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Parents and carers

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Sir Bernard Lovell Academy takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of the children and young people in its care. The welfare and safety of the children in our care is of paramount importance to us and we foster a culture of vigilance among staff, students and parents/carers.

We always listen to children and take their concerns seriously.

Please feel free to contact Mr G Lyle (Designated Safeguarding Lead for Sir Bernard Lovell Academy) or the main switch board if you have any concerns in relation to students being at risk.

Safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding information

We have aimed to provide parents and carers with key information, advice and guidance and includes links to outside agencies and useful reference sites.

There is further guidance for parents and carers in our policy section or through the following sites:

Bereavement

Bullying

Coping with lockdown

Coronavirus

Domestic abuse

Extremism/radicalistaion

Health advice specific to Covid-19

Online learning

Online safety

  • Thinkuknow provides advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA) on staying safe online
  • Parent info is a collaboration between Parentzone and the NCA providing support and guidance for parents from leading experts and organisations
  • Childnet offers a toolkit to support parents and carers of children of any age to start discussions about their online life, to set boundaries around online behaviour and technology use, and to find out where to get more help and support
  • Internet matters provides age-specific online safety checklists, guides on how to set parental controls on a range of devices, and a host of practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world
  • London Grid for Learning has support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online, including tips to keep primary aged children safe online
  • Net-aware has support for parents and carers from the NSPCC, including a guide to social networks, apps and games
  • Let’s Talk About It has advice for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation
  • UK Safer Internet Centre has tips, advice, guides and other resources to help keep children safe online, including parental controls offered by home internet providers and safety tools on social networks and other online services.

Mental health support

Contact us

If you require any further support, please get in touch with a member of the safeguarding team by emailing the school: enquiries@sblacademy.org.uk.

My Child At School Portal

My Child At School Portal

Our portal for parents to be able to view (and update) student details, as well as parent/carer details, viewing reports, home study, praise points and timetables is called My Child At School (MCAS for short). Messages from the school will also be sent there.

It is accessible through the MCAS website – www.mychildatschool.com – or is also available on a mobile app for both Android and Apple. We recommend the mobile app as if notifications are enabled when setting up the app then messages from the school will appear as notifications on your phone.

Logging in to the app is straightforward – you need to use the email address that we have on record for you, and a password. First time you use the site / app you will need to set up a password by using the “reset password” link on the site/app.

If you have more than one child at SBL or at any other school that uses MCAS (either in the Futura Learning Partnership or at any other school) then you can swap between profiles for those children within the app, as long as you have the same email address registered for each child.

Please be aware that this is a parent app – students have their own dedicated site/app for accessing what they need so we recommend that you do not give students access to your password/details for MCAS. Details of the students’ site/app can be found on the SBL Student Site.

If you are having trouble accessing MCAS or you can only see some of your children on the app we have a dedicated MCAS helpdesk.

 

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Admissions

Admissions

Admissions policy

If you are intending to apply for a place at our school then you may be interested to read our admissions policies.

Transfer to secondary school

Responsibility for Year 7 admissions to Sir Bernard Lovell Academy is with South Gloucestershire Council. Applications for places should be made directly through your home local authority. For more information for parents/carers who live within South Gloucestershire please see secondary school admissions.

Appeals

  • March: first round of allocations made
  • May: second round of allocations made

More information can be found on the South Gloucestershire Council's website. If you wish to submit an appeal the deadline for this is 1 April 2024 and should be sent directly to the Academy, C/o Headteacher’s PA, SBL Academy, North Street, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30 8TS.

In-year admissions

Requests for In-Year transfers are normally only considered approximately six weeks prior to a requested start date. If a place is being sought for a September admission into an existing year group we recommend that parents/carers complete the application in mid-June.

To apply for a place for please download the secondary in-year application form (Pdf) and return directly to Sir Bernard Lovell Academy

If you have any queries relating to admissions please email: admissions@sblacademy.org.uk

In-year admission appeals: academic year 2023/24

Appellants have 20 school days from the date of notification that their application was unsuccessful to prepare and lodge their written appeal.

Appeals will be heard within 30 schools days of the appeal being lodged.

If you wish to submit an appeal, please send in writing directly to the Academy, C/o Headteacher’s PA, SBL Academy, North Street, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30 8TS.

Active travel

Active travel

Active travel to SBL Academy

Active travel map: walking to SBL Academy

Printer friendly version of the map plus help and advice about your active travel journey to school (Pdf).

Our school promotes walking and cycling because…

It helps keep our students fitter and healthy and research shows being active can help students concentrate better and increase their levels of achievement.

By walking or cycling our school community can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and easier for local residents. It also reduces the pollution caused from exhaust fumes helping combat climate change and create cleaner air.

