Elm Park Primary School

Dear Parents/Carers,

Year 1 Chestnut Class Staffing Arrangements for Summer Term 2024

I am writing to let you know that due to sudden unforeseen circumstances, we have not been able to secure a temporary teacher for Chestnut class. This is very disappointing news for everyone concerned but cannot be helped.

We recognise that Chestnut class have experienced a good deal of staff turbulence this year as it has been so difficult to recruit high quality long term staff. We had hoped that the summer term would bring a period of stability but circumstances have genuinely changed and temporary cover will no longer be possible. We have listened to our school community and taken on board your views.

We have decided not to cover the remaining term with another agency teacher in order to try to avoid any further disruption and disappointment, but instead to cover the summer term with school staff already working within the school. To this end, Mrs Toms will be Chestnut class teacher supported by Mrs Smith one day per week.

Mrs Toms and Mrs Smith have been supporting and planning across Year 1, along with Miss Bassi so for continuity it makes sense that they will continue in this role.

Mrs Toms and Mrs Smith are highly experienced members of staff, Mrs Toms as a Senior Lead and Mrs Smith with a phonics and reading specialist. Both have worked in Year 1 so know the children and Year 1 curriculum well. Both Mrs Toms and Mrs Smith are reliable, well established, experienced members of the Elm Park staff team.

I understand that this will be particularly frustrating news for parents but I would ask that parents also understand these circumstances are beyond our control and that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that staffing changes impact minimally for summer term. The children have been told about the changes. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

Kind regards

Mrs Lesley Fuller

Head of School

The Aspire Learning Federation

Elm Park Primary School