Parent Newsletter 27/02/2026

Executive Principal’s Message

Dear parents/carers,

I hope you’ve had a lovely week and managed to enjoy some of the early sunshine we’ve been treated to – a glorious spring like start to Half Term 4!

Our scholars have settled back in brilliantly. They’ve responded so well to the new lunchtime arrangements – we listened carefully to feedback from scholars and families and and we’re pleased that bringing Year 9 back together by implementing a single lunch has already had such a positive impact.

One of the real highlights this week was our Astrea Talent Showcase. Our singers, bands and musicians were absolutely fantastic – so much confidence, joy and talent on display. We are incredibly proud of every scholar who took part and are grateful to the audience for the brilliant support.

Three key items from me to mention as we head into this new half term…

Firstly, homework completion remains a high focus as it has such a huge positive impact on learning. Please continue to encourage your child to complete their Sparx homework on time each week. If they need any support, our after‑school homework clubs are open and well‑staffed – they’re a great place for scholars to work quietly, get help, or access a device.

Secondly, as always, attendance remains a major priority for us. Every day in school makes a difference to learning, wellbeing and long‑term outcomes. As we always say – you’ve got to be in it to win it. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring your child attends every day, on time.

Finally, a big thank you for your support with lanyards. Scholars have engaged brilliantly – they’re finding it helpful having their timetable to hand, and they look so smart and professional around the academy.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership. It’s been a lovely start to the half term, and we’re excited for all that’s ahead.

Have a great weekend,

Emma Glover

Executive Principal

Key Dates

Wednesday 4th March – Year 9 Scholar Review Evening
Wednesday 11th March – Year 6 Welcome Evening
Friday 20th March – INSET Day
Monday 23rd March – Y11 Mock Results Celebration
Wednesday 25th March – Year 9 Options Event
Monday 30th March – Friday 10th April – Easter break
Tuesday 21st April – Wednesday 22nd April – Y9 Vaccinations
Wednesday 29th April – Year 8 Scholar Review Evening

Lunch Menu

A Meal Deal consists of the following:

A meal meal and either a pudding or water
A sandwich and either a cookie or water
A pasta pot and either a cookie or water

SEND Parental form

Please use the form here to report any SEND concerns/queries to the academy:

https://forms.office.com/e/P9Kp7F7h50

Adult Learning Courses

Gender Space

If a trans young person or their carers asked you where they can get support, would you know where to signpost them to?

Gender Space is a service by Barnardo’s Positive Identities team which offers a therapeutic social model of support for trans and gender questioning young people, aged 13-18 in Yorkshire. They also support Parents and Carers of trans young people.

They recognise the importance of gender identity being validated and expressed in a safe space, which is what they seek to provide in this service. The provision is online and is a mixture of therapeutically informed one-to-one and group work support with youth workers and therapists.

Want to know more? They are holding some information sessions where they will chat more about Gender Space and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions.

For Wednesday 4^th March click here to register

Relationship Counselling

Shared Lives Carer Recruitment

Parent App

The Pause Parenting app, developed by experts at the University of Warwick with NHS trusts and local authorities, helps parents apply evidence-based techniques to improve children’s behaviour and reduce stress. It offers personalised support and interactive activities, acting as a “pocket” tool for managing challenging moments.

Key Features and Benefits of the Pause App:

· 🧠 Evidence-Based Tools: Provides techniques for anxiety, positive parenting, and behavioural issues based on 40 years of research.

· 🤝 Personalised Support: Offers in-the-moment advice tailored to specific family needs and situations.

· 💬 Peer Support: Connects parents and carers with other local parents to offer and receive peer support.

· 🛠️ Skill Implementation: Helps parents, particularly those in parenting programmes, apply skills learned in sessions to daily life.

· 📔 Reflection Journal: Features a tool for parents to track moods and behaviours to understand what triggers issues.

· 📱 Availability: Accessible on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

FREE to access for Barnsley parents/carers using the access code: BARNS. See the attached flyer for more info.

How does it work?

Parents and carers tell the app what their parenting challenge is. The AI feature gives parents information about what might be going on for their child and suggests a practical daily plan of actions to promote real change.

Want to know more about Pause?….