Uniform letter - 01/04/2022

Dear Parents and Carers

As we approach the end of another productive and rewarding term, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify a few points in regards to our uniform policy. The vast majority of students arrive in school every day in the correct uniform, which they wear with pride, so thank you for your continued support in helping us to uphold these high expectations and standards.

Uniform expectations during the summer months

We have made some adjustments to the wording of our uniform policy (link below) in order to make it clearer and easier to follow. I would like to draw your attention to the second paragraph which states:

‘Please note that there may be various styles of uniform available in supermarkets promoted as 'school uniform'. If you are unsure if they comply with the items listed below, please contact us before you purchase them.’

This is an on-going issue, which we do not have control over, so the updates we have made are partly in response to this. We have also recently seen an increase in the number of students wearing all in one leggings so have added a more detailed description in order to clarify what trousers are acceptable: ‘Smart plain black ankle length trousers. The trousers must have a zip or button fly’. School blazers must continue to be worn when on the school premises but the plan is to relax this rule after May half term - further information regarding this will be communicated nearer the time.

Our uniform requirements are clear and outlined in full on our website https://www.sewellparkacademy.co.uk/uniform

When students arrive in incorrect uniform (for example in jeans, or in non-uniform skirts) we endeavour to lend them freshly laundered items from a small range that we keep in stock. If a student refuses to wear the uniform provided, they will either have to return home to get changed or spend time in the inclusion room until a parent/carer brings the correct clothing into school.

We have noticed that a small number of students are still wearing ‘hoodies’, which are not allowed. Students may only wear the official school jumper in school and hoodies, ‘sports tops’ and other similar items of clothing should not be worn and will be confiscated. In the event that this happens, a parent/carer must contact their child’s Year Leader to arrange a mutually convenient time to collect the item of clothing. Students must not wear hoods up around the school site (unless it is raining) and never when inside a building.

If you feel there may be financial difficulties in meeting our uniform requirements then please contact the school reception on 01603 411721 to discuss the matter in confidence.

Learning Catch Up

In order to ensure all our students can be successful and complete all learning to the best of their ability, we have been trialling some new approaches to our Attitude to Achieve system. These changes were initially just for Year 10 but, following their success, were also introduced for Year 9 too at February half term. Both year groups have seen a marked improvement in punctuality to school each day and a significant reduction in the number of times students were removed from lessons. The new system will be introduced to Year 8 when we return after Easter and we are confident it will have a similarly positive impact on their learning and punctuality.

We hope you have a relaxing and happy Easter break and look forward to seeing all pupils back in school on Thursday 21st April 2022.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Gannon

Assistant Headteacher for behaviour