Your weekly round up of events and what's coming up!

WINTER WALK RAISING MUCH NEEDED FUND FOR OUR COUNSELLING SERVICE 

London Winter Walk 

This weekend 162 teachers, parents, children and therapists (including staff from Wood End) are taking part in the Winter Walk (walking either a full marathon, half marathon, 10km or 5km Family Walk around London) to raise much needed funds for the Schools Counselling Partnership who provide a therapeutic service in our school.

Ultra Challenge who arrange these events have told us that this is the biggest team they have ever seen at one single event which is testament to the value that everyone puts on this service provision.

Please please please donate whatever you can afford, no amount is too little, by clicking the link below: 

Please, please, please help us to keep this service in school by donating whatever you can afford, just click the link below:

https://gofund.me/dbf824b4

RAISING FUNDS FOR OUR COUNSELLING SERVICE IN SCHOOL 

Aggression in children

Aggression including hitting, kicking or using threatening words or behaviour can be incredibly hard to see in our children. There are many reasons why this may happen including: the child is feeling the need to be in control, they are exhibiting a fear response, or they may be experiencing sensory overload.  

If it is particularly bad you may need to attend appropriate training and support such as non-violent resistance (NVR) training. This helps builds your confidence, if you are not scared your child will feel safer.

 Using simple explanations on brain-based fear responses with your child can help them to better regulate their own responses. For example, ‘maybe the small, scared part of your brain is stopping your big thinking part from being calm’. Use phrases like ‘I know you have a good heart’. Then explain that one of the ways to help their thinking brain get back in charge is for them to run around or jump up and down. This guides the child towards flight path rather than the fight path. 

Use distraction techniques, once you notice your child’s aggression levels are rising, suddenly look past the child in a distracted way as if you've just noted something fascinating. The child will often stop mid flow and turn to see what you we're looking at. Depending on the situation, you could then turn this into a playful moment or prolong the distraction, buying some thinking time.  Remember, at times of maximum dysregulation, no amount of talking to your child about their behaviour and explaining consequences will help them calm down. Their base brain is in fight or flight mode. Instead, use empathic commentary as to what you think the child is angry about. You could say ‘wow I can see you’re really angry about having to come off your iPad’. Use phrases like ‘I know the good heart part of you doesn't like hurting people/things’. Try to stay close to your child (if it is safe) and adopt a calm reassuring tone of voice. Where possible give some gentle touch such as touching their shoulder, as this often helps them to regulate. 

Once the aggressive outburst is over, you may need a little space, after which you can name the need. This is a chance to explore the overwhelming feelings that led to the aggression.  Witnessing or being a target of aggression is really hard to recover from as a parent. Be aware of your own injuries and anxiety levels and seek emotional support.

Sometimes we could all do with someone to talk to.  If you would like to meet Helen for a confidential and non-judgemental chat about you, your child, or any other worries, she is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays 9-10am. You can call/text Helen on 07429 654584 or email her at

helen@schoolscounsellingpartnership.co.uk

CGP Study Books

Last few study books available to purchase at the school office for £3 each. (normal retail price  (£4.99)
Subjects cover maths, grammar, spelling and comprehension.  Cash or payment via parentmail. 

Year 2 

In computing Elm class have been learning about impressionism and pointillism. The artist we have looked at this week is George Seurat. The children have produced some wonderful digital art.

Nursery 

Children in Nursery have been busy this week learning to count to 3 and learning repeat patterns. At play they have been using social skills and working together to build and construct. 

Dates for your diary - events Coming Up soon 

• 29th January 2025 - Chinese New year 

• 30th January 2025 - Birch Class Assembly (9am)

• 3rd February 2025 - Children's Mental Health Week in School - School Counselling Partnership

• 6th February 2025 - Ash Class Assembly (9am) 

• 10th February 2025 - Year 1 Mock Phonics check week

• 11th February 2025 - Parent Workshop Safer internet at 9am 

“Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”
― Buddha 

Healthy Eating
We will post a healthy recipe every week to hopefully inspire everyone to eat well. 

Wednesday 29th January 2025