Dear Parents and Carers
I am writing to inform you of several updates to our Behaviour for Learning Policy. These amendments are designed to ensure clarity, consistency and fairness in our expectations, and to further support a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment across the academy.
Please find a summary of the changes below, referenced by page number within the policy document which can be found on our policies section of our website here:
Pages 5 and 6
An additional point has been added to both the student and parent sections so this is inline with LAT guidance: “Ensure that no audio recording, photography, or filming of others takes place during meetings.” This reinforces our commitment to safeguarding, privacy and respectful communication.
Page 7 – Uniform Adjustments
Students who have a permanent uniform adjustment (for example, for medical reasons) will now be issued with a pink pass in place of a temporary pass. This will provide greater clarity and consistency for staff and students.
Page 10 – Mobile Phones
There is a clarification regarding sanctions for mobile phone use to ensure a clear and consistent stepped response:
- If a student hands the phone over when asked, they will receive a college detention.
- If a student refuses to hand over a mobile phone to the first adult who requests it (for example, their teacher), they will be issued with a senior leader detention.
- If the student refuses to hand the phone over to any adult, they will receive a day in the reflection room (RR).
Page 14 – Student Statements
Students are required to write their own statements whilst at the academy. Staff may support (for example, by acting as a scribe), but the words must be those of the student. Statements written at home will not be accepted or considered as part of any investigation. This ensures integrity and fairness in our processes.
Page 15 – Punctuality to Lessons
New punctuality sanctions have been introduced for lateness to lessons and outlined in the Behaviour for Learning Policy. These expectations will be shared with students during college assemblies this week to ensure they are fully aware of the changes.
Page 18 – Change of College
Unless there are serious or exceptional circumstances, the academy reserves the right to change a student’s college as an intervention to improve behaviour, attendance or wellbeing. Parents/carers, students, SEND and college teams will be consulted; however, the final decision rests with the leadership team.
These updates ensure our policy remains clear, robust and aligned with our high expectations for conduct and learning. We appreciate your continued support in reinforcing these standards at home.
The academy has also noticed a recent rise in the number of students returning to school after the break with facial piercings. Please be reminded that the uniform policy makes it explicitly clear on piercings: a student may only have one stud earring in each ear lobe and no facial jewellery (for example, nose/lip/eyebrow piercings). In addition, please be reminded that any student wearing tights must ensure they wear black socks and not the white socks we are seeing a small increase in. Any uniform infringements will mean the student remains in the reflection room or college until the infringement is corrected.
If you have any questions regarding the content of this letter, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s college.
Yours faithfully
David O’Leary
Vice Principal: Lead on Behaviour
