Dear Parents and Carers,
Re: Communication Protocol
In our constant endeavour to ensure that communication between home and school is of the highest effectiveness, I am writing today to remind you of the systems and structures in place as part of our Communication Protocol.
Below, you will find the dates of the 2025-2026 Parent consultation events, key methods of contact for different scenarios and our Communication Charter, which supports positive engagement from all stakeholders.
Please note that it is not always possible to speak to a member of staff directly if you telephone the academy, or visit the academy in person, as members of staff may be teaching, in meetings or carrying out duties related to their responsibilities. Please understand that a return call or meeting will be offered to you at the next available time for the relevant member of staff, or a representative from their college or curriculum area team.
If you email the academy or a member of staff directly, we aim to respond within 48 hours; however, this will be longer if the email is sent out of working hours or during the holidays.
Important Dates:
| Event | Date and timings |
| LAB16 open evening | Thursday 13th November 2025 – 5pm to 7pm |
| Year 10 Parent consultation evening | Wednesday 19th November 2025 – 3pm to 6pm |
| Year 13 Parent consultation evening | Wednesday 7th January 2026 – 3pm to 6pm |
| Year 9 Parent consultation and Options evening | Wednesday 21st January 2026 – 3pm to 6pm |
| Year 7 Parent consultation evening | Wednesday 4th March 2026 – 3pm to 6pm |
| Year 11 Parent consultation evening | Wednesday 25th March 2026 – 3pm to 6pm |
| Year 8 Parent consultation evening | Wednesday 22nd April 2026 – 3pm to 6pm |
| Year 12 Parent consultation evening | Wednesday 13th May 2026 – 3pm to 6pm |
LAB Weekly
This is our weekly newsletter, sent out every Friday, which includes important notices, key information and links to letters sent out during the previous week. You can view it via MCAS or by visiting our website. A link to the website page will be emailed to you for convenience.
If your child is on the SEND register, you will also be sent a copy of the SEND Bulletin every Friday.
LAB Newsletter
The LAB newsletter is published 3 times a year at the end of the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms. The newsletter is a celebration of all the amazing events and activities at the academy and includes articles written by staff and students.
Website – www.leighacademyblackheath.org.uk
The website includes factual information about the academy, including links to our policies, admission arrangements, and our calendar. If you wish to make a formal complaint, please complete the relevant form found on the ‘Contact Us’ page. The website is a good source of information and is updated regularly.
Text messages
- Absence – If your child has not arrived at school, we will notify you by 9:30am with a text message.
- Detention – If your child receives a detention, we will notify you by 2.30pm with a text message.
- Important reminders or information – If we need to contact you swiftly to remind you of an event or inform you of important correspondence sent via email, we will send you a text message.
The email addresses below may be useful when contacting the academy:
General enquiries: info@blackheath.latrust.org.uk
College enquiries:
- sancho@blackheath.latrust.org.uk
- fawcett@blackheath.latrust.org.uk
- airy@blackheath.latrust.org.uk
- lab16@blackheath.latrust.org.uk
SEND: send@blackheath.latrust.org.uk
Safeguarding: safeguarding@blackheath.latrust.org.uk
Further information relating to safeguarding can be found on our website here.
LAB Communication Charter
Successful education is founded upon a strong partnership between the academy, students, and parents or carers. Leigh Academy Blackheath is committed to raising and maintaining high standards in work, behaviour and attitudes in order to deliver a high-quality education to all students.
In return, all students and their parents or carers are expected to observe the academy’s expectations, standards and routines.
Fundamental to this is the adherence of all parties to our communication charter. Grounded in one of our academy values, it asks all parties to uphold the following:
- Respect for the academy as a professional working environment, where aggression or abuse towards staff will not be tolerated;
- Respect for the academy as a purposeful and busy working environment, where it is often not possible to meet with staff without prior arrangement;
- Respect for our shared aims to ensure a high quality education to all, in spite of any differences in opinion, whether through face-to-face communication, emailing, telephone calls or social media.
- Anyone behaving in an aggressive or disrespectful manner will be asked to leave immediately. Persistent offenders will be banned from the premises.
Thank you for your support as always,
Best wishes
E Smith | Principal