Dear Parents and Carers
My thanks to Mrs Whyte for leading us through the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ attendance promotion. We hope it’s been fun and that your children all enjoyed the live big reveal for the Switch console that was taken home by a very lucky student. Another (almost) Flawless Film Production © written and casted by wannabe film director, Mrs Armistead!
Also, and earlier this week, I hope your children told you all about the Christmas dinner that the dining team put together complete with table décor, a semi-real open fire and a bit of George Michael. Really lovely food, very cute (handmade) cakes and a great atmosphere all around the place. Thank you to Marie and all of her team who take such care of your children’s dietary demands each day.
Also, a big thank you to Mr Brown for creating a wonderfully memorable music concert on Wednesday evening. If you were not there, you missed a really fabulous event with solo performances, the flute ensemble, concert band and choir – who ended with a rendition of ‘Let It Go’. Songs from Les Misérables, The Lion King, The Polar Express and The Greatest Showman were performed by our talented students who must be amongst the most courageous young people in our community. Everyone who was there will have had their favourite piece and moment and so it would not be fair of me to pick any one of the dozens of performers who got us all in the Christmas spirit!
The music concert was also supported by our Parent and Teacher Association whose success in the recent raffle (thank you!) has directly contributed to some very good news…
Site Development Update
You may recall in an earlier letter to you (dated 15 November) in which I outlined our aspirations for two major projects. We are now able to share the wonderful news that K1 will be converted to a community kitchen in time for the new term next September. Without the work of the PTA, this would not be happening. We have been able to combine a grant, use of reserves, support from the RLT and the PTA to get this project over the line and is a perfect example of why CNS is so proud to work in partnership with families and the RLT.
Our community’s generosity in the recent PTA raffle led to an incredible sum of £2,400. All of the prize winners have been contacted and are enjoying their additional Christmas treats.
You will be aware that the online donation system was launched just over one month ago. We have received a number of one-off donations (thank you!) and the number of regular donors continues to grow. Given that every single penny raised by the PTA is invested in those extras for your children’s education at CNS may I ask that you consider a one-off sum or a regular payment? As you can see from the above, its all about those extras that enrich and enhance that can be so transformative. You can follow this link to provide a one-off or regular donation.
If we are to create brand new classroom spaces then it follows that we seek to extend our provision at CNS as well. This is why we have recently appointed an additional teacher of design and technology. A former student (!), she will join CNS in September and clearly indicates our commitment to a very broad and very balanced curriculum. The new Community Kitchen will be used by all students in key stage 3, as well as the BTEC and GCSE foodie enthusiasts – and those for whom cooking is both a passion and a therapy. Our next mission – the outdoor covered area…
Ofsted Update
I have finally received confirmation that our inspection report is ready and that it will be sent to us wb 6 January 2025. We are very excited to share the report with you all and look forward to doing so before it is in the public domain a week or two later. Despite what seems like an age since the inspection, it will ‘land’ at a valuable moment as we consider new year resolutions and that eagerness to ‘go again’ in 2025. It is very clear that when our students are here and they embrace the wonderful teaching and learning we have to offer, then we can bring about enormous success.
River Learning Trust Annual Reports
Paul James, CEO, has asked me to share the RLT’s annual reports. Please follow this link to the RLT Annual Report to Stakeholders: December 2024. This report provides a brief review of the past year across the River Learning Trust. In addition, please see the 2023-24 Sustainability Report, as well as the 2023-24 Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Report. I ought to add that all current and past annual reports and strategy documents may be found by following this link.
Safeguarding
During the Christmas closure, if you have a concern about a child, please call the MASH team (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) on 0345 050 7666 during office hours (8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 8.30am – 4pm, Friday). Outside office hours you can call the Emergency Duty Team on 0800 833 408. If you are concerned that a crime may have been committed, then you can call the police on 101 for non-urgent concerns. For urgent concerns, call 999. Our [email protected] email account will only be checked occasionally and, therefore, is only suitable for non-emergency advice, reassurance and guidance if needed.
Please see the additional helplines that appear to the right should you or someone you know or love need that additional support over what can be a difficult time for some families.
And finally…
The school reopens for all students on Tuesday 7 January 2025. In the meantime, on behalf of all my colleagues and the Governing Body, we wish all of our wonderful students and their families a happy, restful Christmas holiday and a wonderfully happy new year!
Yours faithfully
Barry Doherty
Headteacher
