Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• An honest conversation about your child's phone access. Please read

  Mon 18 Mar 2024 Mr Seargent

  An honest conversation about your child's phone access and your responsibilities.

   Put your child first, not their phone.

   

  Key message:  If your child is reading, writing, or sharing any information on their mobile phones that you would not want them to, you as a parent or carer are allowing this by being complicit in one or more of the following.

  • Allowing your child to access apps/media that are not age-appropriate (against terms and conditions)
  • Not effectively monitoring your child’s access to apps/media that are not age-appropriate (against terms and conditions).
  • Naïve to the fact that children are far better at manipulating and disguising social media/messaging access than you think.
  • Viewing phone access as more important than your child's safety and wellbeing.

   

  It is akin to a road traffic accident occurring as a result of a parent giving the child the car keys and then allowing them to drive the car.  It is not age-appropriate and can be fatal.

   

  With only the very rarest of exceptions, every disciplinary matter managed in this school is started by, fuelled by or made complicated by the use of messaging and access to mobile phones, be that by parents and carers or children.  This is part of the reason they are not permitted for use on the school site.

  I am aghast at how many parents and carers continue to tell me about how their child is upset or impacted negatively by what they read or share on mobile phones but remain unwilling or unable to control access to them.

  If you are serious about your child’s well-being (mental, social or physical) and you are worried that you are not in control or suspect you cannot manage access safely:

  REMOVE THE PHONE.  It really is that simple.

  I have recently and will continue to do so where necessary apply the school behaviour policy where a breach of school policy has occurred.  This can, and has, resulted in pupil suspensions historically. But the reality is, it is not happening at school, it occurs in your homes or under your watch.

  FACTS

  Apps, including WhatsApp, TikTok, Discord, Facebook and Instagram are not designed for, nor permitted under terms and conditions, for your primary-age children.  Children have been seriously harmed and died as a result of what is shared on them.  If your child is accessing devices you allow them to have, you as the parent or carer are responsible for what they read, write or share.  Do not put your child’s mobile phone/device before their safety.

  Support

  • The school will continue to educate and inform children on the correct and safe use of cyberspace, devices and the internet.
  • The school has clear and well-defined policies on access to personal devices, including phones
  • The school has a strong on-site filter system to prevent access unauthorised or unfiltered access to the internet on school devices.
  • The school has published and will continue to publish materials for parents on how to keep their children safe online, including the use of mobile devices.
  •  

  Please ensure that you are aware of the school policies regarding Mobile Device use and support materials issued.

  Mr Seargent

• World Book Day Menu - Thurs 7th March 2024

  Thu 07 Mar 2024
  

• NO PARKING ENFORCEMENT

  Wed 28 Feb 2024 Mr Seargent

  Frederick Street Parking

  Residents Permit and Blue Badge Holders Only

  NO PARENT PARKING

   

  Parents are aware that I have had to take drastic action to prevent parents from illegally parking on Frederick Street,

   

  This is a result of a number of ‘close misses’ where children have nearly been hit by cars reversing, three-point turning and mounting the pavement.

   

  I WILL NOT PUT PARENTS’ DESIRE TO PARK CLOSE TO THE SCHOOL ABOVE THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN IN MY CARE

   

  The permit-only restrictions have been in place for several years and this is not new.

   

  Parents parking on Frederick Street between the hours of 0800 and 1800 are doing so illegally and can be issued a parking ticket.  I have informed the Local Authority community parking team that pupil safety is at risk and they will be closely monitoring the area.

   

  Where should I park?

  If you have no choice but to drive your children to school, then you are required to park in a non-residents parking zone.  These are situated 2-3 minute walk from the school and are the only legal area for parking in this area (the COOP parking is covered by parking eye and fines are issued for parking there).  This may require you to leave for the school run a few minutes earlier; a small price to pay for children’s safety.