Key facts:

  • One in four cars on the road are on the school run and greenhouse gas emissions from road transport made up around a fifth of the UK’s total GHG emissions.  Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change.
  • Air pollution causes 64,000 deaths annually in the UK, and a reduction of 1.5 years in average life expectancy. Air pollution affects the rates not just of respiratory diseases but also cardiovascular diseases like heart failure.
  • More than a third of children are overweight (including obese) by the time they leave primary school. Child obesity strongly indicates to adult obesity – which in turn can lead to poor health outcomes including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression and premature death.
  • Children and young people aged 13-16 (Years 9-11) are the least likely to be active and travel to and from school can contribute up to half of a young person’s overall physical activity.
  • Just 34% of secondary school children walk to school, and only 3% cycle to school. 

Why active travel is important

  1. Cleaner air – reducing cars helps reduce air pollution around the school gates.
  2. Helps tackle climate change – by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars.
  3. Students are healthier and fitter – young people should have at least an hour of physical activity every day – walking or cycling to school contributes to this time.
  4. Helps students unwind at the end of the day – walking or cycling home gives them time to think.
  5. Improves concentration – studies have shown that students who are active are ready to learn and do better in their studies.
  6. Gives students more independence – walking or cycling without parents helps them develop skills for independent living when they are adults.
  7. Reduces congestion – as there are less cars on the road, making it more pleasant environment for everyone.
  8. Quicker than sitting in traffic
  9. Improves road safety at the school gates – because there is reduced traffic and parked cars.
  10. It’s cheaper to walk or cycle – as it saves on fuel.

We have an Active Travel map (Pdf) which details 5 and 10 minute walking and cycling zones around the school.  Use the map to help plan your journey.

I can’t Actively Travel to school because...

I live too far away – You might be surprised to learn that it only takes approx. 15 - 20 minutes to walk a mile.  If you live several miles away you don’t have to walk the whole way, Park & Stride by getting dropped off 5-10 mins away from school and walking the rest, or Park & Pedal and cycle the rest of the way.  Getting off a couple of stops early if you travel by public bus and walking the rest will also help you Actively Travel.

Bad weather - Don't let the weather put you off – it might seem obvious but keep an umbrella or a waterproof in your bag just in case, and a scarf and hat are a good idea when it is cold.

I am worried about my safety - If you're worried about walking alone then maybe arrange to meet a friend or walk in a group. If bullying on the school journey is an issue don't suffer in silence. Tell a member of staff at school.  Everyone should feel safe to walk to school.

Too much to carry - Think about where you could possibly swap heavier folders for a USB or leave your PE kit in a locker. A decent backpack is great for carrying your things when walking or riding a bike, or you could even get yourself some panniers, or bike bags, to carry your school books on your bike.

Busy roads - might put you off, but there are lots of different roads, routes and footpaths you could use to get to school. OpenStreetMap or Google maps can help you plan a safer route and pick out some quieter roads and traffic-free cycle paths instead of the main roads.

I don’t know if my bike is safe to ride- Like any machine, a bicycle will work better and last longer if you care for it properly. Get in the habit of checking your bike regularly – simple checks and maintenance can help you enjoy a smooth ride to school and avoid repairs. The M check is a simple way to make sure your bike is safe to ride. Check out this 3 minute video explaining the Sustrans M Check.

Lack of confidence riding a bike - If you feel that you are not as confident a cyclist as you'd like to be, then check out Bikeability – a cycle training programme replacing cycling proficiency. Bikeability gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling.

Top 10 tips to get you going on two wheels:

  1. Plan and practice your route, using cycle paths where they are available. This map should help you with this! 
  2. Check your bike is safe to ride before using it (do the M Check!)  
  3. Be safe and be seen by wearing visible clothing. School uniform is often very dark – try choosing a brighter bag. 
  4. Get yourself some bike lights – a white one for the front and red for the back - so you can see, and be seen, when it is dark. 
  5. Wear gloves and a lightweight raincoat during the winter to keep yourself warm.
  6. Mudguards are a brilliant bike addition and will help keep you dry.
  7. Make sure your helmet is properly fitted – it should feel snug, but not tight.
  8. Lock your bike securely when you’re not using it. 
  9. Consider buddying up with a friend, for some, or all of your journey.
  10. Remember your Bikeability training. If you need training, ask your school for more information and check out bikeability.org.uk for more top tips.

