Oaklands School
Building Foundations for Fulfilling Futures
Oaklands School
Building Foundations for Fulfilling Futures
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Parent/Carer Information re Meningitis awareness - from Public Health
Tue 17 Mar 2026Important information for parents and carers: meningitis awareness - from Public Health
Dear all,
we are writing to make you aware of a small number of recent cases of meningitis in the Kent area. While cases remain uncommon, we want to ensure parents and carers are informed and know what to look out for.
Meningococcal disease (meningitis) is a rare but serious infection caused by bacteria. It can develop quickly, so recognising the symptoms early and seeking medical help promptly is very important.
Symptoms to be aware of may include:
- A rash that does not fade when pressed through a glass.
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Sensitivity to light
- Cold hands and feet
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Confusion
- Seizures
Not all symptoms will appear, and they can develop rapidly. If you are concerned, please seek medical advice urgently.
Young people, particularly those moving on to college or university, can be at increased risk due to mixing with larger groups, so awareness and vaccination is especially important.
Vaccination Programme: Teenagers
The Men ACWY vaccine, which protects against four types of meningitis (A, C, W and Y), will be offered in schools from the end of March through to June. This will include:
- All Year 9 students
- Any students in Years 10 and 11 who may have missed their vaccination
You need to consent for your child to receive this vaccination. The consent form will be emailed to you from a programme called 'MAVIS'. Please ask your school if you have not had this email.
Children
From 2015, all children are given vaccination against meningitis B at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and one year. You can check if your child has had this by asking your GP.
Reassurance
Meningitis is usually spread through close, prolonged contact. There is no need for siblings or close contacts to stay off school unless they are unwell.
Further information and support
You can find more information and support here:
- NHS – Meningitis
- Meningitis Research Foundation (24-hour helpline: 0808 800 3344)
- Meningitis Now (helpline: 0808 80 10 388, 9am–8pm)
Kind regards,
Vaccine and Screening
Public Health
Leicester City Council
Landline – 0116 4542093
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Timeline for Consultation
Wed 21 Jan 2026OAKLANDS SCHOOL
ACADEMY CONSULTATION TIMELINE
Formal consultation opens: 8am Wednesday 21st January
Formal consultation closes: 5pm Wednesday 11th March
8.00am 21st January
Formal consultation opens
- Letters sent to parents, staff and other stakeholders
- Information published on school website
Wednesday 28th January
Stand at parents’ evening 3-5pm
Wednesday 4th February
Staff meeting 3-4pm
Thursday 5th February
Parents/Carers Meeting 10-11am
5.00pm 11th March
Formal consultation closes
Wednesday 18th March
Governing body meeting to consider consultation responses and to make a final decision on academy conversion
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Proposed Conversion to Academy Status – Consultation
Tue 20 Jan 2026Proposed Conversion to Academy Status – Consultation
Dear Parent/Carer,
After careful consideration, the Governing Body of Oaklands School has agreed to apply to become an academy under the Academies Act 2010 and is proposing to join The Mead Educational Trust (TMET).
We are now consulting about our school’s plans to convert to an academy with anyone who might have an interest, including parents and carers, pupils and staff. Further information about what becoming an academy means is set out in the FAQs document below.
The consultation runs from Wednesday 21st January to Wednesday 11th March. During this time, we will hold meetings, answer questions and receive written views.
The consultation timeline and documents are posted on the school website.
We would like to invite you to attend a parent/carer meeting:
Thursday 5th February 10-11am
This meeting will be about the proposed academy conversion. You will have an opportunity to hear from Me (Chair of Governor), the Headteacher and the Chief Executive of TMET and you will be given an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns about academy conversion.
In addition, the Headteacher, Sarah Osborne, and a TMET representative will have a presence at our parents’ evening on Wednesday January 28th to answer questions.
Questions or comments can also be made in writing to consultation@oaklands.leicester.sch.uk , especially if you are unable to attend the above meeting. We would like to hear your voice.
The closing date for representations to be made is Wednesday 11th March
I look forward to meeting with you and hearing your comments on Thursday 5th February,
Yours faithfully
Sonia Barnes (Chair of Governors)
ACADEMY CONVERSION AND JOINING A TRUST
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
What is an academy trust?
This is a charitable company that has to be set up to run an academy school or group of academy schools. A multi-academy trust (MAT) is an academy trust with more than one school (or the potential to have more than one). An academy trust is responsible and accountable for the performance of all the schools within the trust and sets the vision, strategic direction, and values for the trust. As the legally accountable body, the academy trust is the employer, admissions authority and enters into contracts. All schools within a trust are governed by the trust.
An academy trust is subject to company and charity law, it is not allowed to ‘own’ schools and it cannot it profit from the schools it controls. Year-end accounts must be sent to Companies House within strict time limits and must be published on the academy trust’s website.
