Leigh Academy Milestone Newsletter
April 2026 - Module 4
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Principal's Welcome
Principal's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
As another module draws to a close, I look back over the last six weeks with such pride and joy. Once again, our students have continued to surprise and delight us as they embrace their learning, take on new challenges and develop important life skills.
I was honoured to be in the audience for not one, but two incredible performances by Milestone students this term at Woodville Halls. In a truly unique and enriching collaboration with The Big Reveal charity, our PMLD students performed alongside a live orchestra in a show called, Intergalactic Emergency! The students showcased their musical skills, using the innovative Soundbeam - using ultrasonic sensors to translate movement into sound, allowing every student to actively participate. This performance represented a genuinely unique and pioneering experience for our students.
Our amazing Phase 3 students from Milestone@SGLA treated us to a superb adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, where they captivated audiences with their acting and wit. The annual Shakespeare Schools Festival gives our students the opportunity to develop their communication skills and confidence through vibrant performances, and this year was no exception. I know that all the families that attended were just as impressed as I was.
Following a significant investment and support from Leigh Academies Trust, we have been able to complete the installation of a new immersive interactive space for our pupils. This space has been designed with our Brook Pathway learners in mind, and is an entirely immersive multimedia space. The goal is that students can access and interact with the room, which has floor-to-ceiling video projection on three walls. The walls are touch-sensitive, allowing students to influence the environment around them. Last week we opened our doors to our Brook Pathway families, so they could see the space, and help us plan ways to use it so that it can be as meaningful for our young people as possible, giving them new and exciting opportunities and experiences. We hope that this space enables our students to experience representations of environments that might otherwise be difficult to access, and help prepare them for life beyond Milestone.
As you will go on to read below, and see in more detail on our class pages, students have had an impressive breadth of learning and discovery during module 4. Outside the classroom-based activities, there have been countless sporting events, Science Week, World Book Day and Red Nose Day. We are fortunate that our dedicated staff maximise all opportunities to engage in enriching extra-curricular activities, and it is very gratifying to see the clear enjoyment and benefit to all our students.
I would like to thank all of you who took the time to complete the Parent Survey. We greatly value your feedback and act on it where needed. You can see a summary of what you told us and how we have responded via this link.
There is much to look forward to as we move into Module 4 with our older students undertaking exams and heading off on residential holiday. There are also lots more sporting events planned for some of our younger students. We will also be hosting a Makaton Family Workshop and our annual Milestone Futures Career Convention.
Make the most of the spring break with your children and hopefully find some pockets of sunshine to enjoy some time outdoors (and indulge in a few chocolate eggs if you’re so disposed!) We look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 20th April 2026 when spring will be in full swing!
Sarah Goosani
Principal
Our new immersive room in action
Sensory exploration in new immersive space
A new happy place
Phase 1
Phase 1
This term, our learners have engaged with the world through touch, sound, and exploration. Here is a snapshot of our sensory journey:
Stories, Rhyme & Art - From the "huff and puff" of Fairy Tales to the rhythmic beats of Animal Poems, we’ve brought literacy to life. Learners explored "storytelling through art," using tactile paints and textures to express their favorite tales.
Our Environment & Science - We braved cold climates with ice play and explored waterproof materials through water-beading experiments. We also discovered the "scrunch and clink" of recycling, turning everyday materials into sensory structures.
Faith, Community & Belonging - We explored "belonging" through the scents of incense, the chime of bells, and the textures of the Synagogue and Church. We finished by celebrating difference, focusing on the unique sensory "signatures" of every student.
Movement & Sound - We have participated in inclusive sport in the form of Boccia, practicing our grip and release. We have taken time to feel the deep vibrations of music and created sound effects using everyday objects.
Please take a look at our Phase 1 Class pages to see what your children have been up to.
Katie Collinson - Phase 1 Leader
Claire Woolmer - Assistant Principal Phase 1
Milestone @ Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard
Milestone @ Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard
During this module, our learning has been guided by the PYP theme 'How We Express Ourselves', with our central idea: “Our school community works together through shared routines and responsibilities.”
The children have been exploring what it means to be part of a community, learning how we can live alongside each other and take part in daily routines. Through consistent structure and shared responsibilities, the children are continuing to build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging within our setting.
