities. We have also been accessing Mary’s garden as part of our cooking topic. It really has been a great term.
Leopard Class have had a lovely, sun filled Term 5 and the children have all really enjoyed our topic of "When I grow up". We have explored how we grow and also the different jobs that we may like to do. We learnt all about Florence Nightingale in our history topic and the Leopards enjoyed the role play of calling 999 and how to help someone with some basic first aid. We have enjoyed an array of texts this term, including "Titch", "Monkey Puzzle" and "I want to be.." and everyone enjoyed playing different parts in these stories, as well as exploring different adjectives to describe the main characters. Wishing you a wonderful half term and we are excited for our Term 6 topic of "Thank you for the music!"
Bear Class have had a fantastic Term 5, we have enjoyed our topic ‘When I grow up’ and explored the world around us. The Bears have enjoyed making the most of outside learning exploring the new teepees and using the forest area. We have also continued to develop our self help, communication and independence skills along with the curriculum.
Claire Woolmer - Phase 1 Director
We’ve had a number of highlights this term including the Jubilee celebrations. It’s been great to get back to some of our whole school events and opportunities, and where appropriate for inclusion to begin again.
In Term 6 we are excited to be resuming our Year 6/7 residential and activity afternoons. We have various events planned to mark our Year 6’s final term before they move to Year 7 in September.
Our whole school topic in Term 6 is 'Sharing the Planet'. In Phase 2 we will be looking more closely at our theme - 'It’s a Jungle Out There'!
Geography: Rural and urban - jungles and rainforest
RE: Places of worship
Science: States of matter
PSPD Healthy Lifestyles Bodies (changing adolescent bodies) (inc. drugs, alcohol and tobacco for River and Waterfall)
RSE: Brook - Important people. Stream - Being safe. River, waterfall - Online relationships.
All - preparing for puberty and personal care.
Art: Henri Rousseau - 3D rainforest
Cooking and Nutrition: Bake Off!
Computing: E safety
PE: Rotated athletics, competitive games, swimming and agility, balance and coordination (gymnastics), dance and adventurous activity
Term 6 Texts
Brook - Where’s the zebra, Pop up jungle, Jungle Sounds
Stream - Rumble in the jungle, The very grumpy bear, The secret life of a tiger, Slowly slowly said the sloth, The animal boogie
River - We’re roaming in the Rainforest, George saves the forest
Waterfall - The Jungle Book, The Great Kapok Tree, Tree full of wonder
Woodland Class have enjoyed learning about different capital cities from around the world. We have explored Rabat and Moroccan lanterns choosing textured paint brushes to add effects, we have visited Paris and listened to traditional Parisian music and have whizzed to Mexico to experience a Mardi Gras carnival.
We have developed our gross motor skills through physio programmes, aqualearn and rebound therapy and have been consolidating our communications skills to give a like or dislike response. We have enjoyed having more time outside and have explored the memorial garden with all of our senses, even helping to plant some new bulbs.
Mountain Class have enjoyed the opportunity to visit Fairfield pool this term for swimming, where we have been focusing on putting our faces in the water and blowing bubbles, as well as swimming on our backs. During RE we have been learning about Ramadan and Eid, exploring the different ways they celebrate, and learning how the moon represents different phases of Ramadan. In write dance we have been focusing on our gross and fine motor skills, completing a variety of different movements including circles, horizontal and vertical lines in time to music, which in turn is helping to improve our handwriting. We have worked hard in phonics this term, identifying the different letter sounds and blending them to read words. This term the chicks came to visit Mountain class, where we talked about what they need to help them to grow.