The academy trust enters into a funding agreement with the Department for Education which is the contract by which the trust agrees to provide educational services in exchange for funding. Usually, the academy trust enters into a leasehold agreement with the local authority when taking a local authority-maintained school into the trust.
What is The Mead Educational Trust (TMET)?
TMET is a local multi-academy trust which currently comprises 15 schools:
- eight Leicester primary schools: Abbey, Fosse, Kestrel, Knighton, North, Rowlatts, Thurnby and Willowbrook Mead Primary Academies;
- six Leicester/Leicestershire secondary schools: Brook, Castle, Kibworth, Orchard and Rushey Mead Academies, and Brookvale Groby Learning Campus; and
- one special school: Netherhall Academy.
A number of our primary and secondary schools have DSPs (Designated Specialist Provision) units. DSP is a model of a co-located specialist facility in a mainstream school which allows pupils with SEND who have needs which would normally be beyond the capacity of the mainstream environment to have those needs met whilst still being able to access a mainstream curriculum.
TMET also has The Mead Institute of Professional Learning, Leicester and Leicestershire Teaching School Hub and Leicestershire SCITT (School-Centred Initial teacher Training).
What checks and balances are there for academies and academy trusts?
The Regional Directors act on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education and are responsible for academies in their region. Amongst other things, they monitor and review the performance of academies, take action when academies underperform and make decisions on applications from schools to join academy trusts.
The Department for Education (DfE) is accountable for funding education and skills for children and young people. Amongst other things, the DfE regulates academies, intervening where there is a risk of failure or where there is evidence of mismanagement of public funds. The DfE publishes the Academy Trust Handbook which describes the financial requirements for academy trusts, including the requirement for academy trusts to have annual external and internal financial audits.
Academies are still subject to Ofsted inspections as they are as local authority-maintained schools.
THE PROCESS OF JOINING AN ACADEMY TRUST
Will our school definitely join The Mead Educational Trust (TMET)?
Your school is not obligated to convert to academy status and join TMET until the contract between TMET and the Department for Education (known as the Funding Agreement) is signed. This will not be signed until parents and carers of pupils at the school, staff at the school, and possibly pupils themselves have had the opportunity to comment on the proposals during the consultation period. Any comments or representations which are made about the proposals will be considered by the school’s governing body before it takes the final decision about joining TMET.
At the same time, TMET will conduct due diligence on the school which means that it will look at areas such as education standards, staffing, finances and buildings to assess what the school could bring to the Trust, how the Trust can support the school and whether there are any risks in bringing the school into the Trust. TMET will not sign the Funding Agreement unless they are content that conversion would be in the best interests of both the school and the Trust, taking account of all of the legal and practical ramifications.
Is there a cost to academy conversion and how is that covered?
Yes, for things such as legal advice and licences for the services used by the Trust. Special schools are eligible for a DfE conversion grant to help cover this.
What is the timeframe for conversion of the school to academy status?
The conversion process usually takes 5 or 6 months to complete once agreement is made, though this can take longer if there are any specific issues with things such as the buildings and site that have longer term activities to complete.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES
What are the benefits of being a school in TMET?
The governing body believes that the benefits include opportunities to:
- Collaborate with the other schools in TMET to share thinking and planning in order to spread expertise and tackle challenges together.
- Engage in sustained school-to-school support.
- Share staff across more than one school, enabling schools to find different solutions to recruitment challenges, to retain staff by providing new opportunities and to plan succession more effectively.
- Work as a group of schools to find and fund specialist expertise and to provide richer curricular and extra-curricular activities.
- Share staff professional development.
- Seek economies of scale through group business management and collective purchasing.
What are the disadvantages?
Every school that joins an academy trust loses some autonomy. The trust board and executive team will retain some control over areas such as senior leader appointments, the school budget and reserves and policies. It is worth saying that such control at a central level can ensure more consistency and a level of assurance for each school. Any school choosing to join an academy trust needs to weigh up the loss of some control against the potential benefits.
Does TMET take control of the schools?
In short no. TMET describes themselves as a supporting team: they understand every school has its unique culture that is relevant to the area, environment and demographic of its students. There are elements that TMET oversees to support efficiency and process, all done with the intention to allow each school’s focus to be on teaching and learning. The school can still define the curriculum offer for their own school.
How does TMET improve standards in its schools?
All the schools in TMET have improved since joining the Trust. Major factors in this are the:
- Sharing of staff, expertise, and training opportunities.
- Collaborative groups, including principals, vice-principals, business managers, premises officers, subjects, special educational needs and safeguarding.
- Close monitoring of schools and rapid response to any drop in standards or to any problems.
WHAT WOULD CHANGE?
Will the school change?
