Dear Parents/Carers,

Re: Building and facilities developments at Simon Balle All-through School 

We hope this letter finds you well. As we approach the half term break, we wanted to take a moment to update you on the building works. 

First and foremost, we are pleased to announce the completion of the Modern Foreign Languages block. This will officially be handed over to us next week, with occupation from the start of March. This week also saw the successful move of one of our IT classrooms into the recently converted Jubilee Suite: thanks to the hard work of all the staff involved in moving and installing the computers there was a seamless transition for the students. Explorers (our after school club) will also move into the Jubilee Suite shortly, paving the way for the demolition of the two mobile classrooms at the front of the school in preparation for work to commence on the new sports hall.

As previously communicated, the erection of the contractors’ compound at the front of the school will cause considerable disruption to the car park. We are now in a position to confirm that this will be happening during the Easter holidays, so those parents currently in possession of an access pass may continue to use it until the end of the Spring term (Thursday 28th March).

From the start of the Summer term (Monday 15th April) there will be significant changes to the car park:

• Access to the carpark will be limited to staff and a very small number of parents where a medical need means that walking to the site would be impossible. We are in the process of reviewing and communicating with parents that have applied for a new access pass.
• The car park barriers will be closed from 0810 to 1545. Those dropping students at the Busy Lizzies breakfast club will need to arrive before 0810.
• Parents without an access pass should not attempt to enter the car park at drop off or pick up times, nor should they drop students in Mangrove Road: this is dangerous for our students and other road users. The London Road car park (next to the fire station) is a far more suitable site: there is ample space to wait, and access is far easier (and quicker) than attempting to drive along Mangrove Road. It is an 11 minute walk from the London Road car park to the school: students and parents should factor this into their journey time.
• The car park behind the Larch and astro will be a staff-only car park. 
• Although not a change, we would like to remind you that there is absolutely no parking on site for sixth form students.

For those walking to the Larch, the contractors’ compound will block several footpaths within the carpark. The safest way to reach the Larch will be to walk along the pavement on the opposite side of Mangrove Road until you have passed both the current entrance and exit gates, and then cross over and walk up beside the swimming pool (please see this link for photos and maps).

We understand that this change may inconvenience some of you, but we are confident that it is in the best interest of everyone involved. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes. Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our students, staff, parents and neighbours, and it is important to remember that these changes are necessary if we are to provide our students with such exciting new facilities.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure that our school remains a place where every student can thrive and succeed.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Rachel Kirk, Mr Michael Moss and Mr Haydn Walsh

Co-headteachers and Director of Business