As you will be aware, we usually offer six days of transition for students. Due to the current circumstances, we are having to postpone those days. I am aware that this will be a huge disappointment to students and parents and it is not a decision we have taken lightly. None of us knows when children will return and we want our next steps to be as clear as possible so we don’t promise something we later have to cancel.
Whilst we are postponing the transition days, we want to reassure you that we will be offering transition in other ways. As well as writing to you to confirm plans, we will be introducing students to form tutors via letters and using regular videos to build up a picture of life at Forge – we’ll be posting these on the Forge Facebook page and on our website. None of this ideal but our approach over the next few months, where we hope to have weekly content, will start to foster familiarity with Forge.
The transition page can be found here: https://ormistonforgeacademy.co.uk/admissions/year-6-7-transition-introduction
The exception will be the families of students with more complex needs and in the week, our Success Centre will be in touch with parents of these children to discuss plans.
We will be working hard to place transition at the heart of our September start. We will keep students in mixed ability form groups for longer than before; making sure we get to know individuals. We will also have transition days in September where the new year 7 cohort will get time in the Academy without other students. We see this transition period extending through September.
You and your children will undoubtedly have lots of questions as we move forward. We have created a document with frequently asked questions (FAQ) which you can read below, we will continue to update this and make it available on the transition page. We would also welcome you to contact us at any time on a dedicated email address: [email protected] or via our social media channels. In the meantime, we’d ask you to return the induction booklet that you were sent as part of the induction pack. This needs to be filled in and signed. We need this information to ensure that we have all of the information to enrol your child for their September start. You can post this information or drop it into the Academy and mark for the attention of Wendy Baker.
Finally, we see this as a process that will last until September and this regular, sustained contact will mean that our transition will ensure new students are given the best opportunity to settle when we start back; our staff will be with you and available every step of the way. We’ll be available during the summer break and will try to accommodate any requests that you might have. We will also try and schedule some one-to-one online meetings if this suggestion proves popular.
Yours faithfully,
Mr T Daly
Senior Leader Key Stage 3
Please follow Government advice by washing your hands frequently and reduce your social interactions – here’s some Government guidance on staying alert and safe: https://bit.ly/2T0FT7j
What do I do regarding uniform?
We will be asking families to try their best to comply with normal uniform requirements and standards but we do understand if there are challenges. If this is the case please contact us via [email protected] and we will do all we can to support you.
Who do I contact if I have concerns?
Mr Daly and Mr Jenks will be the first point of contact – they are our key stage three leaders. You can get in touch via our social media channels, writing to [email protected] or calling the Academy on 01384 566598. We will be doing our best to monitor out-of-hours so will try and reply as quickly as we can.
How will they know where to go and what to have on the first day?
On the first morning, our key stage three staff and all form tutors will be at the gates to welcome children to Forge and ensure that everyone knows where to go and are comfortable.
All new students will be given a find-your-feet checklist with everything they need to know on it. We’ll also update parents with drop-off details, information about lunches and timetables. You’ll already have lots of information in the student information guide which you received in March. If we’ve missed anything or you have a question, get in touch.
What happens to SATs testing?
Whilst testing is important, ensuring the new students are settled and used to their learning environment is even more important. We will have a plan to test in the first term and will communicate this and prepare the children thoroughly.
What if my child is really struggling and doesn’t want to come in?
We’ll work with you and your child to reassure and build confidence. We know that some children will really struggle coming back into school but we are preparing for this and will provide one-to-one support. All we ask is that you let us know as soon as you can if you feel your child might struggle, the earlier we can start talking the better.
When can parents come in and meet staff and have an induction event?
We will write over the summer but we would have to have an induction event in the first couple of weeks in September. We are really looking forward to meeting you and we know that you are keen to come in, there’s no point in delaying this.
Will you be doing induction tours over the summer?
There are no tours planned but it’s certainly something that we could consider for small groups and it reassures children. If this is something that you are interested in, write to us at [email protected].
Will there be a summer school?
