Our approach at Lenham is one that encompasses inclusion, nurturing and high expectations for all.

The impact of the lockdown has far reaching implications. Wellbeing of everyone, working in bubbles / phases, restrictions on movement around the school, continuous cleaning and hand washing, virtual meetings, changes to school timings all contribute to the necessary changes in working conditions. Unfortunately, these changes have a huge impact on the actual available teaching time.

More now than ever, we need to be inventive in our approach to education; engaging and inspiring teachers, pupils and parents to embrace the changes and to see the potential to progress that still remains within everyone’s reach.

Small step progression is equally as important as giant leaps. This is important to remember as the educational and social gaps of pupils identified as vulnerable and SEND, prior to lockdown, have increased. This was inevitable. 

Additionally, it has also become apparent that gaps have appeared for some pupils who previously would have achieved expected progress had the lockdown been averted. These gaps, again are not restricted to purely academic but also the social impact that lockdown has had on their wellbeing and confidence.

The government have recognised this unfolding issue and foresee the potential long-term impact. Therefore, additional funding has been made available for schools to invest in supporting those pupils specifically affected.