Dudley HAF Programme – Summer Holiday Fun Awaits!

With the summer holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning some exciting activities for your children!

The Dudley Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme offers a fantastic range of fun, engaging and rewarding activities for children and young people across the borough. Whether your child enjoys sports, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, cooking, games or meeting new friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Funded by the Department for Education and delivered by Dudley Council in partnership with local organisations, the HAF Programme not only provides exciting activities but also includes a healthy meal at every session attended.

Eligible children can access:

• Up to 16 free activity sessions during the Summer Holidays

• 4 free sessions during the Easter Holidays

• 4 free sessions during the Christmas Holidays

The programme is designed to help children stay active, build confidence, learn new skills and have fun throughout the school break while supporting families during the holiday period.

If your child is eligible, we strongly encourage families to register and explore the wide variety of opportunities available this summer.

Register your child and book activities today!

 

 

Stay Safe Around Water This Summer

The great British weather certainly seems to be changing! Whilst many of us enjoy the sunshine, warmer temperatures and the chance to get outside, periods of extreme heat can also bring additional risks, particularly for children and young people.

When temperatures rise, it can be tempting to cool off by swimming or playing in rivers, reservoirs, canals, lakes, quarries and other open bodies of water. However, Dudley Council and water safety organisations are reminding families that these locations can be extremely dangerous, even on the hottest days.

Why is open water dangerous?

Although the surface may look calm and inviting, open water can hide a number of serious hazards, including:

• Extremely cold temperatures beneath the surface, which can cause cold water shock.

• Strong currents that can pull even confident swimmers into danger.

• Hidden objects, weeds and debris beneath the water.

• Deep water and sudden drops.

• Slippery banks and edges, making it difficult to get out once in.

• Poor water quality which can cause illness.

Every year, people lose their lives after entering open water to cool down, often never expecting the dangers that lie beneath the surface.

Water Safety Tips

✅ Always swim at a supervised swimming pool or designated bathing area.

✅ Never enter reservoirs, canals, quarries, lakes or other unsupervised bodies of water.

✅ Avoid jumping into unknown water.

✅ Never swim alone.

✅ Tell an adult where you are going and who you are with.

✅ Stay hydrated and seek shade during periods of extreme heat.

If Someone Gets Into Difficulty

Remember the Call, Tell, Throw advice:

• Call for help.

• Tell the emergency services by calling 999.

• Throw something that floats if it is safe to do so.

Never enter the water yourself to attempt a rescue.

As we move into the summer holidays, or as we experience more extreme heat conditions we encourage all families to enjoy the sunshine safely. A suntan and a cool day out can be great fun, but no day in the sun is worth risking your life in unsafe water. for more advice read the document attached.  

 

 

Children's Art Week 2026 – Celebrating Creativity at Sutton School

This week, we are proud to celebrate Children's Art Week 2026, a national event that recognises the importance of creativity, self-expression and the arts in children's development.

At Sutton School, art is so much more than painting and drawing. For many of our pupils, art provides a safe and therapeutic outlet where they can communicate thoughts, feelings and experiences that may be difficult to express through words alone. Through creativity, our young people can build confidence, develop emotional regulation skills, improve concentration and experience a sense of achievement.

For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), art can play a particularly important role in supporting wellbeing. Creative activities encourage self-expression, reduce anxiety, develop fine motor skills and provide opportunities for success that extend beyond traditional academic subjects.

Mrs Doman, Assistant Headteacher, Safeguarding Lead and Art Teacher, shared:

"Art provides our pupils with a voice. It gives them the opportunity to express themselves in ways that may not always be possible through words. Creativity can be incredibly therapeutic, helping children to regulate emotions, build confidence and celebrate their individuality. Some of the most powerful conversations and moments of personal growth happen whilst pupils are creating artwork. It is a privilege to see their personalities, talents and feelings come to life through their work."

We are incredibly proud of the creativity, imagination and effort shown by our pupils. Below is a selection of some of the wonderful artwork completed by our young people, showcasing not only their artistic talents but also their unique personalities and perspectives.

Well done to all of our talented artists for creating such inspiring pieces of work. We hope you enjoy viewing their fantastic creations as much as we have enjoyed seeing them develop.

Every child is an artist, and every piece of artwork tells a story.

 

 

Deafblind Awareness Week – Understanding Dual Sensory Loss

This week, we are recognising Deafblind Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of what it means to live with dual sensory loss.