   

  As of today, a no-parking marker will be placed on Frederick Street to remind parents of the restrictions.  Note: it is the size of a child with good reason.  There has been overwhelming support this morning of this action and I thank the parents who approached me today an thanked me for taking this action.

   

  What if I chose to ignore this and park there anyway?

  • You are demonstrating that you place the importance of your car over the lives and safety of children.
  • You will be reported to the Local Authority who may opt to issue a fine.
  • You will be subject to a parking ticket, issued by the Local Authority/Parking Warden patrols

   

  If you wish to object to the Local Authority Permit Only Parking Areas, you should contact the Local Authority on 01332 640000 and ask for the Residents Parking Department. 

   

   

   

• Racism assembly

  Mon 26 Feb 2024 Mr Seargent

  I hope this message finds you well after the half-term break.

   

  I wanted to inform you that today we held an assembly on racism.  Whilst acts that fall into the category of racism are rare at the school and managed swiftly, it felt prudent with current news events and localised patterns to revisit the theme and educate children once more on how to identify and tackle such acts.

   

  The purpose of this assembly was to ensure that our students are aware of the importance of understanding and addressing racism, as well as the consequences that come with it.

  
  It is crucial for us to educate our children about the impact of racism and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. By having these conversations and raising awareness, we hope to underpin our inclusive and understanding school community, in and beyond the school grounds.

   

  Parents should be mindful that acts of racism, intentional or otherwise can result in a rapid escalation of the school behaviour policy, including consideration for suspension and exclusion from school.
  
  If you have any questions or concerns about the assembly or would like to discuss this topic further, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a safe and welcoming environment for all of our students.

   

  Mr Seargent

  Headteacher

• Mobile Device Policy

  Fri 02 Feb 2024 Mr Seargent

  Mobile device policy update.  Link below.

   

  Click to view policy

   

   

   

   

• Your child's wellbeing is more important than their phone - Safeguarding

  Tue 30 Jan 2024 Mr Seargent

  Dear parents and carers

   

  Key message

  • Some parents are neglectful in their management of phone and messaging use off-site,  and this is impacting their children at the school.
  • Harmful and negative messaging/content sharing is occurring whilst in the care of parents – not at school.
  • The school cannot monitor/manage or control your child’s actions when they are in your care.
  • Parents must take control and if that means removing access to the phone, you should do so (see Mr Seargent’s 5 step guidance below).

   

  Very recently I sent important messages to parents regarding social media/messaging platforms and the challenges and pressures it places on children.  An additional 2 assemblies were dedicated to the matters raised, alongside our ongoing guidance.

   

  Sadly, despite this, some parents have not engaged with the advice.  As a result, pupils and adults continue to approach staff for support regarding messages sent to and from pupils (and sometimes adults) when in the care of their parents.

   

  I feel I cannot be clearer in the message

   

  If you provide your child with a phone or similar device off the school site, then the responsibility and consequences of those interactions lie with the parents, not the school.  You allow access and as such are accountable for use and content (not only morally but legally in some cases).

   

  Whilst we will educate and support children, there is only so much we can do; parents ultimately have the responsibility to ensure their child’s safety.

   

  I have attached a link for guidance to support parents provided by the NSPCC and the school website has a dedicated section to support parents.

   

   https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/parental-controls/#

   

  (See website section Parents - Additional support)

   

  Mr Seargent’s: 5 step (honest and to the point ) guidance

  For parents worried about messages/content sharing on phones or similar:

   

  If you are genuinely concerned, take control:

  1. Do not allow your child to have access to apps that are age-restricted (they are restricted for good reason).
  2. Block/remove contacts other than those you approve.
  3. Set limited times for use of the phone and /or access to a device and only when you are present.
  4. Do not allow your child to go to bed with their phone.
  5. Report offensive content to the police.

   

  If you are still concerned 

  If all else fails and you remain concerned, remove the device. 

