Over the past few weeks, Sutton School has been lucky enough to witness something truly special – the birth and early life of our very own ducks and chickens!
From the moment the eggs were placed in the incubator, excitement rippled through the school. The children watched eagerly as the eggs began to hatch, observing the fascinating process from egg to chick and duckling. They’ve loved spending time with the animals – from checking in on them during quiet moments of reflection to watching the ducklings take their very first swim in the pond.
It has been a heart-warming and educational experience for everyone involved. Animals have always played a big role in the life of Sutton School, and this project has once again shown just how beneficial they can be – especially for our children with additional needs.
Spending time with animals can help SEN children in a number of ways, including:
Encouraging calm and reducing anxiety
Promoting empathy and responsibility
Supporting sensory regulation
Helping with communication and social interaction
Offering comfort and emotional connection in a non-judgemental way
Soon, our fluffy friends will be rehomed with a loving family who already care for chickens and ducks. To help prepare the children for this transition, we will be creating a social story that explains the move in a positive and reassuring way.
It’s been a joy to have these animals with us, and the memories made will stay with the children – and staff – for a long time to come.
At Sutton School, we are proud to be a community that celebrates and supports pupils from a wide variety of backgrounds. Many of our children are part of families shaped by fostering, adoption, or kinship care. During National Foster Carers Fortnight, we take time to recognise and thank those who open their homes and hearts to children in need of a safe and nurturing environment.
Fostering is an incredible commitment – one that can bring great joy, but also unique challenges, particularly when caring for children with additional needs. Foster carers often play a vital role in a child’s development, helping them to feel safe, valued, and supported through what can be an emotionally complex time.
At Sutton, we understand the importance of this journey. Our team works closely with foster families to provide the right support for every child – academically, emotionally, and socially. We recognise that fostering isn't always easy, and it takes patience, compassion, and a strong network of support to help children thrive.
Thinking About Becoming a Foster Carer?
If you’ve ever considered fostering, National Foster Carers Fortnight is a great time to explore what’s involved.
What fostering involves:
Providing a stable and loving home for a child who cannot live with their birth family
Supporting a child’s educational, emotional, and health needs
Working closely with social workers, schools, and other professionals
Being flexible, patient, and understanding – particularly with children who have experienced trauma or have additional needs
Support available for foster carers:
Comprehensive training and preparation
Ongoing support from a supervising social worker
Financial support to help cover the costs of caring for a child
Access to specialist services for children with additional needs
Peer support groups and forums
Foster carers truly change lives – not just for the children they care for, but within our wider school community too. At Sutton, we are proud to work in partnership with fostering families and continue to create an inclusive, understanding, and nurturing environment for all.
If you would like more information about fostering, visit here.
Join Reflexions for a FREE online webinar designed to help parents and carers recognise the signs and symptoms of low mood in children – and in themselves.
When: Tuesday 27th May
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
What: Learn practical strategies to support emotional wellbeing at home
This is a great opportunity to gain expert insight and support your child’s mental health.
Please see the attached PDF for more dates and full information.
Let’s work together to recognise and respond to low mood early.
Looking for something fun, active, and completely FREE this May half term? Join Team Pumpkin ABC for exciting boxing sessions that get your heart pumping and your day started the right way!
Enjoy a FREE healthy breakfast and get active with fun, friendly boxing activities.
Every morning from Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th May, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
No experience needed – just bring your energy and enthusiasm!
For more details, see the PDF attached.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get fit, fuel up, and have fun!