LEO Autumn Newsletter 2025

2025 Autumn Newsletter

CONTENTS 03

03

04

Welcome to Chandlers Field Primary Academy!

A Warm Welcome to our Newest Nursery!

LEO Annual Conference

05

06

07

LEO looks to Finland for Inspiration

Celebrating Edurio 2025 Success

A Special Visit from Japan

07

08

09

Digital Leaders Experience STEAM in Action at Thorpe Park

LEO Launches a New North East Residential Trip for Year 5

CCJ Wins National Technology Award

09

10

11

5 LEO Schools Ranked in The Times Top 1000 Primary Schools

Exciting New Spaces at Cheam Park Farm

Reflecting on Family Support

11

12

12

Celebrating Creativity across LEO Academy Trust

Celebrating West Ashtead’s Wonderful Charitable Spirit

LEO Pupil Voice Shone Bright at Google Deepmind AI Forum

13

14

15

Cheam Fields Year 5 Shining at the EdTech Hub Annual Summit

Best Start Breakfast Club

Boosting Early Years Learning at Cheam Common Infants’

15

16

17

Department for Education, Writing Framework Visit

Shawley’s Local History Day: Epsom’s Dual Heritage

Councillor Claire Curran Enjoys Forest School Magic

17

18

19

Supporting Families with Britebox

Learning Across Generations: Building Bonds at Cheam Park Farm

Brookfield SDG Challenge Win

20

21

23

Shawley and West Ashtead’s Pupils Shine on the Farm

LEO Sports

Minibus Fleet in Action

24

25

26

Cheam Common Junior: A High Flying Autumn Term

Stay in the know with our Blogs

LEO Foundation

27

28

28

Professional Learning

Polesden Lacey Infant Championing Trade Justice

Partnering with Princess Alice Hospice

29

30

31

AI & Assistive Tech at Furzefield

Forest School

Manor Park Year 6 Residential at PGL Windmill Hill

32

33

34

SEND Discovery Days

Train to become a Teacher with our ITT Course!

Year 6 Pupils GAMECHANGER Safeguarding Workshop

34

35

38

Hurst Park Year 6 Residential Trip to Bowles

A Recipe for Joy: LEO & AgeUK Sutton Lunch Success

A Heartfelt Thank You!

03

WELCOME

TO

PRIMARY

CHANDLERS

FIELD

ACADEMY!

We are delighted to announce that Chandlers Field Primary Academy officially joined our family of schools on 1st October 2025. This exciting development marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide outstanding education and create thriving learning communities.

We extend a warm welcome to the students, staff and families of Chandlers Field Primary Academy. Their integration into LEO Academy Trust will bring new perspectives, shared expertise and enhanced opportunities for collaboration and growth across all our schools.

Graham Macaulay, the Principal of Chandlers Field Primary Academy commented on the successful integration: "Since joining LEO Academy Trust, Chandlers Field has benefited from a wealth of new opportunities. Staff have accessed a range of high quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including OLEVI Leadership training, as well as NLCs (Network Learning Communities) provided for both subject areas as well as NLCs provided by the inclusion team. Furthermore, our pupils have had the chance to take part in international trips and a wide range of sports events with other local schools. We are very proud of the positive impact this has had across the school."

By working together, sharing best practices and leveraging collective resources, we can achieve even greater outcomes for all our pupils. We look forward to a future of continued success and collaboration with Chandlers Field Primary Academy.

A

WARM

WELCOME

TO

OUR

NEWEST

NURSERY! We are pleased to officially welcome Polesden Lacey Infant Academy's Playschool into the Trust! This integration took place in November and we are so happy to have their dedicated staff, wonderful children and supportive families join our community.

This is a fantastic step forward in our mission to provide outstanding education and care for children across the entire primary age range, right from the earliest years. By officially welcoming the nursery, we are creating an even more seamless and nurturing transition for the children as they move from their early years setting up into Reception and Key Stage 1. This opportunity allows us to share best practices, resources and educational expertise across our schools, ultimately benefiting all the pupils in the Trust.

We look forward to a bright future working together with our new colleagues at Polesden Lacey.

Please join us in extending a huge, warm LEO Academy Trust welcome to all the children and parents of the Playschool!

04

LEO

ANNUAL

CONFERENCE Recently, over 500 LEO colleagues from across the Trust came together for a brilliant day of learning and collaboration. The entire day was dedicated to our long term vision: LEO 2030 – Thriving People, Reimagining Education, Connecting Communities. This vision is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring we are constantly finding the most innovative ways to support our staff and most importantly, provide the very best experience for your children.

Preparing Children for Tomorrow A key focus of the day was ensuring we are preparing our pupils not just for secondary school, but for the rapidly changing world beyond.

Looking Ahead: We welcomed key speakers who shared inspiring insights. Julie Kapsalis from NESCOT provided an eye opening perspective on Careers Education and alternative pathways into work, reminding us to keep the full journey in mind from the earliest years. Grace Kelly from Google Learning & Education gave us a fascinating look at the future of education and what the classrooms of 2035 could look like, ensuring LEO is always forward thinking.

Ideas for the Classroom Our staff were energised by a wide range of practical workshops. The great ideas gathered will be brought directly back to your child’s school. Topics included: Hands on Learning: Practical sessions on subjects like Robotics and Drama.

Inclusion: Exploring how to use Assistive Technology (tools to help every child learn) to ensure inclusion for all.

Wellbeing: Designing reimagined spaces to support staff wellbeing, which translates directly into happier, more effective teaching for your children.

Future Tech: Looking at how cutting edge tools, such as Gemini for Education, can be used practically to make learning even more engaging and personalised for pupils.

A Moment of Pride We were especially proud to have pupils from Manor Park, Hurst Park and Shawley open the conference with truly superb presentations. They set an inspiring and joyful tone for the entire day and showcased the confidence and brilliance of our LEO pupils.

This annual event is a testament to the dedication of all LEO colleagues who are committed to continually improving and innovating. We are excited to embed these ideas into our schools to ensure a vibrant and forward thinking primary education for our pupils.

05

LEO

ACADEMY

FINLAND SPARKING

TRUST

FOR

THE

PUPILS’

LOOKS

TO

INSPIRATION:

“CREATIVE

FIRE"

IN

LEARNING!

We are excited to share an inspiring week of learning focused on one of the world's leading education systems: Finland!

Our senior leaders, staff and pupils recently hosted AnnaMari Jaatinen, Principal of Siltamäki Elementary School in Helsinki, as part of an exciting international partnership. The goal? To explore innovative ideas to further enhance the education of your children.

What Makes Finland So Inspiring?

Anna-Mari shared powerful insights into the Finnish approach, which focuses on developing holistic, future oriented learners who genuinely enjoy school.

Key takeaways we are excited to explore across LEO Academy Trust: The "Creative Fire" Model: Building a school culture fueled by community spirit, creative learning, and critical thinking to empower every child.

Phenomenon-Based Learning (PBL): Connecting learning to real world topics (like climate change) rather than teaching subjects in isolation. This makes learning relevant, hands on and genuinely joyful for pupils.

Strong Community Spirit: Emphasising Humanity, Equality and Democracy, translating into strong pupil voice where children are actively involved in decision making and shaping school culture.

Deepening Our Partnership This collaboration has already included discussions on curriculum and digital learning. Some of our Year 5 & 6 pupils from Hurst Park Primary even met Anna-Mari ahead of their exciting Turing Scheme trip to Finland in January!

The visit provided many fantastic ideas to implement across LEO Academy Trust, ensuring your children receive the highest quality, most relevant education possible as we look towards our #LEO2030 vision.

06

LEO

ACADEMY

CELEBRATING

TRUST:

EDURIO

2025

SUCCESS! We are absolutely thrilled to share the wonderful news that LEO Academy Trust and several of our schools have achieved significant recognition in the prestigious Edurio 2025 Awards!

