A Boston school, recently graded Good by Ofsted, has been working hard to ensure that its newest pupils will have the smoothest of starts – despite the obstacles that have been thrown in its way by the COVID outbreak.
As part of its efforts for its new pupils joining in September, Park Academy has grasped the latest technology to hold intake meetings via Zoom and one-to-one meetings between staff and families online.
Headteacher Sarah Gray said: “We feel we have really gone above and beyond to make the transition for our new starters as smooth and effective as possible, even though we have had the challenges presented by COVID to deal with.
“Coronavirus hasn’t stopped us, and will not stop us, making sure our children are prepared for school.
“Our Zoom meetings have been really well attended, and have given children the opportunity to meet and chat with their new teachers. Staff offer weekly Zoom ‘story time’ sessions to the children and their parents too.
“We are also delivering ‘book bag packs’ for each pupil, directly to their home. This pack includes a bag for books, a Park teddy bear – which can be brought to the weekly Zoom story sessions – a bookmark, pencil and storybook. Pupils also get a transition booklet to introduce them to the staff and school.
“At the end of term we are hoping to offer some face-to-face transition sessions between staff, parents and children so that the new pupils have had the opportunity to visit the school before they start.”
- Park Academy still has pupil places available for September. For further information call 01205 368805 or email park@bwaf.net