09
Jan

Issue 1107: 9th January 2026

9 January 2026
  • HEADLINES

Ready to Learn on Time

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas break and wish you a very Happy New Year.

As we start the new term, it is a good time to remind you of our high expectations, particularly around behaviour and uniform.  Please click here to access our Uniform Policy, I would especially like to draw your attention to appropriate footwear.  Furthermore, pupils are not permitted to wear coats or any other outer layers anywhere within the school building.   Such breaches will be sanctioned in line with our Behaviour Policy, which you can access here.

Your support around these basic expectations is much appreciated.

Ready to Learn on Time

Following a successful start to the “Ready to Learn on Time” initiative at the beginning of this term, we are pleased to report that we have already seen a significant improvement in punctuality to lessons across the school.

As a reminder, all pupils and students are expected to be at their lessons and ready to learn by 8.35am each morning. A movement bell will sound at 8.30am to support timely movement to classrooms.

This is also a reminder of the changes to morning site access. The Bridal Date entrance will close at 8.35am, and the Cheapside West entrance will close at 8.45am. Any pupils/students arriving after this time must enter via Sir Walter Raleigh Drive and sign in at Pupil Services.

All pupils/students who need to leave the site before 3.05pm will need to do so via the gate at Sir Walter Raleigh Drive.

Thank you for your continued support. Strong punctuality ensures that learning time is not lost, supports a calm and focused start to the day, and reduces disruption to lessons.

Being on time is also an important life skill!! Together, we are working to keep our school community Ready, Respectful, and Safe every day.

Ready to Learn on Time

Please can I ask parents/carers to drive and park responsibly when dropping off/collecting your children from school.

We  place great value on our relationship with our neighbours and ask that you always park with care and consideration in the surrounding roads.

In particular, please do be mindful of not parking so as cause an obstruction and/or to block the driveways of local residents.  Over recent weeks, a number of local residents have reported their concerns regarding both the safety of our pupils and the inconvenience caused to them by inconsiderate parking.  Thank you, in advance, for your ongoing support.

Supporting you to support your child(ren)

Please find a link below which the families of SEND pupils may find useful. It is a new service designed to provide advice, guidance, and support for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND aged 0 to 25.

https://parent-send-support.essex.gov.uk/

I have also attached a flyer with guidance for supporting your secondary aged child with mental health and wellbeing.  Should you choose to use these resources, I hope you find them useful.  

Eden team leads Diabetes UK event with Together Type 1

Eden took part in her first event for Diabetes UK as a Young Leader with Together Type 1.

This truly inspirational group of young people work tirelessly to raise awareness and provide support for other young people living with Type 1 diabetes.

We are incredibly proud of how Eden has faced this life-limiting condition over the past 18 months. Diagnosed midway through her GCSEs, she has shown remarkable resilience and determination.

Now studying for her A Levels, Eden has gone on to volunteer with this fantastic organisation, meeting and supporting other young people with Type 1 and helping to make a real difference.

Her strength, positivity, and commitment are an inspiration to us all.

What do you do when you're not in school?

We would love to hear about your hobbies, interests and achievements...

If you have any stories and/or photos that you would like to share, please contact us at pupilservices@sweynepark.com

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW)
e-Bug

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Home Energy Advice

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Important e-scooter information for schools and parents

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Next week, the Caterlink menu will be ‘Week 2’.

Click here to see the menu.

The Healthy Schools Team

The Healthy Schools team are conducting research to better understand children and young people’s habits when it comes to hydration. As part of this work, we are keen to identify the challenges parents face when encouraging water consumption with children.

Their objective is to develop a resource campaign that supports both parents and schools.

We want to encourage parents to help their children adopt water-only habits before they begin school.

Parents – Hydration survey for Parents  – Fill in form

Youth vaping: parent and carer survey

• Essex County Council is doing research into vaping among young people and would like to hear from parents and carers of 9-14 year olds. • We would like as many people as possible to complete this survey, whether they or their children vape or not. • The feedback will help us shape our future work around vaping in Essex.
Read More