Dear Parents,
Thank you for taking the time to complete the recent parent survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape the school and ensure a positive learning environment for all students.
We were delighted to share that common strengths that you have highlighted,
- Strong positive improvements regarding our communication channels, implementing clear expectations for our pupils, and the success of parental engagement through the improvement in parents evenings and events throughout the academic year.
- Your recognition of our commitment to continuous improvement and addressing parent concerns.
- Feedback highlighting that students feel safe, supported by staff, and well-prepared for mock exams.
- The praise for our teachers who are described as approachable, encouraging, and dedicated to fostering a happy and varied school experience. We are truly proud of our teaching staff.
We acknowledge your comments on areas for improvement and want to provide a detailed response:
- Trips: We understand the value of educational trips and are actively exploring options to increase the number offered. We will be offering an extensive offer of co-educational experience.
- Uniform Costs: We recognise the importance of affordable uniforms. We are currently in discussion with uniform suppliers to explore cost-reduction options while maintaining quality. Additionally, we will be providing information on pre-owned uniform sales.
- School Entrance: We appreciate your feedback on the school entrance. We have explored this as an option and we are restricted to 1 entrance currently. We have introduced the staggered dismissal of our pupils to reduce the flow on exit. We have also increased the number of staff on the gate to support the safety of our pupils leaving the school site.
- Communication:
- Detention Emails: We are simplifying the information shared via MCAS as well as updating our behaviour policy to provide clear and concise guidance on all sanctions and behaviours. The policy will be readily available on the academy website.
- SEND: We are committed to providing effective support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We will be reviewing communication channels to ensure parents are kept informed of their child’s progress and support strategies. We will also be providing additional SEND-related information sessions throughout the year.
- Your suggestions for more student praise and promotion of school clubs are greatly appreciated. We will be reviewing these suggestions with a view to implementation. This may involve incorporating more public recognition assemblies, student achievement boards, and a more prominent online presence for school clubs.
- Reports and Lockers: A separate letter will be issued to all parents/carers to ensure a smooth distribution for the new academic year.
Thank you again for your valuable feedback. We are committed to continuous improvement and believe that by working together, we can ensure Strood Academy remains an excellent school for all students.
Sincerely,
The Strood Academy Leadership Team
