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Time away from a school as a headteacher is difficult to take and justify – but a day in London last Friday was time well spent.

I was fortunate to attend the Church of England’s National Conference, titled ‘Flourishing Together’.

The pick of a busy day of speakers was Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel De Souza.

It turns out she was born in Scunthorpe – her father was a steelmaker and mother a refugee – and educated at St Bede’s School.

She had several key themes I’d like to highlight, as all are relevant to what we believe and practice at this Academy.

Dame Rachel (pictured) was clear the reason we are talking about flourishing in school was down to the Church of England.

“The actual school system set up in this country was set up by the Church of England before there was a state school,” she told conference.

It was the reason why Church of England schools did not just do academics and had always had a strong pastoral focus and ethos-driven culture.

She came into post in 2021 and launched, with footballer Marcus Rashford, The Big Ask survey, which received more than 557,000 responses from those aged four to 18, the largest of its kind anywhere in the world apart from the United States.

From it, Dame Rachel wanted to find out from children “what they needed to thrive or to flourish, what were the barriers in their way, and what did they want and hope and dream for their futures.”

The “amazing thing” was that, whether a boy or girl, their family, income level, ethnicity, location or vulnerability, what children wanted was consistent: “A good home, a good education, a job, enough money, friends, to feel well, to be part of a community, fairness, a good environment.”

That crystalised the Academy’s transformational learning experience through the church’s vision of hope and aspiration, living well together, dignity and respect, and knowledge, wisdom and skills.

Dame Rachel explained the survey relayed children cared about their physical and mental health.

While many were happy, some were really struggling.

“Children told me they wanted simple things to help; someone to talk to when they are worried and before things got worse, and where they wanted to have those conversations you will know: it’s at school.

“They look to school for the support that they need and to teachers that they trust.”

This is our experience. We have a significant number of networks and connections in place that come into their own when children are seeking help.

74% of children wanted “a great job” in the survey. Many said they wanted to learn a trade or get an apprenticeship in their local area.

This is where our careers programme comes into its own.

We are recognised for the high quality of careers provision, advice and guidance over the five years a student will spend in the academy.

“People don’t realise how much education is important for life in general,” one student told Dame Rachel.

How true this is.

Children “want schools to be places where they can learn about life skills, relationships and how to set themselves up for the future.”

But “for a child to flourish in their education and any aspect of life, family is fundamental.”

A strong, loving and caring family helps any child to thrive.

78% turn to their family in a crisis which is why we need to continue to celebrate, understand and invest in families.

Dame Rachel went on: “When families invest in themselves and spend quality time with each other, children and parents’ well-being is higher. Children are happier and more successful as adults if they are happy at home.

“If they’re closer to their parents, they do better in exams.”

The evidence also shows where these relationships are strong, children earn more than the average at 25.

When sometimes families become overwhelmed, that is when they turn to services and schools have an important role to play, Dame Rachel said.

“You are right at the heart of the trusting community relationships where families will turn.”

Her mission was to make England the best place to grow up in the world.

She ended with a quote from The Big Ask.

“When we asked children what was holding them back in England in 2021, a 16-year-old boy told us something sad: ‘The social stigma of children from lower class backgrounds trying to achieve something bigger than themselves’.”

The speech was so powerful.

I agree with the Children’s Commissioner. There is nothing bigger than the lives of children. We need to build on their ambition and provide the hope they deserve.

Dame Rachel’s words come at a time when we are dealing with opinion from anyone and everybody on  teachers’ industrial action.

Parents received a text message, as promised, two days ago that indicated the Academy would be open today.

I’m not going to enter into a debate with anybody on the strikes or issues around them. But what I will say is this is not a St Lawrence Academy problem.

I’m fully supportive of those schools and teachers who have made their decisions, whatever they are. I respect an individual’s right to have an opinion.

I don’t know what will happen on the next strike date (28^th February). I can’t foresee the outcome of any talks or a potential deal.

All we can do is deal with one strike day at a time and communicate as soon as we are able, just as we did this week.

I thank parents / carers for their patience and support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2023

 

Dear Parent/Carer

Your child will cover four practical assignments studied in Creative lessons this academic year. They will have the opportunity to cook a selection of dishes in Food and Nutrition and produce a range of products in Technology.

We order and purchase the ingredients and materials required for each practical Food/Technology lesson as well as for the practical assignments over the remaining academic year. We would ask you to support us in this venture by kindly making a voluntary contribution up to a maximum of £10.00 to cover these costs. Payments should be made via the online parentpay payment facility.

All the necessary ingredients and materials will then be provided and, of course, students will bring their completed products home for you all to enjoy.

Yours sincerely

Mrs W Letherland
Curriculum Progress Leader Creative

Families will be aware that, as a country, we are approaching a period of uncertainty in education.

I mentioned a few weeks ago about the potential for strike action and impact on this Academy.

Members of the largest teaching union, the NEU, voted to strike and it has detailed seven dates for industrial action.