Our learning has been enriched through two much-loved stories: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Owl Babies. These stories have provided wonderful opportunities for expression, communication, sensory and imaginative play. Using the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the children enjoyed acting out the journey, using repeated language, movement, and sensory experiences. This supported their confidence in storytelling. Owl Babies helped the children explore different emotions, focusing on how the characters felt with an adult.
Please take a look at our class page: Phase 1 Class pages
Faye Mendez - Satellite Director
Phase 2
Phase 2
It has been an action-packed module for our Phase 2 pupils. From scientific breakthroughs to outdoor adventures.
Our young scientists have been diving deep into the world of changing materials. By using warm water and hair dryers to melt ice, pupils observed firsthand how states of matter transition. It’s been a fantastic way to explore cause and effect in the physical world.
We also went all-out for National Science Week and donned our best crimson for Red Nose Day, celebrating our community and curiosity in equal measure.
With the arrival of the warmer weather, Phase 2 has been making the most of the great outdoors. We’ve been hitting the outdoors daily to boost our fitness and soak up the sun's warm rays whenever we can. Pupils have continued to develop their coordination and confidence on our balance bikes—it's been wonderful to see their progress.
One of the biggest highlights was our time in the new immersive room. Through responsive visuals, pupils experienced the direct impact their actions have on the environment. Seeing the world change around them in real-time was a hit and the engagement levels were through the roof!
Please take a look at our Phase 2 Class pages to see what the different classes have been up to.
Lucy Sparks - Phase 2 Leader
Michelle Hilton - Assistant Principal Phase 2
Milestone @ Leigh Academy Dartford
Milestone @ Leigh Academy Dartford
During Module 4, pupils at the M@LAD Satellite continued their learning through the PYP theme 'How We Express Ourselves', exploring the idea that the features of a place influence how people live and work together. Learning took place through a range of connected, hands-on experiences that encouraged pupils to explore their environment, communicate ideas, and express themselves in different ways. Pupils investigated materials, created artwork inspired by Alma Thomas, reflected on Lent and Holy Week, explored their local area, and used technology to experiment with sound, music, animation, and creating photos and films.
Personal development and wellbeing remained a key focus throughout the module. Nova class continued swimming lessons, building both swimming skills and independence in personal care routines. Comet class took part in community participation visits, while Moonbeam class developed gardening and horticulture skills. A highlight of the term was a whole-satellite visit to Lullingstone Country Park, where pupils completed a Couch to 5K–style activity they had helped plan, followed by a picnic. Pupils also enjoyed sports opportunities including tennis and rugby, and families were welcomed into school for See and Learn events to celebrate pupils’ achievements.
We are so proud of what the students have achieved lately, please click here: Phase 2 Class pages to visit our class pages and see what they have been doing.
Jessica Street - Satellite Director
Phase 3
Phase 3
It has been an action-packed module filled with community spirit and global exploration, with learning defined by our transdisciplinary theme; ‘How we organise ourselves’. We have been traveling through sensory stories, using props and independent exploration to bring different environments and climates to life. This helped students connect through sound, touch, and storytelling.
Our inquiry sessions have been dedicated to the human body and wellbeing. We used body maps to identify anatomy, practiced personal hygiene such as tooth brushing, and learned which clothes match different body parts. This focus on health extended to students exploring the climates of the Arctic and deserts, and even building waterproof shelters and boats in DT sessions.
Our community reach grew through a heartwarming visit to Kentwood Care Home where students spent time baking and crafting with residents. Our creative juices continued to flow as students designed and made greetings cards which they have been selling. In the waterfall classroom, our curriculum was anchored by Around the World in 80 Days, inspiring paper-mâché hot air balloons and division-based fraction work. As part of our World Book Day activities, we were one of 50 schools/community groups asked to decorate a large bear for the Ellenor Hospice's We're Going on a Bear Hunt project. These 50 bear cubs will be displayed in indoor locations such as museums, libraries and storefronts for the whole community to enjoy - please a look out for the bear in the local area!
We celebrated cultural diversity through the traditions of Ramadan, and Eid. We also took an indepth look at the Hindu festival ‘Holi’ during our Inquiry day, when colour and culture were the order of the day!
From swimming sessions at Fairfield, to the introduction of trampolining, to allotment sessions in horticulture, to a celebratory trip to Bluewater Cinema; it has been a truly remarkable module for all our Phase 3 students!