These awards are particularly meaningful as they are based on national survey feedback from parents and our dedicated staff across the country. This collective achievement is a powerful testament to the hard work, dedication and strong community spirit of our entire Trust.

National Honours: Top 10 in England!

We are incredibly proud of these national accolades: Trust Value Award - Excellence (LEO Academy Trust): Reflecting positive staff feedback on our core values.

Parent Choice Award (Cheam Common Infants): Recognised as one of the Top 10 highest-scoring schools in England based on parent recommendations.

Staff Choice Award and Trusted Leadership Award (Shawley): Celebrating high staff satisfaction and confidence.

Regional Highlights: We also secured the Trust Benefit School Award for community confidence in the Trust's value: Manor Park (London) and Shawley (South East).

Congratulations to all our staff and families for these outstanding achievements!

Key Insights from the 2025 Parent Experience Survey The 2025 Edurio Parent Experience Survey across nine LEO Academy Trust schools shows an overall positive upward trend. Key strengths include a significant increase in parent engagement (76% positive) and an impressive 92% recommendation rate, which is 8 points above the national benchmark. 83% of parents feel respected and Trust confidence is strong: the module score is 72% positive (7 points above national), with 64% confident the Trust benefits pupils.

However, the survey highlights School Accessibility as the area most below the national benchmark. Efforts must improve the ease of Discussing Progress (69% finding it easy), demonstrating the Impact of Feedback (44% seeing impact) and making Attending Events more accessible (59% finding it easy). The Trust will also strengthen communication regarding its role to increase clarity among parents.

Listening to Our Pupils: Celebrating Success in the 2025 Pupil Survey The June 2025 Pupil Survey received an 81% response rate from 2,513 pupils across nine schools. The Behaviour & Safeguarding module scored 82% positive responses. Specifically, 93% of pupils feel safe in school and 95% feel safe travelling. 91% reported following school rules.

Overall, 78% of pupils are happy ("Very happy" or "Quite happy"). The happiest are Year 2 (85%) and Year 3 (84%). A clear link exists between happiness and high attendance (79% for 95-100% attendance vs. 70% for below 90%).

In learning, 88% of pupils reported clear teacher guidance. Reading outside of lessons reached 55%, a 9 percentage point increase. Manor Park led with 81% finding lessons "Very interesting" or "Quite interesting."

Area for Growth: The lowest score was for Health and emotional wellbeing (61%), which included questions on feeling worried and lonely. We are committed to using these results to drive improvement. The data will be used by our schools and Trust leadership to celebrate our strengths, identify best practices and develop targeted strategies to ensure every child at LEO Academy Trust continues to thrive.

07

A

SPECIAL

VISIT

FROM

JAPAN

In November, Cheam Common was honoured to host a delegation of 15 education officials from Japan, accompanied by the team from Google for Education. The group visited to gain a deeper understanding of the UK education system and to see firsthand how we integrate technology into our Curriculum.

The delegates spent time speaking with our pupils and observing how we prepare them for the future.

A true highlight of the day was the school tour - we were all amazed when one of our brilliant pupils conversed with the guests in fluent Japanese, offering a warm and personal welcome that delighted the delegation.

True to our digital ethos, we also utilised Google Meet’s live translated captions during the presentation. This not only made the session more accessible but also demonstrated the powerful, practical application of the technology we use in school every day. It was a proud moment to showcase Cheam Common on an international stage!

DIGITAL STEAM

LEADERS

IN

ACTION

EXPERIENCE AT

THORPE

PARK In October, Year 5 and 6 Digital Leaders from across our schools travelled to Thorpe Park for a special STEAM event. This wasn't just a day out on the roller coasters; it was a gamified learning experience where access to rides had to be earned!

Pupils were given stamp cards and challenged to visit over 60 interactive stands. By completing workshops - ranging from RAF engineering demonstrations and robotic dinosaur encounters to spray painting art - they collected stamps to "unlock" the rides.

The day was a perfect blend of high energy fun and hands on education. Whether they were chatting with pilots about aerodynamics or learning about mechatronics from life sized moving dinosaurs, the students showed incredible focus and enthusiasm. As one student put it, "We worked hard for our stamps, had amazing fun and the RAF talk was mind blowing!"

A huge thank you to the partnerships team at ACS Cobham for organising such a memorable event for our pupils.

08

EXCITING

NEW

LAUNCHES RESIDENTIAL

ADVENTURE: NORTH

TRIP

FOR

LEO

EAST YEAR

5!

We have a fantastic new opportunity coming for our Year 5 pupils in the 2026/27 academic year - an immersive and adventurous residential programme in the beautiful North East of England, developed by our dedicated LEO Forest School team!

This isn't just a trip; it's a week-long journey designed to bring history, geography and outdoor learning to life, offering memorable moments and incredible team building experiences for our pupils.

A Week Packed with Discovery Throughout the week, pupils will: Step Back in Time: Spend an immersive day at Beamish Museum, experiencing life from the 1820s through to the 1950s.

Hike the Wall: Enjoy a scenic hike along the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall, passing the famous Sycamore Gap. Explore the City: exploring Newcastle upon Tyne, which includes a stadium tour, a walk along the Quayside and visits to the historic Newcastle Castle and Cathedral.

Discover Culture: Guided walking tour of Durham City, exploring its famous Cathedral, Castle and riverfront.

What Makes This Trip Special?

This residential programme is built on the principles of outdoor learning and experiential education, offering incredible opportunities for pupils to: Develop Teamwork: Essential collaboration skills fostered through setting up camp and navigating the activities together.

Enrich Learning: Direct connections made between history and geography lessons and real world, memorable places.

Build Confidence: Pupils will experience new environments, overcome fun challenges, and enjoy a real sense of independence and adventure.

This new programme was planned in partnership with the Stanley Learning Partnership and Wheatley Hill Primary School in County Durham. A huge thank you also goes to the Year 6 pupils from Cheam Common Junior Academy who joined the planning trip to test the sites and provide invaluable feedback, ensuring the experience is perfectly shaped for our young learners.

09

CHEAM

COMMON

WINS

JUNIOR

NATIONAL

TECH

ACADEMY AWARD!

We are delighted to announce that Cheam Common Junior Academy has won the prestigious Best Use of Technology / ICT in School at the Education Today Awards 2025!

This national award celebrates the school's commitment to using technology to deliver truly inclusive, creative and adaptive education for every child. Since 2019, the school has provided every pupil and teacher with a Chromebook and embedded essential accessibility tools like Read&Write and OrbitNote across the curriculum.

What This Means for pupils: Inclusive Learning for All: Digital tools, such as speech-to-text and visual supports, empower pupils of all needs and backgrounds.

Creative & Future Focused Skills: Pupils are encouraged to be creators, not just consumers.

They engage in coding, robotics, digital writing and collaborative multimedia projects, building crucial digital confidence for the future.

Whole School Excellence: This whole school strategy ensures that every child, in every year group and subject, benefits from consistent access to innovative technology, embedding equity and high standards daily.

A huge congratulations to the entire Cheam Common community - the children, staff and leadership - for this incredible and well deserved recognition of excellence!

FIVE TIMES’

LEO

SCHOOLS

TOP

1000

RANKED

PRIMARY

IN

THE

SCHOOLS

Five schools from across LEO Academy Trust have been named in The Times’ Top 1000 Primary Schools, as part of the national Parent Power 2026 rankings. These rankings celebrate the highest achieving primary schools in England, using the latest performance data.

With more than 15,000 primary schools nationwide, this recognition reflects the exceptional commitment of our staff, pupils and families to providing aspirational education and high quality learning experiences.

The following LEO schools feature in the 2026 list: 46th - Cheam Common Junior Academy 196th - Cheam Fields Primary Academy 351st - Manor Park Primary Academy 746th - Brookfield Primary Academy 897th - Cheam Park Farm Primary Academy

This achievement highlights the strength of our shared vision, culture and collective expertise across the Trust.

You can view the full list here.