Suggested further information/website links

  • TravelWest: journey planning and advice on travelling around the South West.
  • Living Streets: parent toolkits, activity resources and advice on walking more every day.
  • Sustrans: the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. The work we're doing creates healthier places and happier people.
  • Bikeability: is today’s cycle training programme replacing cycling proficiency.  Bikeability gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling.  
  • Free 1:1 adult cycle training for all staff and parents, to book an individual lesson call 01454 863 526, or email: cycle_training@southglos.gov.uk
  • The Better By Bike has loads of great cycling resources, covering where to buy a bike (new or second hand, from local bike shops), as well as a bike journey planner, and much more.
  • How to correctly fit a bike helmet (Pdf)
  • Always lock your bike
  • The Big Pedal is the UK’s largest inter-school cycling, walking and scooting challenge. It inspires hundreds of thousands of pupils, staff and parents to choose human power for their journey to school. 19 – 30 April 2021.

Plan your route

Cycle route planning, there are lots of great resources for planning your cycling journeys whether that’s advice on quiet roads for your school commute, or leisure rides that will be a fun weekend family activity. Here is a selection of some:

  • Better by Bike Route planner - Enter your start and end point and the map will suggest three cycle routes for fastest, quietest, and balanced journey
  • Komoot route planner and tracker -You can use Komoot on your computer or download it as a phone app. You can record your journeys on Komoot to learn from favourite rides and log all your amazing pedal miles!

Maps

Catering service

Catering service

Catering service at SBL

Our menus include British chicken, pork, turkey, fish from a sustainable source, free range eggs and locally produced fresh vegetables, all of which we have seen an increase in costs along with increases to labour costs for our staff.

Our meals meet the government food-based guidelines and we feel it is important to note that school meals provided by Zest Catering remain very competitive. As always remains committed to providing a quality service and healthy meal to your child at lunchtime and we will continue to work in close partnership with your school to ensure we achieve this.

The Zest Catering team would like to thank you for your continued support, if you require information regarding free school meals please do not hesitate to contact your school administrator. If you have any queries regarding the provision of school meals or allergens/dietary requirements, please feel free to email us: zest@futuralearning.co.uk.

If your child if entitled to free school meals their cashless catering account will be topped up with £2.73 each day.

The menus currently available are included in the links below.  Please note that there is a bi-weekly rotation of the menus 1, and 2. For ease, dates are provided at the top of each menu to assist you with meal planning for your child.

Cashless Catering

SBL operates a cashless catering system. The cashless system allows you to top up your child’s online account using Tucasi, which is also used for on-line payments for school trips.

Your individual access code to activate your Tucasi account will be provided when your child arrives into Year 7.

The cashless catering system recognises each individual student, holds individual cash balances, records cash spent and cash received, and records details of items purchased. Similar systems are widely used at schools across the local area.

Benefits of the cashless system include the following:

  • Improved security for handling cash transactions in the school
  • Students will not have to remember to bring cash
  • Account limits can be set
  • Parents can see what money is being spent on

The academy sets a daily spend of up to £5.00 which would mean that no food above this limit can be purchased. Parents and carers can request that the daily spend is amended for their child and should contact the Kitchen Manager email: enquiries@sblacademy.org.uk if they wish to do so.

The system works in exactly the same way for all students, including those entitled to a free school meal (FSM). For FSM, the amount allocated is £2.60 per day, credited just before lunch time begins. At the end of each day the balance is re-set to £0 regardless of whether the amount has been spent. Parents in receipt of FSM can choose to supplement the funds available to their child’s account so that their daily spend is up to £5.

Parents/carers can log into their child’s online account at any time to check the current balance or to view details of purchases made.

The cashless system uses finger imaging technology. The system scans certain points of the finger and creates a mathematical representation. This is the information compared at each scan. There is no way that the system can be used to recover a finger print as it does not store a copy. For further information about Finger Imaging please see the FAQs by clicking here.

Students will need to be registered for the cashless system. Please check the consent boxes on your Data Collection Form.

If you do not wish for your child to have their finger image registered we can issue them with a card to use as an alternative identification method. There will be a deposit of £5 required for a card which will be refunded if the card is returned when your child leaves the Academy.

Applying for free school meals (FSM)

Registering your child for free school meals means that your child can buy food at break and/or lunch free (subject to a maximum of £2.60 per day) and that SBL Academy will also receive extra money as a result.

The government is providing additional money to schools to help children from families who qualify for FSM. This funding is called the pupil premium.

 If your child is registered to receive FSM:

  • Your child can use the school canteen at break and/or lunch for a set amount every day.

Please register to make sure that your child doesn’t miss out.

Check if you qualify:

Please see the list below to see if you qualify. Registering is quick and easy - if you think you qualify, please see the South Gloucestershire Council's free school meal information

If you do want your child to have a free meal at lunch and/or break then this will save you around £400 a year and the school will also receive extra funds.

If your child is eligible for FSM but you don’t want him or her to have the meals that is fine but we would ask you to continue to apply anyway. This is so that the school still receives the Pupil Premium to which we are entitled through your child's eligibility.

Do you qualify?