Deafblindness is a combination of sight and hearing impairments that can affect a person's ability to communicate, access information and move around independently. It is important to understand that deafblindness is not simply being deaf and blind; it is a unique disability where the combined impact of both sensory impairments creates significant challenges in everyday life.

People who are deafblind may experience:

• Difficulties with communication.

• Challenges accessing information.

• Increased feelings of isolation or loneliness.

• Difficulties navigating unfamiliar environments.

• Barriers to participating in everyday activities.

Many individuals who are deafblind have some remaining sight and hearing, whilst others may have more significant sensory impairments. Every person's experience is different.

At Sutton School, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels understood, valued and supported. Raising awareness of disabilities and additional needs helps our pupils develop empathy, understanding and respect for others. By learning about the experiences of people who are deafblind, we can all play a part in creating a more accessible and inclusive society.

How Can We Support Someone Who Is Deafblind?

✅ Gain their attention before speaking.

✅ Speak clearly and face the person if they use lip reading.

✅ Be patient and allow extra time for communication.

✅ Reduce background noise where possible.

✅ Ask how you can help rather than making assumptions.

✅ Treat the person with dignity, respect and kindness.

Deafblind Awareness Week also reminds us of the importance of celebrating differences and recognising that everyone experiences the world in their own unique way.

Together, we can continue to build a community where everyone feels included, respected and able to thrive.

Different abilities. Same opportunities. One inclusive community.

 

 

 

Farewell Year 11 – Safe, Happy Learning Towards Independence

This week, we say a fond farewell to our Year 11 pupils as they complete their journey at Sutton School and take their next steps towards adulthood, further education, training and employment.

For many of our young people, their time at Sutton has been about much more than qualifications. It has been a journey of growth, resilience, self-discovery and achievement. Each pupil has faced their own challenges, overcome barriers and celebrated successes along the way.

At Sutton School, our vision is "Safe, Happy Learning Towards Independence," and our Year 11 pupils are a shining example of what this means in practice. Throughout their time with us, they have developed the confidence to advocate for themselves, built positive relationships, learnt important life skills and grown into remarkable young adults ready to embrace the future.

We have watched pupils take their first steps towards independence through work experience, vocational learning, travel training, Duke of Edinburgh, alternative provisions, leadership opportunities and community engagement. We have celebrated their achievements, supported them through difficult times and witnessed them develop the resilience needed to navigate life's challenges.

Whilst we are sad to see them leave, we are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved. Their journeys have not always been straightforward, but their determination, humour, kindness and perseverance have left a lasting impact on our school community.

To our Year 11 pupils:

Believe in yourselves as much as we believe in you. Be proud of how far you have come and excited for where you are going next. Remember that success looks different for everyone, and the progress you have made is something truly worth celebrating.

As you leave Sutton School, you will always remain part of our school family. We wish you every happiness and success in the future and look forward to hearing about the next chapters in your journeys.

Good luck, Class of 2026 – your future starts now!

 

 

Year 11 Prom 2026 – A Spectacular Evening to Remember 

As always, the Sutton School Year 11 Prom was a truly spectacular event and the perfect way to celebrate the achievements of our Class of 2026.

Our pupils arrived looking absolutely amazing, dressed to impress and ready to enjoy a well-deserved evening of celebration with their friends and staff. The atmosphere throughout the evening was filled with excitement, laughter and plenty of memorable moments.

The evening included a fantastic buffet, a 360° camera experience, plenty of photo opportunities and, of course, a good old dance! It was wonderful to see our young people relaxing, having fun and creating memories that will stay with them long after they leave Sutton School.

A huge thank you must go to our parents and carers. We know how much effort goes into preparing for Prom, from choosing outfits and organising transport to helping our young people feel confident and ready for their special evening. Your support helped make the night truly magical, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

We would also like to recognise the dedication of our staff, who once again went above and beyond to make the event extra special. Behind every successful Prom are countless hours of planning, organising, decorating, setting up, supervising and ensuring every pupil feels included and celebrated. Their commitment to creating positive experiences for our young people is a shining example of the Sutton School spirit.

Most importantly, thank you to our Year 11 pupils. The evening was a celebration of you—your journey, your achievements, your friendships and the incredible young people you have become. Seeing your smiles, confidence and happiness throughout the evening reminded us exactly why events like Prom are so important.

We hope you enjoyed every moment of your special night and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Year 11 Prom 2026 – a night of celebration, friendship and unforgettable memories.