Heaton news - WB 8th June

Welcome back, everyone! We hope you all had a fantastic, relaxing half-term break. It is wonderful to see our students returning to school with so much energy and big smiles, ready for a busy and exciting final half term of the academic year.

Why 'Play' is Essential Learning at Heaton

At Heaton School, we often talk about how learning takes shape for our young people. Across all of our pathways, play is never "just" play—it is a vital vehicle for learning.

Through play, our students build essential life skills, practice communication, explore sensory integration, and navigate social relationships. It provides a meaningful, low-pressure space where they can experiment, push boundaries, and problem-solve at their own pace.

To kick off the new half term and recognise the National Day of Play, our students jumped headfirst into a fantastic, hands-on Circus Skills Workshop this week!

The school was buzzing with laughter and concentration as students tried their hands at spinning plates, juggling, and balancing. Activities like these are incredibly valuable for our learners. They encourage:

• Gross and Fine Motor Skills: Grip strength, bilateral coordination, and physical confidence.

• Resilience: Trying again when a plate falls or a ball drops.

• Social Interaction: Cheering on peers and sharing equipment with classmates.

It was an absolute joy to watch everyone explore new tactile sensations, challenge themselves, and celebrate their successes together.

Shivering and Smiling at the Winter Olympics!

Our commitment to inclusive, active play also took us out into the community recently. A group of students from different pathways across the school wrapped up warm to attend a special Winter Olympics Event, wonderfully organized through the Stockport SHAPES Alliance.

It was a brilliantly inclusive day of sport and activity. Despite the chilly weather, our students threw themselves into every challenge, encouraging one another and playing beautifully together. Every single learner focused on playing safely, exploring the modified winter sports, and soaking up the energetic atmosphere. They represented Heaton fantastically, and while there were plenty of cold noses, there were even more smiles!

Parent Consultations

A quick reminder that our upcoming Parents' Evenings are scheduled for next week:

• Wednesday 17th June 2-6pm

• Thursday 18th June 2-6pm

These meetings are a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements from this year, and collaborate on their ongoing targets.

Need a hand booking? If you are having any difficulties logging on or securing your preferred time slots, please do not worry. Simply contact the school office directly, and the team will be happy to assist you with your booking.