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As spring becomes summer we have new hope and are beginning to work towards creating a bright new future. As with any challenge we face at Meldreth Manor, we have approached these past difficult months as an opportunity. Within lockdown we have had to be creative and initiative and rethink how we work, and to make the most of what we have within ourselves and our grounds.

Until these past few weeks, external contractors were not able to come on site so all works and development projects ceased. They include all our improvement projects we undertook as a team, with what we already had because our suppliers were not operating. A derelict run down outhouse has become a special quiet space for reflection, with an outdoor classroom attached. Several derelict flower beds have been brought back to life. We have added lots of sensory stations around the grounds for our children and young people to engage with and enjoy. This summer our grounds will possibly look the best they have looked for a long time. Thank you to anyone and everyone that has made donations and contributions to these projects. As lockdown gradually began to lift, we were delighted by the arrival of our outdoor musical instruments after such a long wait. We are looking to have these installed and in place in the ‘Musical garden’ by the end of June. As some external contractors are returning to work and able to come on site, work on the refurbishment of our hydro pool has recommenced. As you take your daily exercise past our buildings, you will see that they are now a beautiful shade of blue. Many of our

children and young people struggled with the sensory overload of the bright harsh reflections from the previously white walls on a sunny day. Our new blue is a much easier colour to live with, and will hopefully support the comfort and well-being of our children and young people. Teaching and learning continue in our reconfigured format. Over this summer term, each class is learning around the theme of a different country each week. This has created an opportunity for many of our staff to celebrate and share their family cultural heritage. The children have experienced the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of each country and they have learnt about each diverse culture through food, sensory stories, music and crafts. Raven class have created some amazing papier mâché bowls based on the theme of Ghana and tasted authentic Ghanaian food prepared by a member of the Care team who is of Ghanaian heritage. Some families have been able to meet their son/daughter following the strict guidelines of meeting in a park and observing social distancing etc. Even after all these months of not seeing your child, strictly no cuddles are allowed. Although these have been very emotional events, everyone involved has stringently followed the guidance in order to continue to keep us all safe.

Many staff are continuing to take on extra hours, extra work and extra responsibilities in order to maintain our high standards and full provision. We are so grateful to and proud of everyone who making such an extraordinary effort, showing commitment, professionalism and selflessness in such challenging times. Keep happy, healthy and safe.

Nadine McFadden Head of Education Meldreth Manor School nadine.mcfadden@the-aurora-group.com