For pupils and parents/carers, it is unlikely that they will see much, if any, change in their day-to-day school lives. Academy schools do have the power to vary their curriculum offer and vary the length of the school day. However, TMET does not intend to take any such steps at this stage and would engage with parents/carers, staff, and pupils if any such changes were proposed in the future. All TMET schools continue to follow the National Curriculum and assess children using national standards.
Will SEN (special educational needs) work in the same way?
Yes, the way funding for SEN works the same in TMET and the process for applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan is the same.
Will Ofsted still inspect the school?
Yes, joining a multi academy trust does not cause a change to the frequency of Ofsted inspections.
What routes will parents have to complain about concerns?
TMET has a Trust-wide complaints procedure which sets out the stages of a complaint.
STAFFING
Who will employ the staff if the school joins TMET?
All staff working at the school immediately before joining will be employed by TMET upon transfer. Their employment will be transferred under a process called TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment Rights). It is the law that protects employees, and their terms and conditions, when their employment changes hands.
TUPE is a formal process that requires written notification of the change in employment which includes any ‘measures’ (changes in terms and conditions) and a consultation period with staff, unions and any other appropriate parties.
Will all staff retain their jobs?
All staff working at the school immediately before joining TMET will be transferred over to the Trust.
Will the school still have a headteacher?
Yes. All the TMET schools have a headteacher (known as the principal).
Will staff be moved around the different schools in the Trust?
Staff who already work at a school on joining the Trust will not be required to work in another TMET school, although they are welcome to put themselves forward to do so if they wish. Many members of staff in the Trust have recognised that secondments to other Trust schools can provide them with opportunities to stretch and develop themselves and to gain additional experience and skills. Staff who join a Trust school once it is in TMET have a clause in their contract to say that they can be deployed to any TMET school as required although the Trust would seek to do this in agreement with the individual.
Will my pay arrangements change?
TMET pay staff monthly and our pay date is 25th of each month, or the working day before if it falls on a weekend or bank holiday. Changing to TMET’s pay date and payroll system will be one of the measures that TMET proposes when transferring a school.
TMET have full online facilities for payslips, P45 and P60s, which you will be given access to. If you currently use an online platform to access your pay document, your school will check with their current provider to see what you will have to do to maintain your access to those documents. For example, you may need to move your existing log in to a personal email address prior to transfer if you currently log in using a work one.
As you will be moving employer, you will be issued a P45 at the point of transfer. This is for administrative purposes only and has no effect on your transfer with full continuity of service and terms and conditions.
Will staff have the same pay and conditions?
TMET will complete a review to assess how roles would map across to their pay structures. No member of staff will suffer detriment on transfer. TMET also apply TUPE which is the law that protects employee’s terms and conditions when their employment changes hands.
Pay scales will not change for teachers or leaders on transfer which is standard in the sector: they will be mapped across on their current points. TLRs that are in place at the point of transfer will remain in place. TLRs are set and agreed by principals to reflect their local school improvement needs and priorities.
TMET have their own support staff grading structure and the value of the scale points are ahead of the NJC framework. Support staff will be mapped across to the TMET support staff grading structure on an equivalent salary.
No colleague will suffer detriment to their holiday entitlement and the majority of support staff will receive an extra day. There will be no change to an employee’s notice period on transfer. New colleagues joining the school post transfer will move onto TMET’s notice periods.
TMET’s Pay Policy covers overtime, payment for supporting clubs, call out, trips, duty lunches and tuition.
Full details of the transfer arrangements will be set out in a formal letter to staff and will be discussed with staff at a TUPE meeting.
Will pensions be affected for staff?
No. There will be no changes to any pension arrangements or scheme membership upon transfer to TMET, for any staff. All teachers, both current and future, will continue to be enrolled into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. All non-teaching staff, both current and future, will continue to be enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme, which replicates the current position. Employer contributions and the ability to make additional contributions will be unchanged.
Will staff have continuous service on transfer to TMET?
On the transfer to TMET, all staff continuous service will be protected for redundancy and other purposes. In the instance of redundancy, for all staff, continuity of service for the purpose of redundancy calculations is protected by the 'Redundancy Modifications Order'. This amends the employment regulations so that, if an employee moves employment between bodies in a specified list of public employers, then continuity of service is retained for redundancy. Local authorities and academies are on this list, so continuity of service is retained for staff moving back and forth between these employers for redundancy purposes.
Will unions be recognised?
Yes, TMET recognises teacher and support staff trade unions in with national bargaining arrangements. The Trust holds regular meetings to consult on policies and other relevant matters.
What support and training will staff be offered?
The Trust is committed to developing staff at all levels and makes this a high priority. Staff are encouraged to engage in training and development programmes and some staff have taken up the opportunity to work in other Trust schools or across several schools, which has enabled them to develop their skills. The Mead Institute of Professional Learning offers a range of staff development programmes for teachers and support staff and training workshops for staff and governors. The Institute is continuously reviewing the needs of Trust staff to further develop the Trust CPD offer.