We are incredibly proud of everyone involved.

10

ENHANCING

OUR

ENVIRONMENT: SPACES

AT

LEARNING

EXCITING

CHEAM

PARK

NEW FARM!

At Cheam Park Farm we have had an incredible transformation and expansion of our facilities with brand new, dedicated spaces now open across both the Molesey and Kingston sites. These new environments are a testament to our commitment to providing an inclusive, nurturing and stimulating environment for every child's academic, emotional and social development.

The investment in these new rooms and areas ensures that we can offer tailored support and enriched learning experiences, allowing every pupil to thrive and reach their full potential.

A Tour of Our Fantastic New Provision The new facilities have been carefully designed to support a wide spectrum of pupil needs, promoting wellbeing, emotional literacy and focused learning.

Sensory and Calming Spaces The State of the Art Sensory Room: This fantastic space is designed to engage and stimulate the senses, providing a multi-functional area for therapeutic and exploratory play. It features a brilliant climbing wall for physical development and a regulation space for safe, active fun, making it an incredible resource for our pupils.

The Calm Room: A true oasis of peace, the Calm Room provides a genuinely calming environment designed to help children regulate their emotions and find tranquillity. It is a quiet haven for those moments when a child needs a moment away from the noise and bustle of the main school day.

Immersive Sensory Pods: We have introduced two cutting edge sensory pods. These are fully immersive spaces that use light, sound, and interactive technology to create engaging and personalised sensory experiences, supporting focus and relaxation.

Brand New Improved ELSA Room: Our Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA) provision has been upgraded with a brand new and improved ELSA room. This specialised, welcoming space will facilitate vital one to one and small group sessions, supporting our pupils' emotional literacy and wellbeing with even greater effectiveness.

Diverse Work Spaces: Recognising the importance of different learning styles, we have created a number of different spaces for children to work. These include smaller breakout areas and quiet zones, allowing staff to deliver targeted interventions and giving pupils the flexibility to choose a setting that best suits their current learning task, encouraging independence and collaboration.

The opening of these new resources marks a significant milestone in our journey to continually improve the learning experience at Cheam Park Farm. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these extraordinary new spaces will have on our children across both the Molesey and Kingston sites!

11

STRENGTHENING LEO FAMILIES STRENGTHENS LEO COMMUNITIES

Reflecting on Family Support LEO Family Support continues to grow from strength to strength. Over the past three years, we have seen a significant year on year rise in family engagement and new referrals, a trend driven by both new schools and increased participation in existing Academies. This highlights the profound impact of the service within the Trust.

This success is rooted in core strengths: a commitment from families to address challenges, a more accessible referral process, greater awareness of our role, and a community culture that values seeking support. The increased visibility of our Family Support Workers (FSWs) across various platforms, coupled with a responsive and impactful team, ensures families' needs are effectively met.

The FSW team continuously explores creative ways to foster connection and inclusion. We have run initiatives such as coffee mornings and drop-in sessions focused on Early Years and Wellbeing, family workshops on topics like Growth Mindset, and supported SEND drop ins. Crucially, as the Trust has expanded, we have successfully launched cross-Academy community events to build a stronger LEO Community. Examples include the Conversation Café for EAL families and the LEO Community Walk and Talk at Nonsuch Park, allowing parents to connect informally and meet families from other Academies.

Positive feedback confirms the value of these connections: “It’s great to be able to meet up with other parents from different LEO schools.” Our FSWs are allocated across all Academies, providing emotional and practical support. Our mission is to Engage families with understanding; Empower families with confidence; and Enrich families with knowledge. The Family Support Team remains committed to strengthening the LEO community and providing inclusive, accessible support for all.

CELEBRATING LEO

CREATIVITY

ACADEMY

ACROSS

TRUST

As the term ends, we celebrate the incredible creativity, skill and imagination shown by our pupils across LEO Academy Trust!

We believe high quality visual arts education is essential.

This term, under the leadership of Rose Maclean, our children have explored a diverse range of artistic techniques, turning classrooms into vibrant galleries.

Pupils have gained hands on experience with drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking and digital art. These projects go far beyond creating beautiful pieces; they help children develop crucial life skills such as fine motor control, critical thinking, problem solving and confidence. Art fosters self expression and cultural understanding.

The dedication of our teachers, who deliver rich and inclusive art experiences, is evident in every display. We also thank King's College School Wimbledon for their generous support in enhancing art development across the Trust.

We are incredibly proud of every young artist at LEO Academy Trust. Their talent and perseverance show what can be achieved when creativity is placed at the heart of an ambitious curriculum.

12

CELEBRATING WONDERFUL

WEST

ASHTEAD’S

CHARITABLE

SPIRIT!

This year, our school council decided they wanted to raise money for as many different charities as possible, following the success of some of our fundraising efforts last year.

We kicked off our fundraising efforts with a Macmillan Coffee Morning, a wonderful event that saw our hall buzzing with chatter and delicious treats. Thanks to the fantastic baking skills of our staff and parents, we raised a brilliant sum to help people living with cancer. This was quickly followed by our respectful participation in the Poppy Appeal, ensuring we remember and support our armed forces community.

Our pupils then brought festive cheer to commuters and raised crucial funds by singing beautifully at Epsom Train Station for the Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity. The feedback on their performance was glowing and they were wonderful ambassadors for our school!

The children have also been thrilled to participate in our recent Mufti Days, which generated impressive donations for two key charities. By swapping uniforms for spots, yellow or PJs, we supported the impactful work of Children in Need and the essential mental health services provided by the Young Minds Charity.

Our charitable focus is continuing right up until the end of term! I am so excited for our upcoming Elf Run, which will take place later this month. This fun, festive event will raise money for The Children's Trust charity in Tadworth, an extraordinary organisation that provides expert rehabilitation for children with brain injury.

LEO

PUPIL GOOGLE

VOICE

SHONE

DEEPMIND

BRIGHT

AI

AT

FORUM

We are incredibly proud of Cheam Common Juniors Year 6 pupils extraordinary participation in the Google DeepMind AI for Learning Forum in London on 11th November. Isabelle was the youngest speaker on a panel that included influential figures like YouTuber Gohar Khan and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who commended her confidence.

Industry leaders praised her contribution: Anna Artemyeva (Google for Education): “Isabelle was phenomenal!

She shared insightful views and made all the adults in the room really reflect...”

Yossi Matias (Google VP): “It was wonderful to hear her speak; she presented a powerful and exceptionally clear perspective on the future of AI education.”

Drawing on her LEO Academy Trust experience, Isabelle articulated a clear vision for AI as the "next chapter of education." She passionately argued for AI’s power to promote individuality, accessibility (like assistive technology: OrbitNote, talk-to-type), and creativity. Crucially, she stressed the need for education on safe use, ensuring AI never replaces human thinking or curiosity.

She addressed decision makers directly, advocating that AI should be a creative partner, used only for the greater good and be open, clear, honest, safe and secure.

13

HISTORY FIELDS

IN

THE

YEAR

5

HUBS

MAKING:

SHINE

ANNUAL

AT

SUMMIT

CHEAM EDTECH 2025

It was a day of adventure, innovation and history for the pupils of Cheam Fields Primary Academy as they took centre stage at the EdTech Hubs Annual Summit 2025. Representing LEO Academy Trust, the students showcased exactly what the future of education looks like.

The excitement began early in the morning as the Year 5 cohort boarded the train to London. For many, the journey into the heart of the capital was an adventure in itself, buzzing with anticipation for the day ahead. Upon arrival at King's Cross, the students were welcomed into the futuristic Samsung KX arena, a venue dedicated to culture and innovation, which served as the perfect backdrop for a day focused on digital advancement.

A Live Lesson to Remember

The highlight of the summit was undoubtedly the exceptional live lesson delivered by Mr Matt Clements and his class. In front of an audience of industry leaders and educators, the children immersed themselves in a history lesson exploring the Shang Dynasty.

