Monday 4th  September 2017

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the new Headteacher for Snape Wood Primary and Nursery School. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you.

I have been a Teacher and Senior Leader in schools across Nottingham for 18 years. I joined Snape Wood Primary School in September 2013 as an Assistant Head Teacher, and more recently became the Acting Head Teacher in April 2016.

I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to take over the leadership of this school. I am sure some parents are understandably nervous about the changes in personnel and the impact this will have on standards at Snape Wood. I have been married for over 30 years and have three children of my own; Rumana (27), Sadia (23) and Hasan (18), therefore I know how change can affect how children feel about school. Please be reassured that nothing will change in terms of the routines for your child. The school remains a good school and the expectations of all staff (teaching and non-teaching) will be as high as they were before. Any changes that are made, are for the best interest of the children, and any therefore, will be communicated to you in advance with clear reasons given.

As the leader of the school, my main job is to make sure your child is safe, happy and achieving well whilst they are at school. The staff and I will be spending the next few weeks making sure all the children settle into their new classes and are clear about the high expectations we have of them. I believe children should feel welcome, inspired, safe and supported when they are learning. They will achieve well if they are clear about what is expected of them and the steps they need to get there.

I hold a strong belief in the power of education to change children’s lives and the right of every child to receive an excellent education. I am dedicated to building opportunities for students to achieve the highest academic standards, ensuring that they are known well as individuals and that their unique personality, talents and interests are nurtured and developed to the full. A Snape Wood education is about developing the whole child and providing opportunities for them to flourish within and beyond the classroom. It is the aim of the whole school team to help each child become a successful learner and well-rounded individual who is ready to make the next steps in their learning journey.

Snape Wood is a good school with the potential to be excellent. I am keen to meet parents and carers, to give you the opportunity to say hello and also ask any questions you may have. From my experience of being in education, I know that a successful and happy school depends on all of us working together. Parents make an important contribution to children’s achievements at school, and I want to develop the relationship between the school and parents for everyone’s benefit.

I will be holding a number of events over the next term, which will provide an opportunity to meet you and discuss the building of a successful partnership. These meetings will take place at different times, which I hope will enable most families to attend.

To begin with, there will be a meeting for parents and carers on Monday 11^th September 2017 at 3:30pm. There will be a short presentation followed by tea and coffee and the opportunity to ask any questions you may have of my senior leaders and me.

I very much look forward to meeting you in order to get to know you and share my vision and plans for the school in greater detail. This strong partnership between parents and the school is so important in enabling children to achieve success and so I ask for your full support of school policies and for your continued proactive involvement in your child’s education.

If you have any concerns, then please do not hesitate to speak to me. I will be visible on the playground and gates at the beginning and end of school on most days, but please feel free to email me (on the above email address) or leave a message at the office and I will endeavor to get back to you as soon as possible.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs Shewley Choudhury

Head Teacher