The Nutshell w/e 19th September

Dear Parents,

I love working at Hazelwood! One of the many reasons is the wonderful staff team we have here. This year, as a team, we are focusing on three areas for our professional development: adaptive approaches, wellbeing, and leadership. To begin the year, we felt it was important that all staff shared the same wellbeing input.

As part of our training with Adrian Bethune, we were reminded that children often learn more from what adults model than from what we say (Prof. Alison Gopnik). One of the healthy habits we are now building into daily life at Hazelwood is taking time for a walk in the woods.

These walks are not only for moments of stress, but a regular way of keeping balance, maintaining energy, and showing pupils that wellbeing is something to protect every day. Research shows that even ten minutes of movement outdoors can have measurable benefits for long-term health (Prof. James Woodcock).

You may notice staff taking short or longer walks during the day. Please be reassured that children’s safety and supervision always come first. By living these habits ourselves, we also hope to show our pupils that small, consistent steps — like fresh air and movement — really do add up to a healthier, happier life.

Thank you for all your support at the start of this academic year. Our staff development programme makes me even more positive about the year ahead and how it aligns with our culture and vision, enabling us to deliver the very best for the children. I am looking forward to a wonderful 2025–2026 with our Hazelwood community.

Best wishes,

Lindie

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