Far from a traditional lecture, this session was a masterclass in modern pedagogy. Seamlessly integrating Google Classroom, Nearpod and the cutting edge AI tool NotebookLM, the pupils navigated through primary and secondary sources with impressive confidence. The technology allowed every child to engage deeply with the material, sparking critical thinking and enabling high quality independent work. It was a powerful demonstration of how inclusive EdTech can remove barriers to learning, ensuring every child thrives.

Exploring Future Tech

Following their hard work, the students had the opportunity to explore the Samsung KX arena. They were given hands on time with the latest technology available, moving from the history of ancient China to the cutting edge of 2025 innovation in the blink of an eye. Their enthusiasm and digital fluency were a credit to the Trust.

14

CELEBRATING

SUCCESS:

GOVERNMENT-FUNDED BREAKFAST

BEST

OUR START

CLUBS

Our Best Start Breakfast Club at Shawley Community Primary Academy recently welcomed a visit from the Department for Education! This visit recognised the excellent work being done as part of the wider national programme to support children's wellbeing and learning.

At LEO Academy Trust, we are committed to ensuring every child receives the best possible start to their day. That's why we are proud to offer a free, nutritious breakfast to every child across our Trust. This essential service is supported by the national, government funded programme.

Preparing Children for a Day of Learning Our Breakfast Clubs are designed to maximise pupils success in the classroom: Fuelling Concentration: Every child receives a healthy, nutritious breakfast. This vital energy boost means children arrive at lessons feeling settled and ready, leading to improved focus, wellbeing, and readiness for learning throughout the morning.

Building Social Skills: The clubs aren't just about food; they include engaging, supervised activities and interactions. This positive environment is crucial for helping children build confidence, establish positive school routines and develop essential social skills alongside their peers.

Supporting Our Families We understand the pressures of the morning rush. Our Best Start Breakfast Clubs aim to support the whole family. The provision of a supervised club offers a reliable and positive routine, creating a much calmer and less stressful start to the morning for parents. Knowing your child is safe, fed and positively engaged before the bell rings provides invaluable peace of mind.

To find out more about this Government scheme, click here.

15

CALM

CLASSROOMS,

COMMUNICATORS: YEARS

BOOSTING

LEARNING

COMMON

CONFIDENT AT

EARLY

CHEAM

INFANTS’

At Cheam Common Infants’, we have transformed our Early Years classrooms into calm, therapeutic spaces using a trauma informed approach. We have used muted, natural colours and open ended materials like wooden blocks and pebbles to reduce sensory overload and foster communication in line with the SHREC approach. This is an evidence informed framework developed by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to help all our staff to facilitate high quality adult-child interactions and boost our children's language and communication skills.

This environment has been an ideal foundation for developing robust oracy skills for our children, central to DfE guidance. We ensure our children feel safe and regulated which is needed for confident communication. We build on this security by implementing our "rules for talk" and strategies from the Tales Toolkit, structuring every interaction as an opportunity to practise and extend language. This intentional, embedded approach turns our classrooms into hives of good talk, empowering our youngest learners to articulate their thoughts, needs and feelings effectively.

A VISIT FROM THE DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION - WRITING FRAMEWORK FOCUS Manor Park Primary Academy were proud to welcome the Department for Education's English Policy Lead and Senior Policy Officers to look at writing and disciplinary writing in October 2025. Visitors from other LEO schools also joined to share their approach to writing and disciplinary writing, including: Cheam Common Junior, Hurst Park Primary Academy and Cheam Fields Primary Academy.

It was an incredible opportunity to share our passion for writing and to showcase many aspects of the new DfE writing framework in practice. The morning focused on: Disciplinary literacy and how we embed writing across the curriculum Visiting classrooms to see writing in action, including speaking to pupils Writing and the use of technology and AI to enhance learning Teaching sentences Foundational knowledge in KS1 - transcription.

16

SHAWLEY’S

LOCAL

EPSOM’S

DUAL

HISTORY

DAY:

HERITAGE

Shawley Primary recently held a highly successful Local History Day, immersing children across all key stages in the rich, dual history of Epsom: its time as a fashionable Spa Town and its enduring link to The Derby.

The day began with the story of Epsom Salts. The 1618 discovery of mineral water rich in magnesium sulphate transformed the village into a destination for the elite. Key Stage 1 pupils explored why people flocked to 'take the waters,' while Key Stage 2 investigated the profound economic and social consequences, such as the construction of grand houses and Assembly Rooms, which permanently changed the town’s structure before the Spa’s popularity declined around 1725.

The focus then shifted to the racecourse. The Derby, first run in 1780, quickly became one of the world's most prestigious flat races. Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils engaged with the horses and racing figures, creating stables from recycled materials. Key Stage 2 pupils delved into social history, researching significant individuals like Suffragette Emily Davison, whose 1913 protest at the Derby had a national impact and examining the unique carnival atmosphere of race day.

The study concluded by charting major shifts that followed, particularly the arrival of the railway in 1847, which transformed Epsom from a destination to a commuter area, accelerating population growth. Pupils also investigated how land use changed, including the cluster of large hospitals built to the northwest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Year 6 acted as historians, analysing sources on the enduring legacy of the Salts and The Derby.

The immersive day strengthened pupils’ sense of place and local pride, helping them understand how past events from a simple salt discovery to the arrival of the railway - can profoundly shape their community today.

AI

GIVES

ACCESS

SHAWLEY

TO

PREMIER

PUPILS LEAGUE

DIRECT STARS!

A recent article in The Times highlighted the pioneering work of Virtual Soccer Schools (VSS), a mental health charity leveraging football and, soon, Artificial Intelligence to support children globally.

The article featured Shawley Community Primary Academy, with teacher Kelly Wallis emphasising the powerful influence professional footballers have on young people. VSS, co-founded by art teacher Tom Lamb and championed by US international Tim Ream, has already reached 90,000 young people in 83 countries. Top flight players like Reece James, Lucy Staniforth and Martha Thomas contribute by sharing vital wellbeing tips, emphasising that success doesn't prevent them from having relatable struggles.

VSS is now piloting an innovative AI powered website. This tool will offer children on demand, private advice by directing them to relevant pre-recorded video messages from players on topics such as resilience and diversity. This technology will allow children worldwide, including those at Shawley, a direct and discreet line to their heroes for vital mental health support.

Click here to read the full article

17

COUNCILLOR ENJOYS

CLAIRE

FOREST

CURRAN

SCHOOL

MAGIC

The pupils and staff at Polesden Lacey Infant Academy were delighted to welcome Councillor Claire Curran for an engaging visit this term.

Upon arrival, Councillor Curran met with Headteacher, Rebecca Mole, to discuss the academy's successes and its unique approach to early years education. Following their meeting, Councillor Curran embarked on a tour of all the classrooms, getting a firsthand look at the vibrant learning environments across the academy.

The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the Forest School session. Councillor Curran was particularly fascinated by how the children were seamlessly integrating their classroom learning with outdoor practical skills.

The children were currently studying the Great Fire of London and were applying this historical context to a hands-on exercise in fire lighting. They were learning about traditional methods using an unusual natural resource: King Alfred's Cake fungi (Daldinia concentrica).

Every child had the chance to carefully blow on the tinder-like fungi, which, when properly prepared, catches a glow like an ember. The look of awe and wonder on the children’s faces as they succeeded in lighting their own small fire was truly magical, and this excitement was clearly shared by Councillor Curran.

Councillor Curran praised the academy for providing such memorable and educational experiences, emphasizing the incredible value of Forest School in building skills like resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork.

It was a fantastic day for the academy and a wonderful opportunity to share the inspiring work happening at Polesden Lacey with the wider LEO community.

