Latest News
Our New Sensory Room!
Please see our new sensory room which we have carefully designed, using specialist equipment and lighting to support the unique needs of our pupils. This space has been created to provide a soothing yet stimulating environment to encourage self-regulation, engagement, and overall well-being and designed to meet a range of sensory needs, including:
Calming – A quiet and peaceful space to help our pupils relax and self-regulate.
Focusing – Areas that promote attention and concentration, supporting our pupils to re-engage with learning.
Engaging – Interactive sensory elements that encourage pupil exploration and active participation.
The room features specialized equipment to support vestibular activity, catering to sensory seekers who benefit from movement-based input. It also includes a dedicated space for relaxation and refocusing, along with a variety of auditory and tactile experiences through objects with different textures, sounds, colours, and lights.
By providing a nurturing and adaptable space, our sensory room will enhance pupil comfort, confidence, and ability to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way.
World Book Day 2025!
We had a fabulous time celebrating World Book Day with a variety of exciting activities!
This included joining the Reading Eggs team online, where we were introduced to Reggie, the mascot character for the “Reading Eggs” program and listened to stories for independent and early readers. This was a fantastic way to kick off our celebration and get inspired by different books!
After that, we got creative by designing our own book characters, inspired by stories we’ve read both in school and at home. We also completed independent reading tasks on Reading Eggs, helping us develop our reading skills in a fun and interactive way.
Later, Mrs. Tucker read us a wonderful book titled Bartholomew and the Bug—what an interesting and engaging read! To end our day, we designed our very own reading rulers, which we’ll be using in class to help us focus while reading.
We had book donations for our new “Reading Room” from our pupils and families, bookmarks were created and a new book token design also! Please enjoy our photos of some of the pupils. A lovely day filled with books, creativity and a love for reading!
Holmes New Home!
After half term, Holmes will have transitioned into their lovely new classroom which includes all round chalk board on the wall to encourage creativity and emergent writing. There is also a sensory and life skills corner with different textures to support sensory needs as well as an opportunity for students to learn to tie their shoelaces, zip and unzip and buckle and unbuckle.
Also in the room you can find a home and shopping corner to support development of life skills, sensory play equipment, additional resources to enhance the curriculum, musical instruments and a construction train set. All of which will encourage exploratory play to develop the use of language, inquisitively, awe and wonder!
PRICE Training at Serenity
We are pleased to share that due to our schools growth, 8 staff members were selected to complete the 5 Day PRICE (Protecting Rights In a Caring Environment) training to become trainers.
We are devoted to cultivating a positive atmosphere where both staff and students are treated with respect, appreciation, and encouragement. This training help to equip our teams with the necessary skills to manage behaviour in a caring and efficient way, ensuring the safety and rights of every student.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS (READING/PHONICS & HOMEWORK)
PRICE Training at Serenity
Information for September Starters
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our students in September.
We will be contacting parents/carers before the end of the academic year about an open day where you will be able to tour the school site, meet the Headteacher, members of the SLT and some of the teachers. We will also be holding a uniform collection day for students at the start of September which will be another opportunity for parents/carer’s and the students to meet staff and get to see the school building ahead of their first day
Work is currently being done to get the school looking Serenity ready.
I do hope that you enjoy reading about all that our pupils have achieved with their learning during their first term. We ensure that our school environment is pupil focused, purposeful and is conducive to support learning. I would also like to draw your attention to all key information provided, which will support our school community working together in partnership.
I’d like to thank you and all of our dedicated staff, for making our first term a success for our pupils, who deserve the very best. Please do reach out to our staff, if you have any questions at all.
We have some exciting news to support pupil learning, such as Phonics Ed Shed, Reading Eggs, Freckle, building links with Mid Kent College, as well as parent app, parent welcome meeting and workshops, where you can meet our staff and each other. We will communicate with you during the next term.
I hope that you have a restful half term break and we look forward to welcoming all of our pupils back to school on Tuesday 5th November.
Warm wishes,
Marianne Rodger-Weetman Headteacher
Primary / Nurture News ...
“It has been a pleasure to welcome the students to Serenity School Maidstone. They have embraced life in our new school, making friends, learning new things and enjoying the curriculum tthat we offer.
As I move around the school, I am impressed by the levels of engagement the students are demonstrating. They have certainly enjoyed all our hands on learning and exploring through play and creativity.
Term 2 will bring new exciting topics as well as a high focus on Phonics and Reading. We aim to foster a love of stories and reading amongst all of our students and have purchased new materials to support us in this area
Hayley King (Assistant Headteacher Primary/Nurture)
Darwin (Key Stage 2 - Semi-Formal)
As we come to the end of this half-term, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful work that the children have been doing and to share some key updates. The past few weeks have been filled with learning, growth, and lots of exciting activities. I’m so proud of how well the class has settled in and how much they have achieved.
