Latest News
Keep up to date with all the news happening in school at the moment.
Please click a headline to read more.
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HAF Programme
Thu 28 Sep 2023
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Governor nomination - Lighthouse Federation
Thu 07 Sep 20236th September 2023
Dear Parents/Carers,
PARENT GOVERNOR VACANCY
As part of the consultation process for the expansion of The Lighthouse Federation, we now have a new Instrument of Governance. Part of our membership of the Executive Board (Governing Body) includes 2 Parent Governors selected from all 9 Federation schools.
School Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country, and have an important part to play in raising school standards through their key roles of setting strategic direction, ensuring accountability and monitoring and evaluating school performance.
The key role for all Governors is to act in the best interest of all the pupils from across the Federation whether they are monitoring budgets or agreeing equality policies, the underlying focus should be what difference will this make to the children of The Lighthouse Federation. Without Governors, the federation cannot operate effectively and being part of the Governing Body involves you in key decision making. To qualify as a Parent Governor, you need to be a parent of a child at one of the 9 schools that make up the Lighthouse Federation.
Governors attend approximately eight governing body meetings a year. The Governing Body is made up of people from all walks of life and is friendly and supportive.
If this is something that interests you and you think you could offer your skillset to the Executive Board, then please fill in the form attached and return it to your School Office by 12 noon on Monday 11th September 2023. All pages need to be completed as part of the nomination process. Any uncompleted sections, will result in the nominee being withdrawn from the process.
Yours sincerely
Mr P Drew
Chief Operating Officer The Lighthouse Federation
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Lighthouse Federation
Wed 06 Sep 20236th September 2023
Dear Parents and Carers,
As you are aware we have been under consultation to join the Lighthouse Federation. I am pleased to say that after due process has been followed, the Governing body of Blakenall Heath Junior voted unanimously to join the federation.
The Lighthouse Federation is now made up of 9 schools and I know in the coming weeks our children and staff will start to see the benefits of this collaboration.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs M Harris
Head Teacher
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Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)
Tue 05 Sep 20235th September 2023
Dear Parents and Carers,
You may have seen recent media coverage regarding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and its use in educational settings. RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete; because it is weaker than regular concrete, concerns have been raised about its long-term durability. Department for Education (DfE) has recently changed its guidance to education settings on the management of RAAC to take a more precautionary approach and as a result areas in affected spaces will be vacated.
We wanted to inform you that we are not affected by this decision as we do not have RAAC in any of our buildings and therefore they will continue to function as normal. We understand that parents may want to understand more about the support to educational settings to manage RAAC safely. You can read more through the article published by the DfE on the Education Hub.
I hope that this offers reassurance.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs M Harris
Head Teacher
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Strike Action July 2023
Mon 03 Jul 2023Monday 3rd July 2023
Dear Parent/Carer
Strike action
I am writing to you about the forthcoming strike action by the National Education Union (NEU), one of the main teaching trade unions. You may have seen coverage of this in the news, and I wanted to inform you about the impact this is likely to have at our school.
There are two national strike days planned, with the strike action planned for Friday 7th July impacting our school.
The NEU has posted a document for parents, carers and grandparents that explains their reasons for taking strike action. It can be found at https://neu.org.uk/media/24511/view if you wish to read it.
How will strike action affect Blakenall Heath Junior School
When a strike takes place, those taking strike action stop work and withdraw their labour. This means that those teachers involved in the action will not teach their class(es) or undertake any other duties on a strike day.
It is therefore incumbent upon me to consider the impact that industrial action will have on the operation of the school. One of the key issues is to assess whether there are sufficient staff available for the school to remain open, or partially open, during a strike.
To determine whether this school can remain fully or partially open, a detailed risk assessment has been conducted. This considers the impact that the action will have on the health and safety of pupils, staff and visitors, and whether the school can run a full or amended curriculum, to determine whether it is possible to operate the school safely during the strike.
As a result of this, school will be open to vulnerable children and the children of critical workers only and those pupils in 3DH and 4O and closed to all other pupils. If you are a parent/carer of a vulnerable child, we will contact you separately to confirm your child’s attendance on strike days.
We shall provide all pupils with paper based activities to complete at home or school. Packed lunches will be provided for those pupils on free school meals and will be available for collection from school. We will be in touch with further details.
Clearly this is a difficult situation, which will cause some disruption. I would ask you, however, to be understanding. A national strike by teachers is very unusual. Taking strike action is not something that any teacher would undertake lightly. Those on strike will have thought long and hard about their decision and will also lose pay for the days that they are on strike.
If the strike is called off and we are able to open to all pupils we will confirm this as soon as possible.
Looking ahead, the NEU has indicated they will continue strike in the summer term until the pay dispute is settled. We will write to you before each date to confirm any changes to our arrangements and provision for pupils.