SUPPORTING

FAMILIES

WITH

BRITE

BOX

We are proud to highlight our support for Brite Box, a vital food project run by Voices of Hope that addresses food insecurity and promotes family wellbeing in our community. Brite Box supports vulnerable families by distributing weekly food boxes that serve as complete recipe kits. These kits contain all the necessary ingredients and an easy to follow, illustrated recipe guide for families to cook a healthy and affordable meal together at home. Hurst Park and Chandlers Field schools both receive this incredible support and we have seen firsthand how much this initiative has benefited our families by providing nutritious food, promoting cooking skills and offering invaluable support.

18

LEARNING

ACROSS

GENERATIONS Building Bonds at Cheam Park Farm We're delighted to share an inspiring project happening at Cheam Park Farm Primary Academy that is truly bringing our community closer together. As part of our LEO 2030: Connecting Communities vision, our pupils have been engaging in a meaningful intergenerational learning programme with the residents of Dorothy Pettingell House in Sutton, in partnership with InCommon.

What is Intergenerational Learning?

This project is all about bringing our pupils and older adults together through fun, co-designed activities. It’s not just a visit; it's a genuine partnership!

Pupils and residents have been sharing experiences through: Shared Storytelling: Trading tales and memories.

Creative Activities: Working together on arts and crafts.

Garden Tours: Exploring and appreciating nature together.

Personal Conversations: Forming real, lasting friendships.

Why is This Important for Pupils?

The impact of this work goes far beyond a single lesson. It’s about nurturing essential life skills and values in our young learners: Empathy and Compassion: Children learn to understand different perspectives and feelings, developing their emotional literacy.

Active Listening: Engaging in meaningful conversations helps pupils practise listening skills and patience.

Social Responsibility: It gives pupils a valuable opportunity to contribute positively to their community, making them feel like Active Citizens.

Combating Isolation: The visits provide structured, purposeful interactions that benefit both the pupils and the older adults, helping to combat social isolation for the residents.

A Reciprocal Partnership The enthusiasm for this project is mutual! Residents look forward to the children's weekly visits, and our pupils are equally excited to spend time with their older friends. It's a clear sign of the sustained, reciprocal value of this partnership - both generations are learning from and supporting one another.

This wonderful project shows the power of learning with our community, not just in it. We are proud of the genuine relationships our Cheam Park Farm pupils are building and are looking forward to expanding this valuable work across the Trust in 2026.

19

BROOKFIELD SECURES SUSTAINABILITY

PRIMARY

ACADEMY

MAJOR

WIN

FOR

AT

SDG

CHALLENGE

THE

LEO Academy Trust schools have demonstrated exceptional commitment to global citizenship and environmental stewardship by participating in the recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Challenge. This system-wide initiative saw schools across the Trust focus their passion and ingenuity on tackling the world's most pressing issues, as outlined by the United Nations' 17 SDGs. The Sustainability and Climate Action Journey A dedicated team of our student Eco Warriors spearheaded Brookfield's effort, embarking on an intensive journey focused on sustainability and climate action. Their task was to move beyond theory and develop impactful and visual Climate Action Plans designed to make a real difference within our school communities and local areas.

Deep Dive into the SDGs: The students spent weeks researching specific goals, understanding their targets, and developing ideas and actions on how to contribute to global progress.

Developing Actionable Plans: Their work culminated in creating detailed plans outlining concrete steps our schools could take to reduce carbon footprints, promote biodiversity and encourage sustainable living. These plans were highly visual, designed to educate and inspire the entire student body.

A Triumphant Presentation and an SDG Win The culmination of the project involved the Eco Warriors preparing and delivering their presentation virtually to a panel of external judges. The presentations were judged on creativity, feasibility, potential for impact, and clarity of communication.

We are delighted to announce that Brookfield Primary Academy was named the winner of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities!

SDG 11 aims to "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable."

Our winning proposal for SDG 11 focused on redesigning an area of our school to make it eco-friendly and inclusive. The proposal included installing pedal power charging stations, creating communal vegetable patches and adding giant games and friendship benches made from recycled materials, thereby promoting healthy living, inclusivity and sustainable resource management.

Inspiring Future Global Citizens This outstanding achievement is a testament to the hard work, creativity and passion of our Eco Warriors and Mrs Elmellas who mentored them. It underscores the Trust’s commitment to embedding global issues into the curriculum and empowering our pupils to be agents of change.

The process has provided our pupils with invaluable skills in research, public speaking, collaborative problem solving and most importantly a profound understanding of how their actions directly contribute to a better world.

They showed amazing commitment, often requesting to use part of their lunchtimes to work on their projects!

We look forward to implementing the winning Climate Action Plan and continuing our journey toward a more sustainable future for all.

20

AN

UNFORGETTABLE

SHAWLEY WEST

COMMUNITY

ASHTEAD

PUPILS

ADVENTURE! PRIMARY SHINE

ON

AND THE

FARM! The verdict is in! Year 5 pupils from Shawley Community Primary and West Ashtead Primary had an unforgettable time in Gloucester at Wick Court Farm with the Farms for City Children team this October.

We're excited to share that the trip was a resounding success and a truly magical experience for the children.

Farms for City Children is more than just a trip; it’s a life changing opportunity. This brilliant charity offers children the unique chance to be fully immersed in the rhythm of a real, bustling, working farm.

Our pupils didn't just visit the farm - they became young farmers! They threw themselves into every single activity with beaming smiles and infectious enthusiasm, completely embracing the hard work and joy of rural life.

Every day was packed with exhilarating, hands on tasks that transformed the children's understanding of the world around them: Animal Guardians: The children discovered the deep satisfaction of nurturing life. They were up before dawn, feeding, grooming, and caring for the farm animals, learning responsibility and empathy with every scoop of feed.

From Soil to Supper: They didn't just learn about food - they grew, harvested, and cooked it! They dug for vegetables, collected eggs, and prepared delicious, wholesome meals, understanding exactly where their nourishment comes from.

Nature's Classroom: Exploring the countryside, they became budding environmentalists, learning about wildlife habitats and the crucial importance of protecting our planet.

The Power of Teamwork: Faced with genuine farm challenges, the pupils worked side by side, developing stronger communication and problem solving skills - leaving with friendships forged over shared accomplishment.

This unique residential trip delivered profound, lasting benefits, this wasn't just a trip; it was an enriching, soul nourishing experience that created cherished memories and ignited a lifelong love for learning and the outdoors. We highly recommend this trip for future years!

21

LEO

SPORTS

A round up of sporting action from across the Trust This term, our pupils have demonstrated their passion, dedication and talent across a diverse range of disciplines, from showcasing their footballing prowess at Crystal Palace Football Club's world class training facilities to conquering the challenging course at Borough Cross Country events. Our schools have competed in hundreds of sports events this term including some of our very own LEO Sports events, below is a highlight of some of the best events we competed in this term.

Premier League Primary Starts: Our young footballers shone brightly at the Chelsea FC, Crystal Palace FC and Fulham FC Premier League Primary Starts competitions.

Indoor Athletics: Our athletically inclined pupils took to the track and field, competing in a variety of events.

Cross Country: Our pupils showcased their running skills and endurance as they participated in various Sutton, Surrey and LEO competitions.

Sutton & Surrey Tag rugby league: The Tag Rugby league saw our pupils embrace the competitive spirit of tag rugby.

22

Experiencing new and exciting sporting opportunities such as squash, golf and curling!

Building for the Future with LEO Festivals

Continuous Football & Netball Leagues and cup for A & B team fixtures!

The Autumn term has been an enriching and rewarding experience for our LEO pupils. We are committed to providing pupils with a diverse range of sporting opportunities that foster their passion, develop their skills and promote a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to an equally inspiring Spring term filled with different sports opportunities, exciting competitions and sporting achievements.