Please take a look at our class pages: Phase 3 Class pages
Maria Steer - Phase 3 Leader
Kyle Marsh - Assistant Principal Phase 3
Milestone @ Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy
Milestone @ Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy
It has been a fantastic Module 4 at M@SGLA, with pupils showing great energy and enthusiasm in all areas of school life.
A key highlight has been our performance of Much Ado About Nothing at the Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival. Pupils showed impressive confidence, teamwork and commitment, bringing the play to life on stage. The preparation required dedication and collaboration, and it was wonderful to see how much pupils grew in confidence throughout the process. It was a proud moment for everyone involved.
With the warmer weather, pupils have also enjoyed increased opportunities for outdoor learning and physical activity. These sessions have supported their wellbeing, encouraged engagement and allowed pupils to develop important life skills beyond the classroom.
These experiences reflect our commitment to developing confident, resilient and balanced learners. By taking part in performances, working collaboratively and engaging in physical activity, pupils are building key skills that will support them in their future independence.
We wish you all a lovely spring break, and for those celebrating Easter, we hope you have a joyful and peaceful time with your families.
Please take a look at our class pages: Phase 3 Class pages
Sofia Pinto - Satellite Director
Phase 4
Phase 4
During Module 4, students have been actively engaged in learning linked to our central idea: 'We make valuable contributions to our community.' Through a range of meaningful experiences, they have explored how they can positively impact the world around them by helping others.
This has included learning to care for the environment through horticulture activities, participating in sensory stories focused on community themes, and visiting local places to better understand how different people contribute to community life. Phase 4 students enjoyed trips to the local library, shops, and garden centres, as well as visits to Bore Place Farm and local leisure facilities for swimming.
Module 4 also gave us the opportunity to celebrate World Book Day, helping to foster a love of reading. Our class pages highlight the fantastic work completed around the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
As part of our inquiry learning, students explored a range of special events, including Mothering Sunday, where we celebrated the important women in our lives. We also learned about different cultures and celebrations such as Holi and Eid, further developing our understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities of which we are part.
Please take a look at our class pages: Phase 4 Class pages
Katy Morez Stephens, Phase 4 Leader
Noleen Donaghy-Parkhouse - Assistant Principal Phase 4
Milestone @ Leigh Academy Wilmington
Milestone @ Leigh Academy Wilmington
What a busy but productive Module 4 we’ve had. Our students showcased their creativity by making a fantastic range of products for our Easter Fayre, which was wonderfully attended. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along to support our students.
In addition to their entrepreneurial efforts, students have been diligently completing their ASDAN coursework while also preparing for their upcoming mock exams, which will take place in Module 5. We are, as always, proud of their hard work and commitment.
Wellbeing and mindfulness have been a real focus this module, and we’re delighted to see that the majority of our students are now participating in the Daily Mile. This initiative allows them to enjoy the fresh air and the numerous benefits that come with being outdoors.
Looking ahead, many students are excited about our forthcoming residential holiday in Module 5, and we’re all hoping for sunny weather! Work experince plans are well underway, with a great variety of exciting opportunities being explored for Module 6 - further information will be shared in Module 5.
Wishing you all a lovely spring break.
Please take a look at our class pages: Phase 4 Class pages to see what your young people have been up to.
Nicky McCarthy - Satellite Director
PE News
PE News
This module in PE, students have been provided with so many opportunities to be active and continue developing their love of physical activity. We have been lucky enough to access a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, have some incredible sports coaches deliver sessions across the academy sites; and overall engagement within PE lessons has been outstanding.
Inclusive Rugby is a hit
This module we welcomed Kent Rugby who have been delivering tag rugby across Phase 3 and 4. The sessions have been focused on fundamental ball handling and tagging skills. Students have loved the sessions and have had the opportunity to develop their teamwork and communication. It has been great to continue our partnership with Kent Rugby and see our students build upon their rugby skills.
Leigh Academy Milestone @ Wilmington - In the Groove
Leigh Academy Milestone @ Wilmington have loved their extra-curricular dance sessions delivered by Christina Marks School of Performing Arts. Every week the participation has been excellent and with huge smiles students have created a routine to perform as a group. A huge well done to all of the young people that got involved and tried something new.
