January 2026

28 January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

The school is experiencing high levels of staff and student absence due to sickness. The PMLD department is particularly affected with high levels of staff and student access. As a result, there are insufficient staff available in the department to safely administer feeds and medication for all students. Therefore, it has become necessary to temporarily close some classes until staffing levels return to normal and to facilitate to deep clean the classrooms.

On Thursday 29/1/26 the following classes will be closed:

Stars, Planet and Cloud

On Friday 30/1/26 the following classes will be closed:

Sun, Comet and Cloud

• Class teachers will be in contact on the morning of the closure to inform you about arrangements for remote learning. You will receive the information via the class email.

• Families entitled to Free School meals will receive vouchers.

• We will inform transport that students will not be attending school.

•  

We hope that the situation will improve and that we will be back to normal by the beginning of next week.

We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time and will update you as soon as the situation changes.

Kind regards,

Sandra

27 January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to inform you of a current health situation at Woodlands Secondary School and to request your support in keeping our school community safe.

There are currently a significant number of staff and students absent from school due to severe chest infections. This situation is creating challenges in maintaining safe staffing levels in some classes.

To protect our vulnerable students and staff, we are asking for your cooperation with the following measures:

Keep your child at home if they are unwell

Please do not send your child to school if they are showing any signs of illness, particularly:

• Persistent coughing

• Difficulty breathing

• Fever or high temperature

• Chest pain or tightness

• General fatigue or feeling unwell

Report absences promptly

If your child is unable to attend school due to illness, please contact the school as soon as possible by:

• Phone: 01582 572880 option 1

Please provide details of your child's symptoms when reporting their absence.

Support infection control measures

To reduce the risk of spreading infection, please:

• Encourage good hand hygiene (washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds)

• Encourage your child to use tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of them immediately

• Keep your child at home until they have fully recovered and are well enough to return to school

• Seek medical advice if your child's symptoms worsen or persist

When to Seek Medical Advice

Please contact your GP or NHS 111 if your child:

• Has difficulty breathing

• Has a persistent high fever

• Shows no improvement after several days

• Has an underlying health condition that may put them at greater risk

We are taking steps to minimise the spread of infection within school, including:

• Enhanced cleaning of frequently touched surfaces

• Promoting good hygiene practices

• Ensuring adequate ventilation in classrooms

• Monitoring attendance patterns closely

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep you informed of any developments. We appreciate that this may cause some disruption, but the health and safety of our students and staff must remain our priority.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation at this time.

Yours sincerely,

Sandra

Headteacher

23 January 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is a friendly reminder that our school is a nut-free environment. We have students in our school with severe nut allergies, and even small traces of nuts or foods that have come into contact with nuts can be extremely harmful to them.

Recently, we have observed an increase in nut-containing items being sent to school, including products such as Kinder Bueno. We kindly ask that you carefully check all snacks and food items before sending them to school to ensure they are nut-free.

Your cooperation is essential in helping us keep all of our students safe and healthy. Thank you for your understanding and support.

20 January 2026

Welcoming Spaces is a network to help you discover the wide range of groups, clubs, and activities taking place in their neighbourhoods – and to support even more opportunities for people to come together.

Welcoming Spaces provide something for everyone, often just a short walk from home, including:

• coffee mornings
• wellbeing clubs
• gentle exercise sessions
• community cafes
• learning opportunities
• special-interest groups

Developed together with local community partners, our Welcoming Spaces initiative brings together the wealth of activities already happening across the town, making it easier for you to find out what’s on in your area and get involved.

As winter sets in, many of these spaces also offer a warm, safe environment during the day. This helps you to:

• manage household costs
• access support
• find new friends
• get advice
• have the chance to learn new skills

elcoming Spaces is a network to help you discover the wide range of groups, clubs, and activities taking place in their neighbourhoods – and to support even more opportunities for people to come together.

Welcoming Spaces provide something for everyone, often just a short walk from home, including:

• coffee mornings
• wellbeing clubs
• gentle exercise sessions
• community cafes
• learning opportunities
• special-interest groups
•  

Developed together with local community partners, our Welcoming Spaces initiative brings together the wealth of activities already happening across the town, making it easier for you to find out what’s on in your area and get involved.

As winter sets in, many of these spaces also offer a warm, safe environment during the day. This helps you to:

• manage household costs
• access support
• find new friends
• get advice
• have the chance to learn new skills

Please see the attached poster for details of upcoming clinics. All relevant information can be found on the poster.

19 January 2026

Dear Parents/Carers,

You should have received a consent form for your child to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.

If you have already returned the completed form, thank you and no further action is required.

If not, please return it as a matter of urgency.

If you have any questions about the vaccine, please contact the immunisation team on 0300 555 5055 (option 5) or email

14 January 2026

Coffee Morning for Parents – Thursday 15th January

We are pleased to invite all parents to our Coffee Morning, taking place on tomorrow Thursday 15th January from 9:30am – 11:00am.

This is a great opportunity to meet a range of local professionals who will be available to offer helpful advice, guidance, and support on a variety of topics including welfare benefits, SEND services, carers’ support, wellbeing, and financial resilience.