23

MINIBUS

FLEET

IN

ACTION

The LEO Academy Trust Minibus Fleet and its team of dedicated professional drivers have completed a highly successful and productive term, facilitating essential transportation for our students across a wide range of enriching events. Our primary commitment is the safe, reliable and efficient movement of children, ensuring they can fully access the diverse opportunities provided by the Trust. We are proud of our operational effectiveness and pleased to share the key achievements and performance data from this term:

5000

2000

1650

50

Pupils taken to swimming lessons

Pupils taken to Sporting Events

Pupils taken to Educational Settings

Pupils taken to Trial Residential Trips

including tag rugby, football, cross country and indoor athletics.

including Henley Fort in Guildford, RHS Wisley, Painshill and Thorpe Park.

including Wick Farm in Gloucester and a visit to Durham.

Community based transport support which include: Sutton United Disability Teams to away matches.

Age UK transporting local residents to our Sutton schools for lunch Cheam Park Farm Christmas lunch for local residents.

Cheam Park Farm and Cheam Fields pupils to local care homes as part of their young citizens commitment.

Highlighted below are this term in numbers:

10

12

Minibuses

Drivers

8700

298

19500

Pupils Transported

Trips over 14 Weeks

Miles Travelled

24

CHEAM A

COMMON

JUNIOR

HIGH-FLYING

ACADEMY:

AUTUMN

TERM

Cheam Common Junior Academy celebrated an exceptionally busy and successful start to the academic year, marked by national awards, international influence and outstanding pupil achievement, underpinned by a deep commitment to excellence in technology.

National Recognition and Global Influence The Autumn Term was defined by remarkable milestones. The Academy's exemplary practices were showcased during a visit from members of the Department for Education. Furthermore, its status as a Google Reference School facilitated an international visit from the Japanese government, highlighting its global influence in educational technology. The school’s dedication to innovation was formally recognized by winning the highly coveted Best Use of Technology / ICT in School award at the Education Today Awards 2025.

Pupil voice also shone brightly, with CCJ Radio broadcasting its 29th live show and pupil voice teams actively sharing their perspectives with education professionals nationwide.

Cheam Common Junior Academy Named Lead School for London South Cheam Common Junior was selected by Sutton Music Trust as a Lead School for the London South West Music Hub. This designation recognizes the school’s strong and inclusive music provision and its willingness to share expertise, resources and best practice across the wider region (including Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Hounslow and Wandsworth). This status reinforces the commitment to high quality music education for all pupils.

A Magical Evening at Maggie's: Our Carol Concert Success The Autumn Term also featured a stunning performance by Year 5 and 6 children at the Maggie's Carol Concert in Sutton on 4th December. The half hour set of carols and festive favourites, including exceptional solos in Love Shone Down, brought the spirit of the season to life, raising funds and pride for the school community.

Glowing Challenge Partners Review To cap off an exceptional term, Cheam Common Junior Academy recently hosted its Challenge Partners review, which was hugely successful. While the academy eagerly awaits the final report, the feedback received during the discussions was absolutely glowing.

The review team highlighted numerous strengths across the academy, noting the strong staff well being focus and a supportive culture where caring and teamwork prevail. They were particularly impressed by the school's commitment to high expectations coupled with extensive staff support. The curriculum was praised as rich, ambitious and engaging, expertly building upon prior knowledge and leaders were noted for maintaining a 'forensic focus' on achievement without narrowing the wider pupil experience. This success is reflected in exceptional Key Stage 2 attainment, which substantially exceeds national averages in both reading and mathematics. The reviewers also singled out the school's effective integration of technology (such as individual Chromebooks) in teaching and learning, noting that this approach is underpinned by the philosophy that “technology doesn't replace thinking hard”. Furthermore, the team found that inclusive practice is highly effective, leading to very strong outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and those with additional needs, who exceed the national average at the expected standard in core subjects.

This overwhelmingly positive feedback reaffirms the commitment of the entire school community to providing the best possible education and experience for every child.

25

STAY

IN

THE

KNOW

WITH

OUR

BLOGS

Have you been keeping up to date with our blogs? We've been busy creating insightful and engaging content to keep you informed and updated. Click on the buttons below to view each blog for this Autumn term!

26

EMPOWERING EVERY CHILD: THE LEO FOUNDATION Did you know LEO Academy Trust has a dedicated charity focused entirely on enriching your child’s primary school experience? It's called the LEO Foundation!

The Foundation believes in bringing our community together - parents, teachers and carers - to go above and beyond standard school funding.

How Does the Foundation Help Your Child?

The LEO Foundation raises vital funds to achieve three main goals: Empowering Potential: Providing extra resources and curriculum enhancements (like specialist equipment or improved outdoor spaces) that enrich your child’s learning every day.

Investing in Excellence: Equipping our brilliant teachers and staff with the tools and training they need to nurture young minds.

Bridging the Gap: Fostering a powerful partnership between the home and the school community.

Every contribution, big or small, helps create an environment where Experience plus ambition equals success!

Get Involved Today!

You can be an active participant in shaping your child's future by supporting the Foundation. Here are quick ways to join the movement: Join the LEO Lottery Participate in Fundraising Events Make a Donation To learn more about this vital initiative and how you can help empower the future, one child at a time, please contact: foundation@leoacademytrust.co.uk

📧

27

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING As the Autumn term comes to a close, we are excited to celebrate the success of our professional learning initiatives at LEO Academy Trust. This term has been a testament to our commitment to continuous growth, with staff engaging in a wide range of enriching experiences.

Partnering for Excellence We are pleased to be working alongside the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) as an Associate College. This collaboration places us at the forefront of educational excellence, shaping the future of teaching by combining academic rigour with practical, school-based expertise.

Initial Teacher Training This term we proudly launched our 2025/26 cohorts (ages 3-7 and 5-11). Trainees began with intensive training on behaviour and relationships, mastering routines and positive classroom climates, ensuring they feel confident to lead a class from day one. A significant focus was placed on cognition, specifically how Cognitive Load Theory impacts lesson design, covering key concepts such as memory and retrieval practice. Having engaged with their Module 1 PGCE studies, they now look forward to applying these theories in their contrasting placements in the spring term.

Early Career Teachers (ECTs) Our ECTs have benefited from comprehensive induction training through our NIoT partnership. ECTs have participated in valuable subject specific sessions in Art and Maths. These sessions went beyond theory; they provided the opportunity to see teaching and learning in action, analysing modelled examples during live learning walks to understand what learning looks like in different contexts.

Curriculum & Strategy Subject Leaders from across the Trust joined our first Curriculum Network Learning Community meeting of 2025/26 to audit our current practice on adaptive teaching. Leaders examined how to tailor instruction to meet diverse needs without lowering expectations. We look forward to developing this further next term with a focus on deliberate practice. Subject leaders can also look forward to our upcoming Challenge Partners Hub Programme of Events, which will offer specialised training on adaptive teaching through a subject specific lens.

LEO Conference 2025 Our LEO Conference explored our LEO 2030 strategy focuses: Thriving People, Reimagining Education, and Connecting Communities. Keynote speaker, CEO of Nescot, Julie Kapsalis, challenged us to think differently about careers education and how we prepare children for the future world of work. The afternoon workshops allowed staff to transfer these new skills back into school, ensuring our strategy has a direct impact on pupil outcomes.

University of Buckingham Partnership Our BA (Hons) cohorts have successfully engaged in assessment modules and reflective journaling this term, bridging the gap between academic study and practical application. Applications are now open to join our next cohort; please check our LEO Vacancies page for further details.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the facilitators, participants and partners who have contributed to the success of our professional learning initiatives this term.

28

FAIR'S

FAIR!

POLESDEN

CHAMPIONING

LACEY

TRADE

INFANTS

JUSTICE

At Polesden Lacey Infant Academy, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom, fostering thoughtful, responsible and active global citizens through our enthusiastic involvement with Fairtrade. It is a vital part of teaching our youngest learners about sustainability, global community and making ethical choices.

Through the curriculum, children explore where their food comes from, tracing the journey of products like bananas, chocolate and coffee. This exploration sparks discussions about the lives of farmers and the crucial role Fairtrade plays in ensuring they receive a fair and stable price for their work. Our commitment is woven through subjects: in English, children use persuasive writing for trade justice; in Maths, they calculate the difference a fair price makes; and in Design Technology, they use ethically sourced ingredients.