You are entitled to apply to register for eligibility for FSM for your child(ren) if you are receiving one of the following benefits:

Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods, and your monthly average income over three assessment periods should be no more than £616.67)
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child might also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

If you do register for this service the school will not share this information with anyone else. This will not affect any other benefits that you claim.

Allergy, intolerance and special diets

Please note, this notice only relates to parents/carers of students with an allergy, intolerance or special dietary requirement.

Over the summer our catering team, Zest, have revised their allergens policy to cover new legislation coming into force shortly.

As part of the revised policy, we require every student with an allergen, intolerance, or special dietary requirement to complete a special diets form. This is to ensure we can provide food safely to those who have allergens or intolerance and comply with the new regulations.

Please only complete the online form below if your child has an allergy, intolerance or special dietary requirement.

Emergency closure

Emergency closure

Severe weather conditions

Severe weather conditions before departure for school (if for example, there is a heavy fall of snow during the night, the following arrangements will apply).

  • In the unlikely event of school closure, an announcement will be made via the school website, all parents will receive a text, a tweet will be sent and the Local Authority will be notified
  • If the school remains open but you decide, based on local road and weather conditions, not to send your son/daughter into school, you must telephone the school and leave a message on the student absence line as you would for any absence.

Severe or deteriorating weather conditions during the day (i.e. after students have arrived at school).

With our students’ safety in mind we shall keep a constant check on road condition reports and weather forecasts. If conditions worsen during the day or if bus operators advise on an early departure, it would normally be our policy:

  • To enable students to begin their journey home before buses are taken off the roads and before daylight fades;
  • To allow parents from outlying areas to pick up their children earlier in the day. You should call at reception in the main building and ask us to find your child. There is no need to telephone first
  • To give students access to telephones to contact their parents.

It is absolutely essential that you give your child clear instructions now for use in this kind of emergency. Make sure they have up-to-date telephone numbers and that they know how to contact you or some other responsible person. Ensure, also, that your child can get into the house in your absence.

Extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular activities

We offer an impressive range of extra-curricular activities which take place both at lunchtime and after school. These enrichment opportunities take students beyond the curriculum and cater for students with a variety of different interests and aspirations.

We hope the booklet below will enable parents, carers and students to plan effectively. Students are asked to make sure they have informed their parents and carers before attending a session.

Programme

Funding for school uniform

Funding for school uniform

Year 6 students and In year admissions:

If your child is joining SBL Academy and eligible for Pupil Premium, we will support parents by providing a uniform voucher which can be redeemed in the uniform shop - Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialists. This can be done on a case by case basis and reflect your individual circumstances.

Please complete the request for uniform funding form (Docx) and return by email (enquiries@sblacademy.org.uk) or to reception. Once your request has been authorised the uniform voucher will be posted to you by our administration team.

Current SBL Academy students:

For current students who are eligible for the Pupil Premium, we may issue a uniform voucher for specific uniform items. These vouchers can be redeemed in the uniform shop - Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialists. This will be done on a case by case basis and a member of your House team will be in contact to discuss your individual circumstances.

Please complete the request for uniform funding form (Docx) and return by email (enquiries@sblacademy.org.uk) or post to our reception team.

More information

Family support for parents and carers

Family support for parents and carers

School Nurse information

The School Health Nurse for SBL is Alli Fry, who runs a confidential drop-in clinic for young people in E9 every Wednesday lunch time (no appointment is needed).

These sessions can be useful for seeking advice and support around many issues including mental health, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, sexual health and healthy lifestyles.

Parents are able to contact the school nursing service for advice and information on 01454 862 202.

ChatHealth

ChatHealth is a text messaging service for 11-19 year olds giving students across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) easy access to support. The number for ChatHealth is 07312 26309.

Home school agreement

Home school agreement

Introduction

Our vision is for everyone to be given the opportunities to identify and build their aspirations during their years at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy. All students will be enabled to reach their aspirations as a direct result of the high quality learning that takes place across the curriculum and through the behaviours and attributes they develop from the wide range of experiences and from personalised and effective support.  We acknowledge that by working together, (the school, home and the student), we can achieve so much more and therefore this agreement has been written to make clear our collective responsibilities to ensure that every student reaches his or her potential.

Our Values

At Sir Bernard Lovell Academy, all parents, students, Governors and staff believe that the following behaviours and attributes will help us to achieve our vision. We value:

  • Cooperation
    • Working together
    • Showing kindness
    • Developing strong relationships
  • Effort
    • In our academic work at home as well as in school
    • In wider academy activities
  • Honesty
    • With each other
    • With ourselves
  • Resilience
    • Keeping our efforts up even when things are tough
    • Supporting others to be resilient
    • Developing emotional strength and well-being
  • Positivity
    • Taking a ‘can-do’ attitude into every task
    • Making the most of every opportunity
    • Enriching our own experiences and those of others
  • Confidence
    • Reflecting on and celebrating our successes
    • To try new things
    • To believe we can achieve anything

As a member of the SBL community, we will endeavour to demonstrate these values in everything we do.