Four impact on this area:

• Next Wednesday, 1^st February, (members on strike across England and Wales)
• Tuesday, 28^th February (members on strike in the North, North West and Humber regions)
• Wednesday, 15^th and Thursday, 16^th March (members on strike across England and Wales)

At this point in time, teachers across this area are considering, individually, whether to join the action.

There are a number of teaching unions nationwide and, because of this, the industrial action only affects a percentage of teachers employed across the country.

What I’m unable to do today, out of respect to my staff, is absolutely guarantee anything because I do not know what decisions individual teachers have made.

But I am conscious I need to give families as much notice as possible to make their own arrangements at home in terms of child care and work.

I commit to informing our academy community by Monday morning – at the very latest – what we will be able to offer and put in place next Wednesday for all children and their families.

The decision to strike or not is not something for the Academy to be involved in. It is very much down to the individual teacher.

Uniform is another issue we have mentioned before.

Our policy  has not changed in a long time and we are grateful to the majority who stick to it.

However, we sent communication to parents / carers this week referring to jewellery, particularly the wearing of nose studs, which are not allowed.

There has been a level of discussion and challenge. Parents choose schools for their children based on the framework of rules and policies in place. Ours on uniform has not changed in a long time.

If a child comes into the Academy wearing a nose stud, they will be challenged.

It is important we stick to our uniform policy and, once again, thank you to those who do so consistently.

More than 145 Year 9 children and their families have committed to attending the Parents’ Consultation Evening tonight, which is terrific.

It is the start of an important few weeks for those young people, culminating in them choosing their GCSE options. Tonight (Wednesday) starts the discussion around the progress being made and the career paths that may be open.

If you are one of the Year 9 parents who have not yet committed to attend from 4pm onwards, there is still time to confirm. We look forward to seeing everybody there.

Finally, talking of careers, the BBC will be joining us tomorrow to highlight opportunities in the media, whether in front of the camera or behind it.

Workshops will be held for Years 7 to 10, with chances to ask questions.

The visit offers a touch of certainty in an uncertain world.

 

 

Dear Parent/Carer

On Thursday 9th March 2023 all Year 10 students will be visiting Elland Road, Leeds to take part in the UK University Search 2023. This exciting and informative event will provide our students with the opportunity to speak to a multitude of colleges, FE institutions, universities and apprenticeship providers. This event is designed to raise the aspirations, motivation and inspire students using hands-on demonstrations and activities.

As the visit will be taking place during the academy day, students will be expected to wear full academy uniform and will be accompanied by staff at all times. We will be leaving from the academy at 9:00am and returning at approximately 2:45pm.

Students will be required to bring a packed lunch and drink, however if your child is on free school meals, lunch will be provided.
There is no charge for the visit, but we do require your consent, please therefore complete the permission form to allow your child to attend by Friday 10th February 2023.
CONSENT FORM LINK

As with any academy visit or event, the academy reserves the right to remove students from the visit if they fail to, or are at risk of failing to adhere to academy expectations.
If you wish to discuss the visit, then please do not hesitate to contact me at the academy: [email protected].

Yours sincerely,

Sally Walker
Year 10 Achievement Team Leader

 

20th January 2023

 

Dear Parent / Carer

 

I would like to draw your attention to the following point from our uniform policy which is shared with parents regularly.

 

• No jewellery allowed except for a watch and a maximum of one small stud earring in each ear lobe, nor should there be any other piercings visible elsewhere. Exceptions will not be made for new piercings.

 

We are currently experiencing a high volume of students who arrive at the academy wearing a nose stud. The wearing of a nose stud is not permitted at the academy, which includes any new piercings and it being too soon to remove them. Clear or flesh coloured nose studs are not allowed as an alternative.

 

If a student is wearing a nose stud they will be asked to remove it and it will be confiscated until the end of the day. A refusal to follow this reasonable instruction will result in sanctions being issued.

 

Our policy makes it clear that:

 

The academy reserves the right to send a student home if they are not in the correct uniform.

 

With effect from Monday 23rd January, if a student is unable to remove their nose stud they will be sent home temporarily to have the nose stud removed by a parent/carer or in order to make arrangements for it to be removed by a professional body piercer. This short absence will be authorised but we would expect the student to return to the academy later that day where possible. Extended absences may be unauthorised.

 

By sending your child to the academy you are agreeing to adhere to our published policies and we hope you will support us to address this issue by not allowing your child to wear a nose piercing to school. and ensure your child adheres to the uniform policy. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

P Dalowsky

 

Phill Dalowsky

Headteacher

Dear parent/carer,

Re: pupil premium and free school meals

If your child is eligible for ‘free school meals’ and you register them for this, we’ll receive extra funding called ‘pupil premium’. We use this extra money to improve the educational provision and resources at the school.

What is pupil premium funding?

Pupil premium funding from the government is given to schools to help pupils reach their full potential, regardless of their background or financial situation. It’s provided for pupils who:

•       Are registered for free school meals
•       Have been registered for free school meals at any point in the past 6 years
•       Are, or have been, in care
•       Have parents in the armed forces

We get an extra £985 for every eligible pupil who is registered for free school meals. This extra money could make a real difference to the quality of education we offer.