Does TMET follow School Teachers Pay and Conditions and the National Joint Council?
TMET’s Board approves and publishes its Pay Policy each year following consultation with their recognised trade unions. It has been developed to comply with current legislation, the School Teacher’s Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), the National Joint Council for Local Government Services National Agreement on Pay and Conditions of Service (“Green Book”), any local pay agreements in place at the time that TMET was established, the spirit of the Burgundy Book and in accordance with the principles of public life - objectivity, openness and accountability.
Will our HR policies change?
Yes, one of the measures that we will propose will be that TMET’s HR policies are implemented on transfer. Included in the measures letter will be a comparison of the main differences between your current policies and TMET’s.
What will happen to performance management?
TMET no longer uses formal appraisal and does not link pay to performance, therefore all staff increment each year automatically. TMET has My Professional Development Conversations (MPDC) which focus on professional and career development and wellbeing. TMET will work with your principal to identify when you will transition from your current model to MPDC.
What does TMET do to support Wellbeing?
TMET has invested in Wellbeing Platform called VIV-UP. This includes:
- GP helpline – free, 24/7 confidential telephone and video appointments with NHS registered doctors, whenever you need it.
- Confidential counselling support – 24/7 telephone helpline offering expert support for whatever issue you’re facing – mental, physical, financial, or personal, plus face-to-face counselling if needed.
- Dependant benefits – the counselling service and GP helpline are also available to staff dependents free of charge.
- Lifestyle Savings – access a huge range of savings across the UK’s major retailers including food, travel, days out, fitness and eating out.
- Well-being online platform – a whole range of online resources and tools for managing finances, dealing with stress, keeping fit and much more.
- Health Cash Plan - For a small monthly fee, claim back the costs of opticians, dentists, physiotherapy, acupuncture, NHS prescription charges, and more.
TMET also has a Trust wide wellbeing and workload charter.
FINANCES
Will there be a difference in the funding on joining TMET?
The schools in TMET get a similar amount of funding as they did when they were maintained schools or single academies. Previously the schools would have either paid the LA or outsourced activity for central services. Multi academy trusts work similarly but central services are provided by the Trust and therefore the Trust retains some funding for the central services it provides.
The TMET schools can gain from economies of scale and collective bargaining in buying services and resources. The guiding principles of the TMET approach is that it ensures ‘we live within our means’, that pupils have expert teachers in front of them as much as possible, and that the mix of expenditure is well-balanced between education and operations as well as staffing and non-staffing. Ultimately, the objective is to be more sustainable, equitable and strategic.
GOVERNANCE
How does governance work in an academy trust?
A trust must have Members (who are effectively guardians of the constitution) and a Board of Trustees (who govern the trust). The Board decides how governance works at a local level and, in TMET, this is an academy council for each school. See the TMET website for more information. Responsibilities for the different levels of governance, Executive Team and principals in the Trust are set out in the TMET Scheme of Delegation which can be found on the TMET website here.
What will happen to governance at the school on joining TMET?
On joining TMET, the governing body of the school will be reconstituted and an academy council will be set up. In TMET, each academy council is typically made up of 9 people: 2 parents, 2 staff, academy principal and 4 Trust-appointed members. Usually, many of the existing governors of the school joining the Trust transfer over onto the academy council. As vacancies arise, parents and staff members are recruited through an election process which is the same as in maintained schools. Trust-appointed councillors are appointed by the Trust Director of Governance in agreement with the chair of the academy council and the school principal.