Forest Class has been working hard this term and they have all been trying hard to help staff complete jobs, such as; collecting the school lunches using the trolley, stacking chairs at the end of the day and helping tidy up their own equipment after lessons. During their Science lessons they have learnt about light and they have looked at different sources of lights and during RE they have learnt about Ramadan and Eid and they enjoyed creating Mehndi patterns. The pupils have also thoroughly enjoyed their cookery lessons this term linked to the theme of ‘Great British Recipes’. They have enjoyed making jam tarts, scones as well as shortbread biscuits. In addition to this all the pupils have engaged well with our new Read Write Inc phonics programme and they have all been trying hard to practice learning their letter sounds. A couple of pupils have really impressed us and they have been able to write their letter sounds as well as read and write words using their phonics knowledge to support them. Another highlight for this term has been gymnastics with Beaming Stars and as the term has progressed all the pupils have become more confident in their balancing skills, climbing the rope ladders or swinging on the hoops and bouncing on the trampette.
Orchard Class have spent time becoming more familiar with money this term, by using it to pay for our snack every day and having the opportunity to use it within the community too. The students have really engaged with our new Read Write Inc phonics programme where we have focused on learning the sounds and then blending them to read words. We have really enjoyed reading the story “The Queen’s hat” and we have identified different famous landmarks in London and created our own hats. We have learnt about light in science and our highlights were going on a light hunt around the school looking for different light sources and drawing around shadows in the sunshine. In cooking, we have enjoyed making some different British recipes, such as sausage rolls and jam tarts and the students have been practising their turn taking skills in their groups whilst following the instructions. In RE, we have been learning about the different ways Muslims celebrate Ramadan and Eid and the importance of the moon during this time. We made fluffy moon paint and Sadaqah jars and have enjoyed being very creative throughout the term.
Coast Class have ‘visited’ different capital cities during topic lessons and shared a messy play, art and ECT carousel in the theme of the country. Our absolute favourite has been Sydney, we shared an edible golden coast which had lots of different textures and temperatures. In art we have created city inspired art including driving through London using our fine motor skills to pick up and push our black cabs through paint.
We shared two sensory stories this term both London themed. We loved our personalised story ‘Coast go to London’, which had all of our photos in and our favourite activities.
In food technology we have been baking lots of goodies, cheesy penguins and chocolate have been our most enjoyable lessons (very messy and delicious). We have worked really hard on our motor skills this term with all of our ‘travelling’ and have had lots of opportunities to walk and share work sessions in the sunshine.
Meadow Class have been learning all about capital cities, the features of a city as well as famous London landmarks such as the London Eye and Big Ben. Using their class chromebooks independently, students have learnt how to use Google Maps and Streetview to locate these landmarks and become ‘virtual tourists’. Meadow class have also enjoyed engaging in our new phonics programme ‘Read Write Inc’, with students learning new phonemes and applying these to sounding out new words. During our fortnightly community participation lessons we have been learning how to safely cross a road, by stopping, looking left and right and continuing to look left and right as we walk across. Many of the students have now become very confident in reminding the adults of how it is done safely!
Canyon Class have created our own London bus with the students' photos on for our class display. We have been introduced to a new phonics programme called Read Write Inc which is working well and engaging the students. In cooking this term the topic has been Great British recipes where Canyon have particularly enjoyed learning to make scones, shortbread and Victoria sponge cake. We have been learning about Ramadan and Eid in our religious lessons where we have made Sadaqah jars and created our own mehndi patterns. In science this term we have looked at light and shadows and made our own shadow puppets to reflect on the wall using torches. Our history topic has been ‘Local History’ where we have been looking at old and new toys, transport and phones and sorting them into old and new categories. Canyon class have been going out in the community once a week to Hartley park this term and enjoying the outside public space. We also had the opportunity to visit the chicks that had just hatched in the school grounds and talked about how to care and look after them.
Michelle Hilton - Phase 2 Director
Nova Class have been learning about the local History and building of New Ash Green and enjoyed our community trip to explore the area. We found items on a village scavenger hunt, looked at features of different buildings in the village and even had a picnic on the meadow. We have created city themed work in our Art lessons, including skyline silhouette pictures using chalks and a 3D cardboard city which we all worked on together. In Science, we have been learning about Light, including creating shadows on the playground. We have been working hard in our Phonics lessons and have adapted well to the new Read Write Inc. programme. In Maths this term we have been practising telling the time and sequencing events. We have also been using the Chromebooks to extend our learning across lots of different topics.
