Parent Update | 24th May 2024

Dear Parents 

As you’re aware, Mrs Mcleish will be leaving Horsmonden Primary Academy at the end of this academic year to join Paddock Wood Primary Academy as Vice Principal. This is a significant promotion, moving from a one form entry school to a three form entry, and I have no doubt she will be a valuable asset to the children and community of Paddock Wood. It goes without saying she will be missed tremendously by staff and children alike. 

Following a national recruitment campaign, I am delighted to share that Mr Fenton will be joining the Horsmonden team as Vice Principal in September. He is an experienced teacher and leader, who is currently Assistant Headteacher at Bishop Chavasse C of E Primary School. Mr Fenton will be joining us for some transition days next term which will help him hit the ground running in September. 

Attendance 

I am pleased to report that our whole school attendance, year to date, is 96.2% which is an increase from 94.9% this time last year. While this is very pleasing news and shows that on the whole parents value the importance of attending school every day, what I’m about to share is very shocking. 

Today our whole school attendance is 88.4% which is significantly below our usual daily attendance figures, which, as an example, were 96.2% on Wednesday and 92.8% yesterday. 

I am aware that some families have chosen to take their children on holiday for the Bank Holiday weekend/half term, and have been honest about this, which I respect. 

However, I am also aware that there are many other families who have chosen not to be honest, and have instead informed the office their child is unwell. This is in direct conflict with our whole school ethos, where we promote honesty and integrity from both children and staff. Instead, this approach encourages children to hide the truth from their teachers when they return to school. 

Breakfast and After School Club 

Following a surge in children attending Breakfast and After School Club, it is necessary for us to review our procedures, including the booking system and the amount of last minute bookings made. All bookings should be made 24 hours in advance on MCAS, to enable us to ensure the right child to adult ratios are in place, as well as having enough food. In the event of an emergency, please call the office who will be able to see if there’s a space available on the day, but please note

this is not guaranteed. In addition, children who arrive at Breakfast Club in the morning without a booking, are not guaranteed a place. This is to ensure the safety of all children who attend Breakfast and After School Club. 

As a reminder, for any parents using After School Club who need to contact Mrs Tuck in an emergency, please use the following email address: 

louise.tuck@leighacademyhorsmonden.org.uk 

Academy name change – uniform 

I’m sure you will remember me writing to parents in February to inform you that from September we will be known as Leigh Academy Horsmonden, not Horsmonden Primary Academy. Please see a reminder attached here. 

All existing and pre-loved uniforms can continue to be worn next year but for anyone wishing to purchase a new uniform for the new year, orders placed with Brigade from 1st June will be embroidered with the new name. The deadline for ordering uniforms to be delivered to parents before the start of the new school year is 2nd August. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend and half term, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 3rd June. 

Kind regards 

Hayley Sharp | Principal

See below for diary dates – revised / new events are in bold