Professionals attending:

• Kamran Malik – Luton Rights (Welfare Benefits Specialist)
  Specialist advice on welfare benefits, disability forms, mandatory reconsiderations, and appeals.
• Levi Habashanti – Disability Resource Centre (Carers Support Advisor)
  Information about the DRC and support available for unpaid carers.
• Welfare Support Team – Luton Council
  Support for households to maximise income and build financial resilience.
• Sarah Maffre – Luton Council (SEND Local Offer Coordinator)
  Learn how to use the SEND Local Offer website, find support services, and share your feedback to help improve it.
• Deniece Dobson – Luton Council (Programme Coordinator, Luton Supporting You)
  Connecting residents with local support, with a focus on financial resilience initiatives.
• Nazma Miah – Total Wellbeing Luton Talking Therapies (Community Development Lead)
  Information on free NHS Talking Therapies and wellbeing workshops covering topics such as stress and anxiety management.
• Antoinette Carty – Luton Council (Social Inclusion Coordinator)
  Working with community, voluntary, and faith groups to identify needs, connect services, and empower communities.
• Karen Thomas – Senior Advisory Teacher (SENS & Autism Team)
  Provides specialist advice and guidance on SEND to schools and early years settings, delivers SEND training, and supports families through signposting and access to support groups.

Refreshments will be available, and there will be plenty of time to ask questions and speak directly with professionals.

12 January 2026

Coffee Morning for Parents – Thursday 15th January

We are pleased to invite all parents to our Coffee Morning, taking place on Thursday 15th January from 9:30am – 11:00am.

This is a great opportunity to meet a range of local professionals who will be available to offer helpful advice, guidance, and support on a variety of topics including welfare benefits, SEND services, carers’ support, wellbeing, and financial resilience.

Professionals attending:

• Kamran Malik – Luton Rights (Welfare Benefits Specialist)
  Specialist advice on welfare benefits, disability forms, mandatory reconsiderations, and appeals.
• Levi Habashanti – Disability Resource Centre (Carers Support Advisor)
  Information about the DRC and support available for unpaid carers.
• Welfare Support Team – Luton Council
  Support for households to maximise income and build financial resilience.
• Sarah Maffre – Luton Council (SEND Local Offer Coordinator)
  Learn how to use the SEND Local Offer website, find support services, and share your feedback to help improve it.
• Deniece Dobson – Luton Council (Programme Coordinator, Luton Supporting You)
  Connecting residents with local support, with a focus on financial resilience initiatives.
• Nazma Miah – Total Wellbeing Luton Talking Therapies (Community Development Lead)
  Information on free NHS Talking Therapies and wellbeing workshops covering topics such as stress and anxiety management.
• Antoinette Carty – Luton Council (Social Inclusion Coordinator)
  Working with community, voluntary, and faith groups to identify needs, connect services, and empower communities.
• Karen Thomas – Senior Advisory Teacher (SENS & Autism Team)
  Provides specialist advice and guidance on SEND to schools and early years settings, delivers SEND training, and supports families through signposting and access to support groups.

Refreshments will be available, and there will be plenty of time to ask questions and speak directly with professionals.

9 January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your patience whilst the broken heating issue was being addressed. Thankfully, this end of the week, the school feels nice and warm, we have hot water and it is good to see our young people back in the building. A knock on issue from the broken heating issue is that one of the pumps in the hydro pool has now failed. Swimming sessions will therefore be cancelled in the short term until this issue is fixed. The pool engineers have been contacted and hopefully this will soon be resolved.

Thankfully Storm Goretti has been fairly kind to us. Hopefully the weather will settle over the weekend and we will have a calm start to next week.

Hair care training sessions for Carers of people with disabilities

Attached is a poster that advertises FREE sessions for parents and carers to learn basic hair care and techniques. The sessions will be half day sessions per half-term, starting in February. The sessions have been organised by one of the Luton Councillors, Gillian Fry. She explained that the idea came from a father she saw on TV who had unexpectedly become sole carer to his daughter and had struggled to learn hair braiding. Gillian said she has come across a lot of people with severe disabilities in the last year who were feeling low as their personal grooming wasn’t what it was or felt it was where it needed to be. There is no blame here, just lack of skills. As a result, she contacted Barnfield college who have agreed to run these sessions for parents and carers. The hair and beauty apprentices will work with carers to help make a difference to the personal grooming of people with disabilities. More details can be found in the flyer, along with the dates. I think this is a great opportunity also for the next generation of hairdressers to be able to learn to work with people wth learning and physical disabilities. If you take part, it would be great to know what you think.

Dad with SEN child(ren) - coffee morning

Also attached is a flyer for an event for dads with children with SEN. This is being organised by one of our dad's Rayman Khan and everyone is welcome. 25th January, between 11.00am - 1.00pm, at 63 Inkerman Street. Further information in the flyer.

Money Matters coffee morning - at school

A little reminder that there is a coffee morning at school next Thursday - 15th January, between 9.30am and 11.00am. The theme is Money Matters and various organisations will be present and available to offer support and advice to parents. Please contact Shazmeen or Vanessa for further details. shazmeen.malik@woodlands.luton.sch.uk or vanessa.fay@woodlands.luton.sch.uk

7 January 2026

Dear All,

I am very pleased to confirm that the heating has been repaired today and the school has started to warm up already. We look forward to seeing everyone return to school tomorrow.

