ANNUAL MEDICAL & CONSENT FORM FOR TRIPS
Change to the Current Process

We have introduced an Annual Medical and Consent Form for non-residential school trips. The form is to be completed online via ParentMail. The form will be renewed each September.

We have already received 42% of the forms. Thank you to those of you who have already completed them.

For those who haven't yet completed the form, the deadline is this Monday, 15 September. Please see details below to complete the form as soon as possible:

Please refer to the email from ParentMail (sent Friday 5 September) to alert you that there is a new form to complete. Please log into ParentMail and complete the 'Annual Medical and Consent Form 2025/2026' by Monday 15 September. This will cover all non-residential trips until the end of the academic year in July 2026, and will replace the individual online medical and consent forms previously issued for each trip.

It is really important that the form is completed no later than Monday 15 September. If we do not receive the form by this date, unfortunately, we will not be able to consider your child for any non-residential trips for the next 12 months. If you do not use ParentMail please contact us by emailing finance@littleheath.org.uk or call us on 0118 9427337.

Going forward, all non-residential trip letters will refer to the Annual Medical and Consent form, and will ask you to ‘click the consent’ button on ParentMail when you make a payment. If you decide not to make a payment, you still must ‘click the consent’ button on ParentMail. All residential trips will still require an individual form to be completed. A link will be sent in the trip letter at the time.

If there are any changes to medical needs after you have completed the Annual Medical and Consent Form, it is your responsibility to contact us via email at office@littleheath.org.uk giving us the full details.

UNIFORM REMINDER
Footwear, Jewellery and Make Up/Nails

As we begin the new academic year, we are working hard to ensure consistency across the school in all areas, including uniform expectations. We know that routines can vary, and we appreciate that some of these clarifications may represent a change from what some families are used to. Our aim is to make the rules clear for everyone, so that students can focus on learning in a calm and orderly environment. When it comes to uniform, we need to draw a line with certain items, and we will try to be as fair and consistent as we can, for all.

To help understand why we have made some of these decisions, please see the explanations at the bottom of the email.

• Footwear
  • We allow any black shoes, so long as they are polishable and fully black.
  • Silver tags on black trainers (such as Nike Air Force Ones) must be removed to be worn at school. 
• Jewellery
  • Students may wear a watch, a simple ring and up to one small stud earring in each ear only.
  • Students must not wear bracelets or earrings with a hoop in it. The only exception are religious bracelets. Please ask your parents to give you a note or send a message to your Head of Year if this applies to you. Jewellery like bracelets and hooped earrings pose risks during physical activities and practical lessons.
  • Nose studs must be clear and plastic; spares are available to maintain a consistent appearance.
• Make-Up and Nails
  • Long, false nails must be removed. These are not suitable for school, particularly in practical subjects such as PE, Science, and Technology. 
  • Students should not wear excessive make-up. False eyelashes are not acceptable.

These are the rules for all students in Year 7–11, and all students need to follow them to ensure it is fair. Our rules are in place for consistency and safety. An email has gone home today to further explain our policy.

For more information about school uniform, please visit our website: Little Heath School - Uniform. Thank you for your cooperation.

OPEN EVENING
Thursday 18 September

Just to remind you that our Open Evening event will take place on Thursday 18 September 2025. To allow us to prepare for the event, the school will close at 1:00pm on this day. 

Please be aware that there are no buses at 1:00pm.  Students can either make their own way home at this time, or they can stay on the school site until the buses come at 3.25pm. They will assist in setting up the school for the Open Evening. Any students who are helping in the evening may remain the whole day if they wish.

For safeguarding reasons, any students who will remain in school (for buses or student helpers who wish to stay) must let us know in advance by coming to the Student Wellbeing Office before Thursday 18 September. These students must also come to the Student Wellbeing Office at 1:00pm to sign in on the day so we have a complete list of all students still on site.

