We are aware that a further protest over the issue of climate change is planned in several towns and cities, including Norwich on Friday 20th September from 1pm and that students may be being encouraged to take part during the school day.

This protest is taking place at a time of heightened political tensions and I advise parents to consider carefully how appropriate the event is for their child. Once again, I have met with students to discuss how this will be organised and the consequential impacts on the students that may take part.  While I still recognise the strength of feeling over this issue, I have a duty of care to ensure the safety of all students and cannot consent to students missing out on important learning time. 

Therefore, it is important, to verify requests, that we receive explicit written consent via email to attendance@cns-school.org by the end of Wednesday 18th September, that you wish your child to attend the protest march, so we will not prevent them from leaving school. However, the absence will be noted as unauthorised and parents and carers will be responsible for their child’s safety and welfare during this time. A slip will be issued to students by their form tutor. Any student who tries to leave site without parental consent will be truanting and sanctioned in line with the school behaviour policy. Students will not be expected to return to school as the protest begins at 1pm resulting in a half day of unauthorised absence.

We would urge students against walking out of school on this day. It is extremely disruptive for a school to have to deal with unauthorised absences and students will be missing out on important learning time.

Ms J Philpott

Headteacher