For those parents walking their children into school, please take extra care on the paths and pavements outside of the school - it has been very slippery this week when the temperatures have been low and it has been icy. When driving onto the site and supporting students to walk into the building please continue to take care. The site team have been spreading salt but this cannot fully address any slippery conditions.

Please continue to send students in wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.

6 January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have been informed that the engineer will be on site tomorrow (Wednesday 7th January) to carry out the repair to the heating system.

We are optimistic that this will be successful and that heat will be restored so that we can fully reopen for all our students on Thursday 8th January.   We will confirm this at the end of the day on Wednesday. 

This means that the following classes will remain closed on Wednesday 7th January:

Shakespeare, Darwin, Drake, Nelson, Johnson, LOFT 1 and LOFT 2 (upstairs)

Your child should remain at home on Wednesday 7th January and return to school on Thursday 8th January.

• Transport has been informed that students will not be attending on Wednesday but transport arrangements should resume on Thursday.
• Families entitled to Free School Meals will receive vouchers.
• Your class teacher will be in touch regarding arrangements for learning.
•  

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding at this time.

5 January 2026

Coffee Morning for Parents – Thursday 15th January

We are pleased to invite all parents to our Coffee Morning, taking place on Thursday 15th January from 9:30am – 11:00am.

This is a great opportunity to meet a range of local professionals who will be available to offer helpful advice, guidance, and support on a variety of topics including welfare benefits, SEND services, carers’ support, wellbeing, and financial resilience.

Professionals attending:

• Kamran Malik – Luton Rights (Welfare Benefits Specialist)
  Specialist advice on welfare benefits, disability forms, mandatory reconsiderations, and appeals.

• Levi Habashanti – Disability Resource Centre (Carers Support Advisor)
  Information about the DRC and support available for unpaid carers.

• Welfare Support Team – Luton Council
  Support for households to maximise income and build financial resilience.

• Sarah Maffre – Luton Council (SEND Local Offer Coordinator)
  Learn how to use the SEND Local Offer website, find support services, and share your feedback to help improve it.

• Deniece Dobson – Luton Council (Programme Coordinator, Luton Supporting You)
  Connecting residents with local support, with a focus on financial resilience initiatives.

• Nazma Miah – Total Wellbeing Luton Talking Therapies (Community Development Lead)
  Information on free NHS Talking Therapies and wellbeing workshops covering topics such as stress and anxiety management.

• Antoinette Carty – Luton Council (Social Inclusion CoordinatorWorking with community, voluntary, and faith groups to identify needs, connect services, and empower communities.

Refreshments will be available, and there will be plenty of time to ask questions and speak directly with professionals.

We look forward to welcoming you and hope you can join us for a supportive and informative morning.

4 January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you have had a lovely Christmas holiday and that the New Year has started well for you and your family. 

School reopens tomorrow for staff and most students.

Unfortunately we have an ongoing problem with the BMS heating system.  We had hoped this would be repaired on Friday 2nd January, however the required part has not arrived and therefore the repair has been further delayed.

Classes affected by this heating issue include: LOFT1, Johnson, Seacole, Darwin, Shakespeare, Nelson and Drake. 

Parents of students in these classes will have received Parentmail communications to inform them of the impact for their children.

Once we have had an update from the engineers, we will inform parents of the timeframe when this issue should be resolved.

Cold weather

As you will be aware we are experiencing a very cold spell; the forecast is for further cold temperatures, icy weather and some snow.   Please ensure that your child comes to school with suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions. 

If you drop your child off and collect them from school, please be extra cautious when driving onto the school site.  Please park carefully and take care if walking with your child to or from the school entrance.  Please avoid walking in the car park and accompany your child to the main path to reception, at the closest point - this may be at the end of the ramp, rather than the steps.

December 2025

16 December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to inform you that our BMS heating system which supplies hot water to your child’s class has broken. As a result we have no hot water in the following classes:

Seacole, Shakespeare, Darwin, Nelson and Drake.

We have contacted the engineer who is coming to assess the situation and to advise regarding how we repair the system.

We have been able to put in place some short term measures to facilitate access to hot water for medical interventions and personal hygiene needs, however this is not a long term solution.

Once the contractor has been we will know more about next steps. I will write to you later today to advise on arrangements for tomorrow.

If you wish to collect your child early today, between 1.30 – 2.00pm, please call the school to confirm that this is your plan. 01582 572880

If your child normally travels with school transport, and you are collecting them early, please call PTU to inform them. 01582 547219

Otherwise, normal transport arrangements will be in place.

9 December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Increase in Student Illnesses, Measures to Reduce Infection and Absence Reporting Procedures

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to update you about an important health concern affecting our school community.

Increase in Student Illnesses

We have noticed a significant rise in the number of students and staff who are unwell with respiratory infections, including flu. Today, several students had to be sent home because they were unwell.

Please remember that we have a number of students and staff whose health is very vulnerable and who are at high risk if exposed to illnesses such as the flu. High levels of illness also compromise the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our school.

What You Need to Do

• If your child is unwell:
  Please keep them at home until they are feeling better and no longer showing symptoms. This helps to reduce the spread of infections within our school.

