School Update 28th July
Dear Parent
As we enter another new and exciting week of progression and planning, we hope this finds you and your families keeping well.
Lots of information has headed your way over recent weeks and we try to ensure that updates are relevant - feedback is always welcome.
Pre inspection:
As per our most recent update, Ofsted visited and carried out our pre-inspection last week, which we have passed pending the usual DfE quality assurance process.
Having just 2 days notice for the inspection, this covered, in detail, the independent school’s standards under the following judgement areas:
1. Quality of Education
2. SMSC
3. Welfare, Health and Safety of Pupils
4. Suitability of Staff, Supply Staff and Proprietors
5. Premises and Accomodation
6. Provision of Information
7. Manner in which complaints are handled
8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools
Once successful registration as a school is confirmed with the DfE, local authorities will be able to formally name Abbot's Way School in EHCPs and we will be able to open legally as a registered school - at the start of the Autumn term - dates as per our website. Click here for our term dates
ISA visit:
Yesterday we were delighted to host a visit from Dionne Seagrove, our ISA regional representative, who toured the school and conducted the final stages of our ISA registration.
Seasoned associated members of the ISA already, Hellen and Gareth are keen to ensure that Abbot’s Way is registered under this umbrella too, as it provides numerous supportive and networking opportunities.
Governance:
Our governing body is being carefully built; we are ensuring an appropriate balance of expertise and assuring essential accountability.
Our latest addition, David Pugh, was announced last week. He brings many credentials and enormous experience to the table and we welcome his varied expertise to the team. For further information click here
Therapy:
Our therapy base has been redesigned and offers a calm, airy setting from which to operate, though there are numerous spaces indoors and out through which our therapy provision will be delivered.
Appropriate recruitment for in house SaLT and OT is in progress; we have been inundated with strong applications and are in the process of safer recruitment. We feel it important to ensure that the very best field is sourced and from that the candidates most suited to our provision are recruited. Exciting times… watch this space!
Planning:
The “change of use” process is in hand and progressing positively, seeing no issues with impacting on a September opening.
Sound/noise and traffic surveys have been submitted as requested, via our planning consultant.
We hope to update you further next week.
**Collaborative opportunity**
As part of our Abbot’s Way ‘Beyond’ initiative, we seek and create positive links, partnerships and collaboration with organisations which are mutually supportive. Click here to find out more
Our sports kit is in process - we are looking for anyone wishing to partner with us on this, by promoting their organisation with the inclusion of their branding within our kit design!!
To discuss collaboration further, please contact us on office@abbotsway.co.uk
Priorities for the coming week:
Include:
- Installation of secure fencing either side of our building taking place today
- Installation of boundary fencing at the rear of our premises
- Branded school signage
- Access intercoms on front gate
- Sanding of fascias at the top of our building
- Completion of interior and exterior paintwork
- Branding of minibuses
- Uniform and sports kit design
- Wifi installation
Most importantly we are relieved to finally receive a ride-on lawnmower!
With best thanks to everyone for their hard work and support.
As always, please contact us should you have any questions or wish to pop in to say hello and have a look around to see the progress ongoing.
Best wishes
Hellen and Gareth