Dear Parents and Carers
As we approach October half-term, I wanted to thank you for all your support this term as you have helped us start the new academic year successfully.
During the last eight weeks we have witnessed our 486 pupils adapt exceptionally well to new staff, new classes, new surroundings, new routines and for some of our pupils, a new school. A new academic year always presents us with challenges after a long summer break, but our staff, systems, structures, standards, and culture ensure we create the right environment for our young people to progress, and quickly.
We are still a very over-subscribed SEN School and not every child that would benefit from a place at West Oaks can access a place due to our capacity. Parents should not have to continually fight for everything for their child and like you, I am fed up with the lack of action centrally and locally regarding SEND strategy.
On that note, I raise constantly with the Local Authority (LA) the SEND funding issues that we are all reading about in the national press, and with my fellow Special School leaders, have asked Leeds for an overview of their recent decisions regarding SEND Post 16 transport decisions for September 2025 and beyond.
We need to understand what they mean by “exceptional circumstances” and when we have clarity from the council regarding how it may affect our students, we can then consider next steps. I am not going to interpret or communicate what I think is in the proposal, as it is difficult to navigate, so we have asked for a response to share with you.
After half-term and towards the end of November, interviews for the new Principal will also take place. The Governing body will make the right decision for the school and the new leader will inherit a sound infrastructure and fantastic school to build from. I am sure the Chair of Governors, Ben Thaler, will be in touch with you next term with an update.
Can I also make a plea regarding mobile phones please. Please can parents/carers kindly refrain from using mobile phones on our school sites. Your support is really appreciated, many thanks.
Please can you also make sure we have the correct contact details (especially if you have moved house recently) and mobile phone numbers for emergency contacts.
West Oaks will always try to remain open during the winter, but occasionally the snow does beat us, so we need accurate contact information for each pupil please.
Finally, have a great half-term holiday and we look forward to welcoming our pupils back to school on Monday 4th November. Take care everyone.
Best wishes
Andrew
