Dear Parent/Guardian
It has been a busy year with all the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of this we have also gone through an academy transfer which I am delighted to report has been a positive process and has put us in a strong position as the academic year draws to a close and we look forward to 2021-22.
In response to the pandemic, I am pleased with the staff response to testing and the test centre built on site. Despite challenges we were able to remain open during the lockdown that commenced in January, and we significantly developed our online and remote offer for those that opted to stay at home. This ensured we were keeping our academy and local community safe. We have been working hard to rebuild students’ confidence following the COVID-19 disruptions. This has included enrichment days out of the academy to help re-engage them in the learning process. With COVID-19 restrictions starting to ease, we are looking forward to working more closely with our partner agencies and are starting to put together some exciting projects ready for September.
Exam processes changed this year, and I have been overwhelmed with the response of both the students and staff who ensured we had appropriate evidence for grading to enable our students to successfully transition into their post-16 life.
On 1 May following a process of due diligence we officially transferred to Olive Academies. The transfer was a positive experience, and we are already beginning to see the benefits of being part of the Olive family, this has included support at all levels from the trust to ensure we are best able to support our students.
Support during the summer break
Our academy will be closing for the summer holidays on Friday 23 July. Should you or your child need to contact a member of our staff or need any help during the summer holidays, you can leave a message for us on 07305 058083 and a member of staff will call you back as soon as they can. You can also email the academy team during the summer holidays at richard.rushton@oliveacademies.org.uk We will do all we can to support you through the summer break.
We thought it would also be helpful to share details of a few organisations which can offer support to you and your family during the summer break:
- You can reach the Gingerbread Single Parent Helpline on 0808 802 0925 with Covid-19 information for single parents at www.gingerbread.org.uk/coronavirus
- Find out about your local foodbank at www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank
- You can get help and advice from a confidential family and parenting advice line run by the charity Family Lives on 0808 800 2222 or visit www.familylives.org.uk
- If you are worried about the welfare of a child or young person over the summer, please contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/our-services/nspcc-helpline
Changes for September 2021
In the new academic year we will launch the new school uniform and academy timetable, a copy of both have been enclosed with this letter. I am excited about the curriculum developments that we are currently working on to allow us to enrich the students’ lives when we return.
COVID-19 update
As you may have seen from the news, the government has said that from 19 July, there will be a further relaxation of guidance about COVID-19 control measures. As has always been the case, we will continue to follow government guidance for schools. This means that when your child returns, they will be asked to do two LFD tests at school in the first week, and after that to continue testing at home until at least the end of September. We will discuss consent and arrangements for these tests during our parent consultations on Friday 3 September. If you have any questions about how we are managing risks and what control measures we will keep in place in September, please do let me know.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support during this difficult year. I wish you and your family a restful summer break and look forward to seeing you on Friday 3 September for your parent consultation.
Yours sincerely
Mr R Rushton
Head of Academy