Dear Parents/carers
I hope you and your families managed to enjoy a good summer holiday. We look forward to welcoming all our students back for the start of the new academic year. On Monday 2 September, only year 7 and 12 students will be attending. All year groups 7-13 will be expected from Tuesday 3rd September.
We are aware that some students may have taken advantage of the summer holidays to make changes to their appearance, such as nail enhancements, fake eyelashes or special hairstyles. Kindly ensure that these are corrected to reflect our uniform policy (https://longfieldacademy.org.uk/academy-life/academy-uniform/) before our return. Students who return in incorrect uniform will be removed from circulation and parents may be asked to collect them.
To ensure a smooth start to the academic year, parents and carers are reminded of the following expectations:
1. Chromebooks
All students have been provided with academy Chromebooks. This is to encourage active participation in learning, research, and independent study. Students are expected to bring their Chromebooks to school every day.
2. Attendance
Attendance is compulsory for all students. The academy will strictly adhere to its attendance policy, and absences without valid reasons will be sanctioned as per our policy.
3. Behaviour
Our behaviour policy is designed to ensure fair and consistent treatment of all students, and effective utilisation of academy resources to maximise learning opportunities. We are pleased with the progress made and proud of the positive ethos of Respect, Aspiration, and Care prevalent throughout the academy. Our aim is for all students to meet behaviour expectations as we progress towards an Outstanding status. Students not meeting policy criteria will face appropriate sanctions.
The updated behaviour policy for 2024/25 is available on our website.
Please note in particular, section 20 on page 36 where we have indicated severe sanctions for students who engage in anti-social behaviours outside of school that could bring the academy into disrepute.
4. Student Support Managers (SSMs) and form tutors
Our small school model assigns two Student Support Managers to each college, supporting students’ pastoral and academic needs. Each student also belongs to a form group led by their form tutor who is a teaching member of staff. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the relevant SSMs or form tutor for initial support. SSM details are available on the website.
5. Students with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP)
For Students with EHCPs, our SENCo will be supporting class teachers with inclusive practice to ensure all learners are included in life at Longfield Academy. Should you have any concerns around provision, please make contact with your child’s form tutor and they will liaise with the SENCo if required.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the year 11 and 13 students who left at the end of the last academic year for their excellent achievements. We wish them all well as they continue with their next steps.
As we strive for another successful year, I trust that we can continue to rely on your support to ensure all our students are achieving beyond expectations.
Yours faithfully
Dr F. Donkor | Principal