The children have been busy learning across various subjects. In Maths, they’ve focused on understanding place value, as well as mastering addition and subtraction through engaging activities. In English, the class has worked on both writing and reading, with a special emphasis on Anna Hibiscus, which has helped to improve comprehension and story telling skills.
In Science, our outdoor learning sessions have allowed the children to explore plants and learn about the classification of animals through hands-on experiences. We also took part in World Mental Health Day, where the children engaged in discussions about mental well-being and participated in creative activities like mindful colouring. In Computing, they have been developing basic programming skills and learning about online safety.
During PSHE, we explored how to listen to others’ concerns and be willing to assist, along with understanding the idea of voting and its importance in making group decisions. These lessons have provided valuable opportunities for students to develop empathy and collaborative skills. It has been lovely to see friendships being fostered among the children, as they grow in their ability to work together and support each other.
Thank you for your continued support throughout this half-term. It has been wonderful to see the children’s progress, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow in the coming weeks. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable break, and I look forward to welcoming the class back, refreshed and ready for more learning!
Warm regards, Ms. E Ikwuagwu (Darwin Class Teacher)
Dickens (Key Stage 1 - Semi-Formal)
Dickens took part in Mental Health Day where we came to school in yellow and made an emotional display for the classroom. The stars represent what makes us happy and feel good. We made new friends with our peers and we are learning to share with one another.
Ms. G Ugwuanyi
Holmes (Key Stage 1 - Nurture)
Holmes class has been concentrating on getting the children into a daily routine. We begin the day by doing three morning songs followed by a sensory circuit, register -incorporating children knowing the sight of their names and likes and getting the rest of the class to do a bit of what each child likes; days of the week; months of the year and seasons.
The children also have sensory intervention. This develops their gross and fine motor skills, aids concentration and supports communication.
We are learning our sounds in our phonics lessons. We have intensive interaction, play skills, bucket time, golden time and story time. In between these activities there is calming time and movement breaks – which help to regulate the children.
We have been increasing the number of table top activities. We have been working on holding and handling a pencil, tracing skills and focus.
We have all had a great term and enjoyed getting to know one another.
Ms. Chukwu & Ms. R Bandi
Wells (Key Stage 2 - Nurture)
During our first term, I have seen from Wells class, uniqueness, gifted and talented, positive behaviour, humanity, looking after each other and the abilities and efforts of the students in art and craft activities, literacy, numeracy and being inclusive in their own distinctive ways.
Initially our day begins with calming music and exploration of the learning resources, by engaging the creatively in their favorite passion. Our class has promoted relationship building skills, painting, patience, friendship and individuality.
The story we focus on each week, is elaborative and has over the term attracted the attention of every student, who listen with all ears and develops kindness, personal space, patience, turn taking, acceptance and gratitude.
The sensory circuit involves all promotes mindfulness to the children, whilst the mini trampoline jumps up to the count of twenty, lifts the energy level of the whole class.
The space week encouraged the Wells class to learn about Solar System in table top activities. This included the planets, space maths and the motorised solar system, which exhibits the position, speed and the rotation of the planet.
The children learnt on World Mental Health Day, by wearing yellow clothing, which emphasized key aspects like leap into learning, reach for the stars, nothing is impossible and even a simple “hello” which make the different to themselves and others.
The student like the concept of tempo in the pencil dance, during music lessons focusing on forward and backward movements and swiftly sitting and standing, has built the concepts of slow and fast pace.
Finally, Wells class always looking forward for bucket time, to enhance their spellings with the white board, sitting on the carpet nicely, listening and learning.
The children have settled really well during the term and have focused on areas of communication, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health and independence skills.
Mrs. A Pennisi (Class Teacher)
‘We look after ourselves.’
‘We look after each other.’ ‘We look after Our learning’.
‘We look after Our school.’ ‘We look after Our Community.
‘We look after Our future.’
Secondary / Nurture News ...
“Students in Semi Formal Secondary have made a strong start in setting the foundations for their accredited subjects in BTEC Home Cooking Skills, Level 1 Personal Development and their BTEC Applied Science course.
They have taken assessments in English and Maths and intervention sessions have been introduced to support the learner, if necessary.
Next term we look forward to introducing offsite P.E. lessons and start meetings with our newly elected school council”.
Jessica Campbell (Assistant Headteacher Teaching & Learning)
Marlowe / Chaucer (Key Stage 3-4 - Semi Formal)
“Students in Semi Formal Secondary have made a strong start in setting the foundations for their accredited subjects in BTEC Home Cooking Skills, Level 1 Personal Development and their BTEC Applied Science course.
They have taken assessments in English and Maths and intervention sessions have been introduced to support the learner, if necessary.
Next term we look forward to introducing offsite P.E. lessons and start meetings with our newly elected school council”.
