Principal: Richard Spencer
12th May 2017
Downham Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 2SH
t: 01353 667763
e: [email protected]
w: www.elycollege.com
Dear Parent/Carer
Before we welcome your child for the induction 2 days, we wanted to update you on a number of areas that
will ensure your child has a smooth transition. Please read this letter carefully and return completed
documentation to myself before the induction days.
Induction days will take place on Wednesday 5th July and Thursday 6th July.
On the induction days students will have the opportunity to experience taster lessons in a variety of subjects,
visit the LRC (learning resource centre) and take part in PE and team building activities. I will be visiting our
partner primary schools to meet all the Year 6 students joining us in September, and explaining more about
their two days with us in July.
Transport
If your child attends Littleport Primary, Millfield or Downham Feoffees they will attend school as normal
and will be brought to the College by minibus. Please can you ensure your child is at their primary school no
later than 8.45am. At the end of the day they will be returned to the primary school by 3.00pm so you can
collect them as normal.
If your child attends a different primary school from the three mentioned above, you will need to bring your
child to the College by 9.20am and collect them at 2.45pm on the two induction days. Please bring them to
the reception at the front entrance.
Uniform
Please can your child wear their primary school uniform for the two days of induction and bring suitable
clothing and footwear to take part in PE on both days. For September your child will need to be wearing the
new Ely College uniform. This includes a grey jacket, black trousers or skirt, white shirt and house tie.
Uniform can be purchased online through the College website. We have also included a fact sheet on the
new uniform with this letter. In order to assist you with purchasing the correct size of garment our uniform
supplier will be at the College to measure Year 6 students before and during the parent information evening
on 11th July 2017.
Lunch
During the induction we will be providing all Year 6 students with lunch and a break time snack on the two
days. They will be able to choose a lunch from a cooked meal or sandwiches. Parents will not be expected
to contribute to the cost of the lunches for the induction days. Included with this letter is our food offering
with current prices to help you plan what money your child may need in their lunch account each day.
Biometric System
From September, the College is moving to a biometric system for payment of school lunches and borrowing
resources from the Learning Resource Centre (LRC). Students will need to have their finger scanned for this
during the induction 2 days. Please find enclosed a letter giving further details on this system that needs to
be completed and returned.
Wisepay
Ely College operates a secure online payment system that allows parents/carers to load the catering account
of students and pay for trips and visits. A letter is included for your information and to give you the
opportunity to set an optional daily spending limit on your child’s account. Your login for this system will be
available on the parent information evening on 11th July.
Language Choice
All Key Stage 3 students take a modern foreign language as part of their curriculum. Year 6 students will be
asked to make a choice between studying French or Spanish during the induction 2 days. Please speak to
your son/daughter about this choice to ensure they are clear on which language they wish to study.
Data Sheet
All parents/carers under the data protection act need to give consent for us to hold details on their child. It
is essential we have up-to-date and accurate contact information on all students, as well as authorisations
for school systems. Included with this letter is our Data Information Sheet that must be completed and
returned to the College before the induction days.
Parent/Carers Meeting
There will be an information evening for parents/carers and new students in the main hall on Tuesday 11 th
July to provide you with all the information you and your child will need for starting in September. It will also
give you the opportunity to meet key staff. We ask that you please attend at:
6.30pm if you are coming from Ely St Mary’s or Ely St John’s
7.00pm if you are coming from The Lantern, Downham Feoffees or other schools
Following the meeting there will be taster sessions running of our session 6 extra-curricular clubs from
after the talk till 8.30pm. This will give the children a chance to find out more about the variety of clubs and
opportunities we offer through at the College. Students will be asked to sign up during the induction days to
two 30 mins sessions they wish to try out. Whilst this takes place parents are encouraged to enjoy
refreshments in the dining room and take the opportunity to talk to College staff and other parents.
We will also have our uniform suppliers in on the evening from 5.00pm-8.30pm to measure Year 6 students
and provide advice around ordering uniform for September.
Bus Passes
If you are entitled to transport you should either apply online by going to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk and
clicking on education and learning, then follow the link to education transport. Alternatively, please contact
school transport at the Local Authority.
If you have any queries about your child’s entry to the College or about the induction process please do
contact me on the College telephone number or via email at [email protected]
I very much look forward to welcoming your child to the College and working with you in partnership to
ensure their success.
Yours faithfully
Samantha Haworth
Assistant Principal