Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope you are well. I just wanted to give you a few important updates please.

Communications

As you are aware I communicate to you via the Head’s Herald every week. It is really important that you do read and engage with this communication as it contains important information. We do very occasionally get emails informing us that you are not aware of an event etc. However, our communications are very regular. Please ensure you engage with what we send out. I appreciate you are very busy people and I know it will not be intentional, but it really does help with efficiencies and effectiveness.

Also, we are trying to not send communications via the post where possible, as we want to be environmentally friendly and efficient, so it is essential that you have all your details correct on Arbor. We need at least two emergency contacts. If you do not provide emergency contacts or the phone line no longer works when we call it, then we may have to contact the police or appropriate professionals as per our safeguarding protocols in an emergency situation. You can have as many contacts as you wish but we require two as a minimum. We also rely on you updating the information if circumstances change. We have 98% of parents and carers signed up to Arbor, which is superb. However, you need to please use the App and make sure you do log on and check it for information. Maybe view it as a school mail drop, where it will need to be checked once a day. If you are still unsure how to use Arbor then you must contact us and of course we will help and support you. We do keep you fully updated all the time but I appreciate however, that this sometimes this can be overwhelming.

Pastoral Information

I would just like to let you know that the transition period in terms of the Pastoral support is now in place. As you know, the Head of Year stays with their Year group until they reach Year 11. Mr Horne, the Senior Pastoral Lead always remains static and takes then takes the students when they reach Year 11. The Head of Year 10 (who currently is Mr Willcock) then moves to the new Year 7. We operate this new structure from the 9^th June 2025 because Mr Willcock will be needed for all the Year 7 Transition Days, events and Primary school visits as the new Head of Year 7.  Whilst the Year 11 are still in school completing their GCSE examinations, Miss K Dowling, will support in overseeing Year 10 until they leave.  Therefore, there is no change for Year 7-9 in school at present, and current Year 10 will have Mr Horne and Miss K Dowling until the end of the Year.

September 2025 Structure:

Year 7 Mr Willcock

Year 8 Mrs Ashwin

Year 9 Mrs Brown

Year 10 Mr Gwinnett

Year 11 Mr Horne  

The Year 10 students are aware of this change, however I just wanted you to feel in the loop.

 

Secure Mobile Phone Ban

As you will have seen from my previous two editions of the Head’s Herald, we are looking at introducing an increased layer to the mobile phone ban that is already in place and has been in place since I began as Headteacher in 2014. Our current policy is that mobile phones are not allowed in school at any time, and if they are seen they are confiscated and returned at the end of the school day. The product that I have been researching for many months, just ensures that the phone cannot be used at all during the school day. Whilst you may wonder what is wrong with the current system and on the whole, it works fine to a degree, but I am well aware that students are incredibly resourceful and will find a way to use their phones – in the toilets for example or out of range of a CCTV camera etc. and this causes a whole host of issues for us.

As a school we want to focus on our students’ well-being and academic success in equal measure and to do that then we need to be brave and really face up to the disruption that mobiles phones can cause us in a school day.  I did a study of the time we spend dealing with issues that were caused by mobile phones or the battle that we can have at times over students who are caught using the mobile phones and it was staggering. This time could be utilised so much better in terms of supporting the young people from a Pastoral, wellbeing and mental health perspective for example. Smartwatches will also will not be allowed in school. Students can wear a traditional watch if they wish.

We are currently looking at using Yondr, who specialise in creating phone free environments via the Yondr pouch. We have visited many schools who use this product and I have spoken to their staff, students and parents/carers at length regarding how it works and more importantly, the positive impact that this is having on the young people and their well-being.   As you are aware I will never enter into any decision lightly and all decisions are based on research and ultimately will be of benefit to the young people, their well-being and academic success.

The product essentially is a secure pouch, which allows the student to keep their phone with them, but prevents them from using the phone within the school day. The pouch is locked on entry to school and released on exit. The only real difference to what we already have in place, is that the phone is in a secure pouch. The principle is still the same in them not using their phone. As the phone is in a secure pouch there is absolutely no temptation to use it so minimises any distractions. Where we may need hand held technologies we will look to purchase iPads in this instance. We will of course provide much more information and launch events etc. prior to this being implemented, if this is the final decision.  I am just wanting to be transparent in my thinking so you feel consulted.

I know and understand that you will have your opinions on this matter and I will always listen to you. Therefore, I have created a bespoke mail box which will come directly to me and I will answer all your worries and queries personally, the mail box is mobilephone@boteler.org.uk Please do not email my personal email for communications on mobile phones as I want to keep this separate so I do not miss anything. I appreciate this will initiate conversations, so please reach out. It is best coming straight to me rather than assuming, as I can give you the definite answer and nothing will be lost in translation. It may take time as I will respond personally to every email but I feel that is always the best way, so you feel valued.

I have spoken to sample groups of students and parents/carers and they are already very supportive in this potential move. Especially, because of the impact it will have on well-being. They see it as I have described as ‘a layer’ to the current policy.

I only ever have the best interests of my young people at heart and I always want to work with you so again please get in contact if I can help.

If this were to go ahead, we would potentially be looking at a September launch.

I really appreciate you taking the time to read this letter and I know it is a lot to digest. I really value our working relationship and hopefully we can move forward on this together.

Have a lovely weekend when it arrives.

Beverley Scott-Herron
Headteacher

 

National recognition for Wellbeing and Mental Health

I just want to inform you that we have received National recognition for the work we do on Wellbeing and Mental Health.

As you are aware the wellbeing of our young people, staff and wider community is at the heart of everything we do and it is the foundation on which we build all our practices. The impact of getting wellbeing right improves life chances and enables to operate at a level where everyone feels heard and valued.

