25th November 2022

Weekly Update 25/11/22

Dear Parents/Carers,

At NUSA this week:

This week we held an interview day for our Year 11 students, alongside issuing them with their mock results from the recent exam series. It was so wonderful to see so many students dressed up for the interview day and taking the process so seriously. They really are a credit to you.

On Wednesday we held our first SEND drop in session for parents. We will continue to hold these sessions over the course of the next year. The dates for the next sessions are as follows:

Wednesday 7th December

Wednesday 18th January

If you would like to book a slot at the events above, please contact reception via telephone or use our contact@nusa.org.uk

Just a reminder that over the next few weeks, we will be reducing our sales of water bottles in the canteen. The cost of water bottles have increased significantly and it is far better value for our students to have a desert with their meal, rather than a drink of water that they can get for free from our water stations. Please encourage your child to bring a water bottle in to school each day.

Coming up at NUSA:

On Tuesday 29th November, we will be holding a Winter Fair to raise money for our Prom Committee. For a donation of £1, all students can wear non-school uniform.

On Thursday 8th December, it is Christmas Jumper day for Save the Children. We know that money is tight for people at present, therefore, we will not fundraise, however, students can wear a Christmas jumper over their school shirt if they wish.

Christmas dinner – we will be holding our annual Christmas dinner on Wednesday 14th December 2022. This will be opportunity for students to purchase a Christmas dinner for lunch if they wish. All free school meal students will be entitled to a Christmas dinner as part of their free school meal allocation.

Christmas trips – we will be holding our annual Christmas trips on Thursday 15th December. Students have had letters about this already. Please note the deadline for payment is Friday 2nd December 2022.

On Friday 16th December, we will finish school for the Christmas holidays at 12pm. All students will leave the school site at 12pm. Any student who is entitled to Free School Meals will be able to pick up a lunch to take home should they wish.

Uniform:

As this term has progressed, and children have grown (or in some cases lost things), we have seen an increase in the number of students in incorrect uniform. Some of these issues are easily remedied and do not cost any money. For example, students should not wear hoodies to school. They will be asked to remove these as they enter school until the end of the school day. However, we know that some of the issues require a cost. If you are struggling with getting uniform for your child, meaning that they will be in incorrect uniform for a period of time, please get in touch with us so that we can see if we can help. After Christmas we will be setting up a second half uniform shop which we hope will help people out with purchasing uniform.

ADMISSIONS CONSULTATION & PROPOSED CHANGE

 

As per the School Admissions Code, NUSA is required to consult on our admissions arrangements at least once every 7 years. Every year schools and academies are also required to review their admission arrangements. The aim is to ensure that the arrangements continue to be appropriate, and that they comply with all the relevant requirements.

 

It has been agreed that Nottingham University Samworth Academy which is part of the NOVA Education Trust would consult on the existing admission arrangements.

 

The one proposed change surrounds oversubscription criteria in the admissions policy, you can see the proposed admissions arrangements in full by clicking here. This criterion would read “Priority will next be given to children of staff who work for the Nova Education Trust, in either of the following circumstances: a. The member of staff has been employed by the Trust for 2 or more years at the time at which the application for admission to the school is made, or b. The member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage”. This proposed change would take effect from the beginning of the academic year 2024.

 

The consultation will run from 24th November 2022 – 8th January 2023 (just over 6 weeks). Parents and Carers are particularly welcome to comment on the proposed change to the admission arrangements for 2024/25.

 

Please send your comments, relating to the consultation and changes in the section of the admission criteria detailed above, to Anna Walsh at awalsh@nusa.org.uk. Responses will be considered with the final published admissions arrangements published by the 28th February.

Safeguarding corner:

Last week, I wrote about our work as a school for Anti-Bullying week. Whilst we can manage any bullying situations that arise in school, we need your help as parents/carers when it comes to any bullying that a child may be experiencing online. We obviously don’t have access to the plethora of social media accounts that exist for our children, but we know that as parents/carers, you take the opportunity to check your child’s phone to ensure they are staying safe online. If you ever see or hear something from your child, that makes you concerned for another child in the class, year or school, please let us know as we can then look to get to the bottom of any issues in school.

The NSPCC is a great source of advice and guidance for parents/carers regarding social media use:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

We will continue our work in school on online safety, but would be really grateful if you could help support us at home too.

Have a lovely weekend,

Emma Howard