Comet Class have been creating our own city out of junk, which was our favourite part of this term! Comet class made different buildings out of paper and also made different vehicles to travel around the city. All of the students have enjoyed taking part in their daily phonics lessons since the introduction of ‘Read Write Inc’, and enjoy having the opportunity to work and learn with different peers. In Maths we have been getting to grips with time and are becoming more confident with recognising particular times throughout the school day, especially lunchtime! One of our favourite activities is to use the chromebooks to complete a quiz on Kahoot! We get really competitive and like to test our knowledge against our peers.
Moonbeam Class have been building our own miniature city for this term’s topic! We have been working extremely hard on our ‘Read Write Inc.’ phonics and have adapted extremely well to our new phonics groupings. We have also been enjoying lots of books related to our topic, with our favourite being ‘ What We’ll Build’ by Oliver Jeffers. In Maths, we have been working on the concept of time - learning about seasons, months, weeks and days and have been working at structuring our time chronologically. We have looked at healthy lifestyles in PSPD including healthy eating and looking after our mental health. In Science, we have been learning about light, reflection and shadows. In RE, we thoroughly enjoyed learning about Ramadan & Eid with some personal experiences and traditions being shared by some of our wonderful students. We have also been baking lots of yummy recipes in cooking, including eton mess, rocky road and shortbread biscuits. Lastly, we have enjoyed Music with Jack, Performing Arts, and joining with Comet & Nova classes each week to participate in tennis, football or yoga for PE.
Faye Mendez - Interim Satellite Director
We have had a lot to celebrate in Phase 3 and at Milestone @ the Leigh this term. I need to give a huge congratulations to Frances, Yasmin, Steve, Katie, Simon, Terri and Janet for taking 22 of our brilliant students all the way to Kingswood Overstrand in Norfolk. This is the first residential we have hosted in several years, and it was our largest and most ambitious in my memory. Well done to staff who attended, and to all staff who supported! And the biggest well done of all to our incredible students, who braved the unknown and made many new memories.
As we move closer to the summer, I expect many more of our classes to push beyond our school walls and explore the learning opportunities that exist outside of the classroom. I am very proud that Becky and the incredible team in Roman Class visited our partner school, Snowfields Academy, this term. That was another hugely ambitious day out and I am so pleased that it was possible. A huge thank you to Dee, James and Fi at Snowfields for hosting us.
I am also very pleased to welcome Noleen back from a short while away. Thank you to all our families for your support, your care, and your encouragement. It is hugely appreciated.
It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome Sofia as Satellite Director, Milestone @ the Leigh. Thank you to all the families who have made Sofia feel so welcome.
I would also like to make sure that all families - main site or M@L - are invited to attend our first live performance in several years, which will be a hilarious production called "Peter Pandemic!" This is being performed at the Leigh Academy on Friday 24 June at 5:00 pm. It is guaranteed to be a good laugh, so please do join us.
Kyle Marsh
Viking Class have had a really great Term 5! In maths we've been developing our time telling and reasoning skills to work out different problems using the analogue clock. We've been measuring the length and height of objects using metres and centimetres. We've also been using money to solve more complex problems and practiced these skills when visiting the shops to buy bits we needed for class... and ice cream! In English we have been trying out our new Read Write Inc phonics programme to support us with our reading. In our new STEAM (DT) lesson we've been learning about different inventions that are helping reduce our carbon footprint. We have made group presentations about this using our IT skills and delivered them to the rest of our class. Four of our students went to the Kingswood residential which was the first time we've been able to do this for 2 years! They really enjoyed themselves and let us know all about their adventures when they returned. Two of our yr 10 students have also been visiting Bore Place each Thursday looking after animals, going pond dipping and building campfires. Our students have also been supporting Jurassic class with their learning during their maths and functional skills lessons.