Festival Fun for Milestone
Students from Milestone@LAD and Milestone@SGLA have proudly represented the school at a variety of sporting festivals and tournaments this module. From rugby to tennis, and even the opportunity to play football at The Gallagher Stadium - home of Maidstone United, it has been brilliant to see so many students active and connecting with other local schools.
Striking and Fielding Success in Phase 3 and 4
Phase 3 and 4 students have been working on their striking and fielding within Core PE lessons. Each class has gone above and beyond to develop their transferable skills in both Cricket and Tennis, with some incredible progress being made across the school!
Post-16 Pan - Disability Football Tournament
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, students from Milestone @ Wilmington participated in the Post-16 Pan-Disability Football Tournament hosted by The Oaks Specialist College at Longmead Stadium. Demonstrating exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship, the Milestone team remained undefeated throughout the tournament culminating with a 2-0 win against Nexus School in the final. Upon their return, the students were welcomed with a guard of honour by staff and peers to celebrate their achievement.
There are lots of exciting opportunities approaching in the coming weeks and Module 5 including; Multi skills Panathlon and Aqua Splash! Take a look at the Latest News Section for all of the up-to-date Sports News!
Evie Foster - PE Lead
Horticulture News
Horticulture News
Hedgehogs & Herbs
This module I’m focussing on the work done by the ASDAN gardening short course students at mainsite & M@SGLA.
For the past two modules, mainsite students have been busy boosting local biodiversity by constructing bespoke wildlife houses, providing vital habitats for our garden friends. They have constructed homes for birds, hedgehogs and frogs. We look forward to seeing the new inhabitants during the coming weeks.
At M@SGLA the creativity continues in the kitchen, where the students chose and crafted artisanal culinary oils infused with dried herbs. We are looking forward to having a tasting session with the whole satellite.
Please have a look at our Horticulture News page
Kirsty Wiseman - Horticulture Teacher
Forest School
Forest School
Spring has arrived and the Forest School area is beginning to burst into life once again, with spring flowers blooming and leaves reappearing on our trees. Students have been enjoying a mix of weather this term, with some very sunny days and some rainy ones too. This provides opportunities to learn about appropriate clothing and how this can differ day to day.
Students have shown how they are curious risk-takers by practising their balancing skills walking on a slackline which was suspended between two trees. They have also enjoyed some reflective time in the new hammock. Our school World Book Day theme of ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ was a big hit during this module, too, with students hunting for bears throughout the woodland. Students have been making great use of the mud kitchen which was built for us by the fantastic Phase 4 students at Milestone@Wilmington, creating lots of imaginative recipes, demonstrating their growth as great communicators.
Have a look at our Forest School Website.
Cheryl England - Forest School Teacher
Medical and Therapy Team News
Medical and Therapy Team News
Healthcare Support Team
The Milestone ‘Medical’ Team has now changed its name to the Healthcare Support Team. The change of name is to reflect how the team of health care assistants work alongside class teams, Kent Community Health’s Special School Nursing Service and families to support pupils’ health care needs.
We have completed a thorough review of all our health related policies and procedures. All staff were given time to read and understand these in February. The main policy ‘Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions’ is available on the website https://www.leighacademymilestone.org.uk/about-us/policies/
If your child brings specialist equipment to school, such as suction machines and nebulisers, they must be in working order. All equipment must be registered with Medequip and serviced as needed https://www.medequip-uk.com/contact/kent
We have hosted Dietician Clinics and an ADHD Clinic during this module. We also successfully ran HPV vaccinations at Mainsite for our Year 8 cohort. For up-to-date Clinic dates please see the Health & Medical homepage and scroll down: Clinic Dates
A reminder that at the end of this Module, we will be sending home all daily medication and emergency medication. All medication will need to come back into school on the first day of the new Module, after the Easter Break.
Therapy Team
This term the therapy team got involved in supporting World Book day. Key signs were taught and symbols provided. Tim supported Glacier class on their Bear Hunt by dressing up as the Bear. Lots of fun was had by all.
