November 2014

Our congratulations go to Mrs Burke who has secured her first Headship. She will be starting as Head Teacher at another AET Academy in January. Mrs Burke has worked at Lea Forest (and previously Ridpool) for 10 years. Although she is leaving Lea Forest we will still be working closely with her as part of the AET cluster.

Mrs Evans, our Senior Learning Mentor will also be leaving us at Christmas to start a new life in Spain. Mrs Evans has worked at Lea Forest (and previously Ridpool) for almost 25 years, since she was 19 years old! She will be greatly missed at Lea Forest by pupils, parents and staff.

We're sure that you will join with all of us in thanking Mrs Burke and Mrs Evans for their hard work and wish them all the best for the future.

Monday 15 December has been confirmed to be Magical Mystery Day! Children who have 97% attendance this term and no more than 1 late will be attending this wonderful event – Ooooooh how exciting!

A big thank you to all of our parents who took the time to complete the Ofsted questionnaire online or to speak to the Inspectors in the playground. The Ofsted visit was thorough, but supportive and we have found it really useful.

We will be sharing the report with you as soon as it is published.

Mrs Thompson

We're delighted to announce that we raised £264.84 for Pudsey! Thank you for all your support and help with donations, dressing up and fundraising.

Don't forget you can dress up as your favourite super hero tomorrow for children in need. We'll be tweeting the best costumes and showing them on our website as well.

Inspection of Lea Forest Academy by Ofsted

We have just told your child’s school that we will inspect it on 11–12 November 2014. The lead inspector will be Sandra Hayes. We are writing to you because we would like to know what you think about the school. Please take a few minutes to read the leaflet which came with this letter. It explains why we inspect schools, and what happens during an inspection.

Your views about the school are important to us

If you are a registered parent or carer of a pupil at the school (including pupils on sick leave or who are temporarily excluded), you can tell us your views about the school by completing Ofsted's online survey, Parent View, at: www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk

Parent View asks for your opinion on 12 aspects of your child’s school, including the progress made by your child, the quality of teaching, dealing with bullying and poor behaviour. The inspectors will use the online survey responses when inspecting your child’s school. Written comments can also be sent to the school in a sealed envelope, marked confidential and addressed to the inspection team.

To register your views, you will need to provide your email address, which will be held securely. It will not be used for any purpose other than providing access to the online survey. Neither schools nor Ofsted will have access to any email addresses.

Please complete the online survey by 11am on 11 November 2014 as this will give the inspection team more time to consider your views. However, we will consider all online responses that are completed during the inspection.

Speaking to an inspector

If you are unable to complete the online survey, it may be possible to speak to an inspector during the inspection, for instance at the start of the school day, or to pass on messages to the inspectors if you are unable to speak to them in person. Inspection administrators will be happy to make the necessary arrangements. If concerns are raised about child protection, we may have to pass the information we receive to social services or the police. You can contact the administrators on 0121 679 9163. Inspectors will be pleased to receive your comments, but cannot deal with complaints about individual pupils or settle disputes between you and the school.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the online survey.

Birmingham City Council are advertising for a School Crossing Warden for Gressel Lane and Leaford Road. If anyone would like further information please contact Birmingham City Council direct on: 0121- 464 1111(Option 5 then option 2).

The closing date is Friday 21 November 2014

(Please note this is a Birmingham City Council Vacancy and applications should be made via the above phone number and not our academy office.)

Mr Haw would like to remind Reception parents about the Forest School sessions taking place from Thursday 6 November every Thursday morning. We will visit the forest area in all weathers except during high winds and lightening, so for the comfort and well-being of your child the following clothing is needed for Autumn / Winter:

Wellington Boots (these should be left in in our Academy please)

Warm coat

A warm hat and gloves

Full change of clothes including:

Socks and underwear

Long trousers

Long sleeved top

Jumper or fleece top

Unfortunately we are sad to report that our building has fallen victim to vandals overnight and several windows have been damaged. We are in the process of getting these replaced and repaired.

If you do spot any body acting suspiciously on or around our building after hours please report it to West Midlands Police on 101 and help us to protect our schools building and environment.