Dear Families,

Firstly I would like to take this chance to thank you for the unstinting support you have offered us over the past few weeks as we have been working on securing the school’s core standards. Focusing on important areas such as uniform, attendance, punctuality and basic behaviours is making a huge difference. I know that you will be playing your part in supporting this critical work, at home in ensuring your child has all they need to be here, fully prepared and on time.

Lateness has improved significantly, staff in the school have felt the difference in attitudes and general behaviours. We recently commissioned an external review of our attendance strategy to ensure it continues to encourage excellent attendance and support students who need it. This was carried out by a specialist consultant who had never visited Welling School before who said ‘...the atmosphere was very friendly and warm but there was a strong sense of purpose and importance around the school. Uniform was immaculate with students looking really smart too’.

We do, however, still have a way to go and a number of other areas to work on to ensure our students’ ultimate success and in ensuring excellent relationships, communication and collaboration between the school and all of our families.

As you know I have taken over the role of Welling’s Headteacher since Mr Pett left us last term. We are still awaiting our final Ofsted report - as soon as it is published I will share it with you. In the meantime however, we do not need the report in order to understand our priority areas for improvement. I would like to invite you to attend an information event for families. I am including 3 dates and times so that all families can have the chance to attend:

• Wednesday, 18 May @ 4.30-5.30pm
• Thursday, 19 May @ 4.30-5.30pm
• Friday, 20 May @ 9.00-10.00am

I intend to use the event as a chance for me to share the actions we are currently taking to effect rapid change and improved standards as well as the priorities for the rest of the academic year. There will also be a chance for us to hear from you about the things that matter to you most. Each event will be a repeat of the last and so you only need to attend one.

I really hope that you will be able to come to one of these events as I would very much like to share our priorities with you, reassure you about our future and hear your views. Once you have selected the date that suits you best please click the link below to book your space.

https://forms.gle/UfvucsfT3KAxdBrd8

I look forward to seeing you there.

Yours faithfully

Mr D Hatley

EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER