Vranch House

Date added: Friday 29th March 2013
Latest updated: Thursday 23rd February 2023

Our EASTER PARADE took place on Monday in very cold weather, which meant the children paraded and hunted eggs in school rather than around the gardens. The children all enjoyed themselves and looked fantastic in their Easter hats and bonnets. Some pictures are attached plus the usual planner for the next month (April) and the Therapy timetable for the Summer term. I will send the next Newsletter at the beginning of the new term with most, if not all, the important dates for activities on the planners for June and July. These should include Whizz Kid week, sports day and parents evening.

I am pleased to be able to inform you that as part of our equality objective for this year our school council asked all pupils to choose an area for development in school. The choices were to increase our range of electronic stories and to develop independent access for all children in school, or to create an inclusive gardening area for all children in school to use. The winner, unanimously, was the gardening, so as part of our Life Skills groups during the Summer Term children will be helping Simon, Adrian and Dave build an inclusive gardening bed. The classes will then carry out the planting and care as part of their educational and therapeutic activities.
By the time we hold Whizz Kidz week and our Sports Day the plants should look fabulous! ☺

Following the retirement of Sue Gould our fundraising expert, we are now fortunate to have our ex Chairman Andrew Barge (also an ex pupil) who has taken over and wasted no time in organising events and ideas to raise funds for the school and centre. ‘Giving a bit' is one such idea. Please view www.givingabit.com to find out more.

We are aware how difficult it can be to source reliable, large swim nappies for the children to use, yet it is vital that we try to protect the pool water for the safety of everyone. If you are looking for swim nappy alternatives www.funswimshop.co.uk may be a place to look. Reusable swim nappies cost 18.99 + 3.99 p&p but if more than two people order via us we will be able to offer free p&p. Please note that the smallest swim nappy is waist size 48cm. If you would be interested in ordering any from us please let Beverley know.
Similarly, www.incywincy.net stock a range of all-in-one swimsuits and trunks.

As it is now almost twelve months since our last Ofsted inspection we are curious to know how you feel we are providing for your children. We are therefore planning to send an Ofsted style questionnaire home for parents and children to gauge your views on what we do well and what we need to do better! We would also welcome any ideas and suggestions. Please take the time to complete and return these forms if possible as we would value your input.

The Rotary Clubs of Kingsbridge are once again planning their Annual Fun Day (Rotaproj). This will take place on Sunday 21st July and the format will be similar to previous years with the use of Rowlands Fun Fair in the morning from 10.30 am, lunch in the Kingsbridge leisure Centre, followed by entertainment and a disco until approximately 3.30pm. If you interested in going please register your interest direct to Andrew Girling, 2 Mead Drive, Thurslestone, Devon, TQ7 3TA - Telephone 01548 561915 or via email to [email protected].

The School Children recently took part in Sign2Sing and raised £18 for that Charity. We all also enjoyed a week of activities centred around Red Nose Day, after deducting the initial cost of purchasing the Red Noses the net amount donated to Red Nose Day was £68.13. Thank you to everyone for supporting our school charity events.

Dates for the diary next term:

Saturday 27th April - Coffee Morning for old and new Vranch House leavers and their families 10am - 12pm

Thursday 16th May CP Sports Day at St Luke's - details and consent forms to follow - all children welcome if accompanied by a parent/adult (unless they are in VH school on that day in which case they will be attending as part of our school group)

w/b 24th June - sports day week - actual day yet to be confirmed

w/b 1st July - school reports home and WHIZZ KIDZ WEEK - details to follow

Monday 8th July - provisional date for parents evening

Friday 19th July - Achievement Awards

May I take this opportunity to thank all staff and pupils for their hard work and all parents and families for supporting our events. We also send our best wishes to Grace and Joel and hope they feel better soon.
HAPPY EASTER! Training day on Thursday 28th March and school reopens on Monday 15th April, 2013. 

Jane Parsons
[email protected]

Links to download:

March newsletter

April planner

Therapy timetable summer term 2013