Tyler: "My favourite part of Term 5 was visiting bore place and putting marshmallow on sticks and making a fire"
George: "My favourite part of Term 5 was working with Jurassic class and helping them to do their maths work"
Saxon Class have been exploring all about the Roman's this term. We have learnt their way of life and have created our very own Roman clothing. We have made our very own skirts, helmets, shields and even created Roman foods. Saxon class really enjoyed creating their own Roman attire, especially the skirts. We have also been learning new phonics this term and the students have come so far with their learning.
Aztec Class have had a very busy term. They especially enjoyed walking to the shops weekly to purchase their own shopping for cooking. All students have demonstrated maturity and excellent behaviour whilst off site. The whole class enjoyed cooking from recipes based on the great inventors ‘Wallace and Gromit’ with a focus ingredient being cheese. Many have developed new skills including cutting, slicing and chopping with knives safely. They have also been completing some gardening, digging up a plot, planting seeds in trays, transferring the young plants into pots and then again into the allotment plot. Our history topic has been about ‘Why the Roman Invasion was important to Britain” learning how many times the Romans tried to conquer Britannia, what they came to our country for and the reasons behind this. Students enjoyed role play, as half the class defended their village as Celts, the other half were Romans and attacked the village. Students have interviewed ‘Boudicca’ and will be learning about what the Romans brought to Britain. Here is a picture of one of our Gromit shaped pizzas.
Roman Class have continued to work upon their individual learning plans and provision plan targets, exploring and generalising these targets across all curriculum areas. Our topic this term has been ‘Inventions.’ Through this topic Roman Class have explored sensory stories and carousels incorporating inventions which have impacted their world and are the classes favourite, most motivating things. This has lead to fantastic communication, problem solving and engagement in learning. In cooking the class utilised switch adapted kitchen equipment to create a range of different dips which provided an opportunity to generalize ECT skills. The class have continued their functional community participation in the local area, extending this with a trip to the café and attending a personalised day out at Snowfields Academy. As we approach the end of term we look forward to some exciting learning experiences through our Roman Rumble and Jubilee activity days. - Noleen & Becky
Jurassic Class have enjoyed exploring the topic of ‘Interesting Inventions’ & ‘The Roman Empire’ this term and we have had fun completing different activities through Art, topic & cooking lessons. A favourite this term for the whole class has been our visit from Arty Party. All of the students in Jurassic have loved making sculptures, painting and joining in woodwork. We have had a great time during PE exploring the different bikes and tricycles. Jurassic have also loved seeing the progress of our Phase 3 chicks hatching and growing this term! Great work Jurassic Class and well done to you all!
Sparta Class student comments from this term:
"This term in Sparta class I have learnt about time and measurement in Maths and I learnt phonics in Sparta. I enjoyed cooking and playing ‘knock it down’ with Aleem and Antonius. I am looking forward to trips and summer holidays." - Archie
"This term in Sparta class I have been to Kingswood residential, I really enjoyed the Leap of Faith and getting my certificate for resilience! I am looking forward to nice weather next term." - Jessica
"This term in Sparta class I have the best long stories. I really enjoyed going to Kingswood. I loved the low ropes and the low ropes blindfolded. I am looking forward to lovely weather and spending time with our lovely teachers and cooking." - Ella
"This term in Sparta class I have done English and Art. I really enjoyed making friends and English lessons. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and learning more." - Emily
Tudor Class have explored the Romans as part of our topic work. In PE we have used the bikes and in cooking we have made a lot of Roman recipes which have actually been very tasty. The students have used a variety of equipment and skills to create Libum bread which is a sweet cheese bread, Roman honey biscuits, Roman apple cake, we have made Roman coins using clay, Roman helmets following instructions, Roman picture frames and laurel wreath headwear.
Kyle Marsh - Phase 3 Director
Wow, what a fabulous first term it has been working as the new Satellite Director at Milestone @ The Leigh. Our students are amazing and it has been a delight to be part of their learning. At M@L we want to give our students the tools to become the best versions of themselves, both in and out of the classroom, and provide a support structure for our holistic provision founded on the positive relationships forged between students, staff and parents.
