The Nutshell w/e 20th March

Dear Parents,

This week at Hazelwood, our school community came together to take part in Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a global initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding neurodevelopmental differences and learning disabilities.

Our focus has been on recognising and respecting that every mind works differently. As a community, we are committed to ensuring that our neurodivergent pupils feel seen, supported, and never alone, while also fostering a deeper understanding of neurodiversity across the whole school.

The week began with a whole-school assembly, where children were introduced to the concept of neurodivergence and explored key facts and statistics about how many people think and learn differently. Later that day, pupils watched a powerful film created by children and staff, sharing personal experiences of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Staff also engaged in meaningful discussions during Monday evening's meeting, collaborating to share effective strategies to support our neurodivergent learners.

Throughout the week, pupils have taken part in a range of immersive activities designed to deepen their understanding. These included solving coded puzzles, adapting to changing instructions, completing tasks while managing sensory distractions, and experiencing upside-down reading and mirror writing. These activities offered valuable insight into the diverse ways in which people process information and navigate the world.

The conversations sparked by this week’s learning have been truly thoughtful and inspiring. There has been a clear shift away from viewing neurodivergence as simply a ‘label’, towards a richer understanding of individual cognitive experiences and how we can best support one another as a compassionate and inclusive community.

Best wishes,

Lynsey

Deputy SENCo

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