• Reporting Sickness Absences:
  If your child is absent due to illness, please notify us by:

  • Calling the school number: 01582 572880
  • Pressing 1 for the attendance line

• Being Contactable:
  It is essential that parents and carers are contactable during the school day and able to collect their child promptly if requested. Please ensure we have your up-to-date contact details.

How You Can Help Reduce Infections

• Encourage your child to:

  • Wash their hands frequently with soap and water
  • Use tissues when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of them properly
  • Avoid close contact with others if feeling unwell

• Vaccinations:
  The UK Health Security Agency continues to promote flu vaccinations as the best way to protect against flu. While vaccination may not always prevent flu, it can significantly reduce the impact of the infection. Attached to this communication is a letter about flu vaccinations from the Head of Public Heath and the Director of Education. It gives information about where and when you can access catch up clinics.

Next Steps & Additional Information

• Please check your child for symptoms of illness each morning before school.
• Keep your contact details up to date with the school office.
• Speak to your GP or local pharmacy if you have questions about flu vaccination.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping Woodlands Secondary School a healthy and safe place for everyone.

8 December 2025

Parents are warmly invited to our Christmas Fayre this FRIDAY (12th December)! 🎅
There will be two visiting slots:

9:30 – 10:30am: PMLD, WISERR & Provisions
11:00 – 12:00: SLD (KS3 & KS4)

When arriving, please enter through the pedestrian gate to the café car park. 
Sign in at the café car park doors, where you’ll receive a visitor sticker. 

Parents with mobility needs/disabilities may park in the café car park.

Please note the following:

•  Parents will be restricted to the top end of the school (hall & café).

• Visitors should use the café toilets.

•  

     Important reminders:

• Parents are not allowed to visit classrooms or any other areas of the school.

•  No photos or videos are permitted at the event.

•  

We look forward to celebrating with you! 

November 2025

26-11-25

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE ! 

Parents, it’s the most wonderful time of the year — and our festive raffle is packed with incredible prizes! Tickets are on sale and are just £1 per strip (one strip = one entry).

Take a look at some of the fabulous goodies you could win this Christmas:

 1-month Gym & Swim voucher – Active Luton
 Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children) – Snakes and Ladders
 Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children) – Snakes and Ladders
 Luxury Regency Hamper – Star Platforms
 Haircut up to £20 – Razors Barber Shop
 Burns Barbers Goody Bag
 Traditional Haircut & Beard Trim – Burns Barbers
 Micro-needling Session – Burns Barbers
 Wash, Cut & Blow Dry – Burns Barbers
 Haircut Voucher – Strand Hairdressers
 Family Ticket for 4 – Stockwood Illuminated
 £10 Roam Café Gift Voucher (x2) – Linmere
 £10 Playful Pottery Gift Voucher (x2) – MK
 £30 Voucher – The Market Cross
 £10 Voucher – The Lash Lounge
 3-Hour Free Play Session – Sensory 5
 £10 Wenzel’s Voucher (x2)
 3-Course Meal for 2 – The Moat House

 With so many festive treats to be won, don’t miss your chance to get involved!

The draw will take place at the Christmas Fayre on Friday 12th December 2025.
Tickets are available on Parent-mail (this can be found under payments and the shop tab) — good luck, and Merry Christmas! 

21-11-25

Dear Parents and Carers,

Parent Governor - update

I have previously written to inform parents of a parent governor vacancy on our school's Governing Board, as Sam Batchelor's term of office has finished.

Nowshard Yehiya is the only person standing for the position. As there is only one candidate and one vacancy for the role of Parent Governor, Nowshard will take on the role.

Nowshard has previously been a parent governor at Lady Zia Wernher School. His daughter is a student in our PMLD department. We look forward to him joining the Governing Board here at Woodlands.

The 2 parent governors are:

Nadeem Butt and Nowshard Yehiya.

Nadeem is also the current Chair of Governors.

Children in Need fundraising

Thank you to all the families who participated in our Children in Need activities last week. Through donations and the cake sale we have raised £308.58 which will be sent off to the charity. Thank you to Nicky Sage and the school council for organising the event.

Training Day - Friday 28th November

A reminder that on Friday 28th November the school will be closed to students. Staff will be in school on that day for staff training.

Cold weather

The first half of the autumn term was fairly kind to us on the weather front. The unexpected arrival of snow and the very cold weather caught the town off guard this week. Please ensure that your son/daughter brings appropriate clothing to school to address whatever the weather brings i.e. a coat and suitable footwear. Please ensure that your child's name is on their clothing items.

Water bottles

If you send in a water bottle with your child, please ensure that it is not made of metal and is not one of the enormous bottles. A smaller refillable plastic or bamboo bottle is preferred.

Have a lovely weekend,

Sandra

Headteacher

14-11-25

Dear Parents/Carers,

Bedfordshire Police have provided the attached flyer.

The flyer outlines legal information and safety considerations surrounding the use of e-scooters, particularly in relation to young people. With the increasing popularity of these vehicles, it’s vital that families are informed about the legal implications and potential risks.

14-11-25

Dear Parents and Carers,

Children in Need

A reminder that we will be supporting the BBC Children in Need appeal tomorrow, Friday 14th November.

Staff and students are invited to come to school wearing something spotty or sparkly or both. We suggest a donation of £2 for the charity, which can be made via parent mail, however everyone can still participate, regardless of their ability to donate.

