Dear Families,
This week, our Black History Season celebrations have culminated in a wonderful exhibition of artwork created by pupils across the school. Inspired by a range of artists, their imaginative and colourful pieces are a joy to see. Families are warmly invited to enjoy the exhibition at our coffee mornings over the next two weeks. See if you can spot the artists who inspired each piece! Here are a few lovely highlights.
Black History Season Art Exhibition (on display at coffee mornings over the next two weeks)
Outdoor Learning Day – Thursday 5 November
On Thursday, the whole school celebrated Outdoor Learning Day, making the most of opportunities to explore, play and learn outside. Pupils enjoyed using natural materials alongside new outdoor resources selected by our school councillors and purchased thanks to your generous support for our summer fundraising. It was wonderful to see so much curiosity, creativity and enjoyment outdoors.
Family Learning Week – next week (10 am or 11 am sessions)
We look forward to welcoming families into classrooms next week for our first Family Learning Week of the year. The session times are listed below. You should have received a sticker in your child’s home–school diary to confirm whether you can attend. If you have not yet responded but would like to join us, please contact the school office. We would love to see you!
World’s Best School Prize – Winner Announcement, 19 November
Back in June, our school was shortlisted as a Top Ten finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration. The World’s Best School Prizes are among the most prestigious awards in international education, with schools from more than 165 countries taking part each year. The school with the most votes will be announced during the World’s Best School Prizes Winning Ceremony on Thursday 19th November 2026, starting at 12:00 GMT. You can join the live stream on T4 Education's YouTube account to find out who will take home this year's award. Fingers crossed for our school!
Coffee Mornings
The Importance of Play, Tuesday 10th November 2026
This session will be led by one of our occupational therapists. The session will explore what play is, the stages of play development, and why play remains important for learning, social skills, emotional wellbeing, and overall health throughout childhood and adolescence. Parents and carers will gain practical ideas for encouraging play and creating meaningful play opportunities at home. There will be opportunities for group discussions and problem solving.
Coffee Morning and Family Discussion by Invitation, Tuesday 1st December
Families supporting more than one child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should have received an invitation to this rescheduled coffee morning. At least a quarter of Swiss Cottage families are supporting more than one child or young person with SEND at home. We know that this can bring particular joys, demands and experiences, and we believe these families’ voices deserve greater recognition in research, policy and the support available to them.
We are delighted to welcome colleagues from the charity Coram to listen to families’ experiences and perspectives. These conversations will help inform future research and contribute to discussions about government policy and practice, with the aim of improving the support available to families.
If you have not received an invitation but this reflects your family’s experience, you are very welcome to join us on Tuesday 1 December. There are two ways to take part:
• Coffee morning: 10:00am at Swiss Cottage School
• Virtual discussion: 1:30pm (online)
Have a delightful weekend,
Syra Sowe
Principal
