We aspire to provide all our learners with access to the highest quality of learning and teaching alongside a mix of evidence based Autism specific approaches in order to maximise their success and encourage achievement in its broadest sense.
Our aim is to help all our pupils be the best they can be as:
A full moon and high winds definitely have an impact on young people – and maybe on those of us who are not so young. A surge of energy has passed through Meadowpark this week and we have encouraged pupils to take it out onto the playground as much as possible. Fortunately we have plenty of space, bikes, scooters and imagination for pupils to unleash their teenage energy.
We would dearly love to have some permanent pieces of playground equipment so if anybody can help with application forms for funding please get in touch.
The High winds have meant that a number of the beautiful trees that surround Meadowpark, and further afield have lost their leaves. Not to miss a trick our ever resourceful teachers and support staff have been gathering these to make lovely Autumn displays, walking along the banks of the Tyne and through the park. It is a wonderful time of year to talk about change and transition, which many of our young people find difficult, and being to use the natural environment to assist with this enables understanding and puts difficult concepts into a real life context.
We had a birthday to celebrate this week and Oliver received not one, but two cakes from Class 2. One was made on site by Oliver’s peers and the other was made at home by Daniel. The fact that they were both demolished within minutes shows how baking and good food can be such a great motivator.
Class 1 went to Tesco to do their shopping for soup making. I would like to thank Tesco who continue to be incredibly supportive of our young people as they venture further into independence. Meadowpark pupils and staff are always made to feel welcome when shopping and this reaffirms my vision that Haddington could become an Autism Friendly town.
Class 3 used root vegetables from their weekly visit to Amisfield Garden – a huge parsnip, potatoes and leeks were washed, peeled, chopped and put in the pot. Again, the soup was consumed within minutes.
As I write all pupils are enjoying exercising in the autumn sunshine – some are swimming in Aubigny sports Centre, others doing their daily mile or visiting the local park. When they come back Class 2 will hold an Assembly on Being a Good Friend and celebrating the achievements of others.
Daily exercise and healthy eating are essential ingredients for everyone and we will continue to educate all our young people to make healthy choices – home-made food, water, fruit juice and milk rather than sweets, fizzy drinks and highly processed food.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Charli Prime
So many milestones have been achieved this week, in spite of staff and pupils fighting coughs and colds. We are nothing if not resilient at Meadowpark.
Almost all of our pupils have now been kayaking on the water and we anticipate that all pupils will have managed this by the October week. A change of clothing on Mondays is really helpful.
We had a number of visitors and specialists visit the school this week.
Marion Barclay, East Lothian’s PE Specialist and Heather Lowdon from Scottish Disability Sport brought along a charming young man, Lewis McConnell, SDS Coaching Futures Apprentice who was able to inspire Meadowpark pupils in the exciting and strangely addictive game of Boccia.
I first became aware of Boccia or Petanque as it is known in France when I stayed with a pen pal near Lille. I noticed that all the villages had a patch of dirt, usually in partially shaded areas near a local park or village green where, mostly men, would throw small silver boules (balls). Since then I have played the game in several locations, including France and Battersea Park when I lived in London. It would be great to encourage all our young people to take up this sport. Equipment is easily transportable and not very expensive. Perhaps we can create a permanent Boccia/Petanque area in the grounds of Meadowpark for pupils and the local community? I think I know just the ideal place…
The ever bubbly Kelly Clarke from Loose Parts Play arrived on Wednesday morning with a camera crew to film Class 2 using the wide range of materials we have acquired that make break times and PE lessons so much more interesting. I will let you know where and when this short film which promotes Loose Parts Play can be viewed.
Fraser Stewart, photographer, popped in to meet pupils and staff with a view to volunteering and offering his expertise to all classes in photography and film making.
I am delighted that Chris Aien from YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative) who has been supporting Build-a-Band at Meadowpark and Knox Academy since 2015 has joined us again.