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Diary Dates for Parents/Carers for Spring/Summer 2026
Thu 18 Dec 2025Diary Dates for Spring & Summer Term 2026
Date
Event
Monday 5th January
All pupils return to school after the Christmas break
Monday 12th January
Parent Workshop - Setting clear Boundaries for children at home
w/b 19th January
Animal Families Science Week for all pupils
Friday 23rd January
Parent Forum
Wednesday 28th January
3-5pm Parents Evening
Friday 30th January
Parent Workshop – Developing Independence
Friday 6th February
Numbers Day for all pupils
Saturday 7th February
Sibling Saturday
Thursday 12th February
Parent Workshop – Developing Communication at Oaklands
Friday 13th February
Dress down day- If your child would like to wear casual clothes
Half term: No school Monday 16th – Fri 20th February
Monday 23d February
All pupils return to school after the half term break
Thursday 26th February
Parent Workshop – Reading Fluency for Elm and Cherry Parents
Friday 27th February
Holi Big Day- Pupils dress up/bright colours if they would like
Week of March 2-6th
Elm & Cherry Celebrate & Learn events
Thursday 5th March
World Book Day
Thursday 10th March
Parent Workshop – Reading the World for Nurture and Willow Parents
Week of March 16th-19th
Willow Celebrate & Learn events
Friday 20th March
Disaggregated INSET day- No School for pupils
Monday 23rd March
Eid Big Day
Monday 23rd March
Frogs Easter Creativity Celebrate and Learn
Tuesday 24th March
Stoats and Honeybees Easter Creativity Celebrate and Learn
Wednesday 25th March
Ladybirds and Butterflies Easter Creativity Celebrate and Learn
Wednesday 25th March
Autism Acceptance Danceathon
Thursday 26th March
Autism Acceptance Event- Families & Friends invited 10am-12pm
Easter Holiday: No school Monday 30th March – Friday 10th April
Tuesday 14th April
Vaisakhi Big Day
Thursday 16th April
Parent Forum
Monday 20th April
Parent Workshop - Transition to Secondary for Year 5 Parents
Wednesday 29th April
3-5pm Parents Evening
Monday 4th May
Bank Holiday Monday- No school
Tuesday 5th May
Spotty Day- Pupils dress in spots if they would like
Wednesday 6th May
Parent Workshop – Physical Development
Saturday 9th May
Sibling Saturday
w/b 11th May
Food & Digestion Science Week for all pupils
Monday 11th May
Green Day for Mental Health Awareness
Tuesday 19th May
Parent Workshop – Paper based Communication
Thursday 21st May
Parent Workshop – Welcome to Oaklands: Information for new parents
Half Term: No school Monday 25th May-Fri 29th May
Tuesday 2nd June
Parent Workshop – English as an additional language
Wednesday 10th June
DeMontfort Hall SINGclusive- Pupils to be confirmed
Thursday 11th June
Parent Forum in the park
Week of 15th June- 19th
Willow Celebrate & Learn events
Monday 15th June
Parent Workshop – Behaviour is Communication
Friday 19th June
National Thank a Teacher Day
Saturday 20th June
Sibling Saturday
Monday 22nd June
Frogs Spinney Celebrate and Learn
Tuesday 23rd June
9.30am Breakfast with the Headteacher & Leadership team- All parents
Tuesday 23rd June
Stoats Spinney Celebrate and Learn
Wednesday 24th June
INSET day- No School for pupils
Thursday 25th June
Physical Development Big day for all pupils
Thursday 25th June
Butterflies Spinney Celebrate and Learn
Friday 26th June
Honeybees Spinney Celebrate and Learn
Friday 26th June
Parent Workshop - Getting the most out of visits in the community
Week of 29 June –3rd July
Elm & Cherry Celebrate & Learn events
Wednesday 1st July
Ladybirds Spinney Celebrate and Learn
Tuesday 7th July
Multi-colour Day- Pupils dress in multicoloured clothes if they like
Wednesday 8th July
1.15pm Leavers’ Celebrate & Learn – Year 6 parents only (Nurture & Willow) TBC
Thursday 9th July
1.15pm Leavers’ Assembly- Year 6 parents only (Elm & Cherry)
Friday 10th July
Final day of term: Dress down day. Normal finish time
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Letter from Chair of Governors
Thu 20 Nov 2025Thursday 20th November
Dear Parents/ Carers,
Exploring Academy Status – Beginning Our Due Diligence
I am writing on behalf of the Governing Body to let you know that we are beginning a due diligence process to explore the possibility of Oaklands School applying to become an academy and, if appropriate, joining The Mead Educational Trust (TMET).
At this stage, no final decision has been made. Governors are committed to ensuring that any future decision is taken carefully, openly, and with the best interests of our pupils, families, and staff at the centre.
Over the last 2 years, the Governing Body has spent considerable time looking into different academy models, gathering information, and considering what academisation might mean for a specialist school like ours. Oaklands is a unique community with a distinctive ethos, and we are determined that any change must have a clear and positive impact on pupil experience, outcomes, and long-term school stability.
As part of this early exploratory work, we have been learning more about TMET, a local multi-academy trust comprising 15 schools including primary, secondary, and specialist provision. TMET has Designated Specialist Provision units in several of its schools and already works closely with a number of Leicester settings. We have also taken time to understand how our school’s values, curriculum, and approach might align with theirs, and where collaboration could be beneficial.
Entering a due diligence process means that we will now explore this potential option more thoroughly. This includes examining how joining a trust could support school improvement, professional development, succession planning, and the sustainability of specialist provision in the long term. It also allows us to consider potential risks and whether academisation is the right strategic direction for our school community.
A full and formal consultation with parents, carers, staff, and other stakeholders will take place later this academic year. This will include meetings and opportunities to ask questions, offer views, and understand the implications in more depth. Your feedback will be an essential part of the Governing Body’s considerations before any decision is made.
In the meantime, we will continue to keep you updated as this exploratory process progresses.
