Sudbury Hall Trip Cancellation: Your Questions Answered

We understand some parents have valid questions regarding the cancellation of the Sudbury Hall trip. We sincerely apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this has caused, but I wish to answer those questions that have been shared.  Should after this point parents have further questions, I will be happy to discuss them individually.

Why Was the Trip Cancelled Before the Payment Deadline Next Week?

Coach companies set strict payment deadlines for bookings. If these deadlines aren't met, the school is still liable for a time specific incremental coach cost. It's actually not uncommon for the coach deadline to fall before the final payment date so as to provide as much time as possible for parents to contribute, and usually we can absorb the risk of some non-payments to ensure the trip goes ahead. However, for this particular trip, the unpaid amount was substantial, totalling hundreds of pounds, and sadly was too excessive in the time scale.

Had we not cancelled when we did, the school would have still been liable for this significant cost, and unfortunately, parents who had already paid would not have been eligible for a full refund. This is why we sent out reminders early this week; we were attempting to gather enough payments to meet the coach company's deadline and prevent cancellation.

Because of the decision being made today, all those who have paid will get a full refund. Had we waited until next week, this would not have been the case.  Parents would have paid, no or limited refund would be offered and the children would still not have had a trip.  This would have not been palatable for anyone.

Why Can't Children Whose Parents Have Paid Still Go?

Department for Education policies on charges and remissions prevent schools from excluding a child from a curriculum-linked trip due to financial reasons. To do so would be discriminatory. Simply put, for curriculum-related trips like Sudbury Hall, it's either all eligible children are offered a place, or none are. The only exception is for trips not linked to the curriculum, such as a pantomime or circus.

Could a Fund Be Created to Offset Costs for Parents Who Can't Pay in the Future?

We already have a system in place to subsidise trip costs for parents, and this has amounted to thousands of pounds over recent years. Any requested contributions from parents are already heavily subsidised by the school; you never pay the full cost – sometimes less than 50% of the true cost.   However, on this occasion, the outstanding unpaid amount was too significant for the school to cover in addition to the existing subsidies.  Simply put, we already have a fund that we set aside, but the extent of non-payment meant it was far from enough.

Future actions

This is the first time that it has been necessary to enact a trip cancellation.  This is despite subsidies and providing payment plans and ample notice.  In the future, it will be necessary to assume the school cannot absorb late payments again before the deadline set by coach companies.  Sadly, this will result in payment being required earlier than normally asked.  We will however continue to offer payment plans and subsidies for all families.

We share your disappointment regarding this cancellation and are already looking into alternative, related events to hold on the school site for the next half term. Thank you for your understanding

Dear Year 1 and 2 Parents,

It is with considerable regret that I am writing to inform you that the upcoming Year 1 and 2 trip to Sudbury Hall has been cancelled owing to lack of parental contributions..

Unfortunately, despite significant school subsidies and the option of payment plans, we have not received sufficient funds to cover the costs of this trip.

We understand that contributing to school trips can be a challenge for some families, and we always strive to provide reduced charges and extended payment opportunities. However, on this occasion, the outstanding costs are too great for the school to cover.

We are truly sorry for any disappointment this may cause your children. We know how much they look forward to these experiences.

Please be assured that anyone who has already made a payment for the Sudbury Hall trip will receive a full refund in due course.

At this time, this cancellation only impacts the Year 1 and 2 trip to Sudbury Hall. However, we will need to give careful consideration to future trips if similar circumstances arise.

Thank you for your understanding.

Notice to Parents: Change to 'Meet the Teacher' Transition Day

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are writing to inform you of a change to our usual 'Meet the Teacher' transition day arrangements. This year, to coincide with the secondary schools' transition days, we will be holding our transition activities over three days:

• Tuesday, 1st July 2025

• Wednesday, 2nd July 2025

• Thursday, 3rd July 2025

During these three days, all children in EYFS and Years 1 to 5 will come to school as normal, but they will be spending the day with their new class and teacher for the 2025/2026 academic year. This will provide an opportunity for them to:

• Meet their new teacher.

• Become familiar with their new classroom environment.

• Begin to build relationships with their new classmates.

Please note that school will run as normal on these days, with the usual start and finish times. There will be no changes to current dinner arrangements.

We understand that this is a change to our usual practice, but we believe that aligning with the secondary school transition days will provide a more cohesive transition period for all pupils and help to prepare them for the start of the new school year in September.

How can parents support their child with this transition?

• Talk positively about the move to a new class and the opportunities it brings.

• Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and any worries they may have.

• Reassure your child that their teachers will be there to support them.

• Help your child to prepare for the day by ensuring they have everything they need.

   

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Forte - Co-Headteacher

Friday, 16 May 2025

Dear parents and carers

Armed Forces Personnel:  Children Support

Do any of the following apply to you?

• Are you serving/have you served in the armed forces (UK or international) in the last 6 years?

and

• Was your child born in that period and registered as a ‘service child’?

or

• Did your child suffer the loss of a parent whilst in service and you receive a related war pension?

I am writing to inform you of potential additional support available to your child through the Government Pupil Premium grant for parents who have served in the Armed Forces.

The Pupil Premium is additional funding provided to schools to support eligible pupils. For children of service personnel, this funding aims to help mitigate any challenges they may face due to their parents' military commitments, current or past. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Academic Support: Providing extra tuition or resources to help children who may have experienced disruption to their education due to family mobility.
• Pastoral Care: Offering support for the emotional and social well-being of children who may have experienced frequent school transitions or parental deployment.
• Enrichment Activities: Funding opportunities for children to participate in a wider range of school activities, such as clubs, trips, and cultural experiences.
• Addressing Specific Needs: Tailored support to address any particular educational or well-being needs your child may have.

Please inform the school office if you have served within the last 6 years and believe that your child was known to / registered as a services child during your service.

Peter Seargent  / Mrs Forte Co Headteacher

INSET Days & School Holidays 2025/26 –

Advanced Notice, get out your fridge magnets!

INSET (IN-SErvice Training) days are dedicated periods within the academic year when schools are closed to pupils, and teaching and support staff engage in professional development activities. These days are a statutory requirement, with a minimum of five allocated annually, and are crucial for supporting school improvement initiatives.

During INSET days, staff participate in various training and development opportunities tailored to the school's specific needs and priorities. These sessions aim to enhance teaching practices, update knowledge on educational policies, and foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement. While historically these days may have been less formally communicated, schools now routinely provide advance notice to parents.

We understand the importance of these days for the ongoing development of our school and the positive impact they have on your children's education. To help you plan, we are providing the confirmed INSET days for the entire 2025/26 academic year well in advance. Additionally, we are sharing an outline of the anticipated development areas for these days, offering insight into how this time will be used to further support your children's learning journey.

INSET days are planned as follows – school will be closed on:

It is not anticipated that any of these dates will change; however, if there are any changes due to unforeseen circumstances you will be informed as soon as possible.