At the moment we do not have a summer school planned. Our full induction programme will happen in September when all new students can take part. However, if the situation changes significantly and there is enough demand then we will always consider activities.
Why can’t you run a transition event for just the people who want to attend?
Transition only works when the vast majority participate, if we only have 60% attendance then we’d have to repeat and this isn’t fair on those that have already completed transition activities. We’d rather do it at a time when we know we will have everyone together and they can all do it at the same time which will be in September.
Will you be going over the work that the students have been doing in year 6?
We will ensure that all students have opportunities to make good progress and go over the key stage two curriculum. The very nature of key stages means that we are constantly building and reviewing so there will be lots of opportunities to develop progress.
Will you be going over the work that they have missed in year 6?
As part of the natural progression into year 7, we will find gaps and areas of weakness and strength. The areas this year might be more apparent but we have the resources and experience to ensure any knowledge gaps are plugs and areas of strength are built on.
How will my child be grouped/set if you have no SATs data?
Until we have test data, children will be in mixed ability groups. Staff are preparing for this and will differentiate work accordingly. It will also give us an opportunity to base our decisions on the student rather than just the data – we hope that this will provide a better outcome.
How will we know that my child has settled successfully?
There will also be a Settling In Evening which will happen after the first half-term where parents receive a report detailing how children have settled in each subject. We’ll also be writing regularly and will have an induction for parents in the first few weeks. Your child will spend time with their form tutor and the relationship they develop with them will be key in ensuring a successful transition. Form tutors will be writing shortly to introduce themselves, At this point, you know your children better than we do so if they are struggling let us know. We see this as a two-way process. We need to keep talking and we’ll get this right.
Will you be doing full school day timings from the first day or will it be staggered starts/half-days?
We will be doing full days from the start of term but our timetable will be tailored to ensure students have an opportunity to settle and lots of time to get to know their new surroundings.
What equipment will my child need?
All new students will be given a find-your-feet checklist with everything they need to know on it. We’ll also update parents with drop-off details, information about lunches and timetables.
How do we pay for school dinners?
We will write to parents and introduce you to our catering company, you will be provided with an account that you can log in to and load money onto the system and track purchases. The process is very straightforward, some of it you will have received in your new parent pack. In the first week we’ll ensure that all students are familiar with the cashless catering system but for the first few days send them in with some lunch money.
Who do I need to speak to if my child has a medical condition?
We ask for details of medical conditions in the new parent pack that we’ve asked you to fill in, sign and return. Any medical information will be held on our school system. If anything changes before your child start with us in September, please let us know as soon as you can by emailing [email protected]
SEND Questions:
Who will be my child’s key worker?
All children who are on the Code of Practice will receive a letter shortly to tell them who their key worker will be in school. If you have any queries or concerns with regard to this please email [email protected]
What support will my child receive in school?
Students who are on the Code of Practice will be supported in a number of ways:
Key Worker sessions
Interventions
In-class support
There are many more methods of support and these will be determined once we have received information from primary schools, key workers have spoken with parents and students have been spoken to. If you have any queries with support please contact:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
If we are struggling at home who can we contact/talk to?
You can contact our success centre staff on the emails above where we will be available for advice and support. You can also call the success centre mobile number on 07496 310325.
What overall support will there be for my child’s well-being?
At Ormiston Forge Academy the well-being of our children is a high priority and is monitored closely by all staff. We are very clear about the characteristics of the children we are helping to develop. The three key attributes that are embedded in all aspects of daily life in order to prepare all of our children for future lives are: Resilience, Aspiration and Respect.
All children have termly PSHE collapse days when our three key values are embedded into student learning. We have a Success Centre where support is provided for behaviour management, mental health and individual family support. Small intervention groups operate to support children with additional social and emotional needs and the Academy has trained first aiders available throughout to deal with medical incidents.
If you are concerned about your child’s social or emotional development please speak to your child’s form teacher/keyworker in the first instance. You can also contact Tom Daly, Senior Leader KS3, or Sarah Taylor, Senior Leader for Inclusion, and we will ensure that issues are resolved.
If you have any further questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you.