Thank you for your continued support of Oaklands School.
Yours faithfully,
Sonia Barnes
Chair of Governors -
Info to all Parents/Carers from Leicestershire Police
Tue 23 Sep 2025Information sent to all parents from Leicestershire Police
Tuesday 10th September 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Road and Pedestrian Safety – Operation Syphon 2025
I am writing to you on behalf of the East Leicester Neighborhood Policing Team to raise awareness of important road safety issues affecting our school communities. As part of Operation Syphon 2025, we are working proactively to improve road and pedestrian safety across East Leicester, with a particular focus on the areas surrounding local schools.
We are asking for your support in the following key areas:
Parking Safety
Please avoid parking on double yellow lines, zig-zag markings, or blocking pavements near school entrances. These actions create dangerous conditions for children and other pedestrians, including wheelchair users and those with pushchairs. Illegal parking not only endanger lives but also causes disruption to the local community.
Road Safety Statistics
Recent figures from the Department for Transport show that 25% of car fatalities involved individuals not wearing seatbelts. This figure increases to 41% during night-time collisions. Seatbelts are a legal requirement and remain one of the most effective life-saving measures in vehicles.
Child Car Seat Requirements
Children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. After this, they must wear a seatbelt. Booster seats must be EU-approved and correctly fitted. Failure to comply can result in a £500 fine and penalty points and significantly increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
E-Scooter Legislation and Safety
We would like to remind you that privately owned electric scooters (e-scooters) are, under current UK law, classed as mechanically propelled vehicles. This means they require a valid driving license and insurance to be used legally on public roads. It is illegal to use them on pavements, parks, or roads without meeting these requirements.
Sadly, we have seen significant injuries and, in some cases, fatalities involving the use of e-scooters in our local area. These incidents highlight the serious risks associated with their misuse.
As part of Operation Syphon, we will be taking proactive enforcement action. This includes the seizure of e-scooters being used illegally and issuing fines of up to £300 and 6 penalty points on the rider’s driving license. Please ensure that children and young people are aware of these legal restrictions.
Stay Informed
For further updates and information about road safety legislation and local enforcement activity, please follow our East Leicester Police Facebook page. We regularly share important safety messages and community updates.
We appreciate your continued cooperation in helping us keep our school communities safe. By working together, we can ensure that every child travels to and from school in a safe and responsible manner.
We will shortly be releasing a survey to the public to help us fully understand the communities’ concerns surrounding road and pedestrian safety.
Yours Faithfully
Sergeant 2239 Chris Hall
East Leicester Neighborhood Policing Team
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Parent Forum
Mon 01 Sep 2025We have our first parent forum of the year on Thursday 11th September at 10:30am. This is an opportunity to meet with other parents, our family support worker and senior leaders for a cuppa and a chat.
All parents and carers are more than welcome to come along
Hope to see you then
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Start of Year Newsletter 2025-2026
Fri 29 Aug 2025Friday 29th August 2025
New School Year 2025-2026
Dear Parents/Carers,
It has been a wonderful first week of the academic year for all pupils at Oaklands. We have been thrilled to see children settling into their classes so smoothly, getting to know the staff and meeting their new peer groups. Attendance this week has been very good. Thank-you for preparing children well and getting them on the bus/taxi or ready in the car to arrive at 8.45am.
We have welcomed new children across the Nurture, Willow and Elm pathways who have all been smiling and playing alongside their peers already. We are very proud of the way in which they have started their new school! Welcome also to our new families, who we look forward to getting to know.
This term, all children will be exploring a variety of learning experiences from reading traditional tales and exploring a forest environment in our immersive room, to preparing food and practicing valuable life skills. There will also be whole school Big Days about the Lights and Sound, Magnetism and floating and sinking
as well as fund raising for Children in Need. We look forward to learning about Diwali just before half term.
Diary Dates: Attached to this letter, you will find diary dates for the first half of the school year. We hope this will be helpful for you to plan ahead. Some dates are for parents/carers to join us in school - we look forward to welcoming you. Parents workshops are open for all parents to join us and Vicky Bland will send out reminders about these on ClassDojo.
During the summer break there have been a number of improvements made to our school environment. We have had a fantastic new canopy area created outside three of our classrooms in the Willow pathway providing much needed additional learning spaces that can be used all year round. We have also had a barefoot walk created in our spinney area. There are many proven benefits to barefoot walking for autistic pupils, and for all of our children, this will provide a stimulating new way to widen their world through experiencing new textures outdoors. In addition, there are other exciting new areas to explore in the spinney; a mud kitchen, digging area, herb garden and a new swing!
Transport: The car park arrangements have worked smoothly again this week. Thank-you to parents who bring your children. We appreciate your patience and understanding, supporting us to keep everyone safe at the start and end of each day. The buses and taxis have also arrived in good time. Whilst we do not co-ordinate the bus or taxi transport (it is a city council service), if you experience any issues and would like our support, please do not hesitate to call the school office.