The school council are also organising a cake sale. If you would like your child to purchase please send in 50p.

In the afternoon we will be doing our own Challenge 25 challenges during our assemblies.

Many thanks,

Sandra

7-11-25

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope you had a good half term break. It has been lovely to have the students back in school.

Yesterday staff and students had the privilege of being able to say goodbye to one of our students, Christina, who passed away last month. Some staff, students and parents were able to line up outside the school to pay their respects to Christina and her family, as the hearse drove past the school.

It is always a privilege to be part of the lives of our young people and to be able to remember them and their amazing contributions to our school community.

Death can be a difficult subject to think or talk about, for adults and children alike. If this is something you would like to discuss further, please contact your child's class teacher or the family work team.

Reminders

Arrival time

We request that parents do not bring their children into school before 8.45am in the mornings. This is because our teaching assistants do not start work until 8.45am. We have noticed that some students are arriving earlier and as a result the reception area is becoming a little overcrowded. Thank you for your cooperation with this request.

Metal Water bottles

If you send in a water bottle with your child please send in a small, plastic one. Please do not send in a heavy or metal water bottle as unfortunately these can result in significant injury if they are thrown. In many classes students will be easily able to access a drink of water during the course of the day.

Coffee morning - All Women's Centre - Monday 10th November 9.30 -11.00am

Parents are invited to join us at school on Monday morning when we will be joined by Satarah Loftus form the All Women's Centre. We have only had a few replies, but parents are welcome to turn up on Monday. If you want more information, contact Shazmeen - Shazmeen.malik@woodlands.luton.sch.uk

Anti Bullying Week

Next week is Anti Bullying Week. Next week and in the coming weeks, we will be doing some work with the students about Bullying and how to stop it. We have an Anti Bullying policy which can be accessed on the school's website https://www.woodlands.luton.sch.uk/school-policies/

We use the word BOO to try to explain the difference between one off misunderstandings and bullying

B - Being mean

O - On purpose

O - Over and over again

Bullying is a repeated intentional act. A large proportion of our children's behaviour is not bullying as there needs to be a cognitive intent to cause harm and to do this repeatedly.

Where bullying appears to be happening, we take this very seriously and address this with all students who may be involved and it will be raised with parents/carers.

Children in Need - Friday 14th November

All staff and students were requested to come to school dressed in spots or sparkles or both. Staff and students are requested to make a suggested donation of £2 towards the BBC Children in Need Appeal - this can be made via the parentmail app. Please be assured that everyone can participate regardless of ability to make a donation.

The school council will be selling cakes for 50p each, to add to our fundraising efforts.

16 - 19 Bursary - Closing date for applications - Friday 14th November.

Please refer to the Parentmail previously sent. Information is also available on the school website.

https://www.woodlands.luton.sch.uk/school-policies

Kind regards,
Sandra

06-11-25

Join Us for a Coffee Morning! 

We’re excited to invite you to a Coffee Morning on Monday 10th November from 9:30am to 11:30am, with Sarah Loftus from the Luton All Women’s Centre.

Sarah will be sharing valuable information about the amazing services and support available for women in our community. 

It’s a wonderful chance to learn more, ask questions, and enjoy a friendly and supportive discussion over a cup of coffee.

 Date: Monday 10th November
 Time: 9:30am – 11:30am

Please email shazmeen.malik@woodlands.luton.sch.uk to confirm your attendance.

We look forward to seeing you there!

03-11-25

Dear Parents/Carers,

We would like to invite you to a coffee morning on Monday 10th November with Sarah Loftus from the Luton All Women's Centre. The coffee morning will be held from 9.30am - 11:30am.

Sarah will be sharing valuable information about the services they offer to support women in our community.

This will be a great opportunity to learn more and ask any questions you may have.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be an information and supportive discussion.

Please kindly email myself to confirm your attendance, shazmeen.malik@woodlands.luton.sch.uk

Many Thanks

Shazmeen Malik

October 2025

20-10-25

Post 16 Provision Application for SEN Students

Dear Parents/Carers,

Many parents have mentioned that they have not yet received the Post-16 application forms.
SENAT has advised that the forms will be sent out within the next two weeks.

The deadline for returning completed applications is 1st December 2025.

20-10-25

Dear Parents

Nomination for Parent Governors

I am writing to inform you of a vacancy for the role of parent governor on our governing board. The current term of service for one of our parent governors, Sam Batchelor, expires on 18th November 2025. Sam has been a very dedicated parent governor at the school since November 2021. Her daughters will be leaving the school this year and she has decided not to stand for a further term of office. We wish to express our gratitude to Sam for her commitment to the role and wish her well for the future.

The role of the governing board

The school’s governing board is responsible for providing confident and strategic leadership, and creating robust accountability, oversight and assurance for the school’s educational and financial performance.
The board is passionate about education and committed to continuous school improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for our pupils.

The role of a parent governor

As a parent governor, you’ll work with the board to make sure it effectively carries out the duties referred to above. You’ll also play a vital role in bringing a parental perspective to the governing board, but you’re not there to speak ‘on behalf’ of the parent body.