Polesden Lacey’s dedication is powerfully demonstrated by its achievement of the FairAchiever Award, the highest accolade in the Fairtrade Schools programme granted by the Fairtrade Foundation.

This award recognises schools that fully embed Fairtrade into their daily life and curriculum, and actively raise awareness.

Key elements of our journey include a whole-school commitment and active campaigns. Our pupils famously campaigned for ethically sourced bananas in their school fruit scheme, taking their advocacy all the way to a government department—teaching valuable skills in critical thinking and teamwork. We reinforce the message by consciously using Fairtrade products, such as tea and coffee, and through community engagement like bake sales.

Polesden Lacey has a proud history of fostering environmental and global awareness and our continued support of Fairtrade reinforces our dedication to LEO Academy Trust's values of Learning, Excellence and Opportunity. By understanding the concept of fairness in trade, our pupils are developing empathy, critical thinking and a sense of responsibility for the world around them. We are incredibly proud of their passion and hope to continue this important journey for many years to come.

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES: PARTNERING WITH PRINCESS ALICE HOSPICE Hurst Park is delighted to share the exciting progress of its partnership with the local Princess Alice Hospice in Surrey, which has become a core focus for fostering community connections within the school. Its commitment has involved regular, successful cake sales to raise vital funds and it is now gearing up for the annual Elf Run on Friday 12th December. The hospice team recently visited the school to officially launch the event, sharing powerful insights into why their work is so important to families in the community, which has deeply motivated the children.

Furthermore, Hurst Park is thrilled to be planning a visit to the hospice where the children will have the opportunity to sing for patients and staff, spreading kindness and festive cheer as a thank you for their incredible service.

29

EMBRACING

THE

ASSISTIVE

TECH

FUTURE: IN

AI

ACTION

AND AT

FURZEFIELD In late November, we were delighted to welcome our CEO, Phillip Hedger and EA Sarah Duley alongside Anna-Mari Jäatinen, Principal of Siltamäki Elementary School in Finland, for a special visit to Furzefield. As one of the newer schools to join the LEO Academy Trust, this visit felt particularly significant. In January, our pupils will embark on their first international trip as part of the Trust - a visit to Finland that will include time spent at Anna-Mari’s school - making this an exciting opportunity to strengthen connections ahead of the experience.

The visit enabled us to showcase the unique context of Furzefield and to highlight both the challenges and the strengths and opportunities that shape our provision. Rich discussions took place around pastoral care and pupil wellbeing, both of which are areas we prioritise deeply. Anna-Mari also spent time with members of our pastoral team, giving insight into how we support pupils and families within our community.

A major focus of the morning was our work this term to upskill our staff and pupil community in the one to one digital model, ensuring everyone can make purposeful and confident use of the extensive digital tools available. We were extremely proud to share a real time Year 6 history lesson, expertly led by Rob Wigley, which demonstrated the breadth of platforms that we are working hard to embed in teaching at Furzefield. These included ThingLink, Read&Write, Mote, Polypad and the latest Google tools such as Class Tools and NotebookLM. The lesson highlighted how AI can be used to create dynamic, engaging resources that help pupils access and connect with learning more effectively.

We were also able to demonstrate how pupils independently use a range of assistive and adaptive technologies, such as Read&Write features and screen overlays, to create opportunities for pupils to overcome barriers independently - particularly for those with dyslexia or challenges accessing written material.

We are immensely proud of the progress we have made since joining LEO Academy Trust and especially proud of our Year 6 pupils and all our teachers who are embracing the exciting new world of technology to support their delivery of the curriculum. A special mention has to go to Mr Wigley who will go on to showcase the digital model live at the BETT Show 2026 in January, representing both Furzefield and the Trust for the first time on a national stage!

We finished the visit with a pupil voice group, giving our pupils and teachers an opportunity to ask questions and learn a bit more about the area and the school system in Finland.

This visit celebrated not only how far we have come, but also the exciting direction we are heading as we continue to embed opportunities and digital innovation to enrich learning for our pupils and staff.

30

FOREST AN

SCHOOL:

AUTUMN

ADVENTURE

Since we started back in September, the children have been fully immersed in the sights, sounds and textures of the changing seasons. Forest School has been a feast for the senses and we have witnessed incredible growth - not just in the trees, but in the confidence and skills of every child.

Here is a look back at the adventures, learning, and fun we’ve had outside the classroom: Sensory Scavenger Hunts: We spent time focusing on the feel of the forest floor. Children collected and compared textures - from waxy green leaves to brittle, dry ones, the smooth shell of a conker and the rough bark of the oldest trees.

Nature’s Treasure Trove: Conker collecting was a massive hit! We gathered a handful of seasonal treasures like sycamore 'helicopters' (perfect for chasing!), pinecones and acorns. The children learned about the importance of these items to our local wildlife preparing for winter.

Natural Art & Creativity: The carpet of fallen leaves became our canvas. We created magnificent Leaf Mandalas and Leaf Crowns, using only what we could find. We also used natural clay to make Tree Faces and 'spirits,' giving our woodland companions personalities Introduction to Tools: Children were safely introduced to simple hand tools, such as palm drills and secateurs. This led to fantastic projects, including drilling conkers for necklaces, splitting small pieces of wood and making wooden decorations.

Fire Safety & Campfire Cooking: We learned the fundamental safety rules around the fire pit before practising the skill of laying and lighting a fire. The reward? Delicious, warm treats! We mastered making Campfire hot chocolate, cooked popcorn and of course, the obligatory roasted marshmallows.

Also this term, our dedicated Eco Teams enjoyed special trips to RHS Garden Wisley to enhance their knowledge of horticulture, conservation, and sustainable gardening practices.The teams participated in specialised educational workshops designed to complement their Eco Team work back at school. They focused on topics like seed propagation, soil health, and understanding how different plants adapt to various environments. The workshops provided hands-on experience, allowing the pupils to get practical tips they can implement in our school grounds.

We are so proud of the resilience, creativity, and love for nature that the children have demonstrated this term.

31

CONQUERING RESILIENCE: RESIDENTIAL

HEIGHTS

AND

YEAR

ENJOY

AT

6

PGL

BUILDING THEIR

WINDMILL

HILL

Our Year 6 cohort recently returned from their residential trip to PGL Windmill Hill, where they developed teamwork, cooperation and faced their fears head on. This annual residential is a cornerstone of our curriculum, designed not just for fun, but as a crucial opportunity to hone the key skills necessary for the transition to secondary school.

The children fully embraced the challenges, focusing intensely on communication, resilience, determination, and perseverance. They quickly learned that reaching the top of the climbing wall or mastering the technique of archery required encouragement from their peers and lots of focus.

The children learnt how to put on harnesses and listened to their instructors, so that they could keep each other safe throughout the day.

Activities were designed to push pupils out of their comfort zones in a safe, supported environment. They followed the 'challenge by choice' approach, encouraging children to try new things, but allowing them to set their own limits. The children were fantastic at pushing their own boundaries and doing something new.

Heights and Thrills: Many conquered personal challenges, including the stomach-dropping Giant Swing and the exhilarating Zip Line. The children tried the leap of faith and the all aboard challenge, climbing up a high pole, before jumping off and flying down.

Team Challenges: Cooperation was key during the forest skills sessions, where groups worked together to master shelter building and the highly anticipated art of fire lighting. The children also worked together on the mini Olympics, thinking about tactics to win in their games.

Skill and Strategy: Activities like Aeroball and the multi-part Team Challenge tested their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Despite a spell of characteristic autumnal rain, the children’s determination never wavered—they simply embraced the mud and the challenge! Their enthusiasm was remarkable, and we were particularly delighted to celebrate the cultural diversity within our cohort, including a lovely celebration of Diwali during their stay.

The residential concluded on a high note with the final night's disco, a perfect opportunity for the children to celebrate their achievements and bond as a cohort before returning home.

