Dear Parent[s] and Carer[s],
As we reach the end of Module 1, we wanted to thank you for your ongoing support and to update you on the actions taken so far this academic year, based on feedback from the last set of parent and student surveys.
Your feedback, along with that from students, has guided some important updates to our Behaviour for Learning Policy. As parents, you told us that what you like most about LAB is that it is a safe learning environment for your child, and our high expectations around behaviour and attainment. Students were very clear about what they wanted: more rewards, clearer sanctions, and consistency in how both are used.
In response, we have updated the policy to deliver that clarity for students, making sure we don’t lose or dilute our focus on high expectations that both parents and staff value highly. Our expectations are the same as they’ve always been, but we’ve made the criteria for achieving rewards and consequences much clearer. We have started to share some of the changes with students over module 1 in assemblies and at tutor time, and will continue to roll out the rest during module 2. If you wish to read the full, updated policy, you can find it here.
Students have been very positive about the clarity of expectations, and we have seen a reduction in the number of suspensions and detentions for negative behaviour, as well as improved attendance which is higher than this point last year.
Punctuality is critical for all students. We ask for your support in making sure your child arrives at school before 8:25 am everyday so they are ready for the start of their first lesson at 8:30 am. Arriving on time is the best way to ensure they don’t miss any learning, and is one of the biggest keys to helping your child do well. We trialled a new system for punctuality detentions in module 1 which we felt was unsuccessful, so we are going back to our old system in module 1, where students will sit a break detention on the same day they are late. Those who are repeatedly late will be at risk of losing their early finish on a Wednesday as a longer detention for multiple late marks will be held then.
Thank you again for your support to make our school an even better place to learn.
Yours faithfully,
Ms S Sword | Deputy Principal