Dear parents/carers,

Firstly, I’d like to congratulate all of our Year 11 and Year 13 students on their exam results. This was a particularly difficult time, I am sure you’ll have witnessed through the media the many changes that occurred as to how exam results would be calculated. I am delighted to say that the vast majority of our Year 13 students were successful in achieving access to their chosen universities. Equally, our Year 11 students have been sharing with us which colleges and sixth forms they will be attended as a result of their performance at GCSE level. For most, the choice is simple – Waverley Studio College. If you do know of anyone who is still struggling to find a college/sixth form place, do contact us (enquiry@waverleystudiocollege.co.uk) as we still have a few spaces left in either our own sixth form or at Waverley School. We offer a vast array of subjects and have a track record of excellent results!

I am pleased to say that we are still on track to fully reopen the school to all children in all year groups from 3^rd September. We have undertaken considerable work in evaluating and minimising risks associated with Covid-19. A copy of our planning can be found here.

We have also prepared a Risk Assessment (also available from the above link). As such, we believe we’re ready to welcome all students back to school.

I know there will be some anxiety about your children returning to school – I fully understand this having children myself who are returning to their schools. I am sure that they best way to overcome these anxieties is to send your children back and let them experience the changes we’ve put in place first hand. We are confident that getting the children back in to school and learning is the right thing to do and will result in them overcoming their anxieties quickly and effectively. Rest assured, we will be delivering training to staff in how best to support the children as they return and will, as ever, go the extra mile to make sure that the children are well looked after.

One thing to note is the ever changing views on wearing masks to minimise the risk of becoming infected with Coronavirus. Currently, advice to schools is that children and staff should not wear face masks. As a school we have decided that this is a personal preference and consequently will be allowing children and staff to wear face masks if this makes them feel more confident and safe. If your child wishes to wear a face mask, this is acceptable. All we ask is that these do not distract from the business of learning.

Finally, I have attached some links below provided by Birmingham Children’s Partnership. This are all linked to issues associated with Covid-19 and issues that may have arisen as a result of lockdown. Please do access those that you feel might be useful.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school!

Kind regards,

 

Mr Hyde

Executive Principal

 

Birmingham Children’s Partnership: From Birmingham with Love 

We’ve all been through a tough time with Covid-19 and lockdown. For many families it doesn’t get easier during the summer holidays, which is why we’re here to help. Here are some of our partners’ most used services and support, which might make life a little bit easier… 

1. Online parenting course. We’ve pre-paid for every parent in Birmingham to access a parenting course. Just enter the access code “COMMUNITY” at the top of the page to claim. There are courses for parents, carers and grandparents of children from bump to 19. Learn about how your child develops, and get tips to manage their behaviour. 
2. Mental health support. In these difficult times we have to look after our mental health. For young people aged 11-25 there are forums, guides and counselling available at Kooth. If your child 0-25 needs support, get in touch with Pause by calling 0207 841 4470 or email. Adults can get support from MIND by calling 0121 262 3555. Or for urgent help call Forward Thinking Birmingham on 0300 300 0099. 
3. Financial help. If you’ve lost your job, or are struggling for food or rent there are services that can help. Local welfare provision can make a big difference if you are in a crisis and need food, fuel or basic white goods. Discretionary Housing Payments may be able to help with rent. And there are food banks across Birmingham that are here to help. 
4. Domestic abuse. For women and children affected by domestic abuse please see guidance or confidentially contact Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid. For Men, please contact Respect. 
5. Problems with drugs or alcohol. A new, discrete app called Staying Free is available on Android or Apple. Use the code “birmingham11” for pre-paid access. To speak to someone call Change Grow Live. 
6. Bereavement support. It’s a terrible time to lose a loved one — you can get help by calling 0121 687 8010 or from Cruse. 
7. Early help for families. If anyone in your family needs more help, from public services or community groups, then please contact our voluntary sector local leads. We have ten areas which can connect you to support across the city. 

If you are worried about a child, please call Birmingham’s Children's Advice and Support Service on 0121 303 1888. In an emergency, including child abuse, contact the Police on 999. You can also chat to the Police.