   

  I am often surprised at how many parents are concerned to the point of upset and distress, but at the same time are not willing to remove the cause of that distress.  

   

  Your child’s well-being is more important than their access to a phone.  You are the adult, and they are the child; you are in control, and you have the responsibility.

   

  Your consideration is appreciated.

• Adult and parent interactions on and off school site.

  Fri 26 Jan 2024 Mr Seargent

  Dear parents.

   

  Key message:

  • Do not approach other people’s children on the playground in an attempt to resolve friendship issues or express your views
  • Do not seek to contact children directly or indirectly through message systems in an attempt to resolve friendship issues or express your views
  • Parents directly contacting children via messages or face-to-face run the serious risk of allegations linked to child protection

   

  If you are of the view that an issue needs to be addressed and it is a school matter, please speak to a staff member.  The school has clear and effective systems to support pupils and these were heavily praised by Ofsted in our most recent report.  Acting independently and directly with children is at best, ill-advised.

   

  Warning: Contacting or approaching children directly not only creates parental conflict but also places the adult doing so at risk of serious allegations linked to child protection offences.  Unsolicited approaches in any form by adults to children may be dealt with by the authorities and or result in a ban from school grounds.

   

  Children receive effective support in school to assist in the challenges of nurturing positive relationships and learning how to manage friendships.  All matters are addressed.  If an outcome or investigation is not to the liking of an individual parent, this does not mean it has been ignored or il managed.

• SAFEGUARDING CONCERN

  Fri 12 Jan 2024 Mr Seargent

  Dear Parents,
   

  As you are aware, we are keen to ensure that all that can be done is done regarding children’s online safety and I would bring to your attention an important matter regarding increased risks related to children and recent trends seen nationally and locally.

   

  Key information:

  1. There are increasing patterns of younger children accessing inappropriate materials online locally and nationally, including pornographic materials, self harm instruction and forums where adults impersonate children
  2. Peer-on-peer messaging to carry out acts of bullying out of school are more frequent than previously
  3. Parents must monitor their child’s online activities at home
  4. Please follow the guidance given below including contacting the police if you feel your child is at risk
      

  In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in cases where children have accessed unsuitable websites without proper monitoring in the home. We understand that the internet can be a valuable resource for learning and entertainment, but it is crucial to ensure that your child's online experience remains safe and appropriate.
  
  To address this concern, we strongly advise parents to actively monitor their children's online access at home. By doing so, you can help protect your child from stumbling upon inappropriate content and ensure their online activities align with their age and maturity level.
  
  Here are a few practical steps you can take to enhance online safety for your child:
  
  1. Establish open communication: Encourage your child to discuss their online activities with you. Create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and any concerns they may have encountered while browsing the internet.
  
  2. Set clear guidelines: Establish rules and boundaries for internet usage at home. Discuss appropriate websites, time limits, and the importance of seeking permission before accessing new platforms or content.
  
  3. Utilise parental control tools: Take advantage of the various parental control features available on devices and internet browsers. These tools can help filter out inappropriate content and restrict access to certain websites.
  
  4. Educate your child about online safety: Teach your child about the potential risks associated with the internet, such as sharing personal information or interacting with strangers online. Encourage them to be cautious and responsible while browsing.
  
  5. Regularly monitor online activities: Periodically check your child's browsing history and online interactions. This will allow you to identify any potential issues and address them promptly.

   

  6. If you feel that your child is at risk of harm from an adult making contact or requesting contact or the sharing of images, please inform the police
  
  By implementing these measures, you can play an active role in safeguarding your child's online experience and ensuring they have a positive and secure digital environment.
  
  We understand that navigating the online world can be challenging, but by working together, we can create a safer online environment for our children. If you have any concerns or require further guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
  
   

   

• Chinese New Year menu Thursday 8th February

  Wed 10 Jan 2024
  

• Dinosaur Day Menu Thursday 18th January

  Wed 10 Jan 2024