To be a parent governor you should have:

·A strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children

·Good interpersonal skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills

·The specific skills required to make sure the governing board delivers effective governance

The governing board is keen for candidates to have skills in the following areas:

·Safeguarding

·Health and Safety

·Finance management

·Compliance

·Curriculum

·Human resources

Expectations of governors

Governors are expected to:

·Attend meetings – there are a minimum of 4 meetings of the Governing Board each year (a Business meeting in September plus one full GB meeting each term). Governors normally participate in one of two committees – the Curriculum committee or the Finance, Premises and Personnel committee – these committees usually meet termly. Most meetings are in the evening, usually starting at 6.00pm. Governors may be required to participate in other ad hoc committees, as required.

·Maintaining confidentiality – information shared and discussed in governor meetings is confidential and must not be disclosed.

·Committing to training – Governors have a responsibility to keep up to date with training to support them to fulfil their role. Training is available both online and face to face.

·Visiting the school – Governors may undertake visits to the school as part of their role to monitor the implementation of school improvement plan and in relation to their specific roles and responsibilities

·The term of office – Parent Governors commit to a 4 year term of office.

How to apply

If you’re interested in applying for the role, we have extended the deadline for applications. Please complete the candidate form attached to this letter and return to the school office by Wednesday 5th November 2025. If we receive more applications than there are vacancies, a secret ballot will be carried out. We will inform you closer to the time if we have to do this.

Paper copies of the candidate form can be obtained from the school office, in person or by requesting that a copy is sent home with your child.

If you would like to talk to me or the Chair of Governors, Nadeem Butt, who is also a parent governor, please contact the school office and we will make the appropriate arrangements.

Please email: schooloffice@woodlands.luton.sch.uk

Kind regards,

Sandra Clarke

17-10-25

Flu Vaccination Appointment – Important Information

Your child is scheduled to receive their flu vaccination.

The Immunisation Team will be in school tomorrow Tuesday 21st October from 9:30am to 2:00pm.

Vaccinations will take place in the Meeting Room.

Please note: A parent or guardian must attend for the vaccination to be given. There will be no additional session offered at school.

Arrival Instructions:

• Please make your way directly to the café car park.

• Use the intercom and select ‘Reception’ to request access via the pedestrian gate.

• Please do not go to the main reception

•  

Parking:

There is limited parking available on the school site. We recommend allowing extra time to find alternative parking outside of school grounds.

If you have not yet completed the consent form and wish for your child to receive the flu vaccine, please contact the Immunisation Team as soon as possible on 0300 555 5055 (Option 5).

17-10-25

Dear Parents and Carers,

RE: Invitation to join us at the Hat Factory on Saturday 18^th October for an interactive musical experience

We would like to invite our students and their families to the Hat Factory to participate in and experience a multisensory, interactive musical environment.

·When: Saturday 18^th October 2025

·Time: From 11.30am onwards (the event runs between 11.30am - 3pm)

·Where: The Hat Factory, Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY

·Who: Please bring the whole family

·Parking: Bute Street car park opposite the Hat Factory

We have been extremely fortunate to have had a company called 'Eye Music' come into Woodlands this week to work with our students from the PMLD / PD department. The students have participated in workshops where they have been able to create amazing colourful and musical environments through their movements. Some of the students will be showcasing their work to family and friends on Saturday and we invite you to bring your families along so they too can have the opportunity to have a go at creating their own light and sound environments. Woodlands will be there on Saturday from 11.30am onwards but the event is also open on Sunday between 12 – 3pm.

Here is a link to the event:

https://www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/symphony-senses-colourmusic-installation

We look forward to seeing some of you there,

Best wishes

Caroline

13-10-25

Flu Vaccination Appointment – Important Information

Your child is scheduled to receive their flu vaccination.

The Immunisation Team will be in school tomorrow Tuesday 14th October from 9:30am to 2:00pm.

Vaccinations will take place in the Meeting Room.

Please note: A parent or guardian must attend for the vaccination to be given. There will be no additional session offered at school.

Arrival Instructions:

• Please make your way directly to the café car park.

• Use the intercom and select ‘Reception’ to request access via the pedestrian gate.

• Please do not go to the main reception

•  

Parking:

There is limited parking available on the school site. We recommend allowing extra time to find alternative parking outside of school grounds.

If you have not yet completed the consent form and wish for your child to receive the flu vaccine, please contact the Immunisation Team as soon as possible on 0300 555 5055 (Option 5).

08-10-25

Dear Parents/Carers,

The Immunisation Team will be visiting Woodlands to administer the DTP and Meningitis ACWY vaccinations to our Year 9 students on Friday 10th October.

If you have not yet completed the online consent form, please do so as a matter of urgency.

Please refer to the attached letter for full details and follow the instructions provided.

You will have the option to either give or decline consent for the vaccination.

If you would like to speak to a nurse about the vaccines, please contact the Immunisation Team directly on 0300 790 0594 (Option 3).

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

06-10-25

02-10-25

Dear Parents and Carers,

We’re thrilled to share the Autumn 1 edition of our Woodlands Family Newsletter!

This edition kicks off the new school year and highlights key dates to note in your calendar.

Paper copies are available at reception and in the café for those who prefer a printed version. Keep an eye out for our next edition, arriving in Autumn 2!