Through cooperation, honesty and with effort, all SBL students will learn and develop the confidence, positivity and resilience that will enable them to set and achieve the highest aspirations for their futures.

The responsibilities of the academy

 The academy will aim to:

  • Provide a broad and balanced curriculum which challenges every student to reach their full potential.
  • Encourage every student to do their best.
  • Provide a safe and caring environment.
  • Set regular homework tasks for students.
  • Keep parents informed of schools news and to communicate with parents regularly, listening to their concerns.
  • Achieve high standards of work and behaviour throughout the school.
  • Provide a range of extra-curricular activities.
  • Set clear behaviour and discipline policies.

 The responsibilities of the parent/s or carer/s

I / we will:

  • Ensure that my / my child attends Sir Bernard Lovell Academy daily, on time and properly equipped.
  • Notify the academy in accordance with the academy's policies in the event that my child is absent.
  • Encourage my child to do their best.
  • Take an interest in my child's education.
  • Support all of the academy's policies and guidelines for work and behaviour.
  • Support my child with set homework tasks.
  • Attend parent evenings and read correspondence sent to me by the academy.
  • Politely inform the school of any concerns that I may have.
  • Notify the academy immediately of any changes in my / our contact details or other emergency contacts.

The responsibilities of the students

I will:

  • Take pride in my academy.
  • Respect the academy environment.
  • Be respectful towards others in the academy community and behave in a responsible way.
  • Attend Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in term time as directed
  • Be punctual and organised.
  • Do all my homework and classwork as best as I can.
  • Be honest and truthful.
  • Take care of equipment and use equipment safely and appropriately.
  • Respect other people's property.
  • Behave in accordance with academy rules.
  • Always try to achieve my full potential.

Please note that the governing body will review this agreement from time to time and when revisiting this agreement, the governing body will consult the parents of all registered students at the academy.

Further information

Online payments

Online payments

Parents and carers can now pay for school trips and visits with a debit or credit card via the external secure Tucasi online payments website.

Cash and cheque payments will continue to be accepted, but we hope online payments will benefit those who prefer this method of payment.

Access Tucasi online payment system for school visits and cashless catering (canteen)

If you have not yet activated Tucasi account for online payments including the new cashless catering system (canteen), you will need an access code in order to set up your child's account. If you have not received an access code please email enquiries@sblacademy.org.uk and one will be issued.

In order to cut down on the number of issues parents and carers are experiencing there are a number of self-help documents to view BEFORE logging in.

The items are in green on the “SCOPay” log-in page and include: Quick Reference Guide including :

  • How to Register
  • How to link children
  • How to change log-in details
  • How to create a 2nd log-in
  • What to do if you have forgotten your password

Video guide – a short video tutorial showing the process from beginning to end from receiving the link code letter to paying for an item.
Frequently Asked Questions including :

  • What’s a link code?
  • What is an access letter and how do I get one
  • I have two children at the same school, can I pay using one account?
  • I have children at different schools, can I pay using one account?
  • I used the wrong email address to set-up what can I do?

Parents and carers can also re-set their passwords using the “I’ve forgotten my password” button also found on this page and change their email address using the “I can’t verify my email address” button.

These items are accessed BEFORE log-in so if you direct your parents here this will probably help them resolve their queries.

SCOPAY - further information

Online safety

Online safety

The internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your children's use of technology can be a challenge, especially if you feel that your children may have better technical skills than you do. However, children and young people still need support and guidance when it comes to managing their lives online and using the internet positively and safely.

Please see our child protection and safeguarding policy and online safety policy for information about our current protocols and procedures or visit Childnet's hot topics for more detailed information on topics such as social networking, online grooming, gaming and downloading.

Key information about social media (Twitter, Facebook and other social media applications)

Twitter and Facebook provide opportunities for students to communicate with friends, family and with new friends/contacts. There are also other applications which are similar to Facebook or Twitter, such as Instagram, designed for those aged 13 plus where children can make immediate connection with contacts (friends, family, aquaintances) using computers, tablets and suitably equipped mobile telephones (e.g. smart phones and iPhones).  These sites allow children to view videos, images and text and write messages and to upload their own images (photos) which can be seen by the public or by selected groups depending on the security settings your child (or you) has/have chosen.

Although there are many positive aspects to social media, there are important things for parents to be aware of:

Everything your child writes or uploads will be accessible and available to view depending on the security settings selected by your child.  This could involve personal photographs/ images, comments etc.