From challenging themselves on the ropes courses to enjoying a variety of lovely, replenishing meals, every child participated fully and returned with a clear boost in self confidence and independence. We are incredibly proud of how they represented Manor Park and look forward to seeing them carry this fantastic resilience back into their final year of primary school.

32

SEND

DISCOVERY

DAYS

Showcasing LEOs Inclusive Provision to all Sutton Leaders Our LEO SEND Discovery Day in October successfully showcased the LEO SEND Ordinarily Available Provision to Headteachers and SENDCos from across Sutton.

This event was a strong collaboration between LEO Academy Trust, Sutton Council and Cognus, highlighting our united commitment to enhancing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support. The day focused on demonstrating the high quality, inclusive provision routinely accessible to all LEO Academy Trust pupils, embodying our core value of "Inclusion for all."

Vision, Ethos and Expert Practice The event began with a presentation detailing the LEO vision and ethos, highlighting the central value of 'Inclusion for all'. Attendees were introduced to the comprehensive provision supported by the LEO Inclusion team's expertise.

Key aspects covered included: Prompt Assessments: Timely assessment to quickly understand pupil needs.

Quality Services: Specialist support like Speech and Language Therapists and Drama Therapy.

LEO SEND Pathways: Adaptations in place for supporting varying SEND needs.

Nadine Kilkelly, the LEO ASD Trust SENDCO, led the discussion, providing a clear understanding of our structured approach to identifying and addressing pupil requirements.

Digital Strategy and Adaptive Teaching in Action A key part of the showcase was the presentation on how assistive technology is integrated as an ordinarily available provision for SEND, forming a core component of the LEO Digital Strategy. This technology is embedded for use by all, demonstrating how LEO uses digital tools to support diverse learning needs.

Attendees were highly impressed when viewing the provision in action in classrooms. The demonstrations showed how effectively pupils with SEND were supported through adapted and differentiated lessons, resulting in feedback that participants were "amazed" by the positive impact on pupil learning.

Anne Thomas, Manor Park SENDCo, and Chris Perrott, Manor Park Vice Principal, were instrumental in leading these classroom demonstrations.

A True Team Approach The successful Discovery Days were a testament to a "real LEO team work approach," championed by our dedicated leadership. This collaborative event reinforced LEO Academy Trust's commitment to inclusive education, powerfully supporting all pupils to achieve their best.

34

EMPOWERING PUPILS

INDEPENDENCE:

COMPLETE

GAMECHANGER

YEAR

6

CRITICAL

SAFEGUARDING

WORKSHOP Chandlers Field Primary School was delighted to host the awardwinning GAMECHANGER workshop for our Year 6 students as part of our safeguarding curriculum. This valuable half day workshop supported the children's transition to secondary school by focusing on critical social issues like Child Criminal Exploitation and the dangers of County Lines.

The use of "Theatre in Education" performances by experienced facilitators and professional actors made the session highly engaging, helping students understand potential risks they may encounter as they gain independence and empowering them to make safe choices.

HURST

PARK

BOWLES:

YEAR

6

CONQUERS

ADVENTURES

TEAMWORK

AND

IN

TRIUMPH!

Year 6 recently returned from their incredible action-packed residential trip to Bowles in October, bursting with stories of adventure and new skills! This was an unforgettable experience where every child had the opportunity to challenge themselves and discover new talents.

The week was a whirlwind of exciting activities designed to push boundaries and foster collaboration. The children got to experience the thrill of dry slope skiing, navigating the slope with growing confidence. They also tackled the heights and problem solving required for bouldering - a true test of their resilience!

They made a splash with water based challenges, including craft building in the swimming pool and mastering strokes during a fun session of kayaking.

Their curiosity was sparked during orienteering sessions, where they practiced teamwork to navigate the environment. A visit to Harrison Rocks provided a chance to connect with nature and climb. Evenings were spent gathered around crackling campfires, learning the essential skill of making fires at night, showcasing their growth as learners. The focus of archery helped them develop their confidence.

Children refused to give up on challenging activities like bouldering and dry slope skiing. Through their positive attitudes and encouragement of others, the children displayed teamwork and became effective leaders.

The Year 6 residential was a huge success, leaving children with fantastic memories and valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and confidence!

35

A

RECIPE

TRUST

AND

FOR

JOY:

AGE

UK

LEO

ACADEMY

SUTTON

LUNCH

SUCCESS Starting in Autumn 2024, LEO Academy Trust partnered with Age UK Sutton to support local elderly clients. Recognising that many clients live alone and miss out on regular family meals, we launched the "LEO Lunch" initiative in January 2025 at Brookfield.

Our first lunch hosted 15 guests, supported by AGE UK staff. Guests were transported by minibus, enjoyed a meal, and were entertained by the school choir before receiving a goodie bag to take home.

Since that first event, we have hosted three more successful lunches, with many clients becoming regulars - they even chase Age UK for the next LEO Lunch date! The simple format has proven highly impactful, providing a couple of uplifting hours of shared meals and interaction.

"What can I say other than bow down to all of you at LEO and say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Fantastic feedback from yesterday, particularly the main course and everyone really enjoyed themselves, even the quiet ones! Birthday Boy Roy was very moved by your gesture. The children as always were a highlight and once again, show what special places LEO schools are.

Special shout out to the minibus drivers; they do everything with such kindness and humour. All the other staff's kindness and interactions with everyone was much appreciated."

Feedback consistently highlights how isolated our guests can be and how much they enjoy spending time with others, especially interacting with the children, who are always ready to answer their questions. We were even delighted to celebrate a guest’s 90th birthday at our Cheam Fields lunch. The LEO Lunches embody our commitment to community and connection.

We’re Hiring

Class Teachers Be a Part of Our Journey

Inspire the next generation!

LEO Academy Trust are looking for passionate and dedicated Class Teachers to join our fantastic schools. Apply now and start your next exciting chapter with us!

Apply by:

26th Jan 2026

37

STAFF VACANCIES Shawley or West Ashtead

Nursery Apprenticeship

Playworker

Caterer

Hurst Park or Cheam Common Junior

Furzefield

Wraparound Care Leader

Premises Apprentice

Shawley or Cheam Park Farm

LEO Academy Trust

Learning Support Assistant

Wraparound Care Catering Assistant

Furzefield, Hurst Park or Chandlers Field

Manor Park

Fundraising Apprenticeship

Early Years TA

Nursery Practitioner

LEO Academy Trust

Trust Reactive Works Assistant LEO Academy Trust

HTLA Shawley or Chandlers Field

Brookfield or West Ashtead

Lead Midday Supervisor Manor Park

Midday Supervisor Hurst Park

Catering Assistant Cheam Park Farm

Furzefield

Business Admin Apprenticeship

BA (Hons) Programme June 2026

SENDCo Cheam Fields

LEO Academy Trust

To apply and see more details for our vacancies, please click the button below:

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A

HEARTFELT

THANK

YOU!

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to every single volunteer who has given their time, expertise and passion to LEO Academy Trust and our individual schools. We truly couldn't do it without you.

The strength of our Trust is built on a foundation of collaboration and our volunteers are a vital part of that successful partnership between home and school.

A huge thank you to our Members, Trustees and Governors. These individuals provide the essential strategic direction, guiding the Trust and ensuring the best possible education for all our children.

To all our wonderful Parent Volunteers, whether you're part of the PTA, helping with events or lending a hand in school - you make school life brighter and richer for our pupils every single day.

We deeply value your tireless efforts and unwavering support. We look forward to continuing this vital partnership with you next year!

This term has been filled with so many memorable moments, achievements, and learning experiences and none of it would be possible without the collective effort of our entire LEO community. We are incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and are so grateful for your ongoing commitment to making LEO Academy Trust a truly special place.

We wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting term in the new year!

Thank you for reading!

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Break. We look forward to seeing you all for the start of the Spring Term!

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