All our young people enjoy and engage in opportunities to develop music skills and interests. Chris will be working 1-1 with 2 of our pupils for whom life has dealt a few challenges recently. I know that Chris’ calm level-headed enthusiasm will further enhance the approaches to curriculum planning that benefit all our pupils. .Chris also encourages young people to play music from their favourite bands and I’m sure the walls of Meadowpark will soon be resounding to White Stripes Seven Nation Army and My Chemical Romance Welcome to the Black Parade. If it puts a smile on the face of a Meadowpark pupil or staff member then we are doing our jobs effectively.
I was sad to have cancelled the parents’ evening which had been schedules for Thursday 28th September, but with so many call offs it was all I could do. Class teachers will contact parents about review meetings for pupils.
Can I please ask that if anyone is interested and has the time to offer, to come forward and assist us in setting up a Meadowpark Parent School Partnership.
There is a lot to fit in before the October break and I am confident that we will continue to see all Meadowpark pupils flourish.
Charli Prime
Please accept my apologies for the lack of a newsletter last week: I was at Inter Agency Child Protection training on Thursday 14th September and found it just a little too easy to switch off and enjoy the holiday weekend! Note to self – write Newsletter earlier in week ready for posting on Friday.
Pupils had a very successful first experience on Monday 11th September on the River Tyne with Martyn Pegg from Outdoor Learning. Martyn remains confident that all pupils will be on the water after this 6 week block. Waterproof clothing and shoes/boots are essential for messing about on the river. Rest assured a full risk assessment has been carried out by Outdoor Education and are we happy to answer any questions you might have.
We are delighted to welcome Jenn Davis to Meadowpark team. Jenn has a wealth of experience working with children with severe and complex needs and comes to us from Saltersgate – very much their loss and our gain. Jenn Davis will be Class 1 teacher with Billie Morton and Judie Hadden providing additional support.
In Class 2 Lisa McClure has agreed to stay with us until further notice which will provide stability and consistency for this cohort. Lisa McClure and Class 2 are supported by Elaine Smith and Tracy Mearns and share Frankie Krawiec with all classes.
Class 3 remains consistent with Chris Morrison, teacher and Lorna Will and Suki Raunu providing essential additional support.
Our young people are relishing the outdoor space and the generous donation of bikes. We are looking for some support to help maintain these bikes, so if you or someone you know is able to help please let me know. We need bike helmets – must be BSA approved and in good condition. Good quality outdoor clothes also greatly appreciated. I bought a super waterproof jacket from a charity
shop for £7.95 so if you are able to afford a rummage please do so or ask friends and family if there are any spare.
Laura Duncan, Speech and Language Therapist joined classes on Wednesday 20th September and was able to meet most young people and will continue to play a vital role in our bustling community.
I have forwarded a number of links to fund raising via email and hope that you are able to support us in our goal of raising money for fixed equipment in the playground. Pupils have identified swings, climbing wall and cargo net and trampolines as desirable items. Lewis and Angela Graham got the ball rolling with a fund raiser disco in May and raised £1500. We need at least £20,000 for a permanent playground!
We are hosting a parent and carers evening on Thursday 28th September. Please contact Michelle Williams or your child’s class teacher to make arrangements. If you are unable to attend this then teachers are happy to make alternative arrangements for you. It is important that you are able to see your young person’s setting and achievements.
We finished our week with an assembly celebrating friendship, kindness and gentleness to others as well as recognising our own talents.
Have a great weekend
Charli
The weather has been slightly more challenging this week but that doesn’t prevent staff from encouraging pupils to be out and about. Class 3 were at Amisfield Garden on Wednesday and came back with blackberries and raspberries to add to their apple crumble. Well done Rory and Charley for excellent chopping.
Read more about events at Meadowpark in our weekly newsletter.
We have been blessed with the weather, again this week, which has encouraged Outdoor Learning through leadership, exploring the environment and interaction with the community. On this matter please ensure all pupils have a waterproof coat every day. If there is a spare jacket or welly boots you could donate to school that would be fantastic too: the weather will not deter us!
Read more about the fun that we have had in this week's newsletter.
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