Jessica Campbell (Assistant Headteacher Teaching & Learning)
Science: A fantastic start to the year… We focused on Biology this term where we explored animal and plant cells. The children used microscopes to explore different cells as well as each cell tissues.
All students presented good knowledge when asked to identify the types of cells and label the different parts of them.
Please see further work from our class.
Mrs. P Gayani (Class Teacher)
- – In Maths, the students mainly focused on addition, subtraction, multiplication, rounding numbers and negative and positive All students’ progression was extremely impressive.
- – In English, we have been reading a book “Warhorse”. Each student was expected to write a character description, argument, newspapers report and a memorial plague based on the
They enjoyed reading Warhorse and contributed their excellent ideas about their knowledge as well as their interests about this book in their work produced.
Nesbitt (KS3 - Nurture)
In Nesbit this half-term, for outdoor learning, we have been exploring the different seasons that we go through in the UK and the range of weather that we may experience within those seasons. After discussions regarding the different types of weather, the students chose their favourite type of weather and drew a picture depicting this.
We have also been doing lots of counting, which has enabled them to practice counting skills up to 20 and beyond. We have also developed our addition skills by finding the total number of objects in a picture or scene. One of the most fun activities that we do in Nesbit is playing ‘Bingo’, where students are encouraged to recognize and shout out the number shown, then cross it off if they see it on the Bingo grid.
Additionally, in Nesbit, we have been listening to lots of familiar traditional fairy stories and sequencing the main events of these stories, which they have enjoyed doing immensely. In Nesbit, one of our most favourite activities, which teaches the students to develop their ability to take turns and share is playing JENGA!!! They really enjoy this game and really have fun trying to knock the Jenga tower down.
In P.E. we have been developing and strengthening our balance, agility and co-ordination (particularly, hand-eye co-ordination) as well as throwing and catching skills. The students have been carrying out various activities including throwing/bouncing a ball or balloon to the teacher, balancing beanbags on their head, as well as carrying out various stretching exercises.
In cooking this half-term, the students have planned and created their own pizza and fruit cocktail.
Ms. Y Gisanrin (Class Teacher)
Art, Humanities, Food Technology, Reading
In our KS3/KS4 class, we have been studying the Michael Morpurgo story “War Horse”.
In Humanities, we have been examining World War 1 and the role of animals during the conflict, as well as the significant events that influenced the war.
Our Food Technology lessons have revolved around understanding kitchen safety and following recipes.
We have made seasoned potato wedges and a delicious pasta bake! All the students have enthusiastically embraced the cooking lessons and produced delightful results. We might have some future Masterchefs in our midst!
Ms. J Hoctor (Food & Art Teacher)
Parent Information
Attendance Matters
As part of our commitment to improving the achievement of our pupils we monitor student attendance on a regular basis.
The DFE have an Attendance campaign. The campaign strapline is “moments
matter, attendance counts”. “Improving school attendance is everyone’s business and to tackle the challenge we face, we need to work together.”
This is due to concerns regarding persistent absence (below 90%) in schools nationally and consequently there are important changes in the law and guidance regarding attendance, which came into effect in August 2024. This means parents and carers must also work together with schools to promote high attendance for their child. Please see Attendance information for parents to be aware of in line with new guidance:
- Unauthorised absence is a child being kept off school unnecessarily or without good
- If your child arrives to school after registration closes your child will receive an unauthorised late mark- this effects
- your child’s attendance.
- If your child is going to be absent from school – you must contact the school office before 8.30 a.m to provide a reason for If you have not contacted school, the school office will call home to try and obtain a reason for absence. If no contact is made, we may carry out a welfare visit to your home.
- If your child is absent from school and is at risk of becoming persistently absent (attendance which is below 90%), you will be required to provide medical evidence for your child’s This way, we can make sure absences are
- authorised.
- We want to avoid children becoming ‘persistently absent’ (below 90%). Interventions will be put in place when your child’s attendance becomes ‘at risk’ of becoming Persistently This may include supportive parent meetings.
- Holidays are in no circumstances authorised by school and could result in a fine being
- Please be aware that being persistently absent means make you liable for fines or school attendance referrals to the
- Local Authority.
- Please see our attendance process here including letters which would be issued in line with absence: Attendance- Policy-2024-25.pdf (serenityschool.org.uk)
Behavior Matters
- We have systems in place that are designed to ensure no pupil falls behind in their learning or start to develop a fixed mindset on negative
- We believe that every day is a new day, a fresh start from the previous day and this in turn creates a harmonious and happy
- In our continued pursuit of excellence in all areas of school effectiveness, arrangements are in place regarding pupils who fall short of the behaviour for learning policy and or the learning and teaching policy, on a daily basis or when patterns of behaviours begin to Behaviour-for- Learning-Policy-2024-25.pdf (serenityschool.org.uk)
The following systems apply consistently and fairly to all pupils every day.
