Parent/carer updates

Stakeholder surveys

We have emailed parents/carers with a link to our electronic survey today (Friday 12 November). We would really appreciate it if you could take five minutes to complete this online. All responses are anonymous and will close on Tuesday 23 November at 11.45pm.

Students have also been sent a survey to complete about life at Highfields via their school email accounts.

Highfields curriculum

The curriculum is at the heart of all we do. Our updated Key Stage 3 Curriculum booklet can be found on our website: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/KS3CurriculumBooklet.pdf

This outlines what our students learn, when they learn it and how it is assessed through years 7 to 9. Detailed statements of what we want our students to know, understand and be able to do in each subject in these years are set out in our benchmark statements. These can also be found on the Curriculum and Support area of our website under ‘curriculum benchmarks’. https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/our-school/curriculum-and-support/curriculum-benchmarks/

Relationships, Sex and Health Education

In joining the EMET trust we have adopted a number of core policies that are shared across schools. One of these is the Relationships, Sex and Health Education policy, which can be found on our website under ‘key information’ or via the following link: EMET-RSE-Health-Mental-Wellbeing-policy-spring-2021-new.pdf (highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk)

This policy enshrines our commitment to this important aspect of education and reflects national statutory requirements. If you have any comments on the policy we will be pleased to receive them via email crifkin@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice - SEND

Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice would like to gain as many views as possible from parents/carers of children and young people with SEND on two of their current surveys and have asked that the following survey links are shared with parents/carers of SEND students:

‘How welcome do you feel?’ – parents/carers of children and young people with SEND https://derbyshireparentforums.co.uk/consultations/ (closing date 15 November 2021).

‘Reimbursements/Home School Transport’ – parents/carers of children and young people with SEND https://derbyshireparentforums.co.uk/sendreforms/ (closing date 22 November 2021).

School ties

We are aware there has been a problem with the clips breaking on some school ties recently. We have reported this to Kick Off Sport and they have offered to replace the ties if parents/carers take them back to the shop.

Reminder: Children in Need non-uniform day

On Friday 19 November Highfields School will again raise funds for Children in Need. Students will be allowed to wear non-uniform for the day and donate £1 to Children in Need. A variety of activities will also take place, please ensure students bring loose change into school as no change can be given due to Covid.

Donations can be made via ParentPay through the link below: https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Foc/Default.aspx?shopid=4624

We are always proud of the support Highfields parents/carers, students and staff give to our charity events and thank you in advance for your support.

Reminder: Flu Vaccination

As you will be aware the NHS Immunisation Team are offering the nasal flu vaccination to students in years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 over two days on 17 and 18 November 2021, due to the number of students involved.

Thank you to the parents/carers who have already completed the e-consent form. If you have not yet done so and wish for your son/daughter to receive the flu vaccine please visit https://www.derbyshireandcityimms.co.uk/Forms/Flu. The option to consent or decline the vaccination is at the end of the questionnaire so please complete even if you do not want your child to have the vaccination. Highfields unique school code is DD112950

For more information about the vaccination please visit: https://www.derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/our-services/5-19-years/school-ageimmunisations

If you experience any problems, please call the School Age Immunisation Team: Repton Health Centre: 01283 707178 Clay Cross Hospital: 01246 252953 Or email DCHST.immunisationteam@nhs.net

Reminder: School crossing patrol – Church Street, Starkholmes

We have been informed by Derbyshire County Council that the crossing patrol on Church Street at Starkholmes can only be covered until 10 November until the foreseeable future.

After 10 November there will be no School Crossing Patrol in operation. Derbyshire County Council have asked that parents/carers make suitable arrangements for their child’s journeys to and from school. As we receive further updates we will keep parents/carers informed.