FELIX CHARITY 

This is for the school community. If you need to take any of the food items please do, however only take a small amount. This will ensure more families benefit from the charity! We DO NOT want to see people using large bags or black bin bags to fill up with the food items, this only benefits a few! 

mobile phones and school life

• Updated national guidance this year places a clear focus on how schools manage mobile phones, because phones give children access to the internet, messaging and cameras, often without any adult oversight.

• Our approach is simple: school is a time for learning, friendships and play, and children are safest when they’re not distracted or exposed to online content during the day.

• Pupils in Nursery to Year 5 should not bring phones to school. Year 6 pupils may bring a brick phone only if they walk to or from school without a parent or carer, and this must be requested in writing. Phones are handed in at the start of the day.

• At home, it helps to keep phones out of bedrooms overnight and to agree clear expectations about how they’re used.

• Working together makes the rules easier for everyone.

Kind Regards
Chris Best

Early Years 

Small Steps, Big Changes – Building Independence in EYFS

For the first 2 weeks of this half term, our independence focus in Nursery and Reception is learning to put on our coats all by ourselves! In Reception, we are taking this one step further by encouraging children to fasten their own buttons and zips.

Being able to manage their own coats is an important life skill. It helps children develop confidence, independence, coordination and a real sense of achievement. These small steps make a big difference, particularly when getting ready for outdoor play and home time!

How are we helping in school?

We are teaching the children the butterfly method, a fun and simple way to put on their coats independently:

1. Lay the coat on the floor with the inside facing upwards and the hood or collar nearest your feet.

2. Put your arms into the sleeves.

3. Lift your arms up and over your head, just like butterfly wings!

4. Wiggle your coat into place – all done!

How can you help at home?

• Give your child time to practise putting on their coat without rushing to help.

• Encourage them to have a go first, even if they find it tricky.

• Practise the butterfly method together and celebrate their efforts.

• For Reception children, practise connecting the two parts of the zip before pulling it up. This is often the trickiest part!

• Use lots of encouragement, such as "Have a go!", "You're nearly there!" and "Look what you did all by yourself!"

Remember, the goal isn't to get it right straight away – it's to build the confidence to keep trying. A little patience and practice each day can make a huge difference.

Thank you for supporting us in helping our children become confident, capable and independent learners!

Inclusion 

Click on the link to access the Padlet: 

https://padlet.com/agohil5/the-wood-end-primary-school-inclusion-toolkit-b8sdiw0559h1jd1b

Week Commencing 9th November 2026

There are several upcoming workshops available to parents and carers next week. These sessions offer helpful advice, practical strategies and opportunities to develop a better understanding of children's needs and how best to support them.

1. Ealing Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

Autism and Children

A workshop to help parents and carers better understand autism in primary-aged children and explore ways to support their child's needs.

📅 Monday 9 November 2026
🕒 12:00–13:30

Booking: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO463wTTAWhVBJohQAGiRA965UQTRWTjFPRDZaNktXMDFSRUUyR0hJTVpXMCQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCode

Understanding SEND Behaviours

An opportunity to develop your understanding of behaviours associated with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and explore ways to support your child.

📅 Wednesday 11 November 2026
🕒 12:00–13:30

Booking: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO463wTTAWhVBJohQAGiRA965UQTRWTjFPRDZaNktXMDFSRUUyR0hJTVpXMCQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCode

2. Ealing Children's Speech and Language Therapy

Supporting Children with Social Communication Differences

A free online workshop for parents and carers of children aged 0–5. Learn practical strategies to support your child's communication, including using visuals and supporting everyday routines.

📅 Wednesday 11 November 2026
🕒 10:00–12:00
💻 Online

Booking: https://ealinganchor.org.uk/events/online-supporting-children-with-social-communication-differences-workshop-wednesday-11th-november-10am-12pm-workshop-2/

3. Ealing NHS Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Understanding My Sensory Child (Part 1)

An opportunity for parents and carers to develop their understanding of sensory processing and how sensory differences can affect children's everyday experiences.

📅 Thursday 12 November 2026
🕒 13:30
📍 Acton Health Centre
💷 Free

Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ealing-nhs-paediatric-occupational-therapy-115818879481

We encourage parents and carers to take advantage of these free opportunities to develop their understanding and gain practical strategies to support their children. Please book directly with the relevant service using the links provided. Places may be limited