  • It is possible to make an unpleasant comment about someone else which everyone can see.
  • It is possible to make a defamatory comment about an organisation or individual.
  • It is possible to easily view graphic pornography, violence, disturbing images, sexism, or other forms of hate speech on Facebook and/or Twitter.  This is also the case on other types of social media such as Instagram.
  • If your child has a Smartphone with 3G or 4G technology they will be able to access the internet and in school internet filtering will not have any effect on what a student can see on their personal device.

If a Sir Bernard Lovell Academy student is found to have made an unpleasant remark/comment about another student then they will be sanctioned. If a student makes an inappropriate or unpleasant remark about the school or a member of staff then the student will be sanctioned for this gross lack of respect.  Parents/carers will always be involved if we ever have to deal with these issues.

What can parents do to keep their children safe?

A simple and effective way to get involved with your children and their lives online is through discussion. Consider using these conversation starters for parents and carers to get the ball rolling: 

  • Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
  • Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
  • Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.
  • Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
  • Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online?   

Adults can approach your children online in order to make contact with them.  Sometimes these adults will pretend to be children in order to build trust. When trust has been established your child may be asked to send a picture or to speak online using a camera or other device. In the worst cases adults can pose as children and arrange to meet in public without you being aware.  

Adults and sometimes, other children, have been known to ask children to send indecent images (naked pictures) using Facebook, Twitter or email.   To receive these images is a criminal offence for any individual and punishable in law.

We take measures to educate all students about these possibilities through our curriculum but, of course, supervising students outside of school requires parents/carers to make their own arrangements, and for children and young people to make the right choices.

One of the best way to stop this is for parents/carers to carefully monitor activities at home and to never allow children to use computers and electronic devices without appropriate supervision. 

Parents/carers must also ensure that all devices have appropriate security settings to make sure that children do not see things that they should not and so that they can be well protected from predatory adults.

Information on sexting and online sexual exploitation

The Lucy Faithful Foundation is the only UK-wide charity focused solely on reducing the risk of children being sexually abused and exploited and as part of their work they offer support for parents whose children have been affected by these issues.

The guide, what's the problem? is aimed at supporting parents whose children have already got into trouble online – helping them to understand what has happened, why and how parents can talk to their children and get further support.

The guide explains to parents: 

  • What the law in the UK says about children accessing sexual material online, including taking, distributing and posting indecent images and video of themselves or of other children (under 18)
  • How to respond to children who have produced, shared or viewed illegal images online.
  • The consequences of illegal online sexual behaviour on work, family and social life
  • The possible impact of regular access to adult sexual material on relationships.
  • How to help their children cope with peer pressure to share indecent material online.
  • Where to access support to prevent a repeat of their child’s worrying online sexual behaviour.
  • Additional resources include literature and video materials aimed at young people who have been involved in ‘sexting’ the guide also alerts parents to the most popular sites used by children to access adult sexual materials as well as to send and receive sexual images of themselves.

What can parents do if they have any concerns?

If you have a concern of any kind, please do not ‘wait and see’ or assume that someone else is dealing with it. Please contact the school immediately or see the sources of additional information below:

Open events 2023

Open events 2023

Welcome

Sixth Form Open Evening

We warmly invite you to our Sixth Form open evening on Thursday 19th October, between 6.00pm - 8.00pm.

On the evening students will be able see the enhanced range of subjects and enrichment opportunities on offer at SBL Academy and learn how we work as a collaborative Sixth Form ‘Futura Sixth' to be a truly comprehensive sixth form.

Students will have the opportunity to speak with staff; attend a presentation from school leaders; speak with sixth form students and discover more about our wide range of courses and experiences that support students throughout Post-16 and on to their next step.

If you would like to attend the open evening please complete the online booking form.

Parents' evening booking system

Parents' evening booking system

Parent/carer evenings from September 2020

Schools across the Futura Learning Partnership use an application called School Cloud to manage parents’ and carers' evenings. This application allows users to book appointments online and conduct appointments remotely via video communication.  

Each of the schools within the Futura Learning Partnership have their own School Cloud website.

Sixth form students attending classes in different schools will need to book appointments and attend video conferences using each of the schools’ websites.

Instructions and guidance

The system will work on a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops as well as desktop computers. To make video calls, parents and carers will need to use a device with a camera, microphone and one of the following compatible web browsers:

iPhone/iPad: Safari
Android: Chrome or Firefox
Windows: Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge
Mac: Safari, Chrome or Firefox
Linux: Chrome or Firefox

Privacy notice

Privacy notice

Information about pupils in Futura Learning Partnership and alternative provision

Data Protection Act 1998: How we use pupil information

We collect and hold personal information relating to our pupils and may also receive information about them from their previous school, local authority and/or the Department for Education (DfE). We use this personal data to:

  • support our pupils’ learning
  • monitor and report on their progress
  • provide appropriate pastoral care; and
  • assess the quality of our services

This information will include their contact details, national curriculum assessment results, attendance information, any exclusion information, where they go after they leave us and personal characteristics such as their ethnic group, any special educational needs they may have as well as relevant medical information. For pupils enrolling for post 14 qualifications, the Learning Records Service will give us the unique learner number (ULN) and may also give us details about your learning or qualifications.

