Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
Concerns raised by members of the school community
I have had a further comment of concern regarding parents walking dogs to school. The concerns are related to the manner on which parents are allegedly not in full control of their pets.
Earlier in the term I did remind parents that dogs are not allowed on school site, and I thank you for responding to this. However, some families are anxious about their children’s safety outside of the school site.
You are aware that I cannot dictate to parents whether they are to walk their dog to school with their child, but on this occasion, I ask that parents do not do so as it is clear that this is creating anxiety among some members of the school community.
Important end of term and new academic year dates 2022 2023
(FRIDGE MAGNETS AT THE READY)
Whilst the end of the academic year still seems some time away, the school is planning key actions in readiness for term completion and a start to the new academic year. I wanted to keep you abreast of these.
INSET dates and last day of school for children
As you are already aware, the school is closed to pupils on Friday July 22nd for staff INSET*.
Owing to a change in phonics scheme for September onwards (training dates for which were shared this week and are limited), there has been the requirement for INSET day on Thursday 21st July. This day will be dedicated to whole school staff training in the new phonics system being adopted as of September, led by the Flying High Trust Partnership.
Therefore, the last day of school of all children will be July 20th 2022.
In recognition of the additional day of training in this academic year, there will be only 4 INSET days next year, instead of the Department for Education stipulated 5.
INSET Date schedule 2022/2023
*What are INSET days?
INSET days (INSErvice Training days) are a government requirement for all schools and are used to provide training and development for staff that supports school improvement. Staff attend the days (or allocated hours when training is provided over the evenings) in order to meet the school’s development needs, however children are not on school site during INSET days.
Normally 5 days are allocated for each academic year. INSET days are vital to maintaining and developing best practice and ensuring that the school continues to go from strength to strength.
INSET days have always existed (historically called Baker Days or not reported), however schools commonly state when they are, rather than families being told a different return date to that of the school staff.
Notice
Common practice is to provide at least 6 weeks notice of INSET, but as a parent myself, I understand how frustrating it can be when little notice is given. Therefore, I have arranged the INSET days for all 2022/23 academic year well in advance, giving parents the entire year’s allocation.
Dear parents
Recently, we have had a number of parents informing us that they intend to or are taking holiday during term time.
As you are aware, attendance at school is compulsory for children registered at Ashgate Primary and only under ‘exceptional circumstances’ can absence be authorised.
(Full and complete guidance on in term absence is available on the school website. Click Key Information / Policies and Documents / Miscellaneous /In Term Absence requests)
The Department for Education are clear in their stipulation that ‘holiday’ is not included in their definition of what is exceptional and as such absences resulting from a declaration of or evidence of holiday cannot be authorised.
I am acutely aware that during the pandemic holidays were often cancelled or postponed owing to travel restrictions and similar. It is my duty however to inform you that a rearrangement of a cancelled holiday that is then taken during term time does not fall within the remit of ‘exceptional’.