Those students returning at 3:30pm to help must sign in at the Student Wellbeing Office before reporting to their subject department. Please ensure they are in full school uniform. 

Students must return to the Student Wellbeing Office to sign out at 7:00pm, and will leave via the Sixth Form gate. We are very grateful to all the students who are supporting us at this event.

BAT WALK
Thursday 18 September

The Purley Sustainability Group and Wild Tilehurst have organised a Bat Walk on Thursday18 September, 7pm at Bucknell’s Meadow. If you would like to take part, find out more, and book your place, via their website: Bat Walk — Purley Sustainability Group

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
Tuesday 16 September

Our school photographers will be in school next week to take individual photos. Year 9 photographs are scheduled for Tuesday 16 September at the following times:

READING HOMEWORK

This year we are introducing specific reading homework for students in Years 7, 8 and 9, designed to foster a love of reading and strengthen literacy skills across the curriculum. 

Year 9 will delve into the genre of dystopian fiction, engaging with thought-provoking texts that challenge their perspectives on society and the future.

Each week, reading homework will be set by their classroom teacher via Satchel One; we will be asking parents and carers to check that their reading is complete by signing the bookmark that students will bring home and use while reading.

Students will also find recommended reading lists on Satchel One to help them choose a suitable novel. Students are encouraged to select a book from either:

• The school library during their library lessons
• Their local library
• Or purchase one online if you wish
• Second-hand books can also be sourced through local charity shops and online

We strongly encourage families to make use of our excellent local library services:

West Berkshire Libraries: https://westberks.gov.uk/libraries

Reading Borough Libraries: https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/

These libraries offer free access to a wide range of books, eBooks, audiobooks, and other resources that support reading for pleasure and academic success.

More information was emailed home earlier this week.

YOUNG ENTERPRISE
Business Challenge Opportunity

This term, we are excited to launch Young Enterprise — an exciting programme that gives students the chance to develop entrepreneurial skills, run their own business, and gain valuable insights into the world of work.

Throughout the year, students will work alongside Business Teacher, Mr White, and Sarah, who runs her own award-winning recruitment company, to set up and manage a real business. They will have opportunities to sell their products in school and at trade fairs, as well as compete in the Young Enterprise regional competition. Dividends will be paid to all participating students once the programme concludes.

All Year 10 students have received an email to their school account containing the application form. Please note: external email addresses cannot be used. When completing the form, ensure the student’s name and form are included.

The application link can also be accessed here: Y10 Young Enterprise Application Form

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
Tuesday 16 September

Our school photographers will be in school next week to take individual photos. Year 10 photographs are scheduled for Tuesday 16 September at the following times:

DESTINATIONS EXPO
West Berkshire’s Largest Interactive Careers Fair

Year 11 students are invited to take part in a very exciting free trip, to the Destinations Expo Careers Fair at Newbury College on Thursday 9 October 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to meet and engage with up to 70 local employers and pathway providers who are actively recruiting locally. A number of universities will also be present to showcase the fantastic opportunities that they offer.

This trip is being offered to the whole year group and provides the chance for students to start seriously thinking about their futures, choices and possible pathways. Please encourage your child to take full advantage of this event. This trip will form part of the Year 11 tutor programme, which provides targeted support for students in the run-up to their exams and to support them with making decisions about post-16 courses and career paths.

A letter has been emailed home with further information.

Welcome to all our new students. I hope you will be very happy at Little Heath School. 

Here is the first edition of the weekly Careers Bulletin; it will only be useful if students are proactive!  Please note that some degree apprenticeships are being advertised now and they usually close as soon as they have found the right candidates – so do not delay in applying. 

Please take a look at the opportunities that are of interest to you. If you need any help, please pop into the Careers Office which is in the Business Block or simply drop me an email.

You can view the Careers Bulletin online, here: Little Heath School - Careers Bulletin 11 September 2025

Kind regards,

Eileen Wooller
Careers Leader

ewooller@littleheath.org.uk