The Week Ahead Updates and Communication for Parents

Dear Parents and Carers,

As a school, our Christian values of respect, kindness, and consideration are at the heart of everything we do. We are writing to you today to ask for your urgent help in living out these values, particularly as our Christian witness to our neighbours.

We are unfortunately very aware of the significant and growing tensions surrounding parking during drop-off and collection times. We have received numerous distressing reports of verbal abuse, filming, and intimidation. This has created an unacceptable environment for our children to witness and for our neighbours and staff to endure.

We are clear that this behaviour, from any party, is unacceptable.

We have been in dialogue with the Council to find a way forward. They have kindly confirmed that the roads surrounding the school are public, adopted roads with no parking restrictions. This means they are a shared public space for everyone.

To de-escalate this serious situation and ensure safety, we must insist on the following:

• Be our Christian Witness: Please remember that your actions, patience, and words are a direct reflection of our school community. We ask you to model the grace and respect we teach our children, even in moments of frustration.

• Park Legally and Considerately: Please do not block driveways, park on junctions, or obstruct the road. Always be mindful of our neighbours' need to access their homes.

• Park Safely: The safety of our children is paramount. Do not park in a way that creates a hazard for pedestrians or other drivers. If you are able, we strongly encourage parking a little further away and walking the final few minutes.

• Do Not Engage: Please do not enter into arguments with residents or other parents. If you are concerned about an incident, please report it to the school office, and we will address it.

Our children are watching and learning from our example. Let us work together to be a community that is known for its kindness and respect for all.

Thank you for your immediate support in this serious matter.

A Quick Parking Reminder

Just a friendly reminder about parking safely when you're dropping off and picking up the children. We know it gets really busy, but let's all work together to make sure everyone stays safe.

A few simple things to remember:

• No stopping on the zig-zags: Please keep the yellow zig-zag lines outside the school gates completely clear. They're there so we can all see any children who might be crossing the road.

• Don't park in the disables spaces unless you have a disabled badge-  some families really need these to access school

• Don't block our neighbours: Please avoid parking across local driveways or on the pavement. We need to keep our neighbours happy and ensure there's space for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

• Park a little further away: If you can, parking a street or two away and walking the last little bit makes a huge difference to the congestion right outside school.

• Slow down: Please drive slowly and be extra careful around the school. Little ones can be unpredictable!

We're all in this together, and every little bit helps to keep our children safe. Please also be understanding if a disgruntled neighbour confronts you about parking. Getting defencsive will not help the situation and we wish to maintain a good relationship with our community. 

Thanks for your support with this!

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. 

We know that regular attendance is vital for their academic success, social development, and overall well being. Every day in school provides a valuable opportunity to learn and grow.

In line with the government's national campaign, "Moments Matter, Attendance Counts," we are writing to inform you of new national attendance rules that all schools in England must now follow, including independent schools.

Our first priority is always to support you and your child. We want to work together to overcome any challenges your child may face in attending school. Mrs Walker is our attendance officer, and both her and Mrs Garratt will follow up any absence with you as parents.  Our aim is to support your children to be in school. 

We also have a duty to inform you of the new legal framework.

Key Changes to National Attendance Rules

1. Fixed Penalty Notices (Fines) for Unauthorised Absence

The government is implementing a firm and consistent approach to unauthorised absences, such as holidays taken during term time. Please note that while these fines do not currently apply to independent schools, we feel it is important to make you aware of the national policy.

• A fine of £80 per parent, per child can be issued for 10 sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence.

• This amount rises to £160 if not paid within 21 days.

2. Mandatory Referrals to the Local Authority

As an independent school, we are now legally required to notify the Local Authority if a child's absence reaches certain thresholds during the school year.

This may trigger a support assessment or, in cases of unauthorised absence, potential legal action by the local authority.

• 10 Days of Unauthorised Absence: If a child's unauthorised absence (including holidays) totals 10 days or more, a referral is mandatory. This could lead to legal action against parents, which may result in a court order or even appear on a future DBS check.

• 15 Days of Sickness Absence: If a child is absent due to sickness for 15 days or more across the school year, we must also make a referral. This is not to question genuine illness, but to allow the Local Authority to check if your family might benefit from any additional health or wellbeing support.

Our Commitment to Working Together

Our goal is to help your child thrive. If you are facing any difficulties with your child's attendance, please contact us straight away. By working together, we can identify any barriers and hopefully put the right support in place.

To help us do this, we kindly ask for your support with the following:

• Book holidays during school holiday periods. Leave of absence during term time cannot be authorised. 

• Notify us on the first day if your child is unwell and unable to attend,and each subsequent day thereafter.  You can do this by text, phone, or emailing office@bxs.org.uk 

• Engage with us if we raise a concern about attendance, so we can work together on a solution.

Every moment in school matters. Thank you for helping us ensure your child has every opportunity to succeed.