Ref: NG/DE/odrive

9th December 2016

Dear Parent/Carer

Our Christmas holidays are just around the corner and I wanted to make sure all students and parents/carers are aware of the arrangements for the final week of term and also the first day back in the New Year.

Firstly, I wanted to thank you for all your support this year – particularly over the last week! You will be aware that Ofsted visited us on Wednesday, 30th November 2016 and Thursday, 1st December 2016. The outcome of the inspection cannot be shared yet due to the quality assurance measures that need to be undertaken by Ofsted. However, the inspection team praised the students for their politeness, courtesy and positivity. They described their conduct behaviours as exemplary and quickly detected our ‘TeamGrange’ ethos where everyone is proud to be part of the Grangefield community.

Thank you to all of the parents and carers who took the time to complete the online survey, ParentView. It was extremely positive and shows that we have the support and backing of the vast majority of our parents/carers.

I am anticipating that the full Ofsted report will be published early in the New Year and I will write to you all as soon as it is in the public domain.

With regards to the Christmas holidays, the Academy day will end at 12.30pm on Friday, 16thDecember2016 and students will be escorted safely off site. There will be no lunch served on this day but if your son/daughter is entitled to a free school meal there will be an option to collect a packed lunch as they leave.

On the final day, students and staff are invited to wear Christmas jumpers. This is not compulsory but, following feedback from last year, students are eager to be part of it again. Please note that if students choose to wear a Christmas jumper they must also wear their shirt and tie. Blazers will become optional for that day.

The Academy will re-open its doors for the new term at the normal time on Tuesday, 3rd January 2017.

I would like to end by thanking parents/carers, staff and students for a great term. We continue to grow from strength to strength; improving outcomes and the quality of provision for all of our young people at such a rapid rate. Without the support of all of you, this would not be possible. I am sincerely grateful.

Can I wish you all a safe and enjoyable break and the very best wishes for 2017.

Nikki Gibb

Principal