Spring Term Attendance Update:

This spring term, our whole school attendance was 92.38% – a fantastic effort from our pupils and families. Thank you to all of our parents and carers for your continued support in ensuring children attend school regularly.

Attendance is not just about academic learning. Being in school supports children’s mental health, wellbeing, friendships, and sense of routine. For many of our pupils, school provides structure, consistency, and trusted relationships that are essential to their overall development.

As we now approach the summer term, we would like to take this opportunity to remind families that term-time holidays are not permitted. Any holiday taken during term time without prior authorisation from the Headteacher will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and may be referred to the Local Authority for review, which could result in further action, including penalty notices.

We would also like to share a few important reminders:

• It is a parent/carer’s legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly

• If your child is absent, you must notify the school on each day of absence, providing a reason

• Good communication between home and school helps us to provide the right support at the right time

We understand that some of our pupils face additional challenges, and we are here to support you. By working collaboratively together, we can remove barriers, improve attendance, and ensure every child has the best opportunity to succeed.

Thank you again for your ongoing support – it truly makes a difference.

 

Special Awareness Days: Autism Awareness - 02.04.26

At our school, Autism Awareness Day is more than a moment in the calendar — it is a reflection of what we stand for every single day: understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.

As a specialist SEN school, we proudly recognise and support the rich diversity of the autism spectrum. Every child experiences the world in their own unique way, bringing individual strengths, needs, and ways of communicating that deserve to be understood and valued.

Our approach is built on empathy, patience, and highly personalised support. By working in close partnership with our pupils and their families, we create an environment where every child feels safe, respected, and empowered to be themselves.

Autism Awareness Day is not only about raising awareness; it is about strengthening a culture of genuine acceptance and respect. It is a reminder that differences are not just acknowledged, but celebrated. We are proud to be a school that embraces individuality and enables every child to thrive in a way that is right for them.

To support charities connected to this important cause, please see here.

 

 

Sutton Stage Stars – A Night to Remember! 

What another fantastic and packed evening at Brierley Hill Civic Hall for our annual Sutton Stage Stars event!

The atmosphere was electric from start to finish, with our pupils taking to the stage with confidence, pride, and incredible talent. It was truly a celebration of everything we stand for at Sutton – being “Safe, Happy and Learning Towards Independence.”

A huge congratulations to all of our winners – you were absolutely amazing! This year’s winning act was the Brass Band, who delivered an outstanding performance.

A special mention must also go to our runner-up, Mia Wells, who was also part of the winning squad – an amazing achievement and something to be incredibly proud of!

Every single child who took part should feel proud of themselves for stepping onto that stage and giving it their all.

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our families who supported their children to attend, rehearse, and perform. Your encouragement and commitment play such an important role in making events like this possible.

A very special thank you goes to our Engagement Themes Team, whose hard work, creativity, and dedication turned our pupils’ dreams into a reality on stage. From planning and rehearsals to the final performance, your effort truly shone through.

It was a night full of smiles, confidence, and unforgettable moments – and we are already looking forward to next year! ✨

 

Easter Activities Across Dudley Borough – Something for Everyone! 

There is a fantastic range of activities taking place across the Dudley borough this April, offering something for every child and family to enjoy during the Easter break!

From live performances and crafts to sports sessions and Easter egg hunts, it’s a great opportunity to get out, try something new, and make lasting memories.

Sports & Leisure Activities

Our local leisure centres – including Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre, Crystal Leisure Centre and Halesowen Leisure Centre – are offering:

• Free swimming (spaces fill quickly!)

• Family disability swim sessions

• Pickleball sessions

• Soft play sessions (Duncan Edwards & Halesowen)

Register for free swimming click here.

There are also £1 football sessions available at The Dell Stadium.

Library Activities & HAF Programme

Across 13 local libraries, families can access a variety of free and low-cost sessions, including:

•  Craft activities

•  Circus skills

•  Board games

• Lego workshops

•  Easter egg hunts

In addition, the Holidays, Activities and Food (HAF) Programme (funded by the Department for Education) is running a wide range of activities for children eligible for free school meals.

 Find out more about HAF: here.

Live Shows & Entertainment

At Dudley Town Hall, there’s an exciting line-up:

•  Sweet and Sour – Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter & Olivia Rodrigo (April 18)

•  Wicked Sing-Along Screening (April 25)

Book tickets: here.

Creative & Cultural Experiences

At the iconic Red House Glass Cone:

• Easter trail (throughout the holidays)

•  Free Easter crafts (April 18)

•  “Make & Take” sessions (April 19)

•  Glass fusing workshops (book in advance)

Book sessions click: here

Meanwhile, Dudley Museum at the Archives offers:

• Free family trails

• Easter & Dinosaur craft sessions (pre-bookable)

More info click: here.

Looking Ahead…

There are even more exciting events coming up:

• The Wonders of Our Universe – immersive experience (May 4) at Dudley Town Hall

•  The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (May 2–3) at Stourbridge Town Hall

 Top Tips for Families:

• Pre-book sessions where possible

• Register early for free swimming

• Check availability as some sessions are first come, first served

This Easter, there really is something for everyone in Dudley. Whether your child enjoys being active, creative, or simply having fun with friends, we encourage all families to get involved and make the most of these fantastic opportunities.

Safe, Happy, Learning Towards Independence – even during the holidays! 

Easter Support for Families – Dudley Borough 

The Easter holidays can be a wonderful time for families, but we also recognise that they can bring additional pressures. At Sutton, we want to ensure all of our families know that support is available if needed.

Across the Dudley Borough, there are a range of services offering advice, support, food provision and financial guidance during the holiday period.

Safeguarding & Urgent Support

If you are concerned about a child or need urgent help:

• Dudley Children’s Front Door (MASH): 0300 555 0050

• Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team: 0300 555 8574

• Emergency Services: 999

Family Support Services

There are organisations available to support parents and carers with advice and guidance:

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

• Barnardo’s (Dudley Services): 01384 411722

Young people can also access support directly:

• Childline: 0800 1111 (free, confidential, 24/7)

Food Support Available

If you are finding things difficult financially, support is available locally:

• Black Country Foodbank provides emergency food parcels for families in crisis
   www.blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk

• FareShare Midlands offers low-cost food through community membership schemes
   www.faresharemidlands.org.uk

• Additional local food support is available across Dudley through community hubs and referral services

Cost of Living Support

There is also help available for families experiencing financial pressures:

• Dudley Council Cost of Living Support Hub
   www.dudley.gov.uk/costofliving

• Household Support Fund (via Dudley Council)

  • Support with food, energy and essential costs

• Citizens Advice Dudley & Wolverhampton
  📞 0808 278 7976
  👉 www.citizensadvicedudley.org

 

Wishing You a Happy Easter 

As we reach the end of another busy and successful term at Sutton, we would like to thank all our families for your continued support.

It has been a fantastic term, filled with progress, resilience, and many special moments. We are incredibly proud of our pupils and how they embody our values of being ‘Safe, Happy and Learning Towards Independence.’

We hope you enjoy a restful Easter break, with time to relax and spend with family.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the summer term, ready for more learning, growth, and success.

From all of us at Sutton, we wish you a very happy Easter.