4^th November 2014

Our Ref: JOHE/KABY

Dear Parent

I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the decision to close the Academy early on 3rd November 2014.  Decisions of this nature are never taken lightly and I feel that it is important for me to share the circumstances leading to this decision.

At approximately 11.30am we experienced a total power outage in the building and subsequently the local area.  This power cut disabled all of the main systems in the Academy including IT, telephone, lighting, heating and alarm systems.  More significantly however, as all of our water is pumped around the building it also disabled our water system. This directly impacted our restaurant, refreshments and toilet facilities.

Although we contacted the electricity company for information they were unable to give any time scale for repairing the issue.  At 12.30, for the safety and well being of our students we decided to shut the Academy and informed all parents using our emergency text system.

I would like to thank you for your understanding and I am sure you join me in hoping that we don't have to deal with a repeat incident of this nature in the future.  As always with these situations some issues have been raised.  Having reflected on our own processes, we will be investigating ways to improve our communication following events of this nature to ensure clarity on the reopening of the Academy.  In order for us to improve our contact with you further please can I ask that you take this opportunity to contact the Academy if your contact details have recently changed.

Our students were once again a credit to the Academy in the mature and sensible way that they exited the building and you should be proud of the way that they dealt with the situation.

I would like to thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.

Yours sincerely

John Henrys