Communication: Please do continue to check Class Dojo and the school website for any updates. New parents/carers should have been sent a link by email to join Class Dojo. You receive regular updates about your child’s activities and progress through Class Dojo and it also gives you the facility to message the class team if you need to let them know anything. There is a translate facility if this is helpful to you. If you need any support or further information about this, please contact the office.
You can also find us on You Tube, Facebook & Twitter
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoBZ9amxpU6NJ3OM9_dPioA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OaklandsSchoolLeicester/
Twitter: @OaklandsSchool_
Oaklands School Lettings: Oaklands has a wide range of spaces that we let out to Local Community Groups. This supports us with revenue that we can then put back into buying teaching and learning resources. If you are aware of any groups or societies in the local community who are looking for a venue, please do ask them to check out our school website for the Lettings Policy for more details or call our school office on 0116 2415921 to speak to Ashleigh Haines, our School Business Manager
Family Support Worker: Mala Chohan is our family support worker. She is a valued member of the Oaklands team who can support parents/carers with advice on a whole range of issues including DLA, other benefits, grants and financial support, as well as housing and community groups. If you would like to speak to Mala, she can be contacted through the school office. Mala works Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm and Friday 10-1pm
If you have any questions, queries or comments, please do not hesitate to get in touch through Class Dojo or the school office. We look forward to seeing every child grow and progress in their learning this term. They are all a joy to work with!
Many thanks for your support,
Regards
Sarah
Sarah Osborne (Headteacher)
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Summer Activities in Leicester
Thu 10 Jul 2025Summer Holiday 2025 Activities:
Children with disabilities who live in Leicester can take part in free activities over the summer holidays. Activity sessions will take place at:
Thurnby Lodge Children, Young People and Family centre
- Tuesday 22 July from 1.30 to 4pm
- Tuesday 5 August from 1.30 to 4pm
New Parks Children, Young People and Family Centre
- Tuesday 29 July from 1.30 to 4pm
- Tuesday 12 August from 1.30 to 4pm
Please note siblings are welcome to attend, and parents/carers are required to accompany and support their children during the session. A food hamper / Voucher will be provided to those families attending where their child is receiving benefits related free school meals.
No booking is required, however, those attending will be asked to complete a registration form on arrival. Full details can be found at:
families.leicester.gov.uk/disabled-childrens-activity-programmeSummer Scheme for neurodivergent children who might struggle to engage in a much bigger, louder summer scheme. It is being run by The Grove, in partnership with, Heads Up.
The FREE scheme will take place on 4 Fridays for 2 ½ hours, with a ‘build your own’ sensory-friendly lunch included.For more information or to book go to tinyurl.com/headsupsummer
- Mosaic are running some activities, see link for families
https://www.mosaic1898.co.uk/childrensservices
- Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre’s Holiday Scheme
Are you looking for a safe, supervised and affordable way to entertain your children during the school holidays? If so, look no further than Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre’s Holiday Scheme.
https://lopc.co.uk/childcare/#holiday-scheme
- Jumpin’ Fun, Nottingham
One of our parents has passed on information about SEN Sessions at Planet Bounce; reduced lighting, noise and lower capacity. Adult monitors support with supervision. 1 parent/carer goes free with each booking. The next session is:
Sunday 27th July 9am-10am To book go to the link https://planetbounceinflatablepark.com/events/
There are also Wednesday sessions 5pm-6pm with the next one being 9th July and then in the Autumn term on 10th September.
Aldi has launched a new voucher scheme to help families with school holiday costs. This initiative will provide families with a chance to receive a £50 voucher, to be spent in-store, every day over the six-week holiday period.
The vouchers can be used on anything from healthy snacks and essentials to toys and garden activities from the Special buy aisle
To apply, parents/carers simply need to email their name and email address to SummerSupportScheme@aldi.co.uk.
Asda Cafés
- Kids’ meals available for just £1
- Includes vegan and healthy options.
- Comes with a free piece of fruit.
- Available all day, every day, with no minimum adult spend required. Check out the menu online.
Morrisons Cafés
- Kids eat free at Morrisons cafes with the purchase of an adult meal (£4.50 or more).
- Offer applies to children under 16.
Dunelm Pausa Cafés
- Kids eat free when an adult spends at least £4 at a Pausa cafe. Includes a main, drink, and two snacks.
IKEA Restaurants
- Ikea can always be relied upon to have affordable options, such as kids’ pasta with tomato sauce and a drink for 95p.
- Other kids’ meals available for £1.50.
Offer available daily from 11 AM.
