Letters

15th of May 2009

Received by Post

Dear Angel and Steve

Thank you for your recent email regarding the Discipline Policy and Procedures review and highlighting your concerns that Ruby reported being ‘hit' or 'flicked' with a pencil by another child in class. The reviewed Policy and Procedures have been published today in the school newsletter.

The content of your email and the various concerns you have raised have been shared with Ruby's teacher, Mrs Cole, as well as with other colleagues.

It is important that, if you have a concern, you speak directly with Mrs Cole in the first instance, as she is likely to have a clear picture of the context within which any such incident occurred and will be able to share with you how it was managed. I am aware that you met with Mrs Cole and Mrs Cunningham recently and I trust this helped to build a clearer picture for you of how discipline is worked with at this school. Mrs Lloyd-Smith, as Mrs Cole's Sponsor, may also be able to meet with you and Mrs Cole if required.

During the course of recent Lower School Meetings a number of developmentally appropriate initiatives have been discussed to support a number of children in the class who are causing concern, which Mrs Cole has initiated in her class.

The College of Teachers also recently completed a class study for Class 3/4 and, along with the insights gathered from all teachers at the Lower School Meeting, a number of further strategies are currently being initiated.

Next week there will be a Class Meeting. At this meeting a picture of child development and the current social dynamics will be shared with parents along with the strategies that have been put in place to support this class. It is seen as vital that the school and home life support the children in their development so this will be an important aspect of the meeting. Parents will also be advised of the steps that will be taken should children not be responding appropriately to the strategies the school has put in place to build a more positive learning environment.

I would like to assure you that all staff are committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for all children at this school.

Yours truly

HEATHER PERI

On behalf of Management