Warm wishes,

The Family Team at Woodlands

01-10-25

Dear Parents/Carers,

This is a reminder that our Macmillan Coffee Morning will take place on Friday 3rd October from 9:30am to 11:00am.

Please note that parking on the school site is limited. We kindly ask that you allow extra time to find suitable parking outside the school grounds.

Upon arrival, parents should go directly to the café entrance and use the intercom for entry.

If you would like to support Macmillan Cancer Support, please note that all contributions placed in the donation box will go directly to the charity.

Kindly be aware that only cash donations can be accepted in the donation box.

Cakes from the café will still be on sale and open as per normal.

We hope you’ll join us for a morning of delicious treats in support of a very worthy cause.

Thank you for your support.

01-10-25

Dear Parents

Nomination for Parent Governors

I am writing to inform you of a vacancy for the role of parent governor on our governing board. The current term of service for one of our parent governors, Sam Batchelor, expires on 18^th November 2025. Sam has been a very dedicated parent governor at the school since November 2021. Her daughters will be leaving the school this year and she has decided not to stand for a further term of office. We wish to express our gratitude to Sam for her commitment to the role and wish her well for the future.

The role of the governing board

The school’s governing board is responsible for providing confident and strategic leadership, and creating robust accountability, oversight and assurance for the school’s educational and financial performance.
The board is passionate about education and committed to continuous school improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for our pupils.

The role of a parent governor

As a parent governor, you’ll work with the board to make sure it effectively carries out the duties referred to above. You’ll also play a vital role in bringing a parental perspective to the governing board, but you’re not there to speak ‘on behalf’ of the parent body.

To be a parent governor you should have:

·A strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children

·Good interpersonal skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills

·The specific skills required to make sure the governing board delivers effective governance

The governing board is keen for candidates to have skills in the following areas:

·Safeguarding

·Health and Safety

·Finance management

·Compliance

·Curriculum

·Human resources

Expectations of governors

Governors are expected to:

·Attend meetings – there are a minimum of 4 meetings of the Governing Board each year (a Business meeting in September plus one full GB meeting each term). Governors normally participate in one of two committees – the Curriculum committee or the Finance, Premises and Personnel committee – these committees usually meet termly. Most meetings are in the evening, usually starting at 6.00pm. Governors may be required to participate in other ad hoc committees, as required.

·Maintaining confidentiality – information shared and discussed in governor meetings is confidential and must not be disclosed.

·Committing to training – Governors have a responsibility to keep up to date with training to support them to fulfil their role. Training is available both online and face to face.

·Visiting the school – Governors may undertake visits to the school as part of their role to monitor the implementation of school improvement plan and in relation to their specific roles and responsibilities.

·The term of office – Parent Governors commit to a 4 year term of office.

How to apply

If you’re interested in applying for the role, please complete the candidate form attached to this letter and return to the school office by Wednesday 15^th October 2025. If we receive more applications
than there are vacancies, a secret ballot will be carried out. We will inform you closer to the time if we have to do this.

Paper copies of the candidate form can be obtained from the school office, in person or by requesting that a copy is sent home with your child.

If you would like to talk to the Chair of Governors, one of the parent governors or me, please contact the school office and we will make the appropriate arrangements. I will also be available to discuss the role during the Open Evening event on Monday 6^th October.

Please email: schooloffice@woodlands.luton.sch.uk

Kind regards,

Sandra Clarke

Headteacher

September 2025

26-09-25

23-09-25

Dear Parents and Carers,

Impact of changes to the SEND transport policy

You may have read the article published on the Luton Today website on 22nd September. The article is titled 'Council defends transport changes for SEND students in Luton despite Lib Dem criticism.'

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/council-defends-transport-changes-for-send-students-in-luton-despite-lib-dem-criticism-5329098

Councillor Gillian Fry, is the Liberal Democrat councillor for Round Green, and the shadow education portfolio holder on the council. Mrs Fry supported the parent mentioned in the article and she is keen to hear from other families affected by the changes in the local authority SEND transport policy. She is keen to arrange a meeting with parents and to find out about the hardships caused by the new SEND transport policy.

She wants to highlight the problems caused by the policy with a view that the council will listen.

If you are interested in speaking to Gillian, you can contact her directly by email: gillian.fry@luton.gov.uk

Kind regards,

Sandra Clarke

Headteacher

18-09-25

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Re: Parents’ Evening on Monday 6th October 2025

We are inviting parents to come to school to meet with the class teacher in order to discuss your child’s
progress this year. Your appointment will last for ten minutes.

Please email your child’s class teacher by Friday 26th September with your preferred time slot (the
class team will reply to confirm your appointment time)
4.00 – 4.30 pm
4.30 – 5.00 pm
5.00 – 5.30 pm
5.30 – 6.00 pm
6.00 – 6.30 pm

Alternatively, please inform your class teacher if you are unable to attend or would prefer a telephone
consultation (at a different time)

We will also be holding a transitions event during the evening, in the school hall. This a fantastic
opportunity for you to come in and meet with various providers and support services from the local
community. You will have the opportunity to learn about the services they provide, and ask any
questions directly to them in order to help you begin to plan for your child’s future.

Yours sincerely

Caroline Lowry
Deputy Head Teacher

18-09-25

15-09-25

Dear Parents/Carers,

Immunisations

The Immunisation Team will be visiting Woodlands to administer the DTP and Meningitis ACWY vaccinations to our Year 9 students on Friday 10th October.

