Dear Parents and Carers,

Re: Change to the length of the school week from September 2024

I am writing to you to inform you of an important change to the timings of the school day from September 2024.

The Department for Education has announced that from September 2024 the minimum amount of time that a student spends in school each week, including breaks and lunchtime, should be at least 32.5 hours. The 32.5 hour minimum expectation includes the time in each day from the official start of the school day (i.e. morning registration) to the official end of the compulsory school day (i.e. official home time).  At present, the week at Wincheap Foundation Primary School is 30.75 hours and therefore shorter than the new expected minimum.

To comply with this directive, we will change the start of the school day for pupils to 8.30 am each day. This means that from 4^th September 2024 our school gates are going to open at 8.20 am and close at 8.30 am. Children need to be in their classrooms by 8.30 am.

Staff have been consulted on the change of school day timings and the Senior Leadership Team have put this change to the Governing Body, which has approved the changes, coming into effect from September 2024.

I am sure you will all agree with me how important it is that all pupils achieve their full academic potential and how importance good attendance is. I therefore anticipate that all of you will support your child/ren and our school with this important change and ensure that your child/ren are in school by 8.30 am every day when the new academic year starts on 4^th September 2024.

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions on the changes outlined, please contact me by email.

Yours sincerely

Nicola Dawson

Headteacher