We are pleased to advise that we now able to loan students a Chromebook in order to support with home learning whilst the school remains closed. As we have a limited number of devices available, priority will given to those students defined as vulnerable by the government’s current guidance and disadvantaged students in year 10.  If you would like to apply for a device for your child please complete our online application form here. Please note that all devices loaned out by Orchard Mead Academy will remain the property of the school, and must be returned in good condition with reasonable wear and tear when the school reopens. The device will be covered by our insurance policy, however please note that there is an excess of £250 if the device is lost or damaged, which you would be responsible for paying.  The use of the device is subject to our…

We hope that you are keeping well and staying safe.  Please have a look at our first pastoral newsletter from your PASCOs which we hope you’ll find helpful.  We’ve included advice and support to keep you healthy and well at this challenging time. The newsletter can be viewed here. We will issue a new newsletter each week – you can let us know if there are particular topics that you’d like covering at [email protected] Take care.  Keep smiling! Ms Lowe and all of your PASCOs.

Updated Friday 20th March 2020 We would like to thank our whole school community for your ongoing support at this very challenging time. In line with government advice received on Wednesday 18th March, the school will be closed to students from Monday 23rd March until further notice. The TMET Statement regarding the school closure can be found here. From Monday 23rd March we will offer a provision to students of “critical workers” and vulnerable students only.  This provision is provided only for those who absolutely need it. Information on how to access this provision can be viewed here. Please continue to follow public health guidance and DO NOT send your child to school if they or anyone in your house is showing signs of the Coronavirus. Our Safeguarding Support Plan can be found here. Our Closure Learning Plan can be viewed here. Previous letters sent home can be found here. Our Promise to You… …

Dear parents and carers, With the social distancing guidance given out by the Department for Education asking schools to limit gatherings, we are unfortunately unable to go ahead with our planned meetings to consult on the new curriculum requirements for Sex and Relationships from September 2020. However, we would still like to hear from you and gather views. Therefore, please find attached two documents showing national requirements and let us have your views via email: [email protected] We will carefully weigh up views received and send out our revised policy once it has been finalised. Secondary RSE expectations RSE Curriculum Map Kind regards, Rita Hindocha Executive Principal

  Coronavirus (Covid-19): Frequently Asked Questions We have put together a list of frequently asked questions to help parents during this difficult time. If you still have further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. Will schools close? We intend to stay open unless we are required to close by the Government or are unable to open due to a high number of staff either self-isolating or socially distancing themselves from others. This may be as a part of a measure to close all schools or advice from Public Health England which may only apply to some schools. How long will schools close for? It is very hard to say. We will follow Government advice and close for as long as needed. How will schools communicate a closure with us? This will…

  Safeguarding students and their families in the event of school closure due to the Coronavirus In the event of a school closure due to the Coronavirus outbreak we wish to assure our students and their families that students’ wellbeing will continue to be of upmost importance. If you have a concern about a students’ safety or wellbeing during a school closure you should: ·         Telephone the academy on 0116 2413371 between 10.30am – 3pm.  Your call will be forwarded to one of our DSLs who will triage your call and take the most appropriate action ·         If you feel that a child is in immediate danger you should call 999   Our Designated Safeguarding Leads will take steps to continue to support our most vulnerable families.  This will include: Making telephone contact twice a week with identified students Maintaining contact with social services and other agencies to ensure information…

A reminder that the school will close at 2pm on Monday 30th March to allow teachers collaborative planning and research time from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Full details on our professional learning afternoons, their dates and intended impact can be seen here. Please note from the Spring term we have amended the structure of the professional learning day to the following: Period 1 8:30 9:20 Period 2 9:20 10:10 Break 10:10 10:25 Period 3 10:25 11:15 Period 4 11:15 12:05 Lunch or Tutor 12:05 12:35 Tutor Lunch 12:35 13:05 Period 5 13:05 13:55   Thank you for your support.      

Principal – Orchard Mead Academy, The Mead Educational Trust  Salary: Group 7 Start date: negotiable   ‘Making a positive difference’.   It’s an incredibly exciting time to join Orchard Mead Academy and The Mead Educational Trust which has a national profile for excellence in teaching, leadership and student outcomes. Based in a modern, state-of-the-art setting, Orchard Mead has much to commend. First and foremost – its community, which is impassioned and supportive. Alongside them is a talented team that is prepared and ready to be stretched and enthusiastic students that have a thirst for knowledge. Since joining the trust (as a sponsor-led academy), the entire team has worked with great commitment and effort to move the school positively forward. As our new principal, you will give us the additional capacity and direction required to truly fly. We are looking for an ambitious, collaborative and visible leader with a strong moral purpose –…

Our uniform supplier, Uniform Direct, are holding a ‘Late Evening Opening Event’ for parents from the Mead Educational schools where they offer a 1:1 measuring service for school uniform.  The dates are: Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th July – 5:30pm – 8:00pm If you purchase your uniform early and your child has a ‘growth spurt’, Uniform Direct will offer an exchange service right up to the start of school.