Newsletter

8th September 2023


Principal's Message:

What an incredible start to the new academic year we have had; it has been made even better with the beautiful weather.

Without exception, we are so proud of each and every child for how they have started the new academic year with an outstanding attitude. They have embraced their new learning with enthusiasm and excitement.

Already we have been extremely busy with our Year 6 children sitting the Kent Test on Thursday. Those who sat it did so with maturity and open-mindedness. Regardless of the outcomes, those children will know they have worked so hard and should be very proud of themselves. As part of the process, we have a visiting invigilator, who, on this occasion was a headteacher from another school. She commented on our children's exemplary behaviour and attitude.

With our new behaviour system, you will have also seen the children earning lots and lots of positive points for a vast array of things. This has been transformative and feedback has already been overwhelmingly positive. Now that children understand the concept, we are going to be asking them for more ideas on what they would like to earn points for. Please do take time to discuss this with them at home.

We are also really pleased with the adjusted drop off arrangements in the morning as it has meant children are in school more rapidly and can therefore start learning more promptly. Please do ensure that your child arrives at school before the doors shut (08:40 for Reception and KS1, 08:45 for KS2). Following some constructive feedback from a parent regarding the area parents may wait within while the gates are closed, we will also open the gate by the bike storage as an additional access point. Please do use both to help any congestion.

It's been lovely to see so many children wearing the new cardigans and jumpers. We know there that will be a small transition period from old to new but it is important to note that the old items are now discontinued. It has been a year now since we have changed the skirts to plain grey, with a box pleat. We should, therefore, no longer be seeing any of the checked skirts in school. 

Further uniform reminders, based on what we have noticed so far, include;

We have noticed a huge difference in the smartness of the children so thank you for working with us on this.

We are looking at updating and adapting the format of the newsletter as we are aware that not all parents are engaging with it. Any feedback on how you would like it to look going forward, or, indeed anything you would d like to see be continued, please just let us know via the academy office email. We have a few ideas already but we would really like to hear from you too.

And finally, it has been a joy to be part of the LPPA community so far this year. I'm really excited to see where we are heading and what we will achieve together.

Miss S Brading

Office Reminders:

Thank you to all the parents and carers who are using the text service to report children absent from the academy. A reminder that the number to use for this is 07860 054453. 

Using the text service does help to free up the phone line into the academy first thing in the morning and ensures that you are able to contact us at a time that is convenient for you prior to the start of the academy day, in the same way as leaving a message on our designated absence voicemail service does too. A reminder that all absences should be reported to the academy by 09:15 at the latest each and every day that your child is absent.

Contacting the class teachers:

If you have concerns that you would like to raise with the academy, please do so via the office email address which is contactus@langleyparkprimaryacademy.org.uk. Upon receipt, your email will be directed to the relevant member(s) of staff.

We respectfully ask that you address any concerns or issues with your child's class teacher in the first instance. If it remains unresolved then your concern will then be escalated to Mrs Neame, Vice Principal. In the unlikely event that it continues to remain unresolved, it will be escalated to Miss Brading at that point.

We are also aware that some parents continue to email staff directly. In the event that this happens, staff have been asked to forward your email to the aforementioned email address to resume communication via the correct channels.

Whole School Attendance:


95.62%


Weekly Class Attendance Award:


Kanzi Class

100%


It is requested that you read and familiarise yourselves with the following policies and guidance:

Academy Attendance Leaflet

This provides information around term time absence, illness and medical absence, punctuality, and parental responsibility to ensure your child attends school. Please click here to read it. There is also the NHS 'Is My Child Too Ill for School' guidance which you can read by clicking here.

Academy Attendance Policy 

This can also be found on the academy website. Please click here to read it.

Education Hub

The Education Hub is a site for parents/carers, pupils and educational professionals the covers a range of relevant, popular topics about the education syste. You may wish to read 'Back to School Week: Everything You Need to Know about School Attendance' which discusses the importance of regular attendance, absence and term time holidays. There is also a section around support if your child is struggling to attend school. Please click here to read it.

Key Dates:




Please note that these are confirmed dates but should we need to change any due to unforeseen circumstances, we will communicate this with you with as much notice as possible.

National Online Safety Guide

The guide below focuses on supporting children's mental health. 

Talking about mental health to children is sometimes tricky and there are 10 conversation starters suggested and discussed below that may be helpful. There are a range of tips, such as talking about mental health naturally, being open and honest and asking twice.