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End of Year Letter to Parents
Thu 10 Jul 2025Dear Parents/Carers,
It has been another very busy, yet successful year at Oaklands. We are immensely proud of each and every one of our Oaklands superstar pupils. They all coped particularly well with changes to the school building at the start of the year, with lots of new pupils (and families) also settling into school routines and becoming part of the Oaklands family. Pupils and staff have all worked incredibly hard during the year, with our successful Ofsted visit in February acknowledging the wonderful progress that we see learners achieve. This week, staff and children will be celebrating the friendships they have made and reflecting on the learning they have done together as they get ready for the summer holiday and a new academic year ahead.
This term finishes on Friday (11th July) at 2.30pm
Diary date: children return on Tuesday 26th August
You will all be receiving your child’s End of Year Report with this letter. These are always a delight to read, to reflect on achievements and progress during the year. I do hope that you will enjoy reading about your amazing child! In the envelope you will also find a transition booklet that tells them about the class they will be in next academic year. This can be helpful to share with them over the summer holidays to help prepare them for the return to school, telling your child the class name and staff members’ names during the summer holiday and before they return next term.
Leavers’ Assembly: On Wednesday and Thursday, we have our Leavers’ assemblies. Nurture children’s assembly is on Wednesday and Willow, Elm & Cherry on Thursday, both assemblies starting at 1.15pm. We will be saying Goodbye to 22 pupils who are moving on to new schools. This will be a special time to celebrate achievements and to wish the children and their families, good luck for the future. We are proud of every one of these children and will miss them all, but know that they have been well prepared for life beyond Oaklands School. If your child is leaving us this year, we do hope you will be able to join us for your child’s special assembly, and that you will stay in touch with the school to let us know what your child does in the future.
Keep Enjoying Reading!: Starting Saturday 29 June until the 15 September, children aged 0 to 15 years in Leicester City can sign up to take part and complete the six-book challenge. A prize of £100 of books will be awarded to the Leicester school with the highest percentage of children finishing the challenge (numbers recorded by Leicester libraries staff).
In Leicester, there is also a challenge for adults to promote good role modelling. Adults, you can participate by reading six books for a chance to win £30 worth of books!
Leicester libraries’ offer is enhanced with a range of free activities for the whole family, all designed to promote reading for pleasure and the joy of sharing books and stories.
For further information about these activities visit leicester.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge.
Attendance: We know that good attendance has a positive impact on learning and outcomes. Thank-you for supporting your child to get ready each day and being prepared for school. We appreciate that this is not always easy, but we know that good routines help our pupils. Whole school attendance for this year was 89.5% (with 1 week to go). Next year, we really need to get our attendance figures back up to 92%. Please continue to try and ensure that your child attends school every day.
Keep Your Child Safe from Measles This Summer: Unfortunately, we have been notified that cases of Measles are on the rise in Leicester City again this summer. Measles is a serious illness that could be prevented by having both doses of the MMR vaccination. It spreads very easily, especially in schools, parks, and busy places. Cases of measles are rising in the UK, increasing the risk to children and communities. Measles can make children very sick. It can cause a high fever, rash, cough, and sore eyes. Some children get very ill and may need to go to hospital. Measles can have serious consequences, sometimes fatal, to help prevent children and those around them from becoming unwell with measles this summer please check your child’s Red Book or with your GP Practice to see if they have been fully vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine protects your child from: ✔ Measles ✔ Mumps ✔ Rubella
The vaccine is safe and has been used for many years all over the world. Children need two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection. If your child has missed a vaccine, it’s not too late. You can ask your GP or school nurse for help.
Online Safety: We recognise that many children will be using devices over the summer holidays. Please do be vigilant about what your child is watching or doing online. We have had alerts about ‘Sextortion’; where someone threatens to share embarrassing or intimate pictures of another person unless you comply with their demands. If children are not appropriately supervised we know they could be particularly vulnerable to this kind of online harm.
Your well being: If you feel particularly overwhelmed during the summer break, there are a range of people who can help. Please do keep these numbers somewhere safe. You are not alone.
For Social Care or Early Help support- if you are having a crisis, please contact this number-
Duty and Advice Service 0116 4541004
Samaritans 116 123- Free from any phone
Crisis Team 0808 800 3302
To speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead; 07549084022
This number will be checked weekly and
FamilyLine Free emotional support, information & guidance on family relationships-including siblings, conflict, parenting, caring, financial worries and more Mon-Fri 9am-9pm 0808 802 6666
School Communication: Please also let us know of any changes to your address, Emergency contact numbers or your phone numbers by calling the office on 0116 2415921
If there are any updates to send to parents during the summer holidays and particularly the week before we return to school, these will be sent via ClassDojo and posted on the school website. If you do not yet have access to ClassDojo, please call the school office for help with this before the end of this week.
Have a wonderful summer break,
Regards
Sarah
(Headteacher)