If you have any questions please contact the school office.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Mrs M Harris
Head Teacher
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Lighthouse Federation Letter
Tue 13 Jun 2023Dear Parents/Carers
The Governing Bodies of both Sunshine Infant and Nursery and Blakenall Heath Junior School have voted to open up a consultation on joining the Lighthouse Federation from September 2023.
The consultation period runs from 13th June 2023 to 25th July 2023. During this time all stakeholders, including parents/carers and staff will have the opportunity to raise any concerns regarding this proposal.
The Consultation Document that outlines what a federation means for the school, the pupils and for you as parents/carers can be found on the school website. If you are unable to access this a copy will be available for you to read at the school office.
The main points from this document are:
- Blakenall will remain Blakenall – unique, special and meeting the needs of our children and our families
- The Headteacher remains the same
- The staff remain the same
- The curriculum will remain the same
- The uniform remains the same
The pandemic affected every school in the country. The federation intends to bring expertise and best practice to supporting all pupils in the federation in the next steps of their education following the disruptive impact of the pandemic. Through sharing the expertise, advice and support of other schools we believe that Blakenall Heath Junior can continue to provide the brightest of futures for our pupils.
A meeting for parents/carers will be held at Blakenall Heath Junior School on Tuesday 20th June at 2.00pm. During this meeting Mr. Paul Drew, the Chief Operating Officer of the Lighthouse Federation (Executive Headteacher) will answer any questions or concerns that you may have regarding this decision.
Yours sincerely
Mrs M Harris
Headteacher
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Walsall Holiday Activity & Food Programme 2023
Mon 12 Jun 2023Summer HAF Programme is nearly Here!!
Dates for the Holiday Programme 31.07.23 -24.08.23 for 4 weeks
The offer
- 4 days of a Holiday Programme for a minimum of 4 hours
- Pick n mix ( up to 4 activities ) for a minimum of 2 -4 hours
- Family activity for all the family to attend a fun day out including siblings
Activities include SEND, sensory activities bowling, Ninja warrior, Football, swimming, cricket , Arts & crafts, Golf, Hair & beauty , performing arts and much more!!
To qualify for the HAF Programme you need to be in receipt of one or more of the below:
- Income related free school meals
- Have an EHCP
- Open to a plan (EH,CIN,CP)
- Young carer
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Queen Mary's Grammar School
Mon 05 Jun 2023Dear Parents/Carers,
In the coming weeks and months, Secondary Schools will start to allow visitors for Open Days. This creates a good opportunity for you to go and explore local Secondary schools before applying at the start of next term. Keep an eye out on social media and we will alert you to any upcoming Open evening visits.
If you or your child has had their mind set on a Grammar School, Queen Mary’s Grammar have opened up their online booking system until Friday 30th June. Tests will take place at Queen Mary’s on 16th September 2023.
You can register your child by visiting https:/westmidlandsgrammarschools.co.uk/ . After completing the application, your application will be accepted.
The Test comprises of two papers, which assess Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning provided by GL Assessments. Normally, each test paper is approximately 50 minutes in length. Test papers are notoriously difficult and revision before the test is advised. Work online is available and revision books can be purchased on Amazon. CGP 11+ books are highly recommended:
If you have any questions regarding admissions, please come and speak to me or your child’s class teacher.
Yours sincerely,
Mr J Phillips
Deputy Head Teacher
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Food for Life
Wed 10 May 2023We are proud to have been awarded the Bronze Award from Food for Life
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West Midlands Police and derelict buildings
Wed 03 May 2023Dear Parents/Carers
Derelict buildings
We have been asked by West Midlands Police to share the following information in regard to derelict buildings.
West Midlands Police are urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of entering derelict buildings in Walsall.
The police have received reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity taking place at derelict buildings. This has prompted the authorities to issue a warning to young people about the risks of entering these dangerous buildings and the consequences that can follow.
Derelict buildings are often structurally unsound and can pose a serious risk to anyone who enters them. The buildings may have weakened floors, walls or ceilings that could collapse at any moment, causing serious injury or even death.
The consequences of entering derelict buildings can be severe. In addition to the risks of injury or criminal activity, young people who are caught trespassing may face legal consequences. They may be fined, given a criminal record or even sent to prison.
Derelict buildings are often used by criminals for illegal activities such as drug dealing, theft or vandalism. Young people who enter these buildings may be putting themselves at risk of becoming victims of crime or even getting involved in criminal activity themselves.
Officers are patrolling known hotspot areas and taking action when reports of young people in derelict buildings are made. Local residents are advised to be vigilant and report any concerns or signs of entry to the police.
In an emergency always call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101 anytime or contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat (available between 8am and midnight every day)
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs M Harris
Head Teacher