I wish you all a wonderful break. Thank you for your commitment to supporting us to do the absolute best that we can for your children. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you. We look forward to working with you when we return for the last term of this school year.
Sofia Pinto
M@L Satellite Director
2022 Production Peter Pandemic
The three classes at Milestone @The Leigh are busily preparing and rehearsing for our 2022 production "Peter Pandemic" being staged on Friday 24 June at 5pm at the Leigh Academy. Students are working collaboratively, the actors, the set designers, costume teams and technical group to make this performance a success. Our debate group are preparing a trailer and interviewing the infamous cast in preparation for the big day. We are delighted to be able to perform to parents, carers and students and staff from across the Academy. Excitement levels are high and lunchtimes are being devoted (willingly) to script reading and rehearsing musical numbers. We look forward to welcoming families and friends to Isolation Island.
Keren Read - Turing Class Teacher
Anning Class
Anning class had a great term! We have enjoyed lots of science experiments, shopping trips and a swimming session! Below are our news entries from some of the pupils in Anning!
I had fun with Turing class. Some students went to Kingswood and the others stayed at school. We went swimming at North West Kent College, where we had a swimming instructor to teach us how to swim. At the end of the lesson we had some free time. I really enjoyed swimming and learnt how to do backstroke and make bubbles in the water.
I was really tired on the bus home, but had a really good time! - Aaron
In Term 5 we went to Brunel Science lab and did an experiment there. We did a dirty and clean germs experiment, where we had to put our finger in the pot. It was an agate gel and we put our finger on it, we were experimenting with what side was cleaner. A few days later we came back to look at it. The clean side had less bacteria on it and the dirty side had a lot of bacteria on it. This is a sign to always keep your hands washed and clean! - Phoebe
I went swimming in a swimming pool for the first time last week with my school. I had only swum in the sea on holiday before. I did really well and had such a good time.
In assembly, I was given a Risk Taker Certificate for being so brave! I was really pleased to be given a certificate and my mum was really proud of me! - Andrew
Equiano Class
Hello, My name is Jennifer and I am a student at Milestone at The Leigh (M@L).
In November, I completed a project with Kew Gardens Grow Wild.
The project was about talking to children in school and telling them about the importance of Native wildflowers. My project exhibition visited The Leigh Academy, Dartford Primary Academy, Milestone at Dartford Primary and Milestone at Wilmington.
I really enjoyed speaking to all the students in all the schools, it was a great experience.
Kew gardens gave me a £500 grant to help me complete this project.
My project was called The Travelling British Flower School Experience.
Kew Gardens recently sent me my certificate which was A Young Environmental Leaders Award Certificate. When I was awarded with the £500 grant I bought plants, pots, seed and gardening equipment. I have recently been making a garden on the Milestone at The Leigh balcony. On the balcony we have a few flower pots with Daffodils and Primroses in them.
I have been taking care of the balcony and I have been watering and deadheading the flowers. I really enjoyed doing my project and I am enjoying looking after the flowers on the balcony.
By Jennifer
The M@L Team
Phase Four has had a very busy term and has been working very hard focusing on 'Factories and pollution' as part of their topic work this term, and in particular, questions around Recycling and how we can contribute to keeping the planet clean. The classes have been able to access the wider community to enhance their learning as part of their recreational activities, as well as using the outside learning environments within our Academy. Phase four has also been working very hard on their phonics reading programme as part of our English curriculum ‘Read Write Inc’, and students have taken pleasure in working with their friends whilst developing their reading and comprehension skills.
Dover Class have had a very busy term, with our Topic focus being factories and production. We have explored a range of different foods in our Food Technology lessons, while learning about where our food comes from around the world and how it is produced before we buy it in the shops. We have also been learning about medicine in PSHE and healthy living, looking at the substances we put in our bodies. Some of the students have had the opportunity to go on recreational visits including swimming lessons and trips to Bore place as part of their work experience and wider community involvement, working on being independent in the wider world beyond school. For our English lessons we have been focussing on the story; ‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’ and have started our new phonics program ‘Read Write Inc’.
