This week we are marking Autism Awareness Week by learning a bit more about what it means to be autistic and how we can support our friends with autism. This morning, we thought about the many things that make us all different from each other, and we thought about some of the ways that we can all be a bit more autism-friendly. We love it that everyone is different, and sometimes what we think are our challenges can become our special gifts.

The scaffolding is down and now the finishing touches to the outside area are underway. The sedum has a net over it which darkens it a little, but it will grow through over the next few months. The space inside is light and bright and the FS1 forest school will become a part of everyday provision for the children. We can’t wait to move them in!

We made a fascinating discovery this morning when we found the old Middle Park Punishment Books at the back of a cupboard. The books run from 1943 to 1968 and are a record of every occurrence of corporal punishment inflicted on pupils. And the reasons are varied! Disobedience, truculence, filthiness, laziness… and some slightly more unusual ones as you will see. Thank goodness those days are gone!

Another inspired World Book Day and the children have once again embraced the concept and enjoyed every minute. As well as the creative costumes, teachers swapped classes for a story-time and we all got to think about and discuss our favourite books, authors and characters. Well done everyone!