Dear Ash Mount Community,
As the summer continues, August suddenly feels much closer.
Across Ash Mount, preparations are continuing every day. Classrooms are taking shape, resources are
arriving, staff are preparing exciting learning experiences, and before long we will be welcoming our
founding students through our doors.
One of the greatest gifts we can give children before they start school is confidence in themselves.
Confidence doesn’t appear overnight.
It grows through independence.
Every time children solve a problem, make a sensible decision, organise themselves, or persevere when
something feels difficult, they begin to believe, “I can do this.”
Those moments matter.
Sometimes, as parents, it is quicker to do things for our children.
To pack the bag.
Tie the shoes.
Carry everything.
Answer every question.
But when we step back just a little, we give children the opportunity to step forward.
Over the next few weeks, there are lots of simple ways to build independence naturally at home.
This week’s Summer Challenge
Choose one new responsibility for your child this week.
Not because they have to.
Because they can.
Pre-KG and KG
Practise putting on shoes independently.
Carry a small backpack when out and about.
Help tidy toys away after playing.
Learn to open lunchboxes and drinks independently.
Help set the table for family meals.
Primary
Pack bags for family outings.
Help prepare simple breakfasts or snacks.
Organise books or holiday belongings.
Manage a small holiday budget when shopping.
Take responsibility for watering plants or feeding pets.
Secondary
Plan part of a family day out.
Cook a meal for the family.
Organise travel documents or packing lists.
Manage personal spending whilst on holiday.
Volunteer to help younger siblings or relatives.
One of the things I often remind parents is that independence isn’t about expecting children to do
everything alone.
It is about giving them opportunities to succeed.
Children who develop independence also develop resilience, responsibility, and confidence, qualities that
help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
When our founding students arrive in August, we know they will all bring different experiences, strengths,
and personalities.
What we hope they will all bring is the confidence to have a go, ask for help when they need it, and
believe that every challenge is an opportunity to learn.
Enjoy another fantastic week together.
The countdown to opening Ash Mount has truly begun.
Best wishes,
Abigail Fishbourne
Founding Principal
Ash Mount School