We are looking forward to getting out in the community more often with visits to shops and cafes as part of our recreational activities and are also looking forward to making our outside area a more enjoyable and relaxing space for the Summer term.
Eynsford Class have been working very hard this term. Students have been developing their independence skills by using and following schedules to complete functional tasks. Eynsford class explored different equipment to use during their cooking and nutrition lessons and their favourite recipe was making a ‘Rainbow surprise inside cake. Students worked together to follow printed schedules and checklists to make the mix for their cake, as well as choosing what treats they wanted to place inside their cake as a surprise.
Eynsford class have also enjoyed the sunnier weather and have been accessing the bikes outside as an extension of their physical activities, and have enjoyed using the bikes whilst also developing their receptive skills by joining in with start and stop games.
Canterbury Class have been working hard on our outside area potting up seedlings and maintaining the allotment. In our Food and Nutrition lessons we have been using some new equipment to make crepes, toasted sandwiches and air fried wedges.
Students have been working hard on increasing their independence when visiting a selection of shops, the bowling alley and swimming pool.
We are all looking forward to the warmer weather when we can take more of our learning outside the classroom.
Leeds Class have enjoyed the sunshine and working outside. The student’s have worked hard on their ASDAN accreditation topic of exploring objects. Students have also been developing their independence of completing functional tasks as well as developing and exploring their maths skills during their food and nutrition lessons.
Students have enjoyed Aqua Learn this term and have been working with new staff to complete their individual physical targets..
Our Sensory story this term has been “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and students have engaged well and found the story and visuals interesting and have enjoyed listening to the different songs.
Scotney Class have been looking at different seasons for part of our asdan and enjoyed participating in lots of seasonal arts and craft activities. We have been exploring different beats along with practising our call and response skills by using the resonance board during our topic sensory raps sessions and the students have enjoyed getting into character and exploring the props.
During cooking and nutrition lessons, the students have been exploring different equipment they can use to create different foods. A favourite was using the blender where they made their own fruit milkshakes, choosing which fruits they would like from a variety of symbols.
Amy Mercer - Interim Phase 4 Leader
By Kayleigh, Kurtis, Paul, Leo
On the 16th of March we hosted a tea party and the theme was Mad Hatters. We had the tea party in the hall at Wilmington satellite. We invited DPA. A group of students made decorations and food for the tea party. We had names on the tables and all sat together to eat and drink. We enjoyed playing games, dancing and singing to music, had a hat competition and photos taken with Alice and the Mad Hatter. Everyone had fun and was happy. Next time we will do a different theme.
Supported Internships and Work Experience at M@W
My name is Mia. I am 19 years old. I have been at Milestone Academy for 2 years. I have been at M@W for 3 years. I am doing work experience at McDonald’s in Dartford in the Primary Centre. I started in January. I work on Mondays and Wednesdays. I do cleaning and serving food to people's tables and helping people with the touchscreen. I enjoy working there with my friends. Next thing I would like to work behind the counter. I would like to work there when I leave college.
My name is Laura. I am 18 years old. I have been at Milestone Academy for 8 years. I have been at M@W for 3 years. I have been doing food tech as my work experience at Milestone Academy. I started 2 weeks ago. I work at Milestone Academy every Monday I cleaned the fridge and then aprons. I sort out outdated food in the fridge. I check for medication expiry dates.. I like cleaning the fridge and the shelves. My mentor, Claire, will teach me how to do food ordering. When I leave college I would like to work with horses.
My name is Josh. I am 17 years old. I have been at Milestone Academy for 3 years. I have been at M@W for 1 year. I work with Steve at main site , my P.E teacher for work experience. I started on the 25th April 2022. I work there every Monday. I help classes set up for their lessons. Also sort out the P.E cupboard. I support the students. The thing I enjoy is having a laugh with the students and also meeting new people. Next I would like to plan a lesson and get the students outside and do rounders, cricket and football. I like working with Steve but I would like to work as a carpenter.
