As this quite remarkable term draws to an end I wanted to provide parent/carers with an update in preparation for the start of the summer term.

The last few weeks in school have been exceptionally busy, firstly carrying out the Lateral Flow Testing and then supporting students return to school. Since students returned, we have had one positive COVID-19 case in Year 8.

For some students they have found the return to school challenging. As a whole school community we have started to address this and at the start of the summer term there will be a clear focus on re-establishing routines and expectations. I have always been clear with both students and parent/carers that as a school we have high standards of behaviour. I am also determined to ensure that all students feel safe and supported in their school.

I am mindful that it is the end of term. Therefore, you will receive a further two letters from Mr Hemsley and Ms Major, Deputy Headteachers when we return on Monday 19 April. The purpose of these letters is to explain clearly our school expectations for the summer term. In addition to this letter there will be an extended Form Time during period 1 on Monday 19 April. During this time, Form Tutors will be working with students so that they are confident about our expectations.

I am committed to working with parent/carers to effect positive changes that will benefit all students. I also know that when we are clear on what we expect students really do rise the challenge. For a recent example you can look at student’s commitment to their learning during the most recent lockdown, it was genuinely impressive.

At the start of the summer term we will be moving to all students starting school at the same time. This affects Year 9 and Year 10. Year groups will continue to line up separately and the arrival and departure to school will be managed to prevent different year groups mixing when in school. Another important change for the start of the summer term is that all students will now be expected to change into their PE kit using the changing rooms, rather than wearing their PE kit to school on days that they have a PE lesson.

Along with a focus on re-establishing routines and expectations we will also be ensuring that during the first half of the summer term Year 11s and 6th Form students who were due to sit exams this summer have the required evidence to achieve their Teacher Assessed Grades.

It is important that over the Easter holiday all students have a good break. We do know that home learning was exhausting and without a break students have come straight back to school. Please can I also take this opportunity to remind parent/carers of the importance of making sure that your child continues to have a Lateral Flow Test twice a week.

As always, if you have any questions in relation to this letter please contact the school. Please note that our enquiries email address has changed to office@wellingschool-tkat.org. Parent/carers can still contact enquiries by emailing enquiries@wellingschool-tkat.org as it is linked to this new email address.

On behalf of all staff at Welling School I wish you a good break and we look forward to continuing working with you in the summer term.

With very best wishes.

Yours faithfully,

Mr R Pett
HEADTEACHER