Once our pupils reach the age of 13, the law requires us to pass on certain information to the local authority in which the school is located who have responsibilities in relation to the education or training of 13-19 year olds. We may also share certain personal data relating to children aged 16 and over with post-16 education and training providers in order to secure appropriate services for them. A parent/guardian can request that only their child’s name, address and date of birth be passed to the local authority by informing the school office / administrator. This right is transferred to the child once he/she reaches the age 16. For more information about services for young people, please visit the relevant local authority website.

We will not give information about our pupils to anyone without your consent unless the law and our policies allow us to do so. If you want to receive a copy of the information about your son/daughter that we hold, please contact the school office / administrator.

We are required, by law, to pass some information about our pupils to the Department for Education (DfE). This information will, in turn, then be made available for use by the local authority.

DfE may also share pupil level personal data that we supply to them, with third parties. This will only take place where legislation allows it to do so and it is in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Decisions on whether DfE releases this personal data to third parties are subject to a robust approval process and are based on a detailed assessment of who is requesting the data, the purpose for which it is required, the level and sensitivity of data requested and the arrangements in place to store and handle the data. To be granted access to pupil level data, requestors must comply with strict terms and conditions covering the confidentiality and handling of data, security arrangements and retention and use of the data.

For more information on this sharing process see how to access Department for Education (DfE) data extracts

For information on which third party organisations (and for which project) pupil level data has been provided to, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-pupil-database-requests-received

If you need more information about how the DfE collect and use your information see:

School community forums

School community forums

The School Community Forum is a constructive feedback group working to support SBL Academy’s pursuit of excellence.

Below are the dates for this year’s school community forum meetings.

  • Wednesday 10 May: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
School policies and procedures

School policies and procedures

Additional information

School uniform

School uniform

School uniform plays a central role in creating a sense of unity, identity and belonging within our academy community. The smart style of our school uniform reflects the high standards we expect at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy. School uniform is compulsory for all students in years 7-11.

The academy has taken steps to ensure our uniform remains affordable whilst ensuring our standards remain high, for example we have reduced the number of branded items for required our PE kit.

Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialist provide our blazers, ties and PE polo top. For girls who choose to wear our academy skirt, this can also be purchased from Monkhouse. All other compulsory uniform items can be purchased from a range of retail outlets such as ASDA, Tesco, Next or M&S school wear.

The guidance below is intended to support parents in ensuring their child is dressed smartly, in keeping with the high expectations of the academy.

Year group Girls compulsory items Outlet Boys compulsory items Outlet
7-11 Girls’ Blazer Monkhouse Boys’ blazer Monkhouse
House Tie Monkhouse House Tie Monkhouse
Kilt-style skirt or… Monkhouse Grey Trousers Any outlet
Grey trousers Any outlet White shirt Any outlet
White shirt Any outlet Plain black formal shoes Any outlet
Plain black formal shoes Any outlet Plain socks in navy, grey or black Any outlet
Plain socks in navy, grey or black      
If worn, tights must be black, navy blue or neutral      
Optional navy and blue school v-neck jumper available through Monkhouse

Shoes

Acceptable shoes as part of the school uniform as SBL Academy

Unacceptable examples of trainer style shoes at SBL Academy

Outdoor wear
Denim jackets, leather jackets and hoodies are not permitted. Coats should be weather appropriate and we would like parents and students to avoid logos and slogans.

Jewellery

For reasons of safety and security we advise that students do not bring jewellery to school. All jewellery will have to be removed for PE and sport. Our expectation regarding the wearing of jewellery is as follows. 

Students can wear:

  • One wrist watch
  • One small ring – signet or plain band
  • One plain stud in each ear only
  • One necklace – simple chain and small medallion.

Facial piercings are not permitted at SBL Academy and students will be required to remove them before arrival at school. If your child is having any new piercings done, they should be done at the start of the summer holidays so that they can be safely removed before school. 

Hairstyles
The academy does not permit extremes of style or colour, for example extreme shaving or bright hair dyes. Hair colours should be natural in tone if hair is dyed or coloured. Students who repeatedly fail to meet uniform expectations will be referred to the Isolation Room.

Make-up
Students can wear discreet make up in school. If a student is wearing excessive make up they will be asked to remove it. Students who repeatedly fail to meet uniform expectations will be referred to the Isolation Room.