The Enjoyable Lion King!
by Jessica, Tanisha, Jasmin, and Charlie.
We went to London by Luxury Coach for Pizza Hut buffet and to see The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre. We went on the Wednesday the 30th March the day before half term. The Lion King was impressive, all the actors dressed as animals .
In the interval we stretched our legs had a chance to buy from the shop. There were lots of Lion King things to buy. Lion King was fantastic. We enjoyed the songs and costumes. We had an amazing time and would like to arrange to see another West End show.
Liesl Andersson - Satellite Director
On the 9th May, 22 students from Phase 3 classes went to Kingswood Overstrand for the first residential in over two years! During our week's stay, students really challenged themselves, took safe risks and supported each other to take on the activities presented to them. These included daytime activities such as high ropes, archery, climbing and orienteering and night time bonfires, beach walks and bottle rocket building challenges.
We are so impressed with how brave and caring our students were throughout this week and with their incredible, positive attitude even on Friday when everyone was tired! We all had an excellent week and look forward to the next one.
Frances Rimmer - Phase 4 Maths Leader & Equiano Class Teacher
Our horticulture work has restarted and the students have enjoyed being back. They have worked hard on pruning and sowing and growing seeds. One new task was pruning the willow as this only has to be completed every 3 years. We are just about to plant out our vegetables and are hoping for a good crop to eat!
Kirsty Wiseman
Horticulture Teacher
This term we have successfully implemented the Read Write Inc Phonics and Fresh Start Programmes, with all students in the Waterfall and River pathways and some students in the Stream pathway accessing daily phonics lessons to teach them how to read. We have had a great response from the students, who are really excited and engaged with learning new phonemes and how to ‘Fred Talk’ new words.
On Tuesday 21st June at 9:15am we will be holding a parent workshop, ‘An Introduction to Read Write Inc Phonics’ . This workshop will explain how we are teaching your child to read and how this can be supported at home. A letter with more information will be sent out regarding this. In the meantime for those who would like some more information about the programme, you can visit www.ruthmiskin.com/parents/ to access video tutorials, guidance and resources to support your child with reading at home.
Reading tip of the term:
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to read to your child at home. Loving stories is important because children who love stories want to read stories for themselves and for pleasure. A top tip for reading a story at home is to make it feel like a treat, introduce a new book with enthusiasm and excitement, show curiosity and set aside a quiet time to enjoy this with your child.
Catherine McHugh-Moss (English Lead)
This week a group of Yr 12 IBCP students from The Leigh Academy and Milestone @ The Leigh students worked together to dig in compost and plant their first crop of vegetables on the Leigh Academy site - including potatoes, green beans, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers and strawberries.
They will be planting more crops after the holiday but what was an empty patch of ground just two weeks ago is now a lovely garden for the students and staff to enjoy!
Dates to remember for some upcoming events in the summer term:
Tuesday 28th June - Stream Pathway Sports Day (Phase 3/4 AM) 10:30 (Phase 1/2 PM) 1:30
Monday 1st July - LAT Primary Kwick Cricket Tournament (Bexley Academy)
Tuesday 5th July - River and Waterfall Pathway Sports Day (Phase 3/4 AM) 10:30 (Phase 1/2 PM) 1:30
Monday 18th July - LAT Primary Sports Day (Dartford Athletics Club)
Steve Devereux - Head of PE
Monday 6th June - Mainsite School Photographs
Wednesday 8th June - Paediatrician Clinic
Monday 20th June - Satellite School Photographs
Saturday 25th June - Friends of Milestone Summer Fete
Monday 4th July - Continence Clinic
Wednesday 13th July - Paediatrician Clinic
Therapy Team
OT & Physio
The NHS Physios and OTs have been in school completing 6-month growth checks and hip assessments for some pupils. Physio reviews are ongoing and we have had visits from reps trialling new equipment.
Please note, the OTs and Physios work for Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. Please note the OTs and Physios are not based at school. If you need to contact them you can contact them on 0300 790 6235 or see any correspondence you have received from them.