For example, we’ve previously used pupil premium funding for:

•       Educational provision/resources
•       Academic interventions
•       Wellbeing and self-esteem building interventions

Is my child eligible for free school meals?

Your child might be eligible if you access:

•       Income Support
•       Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
•       Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
•       The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
•       Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
•       Working Tax Credit run-on
•       Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month)

Your child might also be eligible if you’re in a household with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), subject to a maximum income threshold. This is for children of:

• Zambrano and Chen carers (non-EEA nationals caring for a British citizen residing in the UK)
• British National (Overseas) passport holders
• Spousal visa, work visa, or student visa holders
• Those with no immigration status
• Families with a right to remain in the UK under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights
• Families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 who are subject to a no recourse to public funds restriction
• Certain failed asylum seekers supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Does my child have to eat the free school meals

No. Pupils who are registered for free school meals don’t have to eat them. If you’re eligible but you want your child to have packed lunches you should still register because the school will receive the funding which can support your child in other ways.

 How do I register?

To register, please visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/schools-libraries-and-learning/school-food-and-free-school-meals

You can apply online or you can get get a paper copy sent to you by contacting [email protected] or by ringing 01724 297000

If you need any assistance with applying please contact us and we are happy to help.

More information

 For more information about pupil premium go to our website, which contains details of how the pupil premium has been spent in the past academic year and how it will be spent this year.

We do the best we can to support our parents / carers – and hope students benefit as a result.

With new parents to the Academy and people’s changing circumstances, we felt it worth revisiting free school meals and pupil premium funding.

We have done so in one, simple-to-understand letter, detailing who’s eligible for free school meals and how to apply.

Every child registered with the Academy for free school meals means we receive the pupil premium funding from the Government (£985 per child annually).

This welcome, additional finance has been used to improve resources and strengthen academic and wellbeing interventions.

If your child is eligible for free school meals, please don’t miss out.  The letter will follow.

 I hope it clears up the understandable confusion around free school meals. We are asked frequently about them.

I have always encouraged parents to contact the school and, through emails and the Arbor Parent Portal, communication between home and the Academy has never been easier.

Contact can be made at all times of the day and, indeed, with parents working during the day or on shifts, that is what happens. Teachers receive a lot of emails in the evening and late into the night, requesting help and support.

I would ask parents / carers to be patient and realistic please. Teachers have home lives too and competing demands for their time. They will respond. Thank you.

While on the contact front, Christmas / New Year is often a time when phones are changed or people move homes. Please ensure the Academy has your up-to-date contact details.

Eighty-plus young people attended the launch of our Combined Cadet Force last Wednesday, hosted by our 11 trained members of staff.

They delivered a brilliant night, including the first drill practice. Uniforms should be arriving within the next two weeks and we’re looking forward to seeing students kitted out.

It is an exciting time, and a host of opportunities will open up. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for further updates and developments.

Our Year 8 Parent Consultation Evening saw 74% attend. We want it to be in the 80s so there is work to do here, from a parent and school perspective.

A week today (25^th), it’s the turn of Year 9s with their Parent Consultation Evening.

They and their parents / carers should be arriving at the evening armed with a host of questions. They should be asking about progress since September and what lies ahead in terms of their GCSE options.

“Your Choices, Your Future” is our tag line and Year 9 have a busy three months ahead considering their next steps.

An options letter will be sent out in the middle of March, following by a booklet later that month. Options Evening will be Tuesday, 18^th April for parents / carers and students.

The deadline for choosing options is 26^th April. Students’ progress will shape their options, hence why attendance is important at next Wednesday’s consultation evening. It presents a wonderful opportunity to start conversations around options.

It is also a key day for Year 9s tomorrow, with humanutopia coming in.

Their “motivational, life changing courses” aim to improve mental health and wellbeing by empowering young people to make positive changes in their lives. The company’s worked with half-a-million young people and more than 550 schools.

We invest in the programme every year and I hope Year 9 enjoy the day and benefit.

It’s another example of our support to students and their families.

 

 

Dear Parent/Carer 

 

Year 9 Consultation Evening – Wednesday 25th January 2023 – 4.00pm-6:30pm

 

On Wednesday 25th January at 4pm you and your child are invited to our Year 9 Consultation Evening. This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in their final year of Key Stage 3, a year where your child will make their GCSE options choices for Key Stage 4. It will also allow you to identify what needs to be done to maximise their potential for achieving success in the future. We would appreciate your support and attendance for the evening.  Please confirm your attendance using the attached link

 

Please sign in on arrival  and then proceed directly to the classrooms of the subjects studied by your child, to meet with your child’s teachers.  There is no individual subject appointment system so you are able to arrive at a time to suit you between 4.00pm to 6.00pm.  Prefects will be outside classrooms to facilitate your time with the teacher. The evening will finish at 6.30pm.

 

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Yours sincerely 

J Stainton

Mr J Stainton  

Achievement Team Leader

[email protected]

 

D Ellerby

Mr D Ellerby 

Deputy Headteacher for Learning and Progress