Wellbeing is a fundamental part of our culture and placing an importance on that over the years has cemented our success both academically and holistically,

We are delighted we have received this the award; however, we do what we do because we absolutely believe the difference we can make by having time, care and compassion for the people who we serve.

We will continue to strive for excellence within wellbeing and improve our practices, learning from others and developing our knowledge and skills within the many facets of this area and within mental health.

The wellbeing of our young people and community will always be a priority for us in our Boteler Family and will continue to beat at the heart of everything we do.

 

 

Rewards Trips Reminder

Thank you to those of you who have already made payments for the rewards trips. A reminder that the deadline for payment is Monday 30^th June and it is important to note that there are limited places on the trips based, with us operating a waiting list once the capacity has been reached. Once a visit has been paid for, via iPay, your child will not be permitted to swap to another visit.

In addition to making the payment via iPay, please can parents/carers ensure that they have completed the parental consent form, via this link – https://forms.office.com/e/dakLLQzzmC

 

Westy Youth is back!

We are excited to be starting Westy Youth drop-in again in a refurbished community centre!

Everyone of high-school age is welcome to come along on 13th June 6-7pm for the footy cage on Westy Park, and then the drop-in will start back in the centre on 20th June 6-7pm. 

Come along for football, games, activities, and free pizza! It doesn’t cost to attend, just turn up.

If you’d like to know more, speak to our Youth for Christ worker, Kim Wellens. 

 

 

Year 11 important information from WVR college

Has your child applied to Warrington Vale Royal?

Getting Ready for College Form – Mandatory step for Enrolment

Applicants with conditional offers are being contacted this week and must complete their ‘Getting Ready for College’ form, which is a mandatory part of the enrolment process. Please encourage them to check their emails for the notification and follow the link provided.

They should review all details in the form, update any missing or incorrect information, and upload a clear photograph for their college ID badge, which they will receive on their first day.

Following feedback from this year’s Careers Leader and Teacher Conference, we want to ensure you are familiar with the updated process and able to support your students on GCSE results day. This year, applicants are required to upload their GCSE results digitally before attending their enrolment appointment.

To assist with this, we’ve created a short FAQs page and video guide, available at: wvr.ac.uk/joiningus 

 

Year 10 

Please make every effort to attend the Post 16 Information Evening on Tuesday 10^th June at 18:00. 3 colleges are joining us, and your child will need to apply for further education in September. The link has been sent via Arbor App and email.

The whole of Year 10 is attending WVR college on Wednesday 2^nd July all day. Buses will collect them from school and return them to school for 15:00. 

Some students have selected to attend Priestley College’s taster day on Monday 7^th July. They will meet teachers at Priestley at 09:00 and then will walk back to school with staff for lunch. They will need their p4 and 5 books.

 

Apprenticeships

Information about apprenticeships can be found find an apprenticeship

For more opportunities go to: https://www.candwopportunities.co.uk/apprenticeships/

For more information on post-16 and post-18 choices, how they compare and where they can lead click here – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

Please note vacancies can be withdrawn before the advertised closing date at the discretion of the employer.

 

PE Kit Donations

Our PE department is welcoming donations of PE kit. If you have any items you can donate, please could they be dropped off at the PE department or brought to the main reception.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A final reminder of our final Parent Forum of the year, which will take place on Tuesday 10th June from 18:00 to 19:30 in the Main Hall. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

This session will focus on your child’s post-16 options and you are more than welcome to bring them along. You’ll receive practical information about what students need to do from September to apply for apprenticeships or college places.

We’re also delighted to welcome representatives from:

• Priestley College
• Warrington & Vale Royal College
• Cronton and Riverside College

They will share insights into the courses and levels they offer, helping you and your child make informed decisions.

Please note: The earlier students apply to college in September, the better their chances of securing a place on their preferred course.

Please confirm your attendance to the event by clicking on the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/afkpjnhT30

We look forward to seeing you there.

 

We are excited to welcome Parents and Carers of students who have English as an additional language to an informal free coffee morning on Wednesday 25^th June. You will shortly receive an invite via an email link, so please do complete the short form.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

How to improve your mental health using physical activity

Physical activity has lots of benefits for your mental health. It can help you manage stress, feel more confident and boost your mood. It can also ease symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Still, being physically active can be difficult. In fact, up to 45% of adults and 30% of children aren’t meeting the government recommendations for physical activity – and this is understandable.

There are many barriers that can stop you from being physically active. This guide explores the mental health benefits of physical activity and small strategies to help you add physical activity to your daily routine.

 

What is physical activity?

Physical activity means any movement of your body that uses your muscles and uses up energy. Physical activity can be split into three main categories:

1. Moderate-intensity physical activity
   Activity that raises your heart rate, makes you breathe faster and makes you feel warmer counts as moderate-intensity physical activity. This form of movement can include walking, hoovering, or playing with your kids.
2. Vigorous activity
   Activity causes you to breathe hard and fast and your heart to pump faster than with moderate-intensity activity. This form of physical activity can include running, swimming, or dancing.3
3. Strengthening activities
   This refers to any physical activity that uses resistance to contract your muscles. The resistance could be gravity, water or a resistance band, for example. There are many strengthening activities we can do, such as digging, carrying a heavy rucksack, or squat exercises.

For more information click on the link: How to improve your mental health using physical activity | Mental Health Foundation 

 

Coming soon to the Sir Thomas Boteler library this July. Keep your eyes peeled for more information!

 

 

 

 

 

Great rehearsal this week.  We are focusing on the opening number which involves the whole cast.  The opening involves all the disciplines of Performing Arts: Acting, Singing and Dancing.  Mrs Guttridge and the Stage Design team have been working hard on set and props and with creating the overall look of the show.  We are excited about how everything is developing and coming together.  

Thank you to everyone for all their hard work. Ms Armstrong