The benefits of reading and language development are closely linked. This starts with early communication skills including shared attention by enjoying looking at the pictures in a book, turn-taking when turning the pages, imaginative play based on the story. This later leads to learning new vocabulary, hearing the words being used in context and what the words sound like. In time, children learn to develop their narrative skills and recall stories in their own words. Sharing books provides a lovely opportunity to model language. To support language development it is much better to model the language by commenting rather than asking questions. Don’t worry if your child cannot answer questions, instead enjoy commenting, turning the pages and enjoying the story together.
Please take some time to look at the Therapy and Medical pages of the website.
Liz Skilton and all in the Therapy & Healthcare Support Teams
Red Nose Day 2026
Red Nose Day 2026
We celebrated Red Nose Day on Friday 20th March. The pupils had a fantastic time exploring "all things red" through a variety of hands-on sensory activities, from messy painting and vibrant colouring to designing their own red noses. Some pupils made a kindness paper chain and told silly jokes. Throughout the day there was lots of red jelly explored, red rice investigated, dancing and most of all smiles and laughter.
We raised £160.45 for the charity.
A huge thank you to all our families for supporting such a joyful and meaningful day!
Caroline
PSPD Lead
Dates for Your Diary
Dates for Your Diary
Monday 20th April - First day module 5
Monday 4th May - Bank holiday
Wednesday 13th May - Makaton Family Workshop
Thursday 14th May - Milestone Future Careers Convention
Friday 22nd May- Last day module 5
Monday 1st June 2025 First day module 6
Sports day dates in module 6:
Mainsite
Phase 1: Tuesday 9th June - Back up - Wednesday 10th June
Phase 2: Thursday 11th June -Back up - Friday 12th June
Phase 3: Monday 15th June - Back up - Wednesday 17th June
Phase 4: Thursday 18th June - Back up Friday 19th June
PMLD activity morning - Wednesday 24th June
Milestone @ LAD - Thursday 25th June - Back up - Friday 26th June (at mainsite)
Milestone @ SGLA - joining in with SGLA on Monday 22nd June
Please see the Upcoming Events pages of the website for more coming up.
The Dog Mentor Programme
The Dog Mentor Programme
Toffee, Fudge, Betty and Harper are our four Dog Mentors. The Dog Mentor programme builds upon the benefits of the human-animal bond by providing children positive experiences with dogs that can help them educationally, developmentally, emotionally and socially. Harper and Betty joined Toffee and Fudge back in 2024 and we continue to find the programme has a positive impact on children in all areas including self-esteem, confidence, care, problem-solving, resilience, behaviour, peer relationships and engagement.
While our experience is positive, we are aware this is not the case for everyone. Full training was given to all dogs and staff continue to work with children, staff and families to ensure the welfare of everyone involved is a top priority.
We would love to hear from you if you would like to share your child’s experience of working with the dogs or if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to do so is by sending an email to info@milestone.latrust.org.uk for the attention of The Dog Mentor Team. Do also visit The Dog Mentor’s website for more details www.thedogmentor.co.uk
This term all of the dogs have been a big help in supporting some children with transitions into school in the mornings.
Harper has enjoyed her weekly visits to Woodland Class. She loves chilling with her friends and would probably stay there all day if we let her. She has enjoyed the pretend walks in class and the children find it funny when they let go of her lead and we pretend she runs off. She continues to enjoy time with some of the individual pupils who she knows well; Milo is teaching her to fetch a ball and Mercedes continues to take good care of her.
Betty enjoys her time in Lion class. She will be joining Scotney class this week for a community visit to the local library. As we move into the summer terms, we are hoping the dogs will support the pupils more with their outdoor learning and community participation.
Toffee and Fudge have started making weekly visits to our Wilmington satellite, they have definitely recognised some of their friends who previously attended the main site. They have enjoyed going for walks in the local area as part of a students daily mile, especially all the new smells of the local wildlife. It has been lovely to see the students light up on our walks. Back on the main site they have made a new friend who waits for them each morning and is growing in their own confidence around them, as well as their regular visitors and walks.
Friends of Milestone - Charity No: 278677
Friends of Milestone - Charity No: 278677
Thank you to those of you who supported our Someone Special Wrap earlier this module. We hope that all those 'special somesones' enjoyed receiving thier gifts that their young people chose for them.
We will be back with our Someone Super Wrap on Thursday 18th June. Look out for more information in due course.
Sarah Spiers – Chair and Treasurer
Lyn French – Secretary
Friends of Milestone
Useful Websites
Useful Websites
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.
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