We kindly ask that you complete the online consent form by Friday 3rd October.

Please refer to the attached letter for full details and follow the instructions provided. You will have the option to either give or decline consent for the vaccination.

If you would like to discuss the vaccine with a nurse, please contact the Immunisation Team directly on 0300 790 0594 (Option 3).

Thank you for your cooperation.

Many Thanks

Shazmeen Malik

Assistant Family Worker

12-09-25

Dear Parents/ Carers,

School Meals information 

Now the academic year is in full swing, we thought it would be useful to send out some information regarding school meals. Effective from September 2025, school meals have increased to £4.00. Unfortunately, the school is no longer in a position to subsidise school meals. Details of our school meals and menus are available on our website https://www.woodlands.luton.sch.uk/school-dinner-information/.

Orders for school meals are placed each morning by classes for students who are in school.

To ensure that meals are ordered and charged correctly, please note the following:

- If your child has a morning appointment and will be in school for lunch time - parents need to inform the class, by email, if a meal is required. This needs to be done by 8:45am at the latest. Otherwise, a packed lunch is required to be brought in by parents.

- If your child arrives late for any other reason - you will need to speak to the office team, on arrival.

- If a student leaves school early and does not require a meal, then parents also need to inform the class, by email, that no meal is required. This needs to be done by 8:45am at the latest. Otherwise, there is a risk that you will still be charged for the meal.

Ordered meals will be charged.

Payment for meals is through Parentmail under the accounts section and automatic top ups can be set to avoid accounts falling into arrears. School meals will not be provided for accounts persistently in arrears, and a packed lunch will need to be provided from home.

If you have any questions or need any assistance then please contact the school office on 01582 572880/ schooloffice@woodlands.luton.sch.uk

Kind regards

The School Office

12-09-25

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had our first full week in school and students and staff are in the process of settling into their new classes and routines.

We will be inviting parents and carers to come to our Open Evening and meet their child's teacher and class team on Monday 6th October between 4.00 - 6.30pm. Further information will be sent out next week.

On Friday 19th September we will participate in Jeans for Genes activities at school. Students and staff are invited to wear their jeans to school that day and to make a donation of £2 towards the charity, via Parentmail, and a link will be sent shortly.

Parental drop off/collection of students - we are getting into a routine and once again we thank parents for their patience and cooperation. There have been one or two incidents when cars trying to turn into the school from Northwell Drive have blocked the road and some other road users have been a little frustrated. If the turn off is busy, we request that you do not block the road but drive to the next roundabout and return to the school to try again.

We request that parents do not arrive at school before 8.40am in the mornings or before 2.50pm in the afternoon.

If you need to pick your child up earlier on a regular basis, please send an email for my attention and explain the reason for the request. I will respond to these requests.

Have a lovely weekend,

Kind regards,

Sandra

05-09-25

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for supporting us as we implement a new arrivals and departures system at the school. Overall, the process has gone very well and your patience has been greatly appreciated. Mornings are working particularly well and afternoons will
always be a little slower.

Please do not arrive at the school before 8.40am. Our school staff do not start work until 8.45am and your child will not be collected until after this time.

If you do not usually drop your child off to school in the mornings or pick them up in the afternoon, please note all cars will be directed to enter the slip road opposite the bus stop on Northwell Drive. Please do not try to cross to the main
entrance during the busy transport times. We are trying to safely manage traffic and to keep everyone safe.

If you decide to make different arrangements to collect /pick up your child, on a particular day – please inform the school as soon as possible so that we can direct your child to the correct part of the school at the end of the day.

For example, you will need to let us know if:
 your child usually travels by bus but you are collecting them by car or walking
 you normally walk your child into school and you decide to pick them up by
car
 you normally drive to collect them and you decide to walk.

This is particularly important if your child is in KS3 or KS4 as the car drop off pick up point and the pedestrian drop off and pick up point are at opposite ends of the school. Please call the school office and, if possible notify your child’s class by
sending an email.

Here is a summary of drop off and pick up times.

Café car park Main car park

8.45 - 8.55am drop off Key Stage 3 WISERR (formerly Pathways) - main car park
KS3 and KS4 pedestrians

8.55 - 9.05am drop off Key Stage 4 PMLD/PD, Provisions,3SY

Café car park Main car park

2.55 – 3.05pm pick up Key Stage 3 WISERR (formerly
Pathways) - main car park
KS3 and KS4 pedestrians

3.05 – 3.15pm pick up Key Stage 4 PMLD/PD, Provisions, 3SY

*There are one or two students whose arrangements are slightly different.

If you need someone different to drop off or collect your child from school, please contact the school office as soon as possible on that day, to inform us of the change.

You will be asked to provide the full name of the person who will be collecting your child, as well as a password. Our staff will then verify both the name and the password with your nominated individual when they come to collect your child.

Please ensure that you have signposted this person as to where and when they should collect your child. Please share a copy of the drop off/ pick up plan with them and advise them to follow the direction of staff.

If for any reason you arrive after the school gates are closed at 9.05am, please use the main entrance and liaise with the office team.

Have a lovely weekend,

Kind regards,

Sandra