Tutor Time and Catch Up
Tutor time daily is designed to celebrate the end of a successful school day. The pupils will follow a personal development/SMSC curriculum.
Should a pupil not make the expected progress across their lessons that day, they will be attend catch up time so that they leave each day knowing that they have done their best and what was expected from them by their teachers and support staff.
We monitor and track learning in lessons and general standards of behaviour as a part of their preparation for adult hood, employability and in modern Britain as active citizens.
Pupils are expected to be in catch up within 5 minutes and follow rules and expectations. If catch up is set for academic work, then the pupil is free to return to tutor group activities once the work has been completed to an acceptable standard.
Pupils who attend catch up for behaviour, will be expected to attend catch up for 30 minutes to reflect on the days incident(s)
Pupils who receive 3 catch ups in any given 10 day period will automatically be given a 1 hour detention as behavioural trends are a cause for concern, school rules are not being followed and progress is not at the expected level in line with curriculum.
Detentions:
Detentions are 1 hour and held from 14.30 to 15.30. If your child travels by taxi and has a detention it is your responsibility to collect your child or make arrangements.
Failure to support the school with detentions set will mean that your child may not return to school until agreement is made to attend and learn from the situation.
If days are lost due to non-attendance due to non attendance of detention, pupils will be marked as unauthorised absence, and the school will follow standard Local Authority EWO procedures for attendance.
In more extreme circumstances and depending on severity, for example inappropriate language or aggression, detentions or a suspension will be issued, given our zero tolerance for such conduct. Again this supports our commitment towards pupils learning and understanding what is not acceptable behaviour and supports their preparation for expectations within the community, the workplace and in their lives beyond school.
All of the above is the policy of Serenity and I very much appreciate your support and us working together.
Personal Development
Please see targets for pupils on the Investor in Me programme for the promotion of engagement and positive behavior and rewards in line with behavior for learning and our holistic approach.
Investor-In-Me-Programme.pdf (serenityschool.org.uk)
SEN Transport
Arranging SEN Transport with the Local Authority is a relationship between parents and the Local Authority.
School is not responsible for transport matters, but we will always try to assist you with any concerns or applications.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding SEN Transport please email: (Medway), sentransport@medway.gov.uk and Kent County Council homesc
hooltransport@kent.gov.uk
Life Skills at Home
Ingredients:
40g soft margarine 190g caster sugar,2 eggs, 40g cocoa powder 50g self raising flour, 50g white chocolate for melting (optional)
Method:
1.Put the oven on to 180C, Gas no 4
2. Line brownie/tray bake tin with greaseproof paper.
3. Weigh 140g of soft margarine into large bowl.
4. Weigh 190g caster sugar into a small bowl and add to the margarine.
5. Crack in two eggs carefully.
6. Weigh 40g cocoa powder and 50g of self raising flour and add to the bowl.
7. Whisk mixture together with an electric whisk or wooden spoon until light and fluffy.
8. Spoon the mixture into the baking tray and spread the mixture out evenly.
9. Place in the oven and bake until brownies have a crusty top and are firm (30-35 minutes).
10. Take out of the oven and cool on a cooling tray.
11. Melt white chocolate in a glass/plastic bowl for 1 minute in the microwave and drizzle over the brownies. Enjoy!
Promote ‘Reading’ at Home
- Create a comfortable, consistent space in your home where you can enjoy reading together and chat about what you have looked at and read. You might want to keep extra cushions or blankets nearby, to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Check that the lighting is suitable for reading, so no one is straining their eyes. If you make it a place where food and drink are welcome, then this signals that reading can be a social activity.
Make reading active
- Play games that involve making connections between pictures, objects and words, such as reading about an object and finding similar things in your home. You could organise treasure hunts related to what you’re reading. Try creating your child’s very own book by using photos from your day and adding pictures and captions.
Visit Your Library
- The local Library is an excellent place to access free books and audiobooks. Libraries also have computers that you can use and all are free to join. Libraries also run activities for children and adults, both in term time and during the holidays
Uniform Reminder
Our school uniform consists of the following items:
- Black jumper with logo
- Blue Polo shirt with logo
- Black trousers or skirt
- Black footwear
We provide the jumper and polo shirts you simply get the trousers/skirt and choice of black footwear. All PE clothing will be provided (a green t shirt with logo).
Please contact the school office if you have any questions
Key Dates: Autumn 2024 (Term 2)
Term Dates: Serenity School Maidstone Term Dates (2024-2025).docx
Monday 4th November 2024:
Annual Review Day (Parents and pupils have already been invited).
All other pupils not on site.
Term time: Tuesday 5 November 2024 to Friday 20 December 2024.
Wednesday 18 December 2024:
