Mr King, our New Deputy Head Teacher

Dear Parents and Carers

My name is Andrew King, and I wanted to write a few words to introduce myself as this term I will be starting as the new Deputy Head Teacher of Longlands Primary School. I am aware that the school has been through a number of changes during the past eighteen months or so, and that even the smallest changes within a school can be daunting for both children and the wider school community. With this in mind, I wanted to just tell you a little bit about myself and my first impressions of Longlands.

Let me start by saying that I feel very privileged to have been appointed as Deputy Head of such a fantastic school which is populated by a terrific community of children and adults alike. Over the past few months I have been lucky enough to visit the school a number of times, and have always been greatly impressed by the levels of hard work and courteousness I have seen demonstrated by the children here at Longlands. Each time I have visited they have made me feel extremely welcome, and I look forward to taking the time to get to know them all a little better over the coming weeks. I shall be making myself as visual as possible, and will be catching up with the children during break times and lunchtimes, as well as visiting classes and talking to the children about their learning.

Just before the Summer Holidays, I visited the school’s Summer Fete and had a chance to meet some of you as parents. In much the same way as with the children, I want to be visual as possible and will often be on duty at the beginning and end of the day should you wish to come and say ‘hello’. I believe passionately that effective Primary education works best when everybody works together providing each other with as much relevant information as possible and maintaining open lines of communication. Therefore, it is my intention to hold sessions for parents and carers to attend where I can inform you about relevant changes or developments and how they will affect your children on a day to day basis.

Back in January the school received its most recent Ofsted inspection. The ‘Good’ outcome of the inspection serves as a fantastic platform to build on for the future, and is an indicator of how the entire staff team here at Longlands works to improve standards in education for your children. Over the coming weeks and months, I will be working with Miss Owen to implement recommendations contained within the report, together with other new and exciting ideas, in order to continue striving to provide a standard of education and enjoyment that all members of the Longlands community can be proud of.

Prior to starting at Longlands, I spent eleven years at another primary school within Bexley, as both a class teacher and school leader. I have been a resident of Bexley and Sidcup my whole life, and like many of you I’m sure, grew up and went to school in this very area. My passion is in ensuring that all children receive a high quality education that is equal parts enjoyable, enriching, challenging and nurturing. I have been fortunate enough to work with outstanding colleagues and highly motivated children on an individual class basis, and I look forward to using this experience and knowledge to drive through positive whole school developments for the benefit of all the children here at Longlands.

Finally, I wanted to say that I look forward to meeting you all over the coming weeks and sharing the journey that your child takes through this wonderful school.

Yours sincerely

Mr A King