I would like to thank you for your continued support for the Academy and to take this opportunity to update you on progress and next steps. We appreciate that for many of you the last 8 weeks have been challenging dealing with isolation, working from home, home schooling, employment changes, illness and probably many others too.

Since the “lock down” in March we have revolutionised the education process for our amazing students and transferred education from the classroom to their home. I am so proud of the transition that has been achieved and we continue to strive to provide a “world class” education for all. We understand that less than 10% of schools nationally are “live streaming” lessons and we are one of them. I am extremely grateful to our staff who have adapted to the new normal.

We will continue to evolve our curriculum, add requested lessons where appropriate, include assemblies, weekly challenges and guest speakers in addition to our weekly debate and Cultural Passport for the Co24. 

In addition to supporting our students through their education we have also provided comprehensive pastoral support. Between lessons staff have made many thousands of welfare /progress checks, we are truly grateful for the lovely feedback that you have provided. Our “on call” mental health team have been kept busy and have responded quickly and efficiently to all enquiries, involving external agencies where appropriate. 

We have actively supported our NHS through the production of PPE, wash bags, face / lip creams and of course bags of sweets! The academy has remained open to support the families of Key Workers and staff have even volunteered to work during their holiday periods.

The Government have made several recent announcements which we are now considering in detail. Our key responsibility is to ensure the safety of all members of the academy community whilst providing the students with an education which will enable them to achieve their true potential. This is a delicate balance and we appreciate your patience whilst we sort through the detail.

Whilst all decisions are subject to change, at the moment we will continue to deliver education through our online facility rather than having large groups of students attend the academy, it is likely that this approach will continue until September. We are currently planning to have face time, as directed by the Government with the students from the Co 21, principally to establish the Study and Support program for their final year at school. We await further direction from the Government about engaging with additional year groups.

We are confident with our current education provision however students who are not currently engaging with their online learning will be asked to attend the academy on a daily basis for additional support.

For those in receipt of Free School Meals we will join the National Voucher Scheme after the half term holiday and e vouchers will be sent to the email address that you have kindly supplied.

We are in the process of planning for the transition of students from Primary School and we will do our best to provide a worry free move to our academy for them. 

We are keen for students in the Co24 to visit the Marian Campus prior to their start in September and as plans evolve, they will be communicated via WEDUC.

Regardless of any changes that may occur we want to reassure you that the safety of our students and staff remain the key priority. Education will be maintained, and expectations will not change. From this situation we are convinced that the academy will emerge better, fitter and more agile, new ways of working are already being established which will help shape how we work in the future.

In summary we would like to thank you and the students of Haven High Academy for adapting to the situation and continuing to make us proud. Our academy values of resilience and excellence have been tested but so far you have all come through with flying colours. Please continue to stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all again in due course.