The Headteacher’s decision on matters of uniform and standards is final.

Compulsory Items 
SBL logo polo shirt Unisex or women’s fit polo shirt
SBL PE shorts, plain navy shorts or plain navy tracksuit bottoms Tracksuit bottoms must be plain navy
Girls’ sports leggings Plain navy sports leggings only (no cotton). These can be purchased from Monkhouse and a number of other sports outlets
Navy football socks Can be purchased from any sports shop
Sports trainers

Leisure shoes and daps are not permitted, for example Converse / Vans. Sports trainers should have good laces and grip. These can be purchased from any sports shop

To maintain the high performance of our 3G astroturf, it is recommended that students wear astroturf trainers with pimpled soles.

These items of footwear are also appropriate for wearing in our indoor spaces.

For more information please see examples of astroturf trainers.
Optional items
SBL rugby top
SBL ¼ zip training top
Navy blue sports jumper

The rugby and ¼ zip top can be worn as a cold weather top all year round.

This item can be worn instead of the SBL rugby top or 1/4 zip jumper. Students will benefit from warm outer wear during colder months. Hoodies or coats are not permitted.

Uniform suppliers: Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialist
140 East Street,
Bedminster,
Bristol
BS3 4EW

Tel: 0117 966 1432

In cold weather all students are allowed to wear a plain navy blue or white base layer underneath their SBL polo shirt. Students are not permitted to wear any other type of hoody/jumper/coat.

Outdoor footwear

  • Football on the astroturf: Students will need to wear trainers or moulded boots only – plastic / metal stud style boots are not permitted. Shin pads are compulsory and must be worn.
  • Football and Rugby on the school playing field: Students need to wear football boots that will allow them more grip on the grass. Shin pads are compulsory for football and must be worn.

Personal protective equipment

  • When taking part in specific activities students may be required to wear specific footwear and bring personal protective equipment. Details relating to these activities are below:

Football, Hockey and Rugby: Shin pads are compulsory and must be worn for football and Hockey. For Hockey and Rugby gum shields are optional but strongly recommended.

Non-participants

  • If students have an injury they will still need to take on a leadership role within the lesson. No student is exempt from learning. In the case of an injury, students need to bring a note from a parent/carer explaining why they cannot participate practically and also bring their PE kit. 
  • We understand that in some extreme situations students will not be able to change into PE kit e.g broken leg - the PE staff will use their professional discretion to identify the rare occasions that it is not appropriate for a student to be asked to change into PE kit.

Jewellery, hair and nails: In accordance with BAALPE Health and Safety guidance, no student is permitted to wear jewellery when participating in PE and Sport. All jewellery should be removed. In the event of a new piercing, earrings should be taped and a note provided of the piercing date. Long hair must be tied back and nails should not be visible beyond fingertips.

If you are unsure about an item of PE kit, please seek support from the PE department before purchasing.

Term dates

Term dates

TERM DATES 2023-24 

Term 1

Inset days: Friday 1 September, Monday 4 September and Tuesday 5 September
Starts: Wednesday 6 September
Ends: Friday 20 October 

Term 2

Start: Monday 30 October
End: Friday 15 December (students 1.25pm finish)

Term 3

Inset day: Tuesday 2 January
Start: Wednesday 3 January
End: Friday 9 February

Term 4

Inset day: Monday 19 February
Start: Tuesday 20 February
End: Thursday 28 March

Term 5

Start: Monday 15 April
End: Friday 24 May 

Term 6

Start: Monday 3 June
Inset days: Friday 21 June and Monday 8 July
End: Tuesday 23 July (students 1.25pm finish)

Printer friendly version of the term dates 2023-24 (Pdf)

The school day

The school day

All students have an organiser, which includes a guide to the school’s daily routines and the code of conduct.  The times of the school day are as follows:

  • 08.45 - 09.05 Registration
  • 09.05 - 10.05 Lesson 1  
  • 10.05 - 11.05 Lesson 2 
  • 11.05 - 11.25 Break         
  • 11.25 - 12.25 Lesson 3   
  • 12.25 - 13.25 Lesson 4   
  • 13.25 - 14.05 Lunch        
  • 14.05 - 15.05 Lesson 5

Breaks and lunchtimes

No students are allowed off site at morning break or lunchtime.

Equipment

As a minimum we expect students to bring the following items every day:

  • Pens
  • Pencil
  • Ruler 
  • Calculator 
  • Green pen (for improvement tasks)
  • Reading book 
News and Events

News and Events
QUICK LINKS

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Sir Bernard Lovell Academy, North Street, Oldland Common, Bristol BS30 8TS

T 0117 456 5900 E enquiries@sblacademy.org.uk

Headteacher: Dr R Bassford

A Futura Learning Partnership school

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