Please let school know if you have arranged for Wheelchair Services to visit to repair or replace wheelchairs in school. Visitors must be accompanied at all times on site so if we do not know they are coming, it may be difficult for us to accommodate a visit.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, contact Anne Cherriman if you would like equipment to come home for the summer holidays.
Speech & Language Therapy
It has been great to see M@W students doing their work experience at main site this term. This provides a wonderful opportunity for them to make use of and develop their communication skills in the work place. Students have learnt how to find out information, ask and answer questions, ask for help and to work as part of a team. There has been some lovely examples of the M@W students supporting younger students and of them also reflecting upon their own communication also. Thank you to all staff who are supporting the students in this amazing opportunity.
Information from parents/carers is important when we are developing communication books, communication passports, or other visual supports for the students. If a therapist or assistant has contacted you to ask for any photos, vocabulary or information then please may we ask that you return this as soon as you are able to.
Ruth Coenen, highly specialist speech & language therapist has joined our Milestone team. Ruth works for the KM CAT service but has joined our team for two days a week. Ruth brings considerable expertise in AAC which really enhances the work we already do in this area.
It is also great this term to welcome Ayeisha, speech & language therapy student to Milestone. Ayeisha is on a 10 week placement from Canterbury Christchurch University. This placement is the first we have been able to support since before the start of the pandemic so very much indicative of life returning to normal.
Congratulations to Clare, Jess, Tim, Claire and Laura, our signing team on completing their Makaton Level 4 training. The team has worked really hard this year to complete Makaton levels 1-4. We are very positive about our transition to Makaton and we look forward to new developments over the coming months.
If you would like to contact the Milestone Therapy Team, please do so via email or phoning main reception. The staff member you need to speak to may not be available but they will return your call as soon as they are able.
We will be available at the Reading Brunch, the ASD coffee morning/afternoon and the new starters coffee morning so look forward to seeing you there.
Medical Team
Thank you to families for sending in the appropriate paperwork for medication. This has helped us improve our practice around the administration of medication and we cannot give medication in school without it.
A few reminders from the medical team to:
· Complete and return the sun cream consent letters. Staff are not able to apply sun cream without parental consent
· Check, sign and return Healthcare Plans. This really helps us to keep IHCPs up to date
Please continue to share any updated information about medication, diagnosis or health care needs by emailing pupilhealthplans@milestoneacademy.org.uk
Dates for your Diaries:
As you are aware, we have been working with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust Special School Nursing & Pharmacy Service for some time now. We will be holding two parent engagement sessions in Term 6. This will be a great opportunity to meet some of the nursing and pharmacy team to ask any questions. We hope this will help you understand more about this service and the changes we have made to some of our procedures. Letters will be sent out this week with more details;
Tuesday 7th June: This session will be online and in the evening
Wednesday 15th June: This session will be in school in the morning
Message from Sue Crawley: Continence clinics are being held at Main site on the 6th and 22nd June. Parents will be notified by the continence team if they have been allocated an appointment in either of those 2 clinics.
From Liz Skilton, on behalf of the Medical Team
Useful websites with information and resources for schools and parents to support toileting are:
ERIC at www.eric.org.uk
Bladder and Bowel UK www.bbuk.org.uk
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Also look at the Facebook page for Kent Community Health as they also have information of sessions offered for parents on various topics.
A reminder that if your child is entering our post-16 provision next year (ie they are starting Year 12), and you currently receive free home-school transport, you will need to re-apply for this service. This can be done online:
Free school transport - Kent County Council
Kent County Council will also ask you to consider whether independent travel training will be appropriate for your student. Asking this is a standard KCC policy, and all families are asked the same questions. We appreciate that for most - if not all - of our students this will not be practical but want to make you aware that KCC will explore this option with you, as per their 16+ Transport Policy.
To contact or share information with the nurse, please email: kentchft.milestone.schoolnurse@nhs.net
For Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) updates please email: pupilhealthplans@milestoneacademy.org.uk