End of Week Newsletter
September 11th 2026
A Message from the Principal
It’s been great to be back at Ipswich Academy, welcoming the students back and welcoming the year 7s to secondary school.
The start has been smooth, the students have taken the changes in their stride and we look forward to what the rest of the term brings.
The first term is always a busy one. We’ve a number of events happening but none more so important than our annual Open Evening on Thursday 24 September. This is an opportunity for our potential new intake to come and look around the school. If you have a younger child at primary, please bring them along or if you have friends with younger children, please let them know of this event and encourage them to attend.
Mobile phones
The introduction of phone pouches has started. This is a positive move to enable a phone free day and get back to the crux of why we’re in school – to focus on the learning. My letters over the summer holidays have the full details however please note:
- Every child has been (or will be) issued a phone pouch
- They will keep this for the year
- It is a required piece of equipment that must be brought to school every day
- Students are not permitted to have their phones out of this pouch whilst in school at any point (those with medical conditions where phone use is essential will have alternative arrangements)
- If there is any refusal to engage in this, it will lead to a suspension from school
The responses that I have had to my letter so far have been very positive. It is reassuring to know that the parent/carer community is with me on this issue.
The Big Future National Survey
As children and young people return to school for the new academic year, Dame Rachel de Souza (Children’s Commissioner for England) is asking for your support in making sure pupils at your school have the opportunity to take part in her national survey, The Big Future.
Every child’s voice matters, and Dame Rachel wants to make sure that children and young people in every school and college, in every community, have the opportunity to shape the picture of childhood that she will share with Government.
The survey can be completed here: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture.
Have Your Say: Suffolk School Nursing & Family Services Under Review
Suffolk County Council has launched a public consultation reviewing local Healthy Child Services, which includes our vital School Nursing Teams.
This service provides crucial health, emotional wellbeing, and developmental support for children aged 5–19 (and up to 25 for SEND students). We want to ensure our parent community doesn’t miss the chance to have their say. Changes to these teams will deeply impact the day-to-day care, medical guidance, and community support available to our children. How you can help:
- Complete the Survey: Please click the link below to share your views on how these services should look in the future.
- Read the Attached Guides: We have attached the official council letters for parents to this newsletter. (Note: A child-friendly version of the letter is also available upon request if you would like to go through it with your children).
- Spread the Word: Please share this link with friends, family, and anyone in your network who relies on local children’s health services.
Access the Consultation Here: Suffolk Healthy Child Services Consultation
The deadline has been extended until 18th October 2026.
Useful Tips for Parents/Carers
Safeguarding
Be Aware of Excessive Gaming:
If your child is spending all their time gaming, it might be affecting their wellbeing. Encourage them to balance screen time with other activities. If it becomes a problem, let the school know so we can offer support.
Attendance
Be Mindful of Holidays
Plan family holidays during school breaks rather than term time. Missing lessons due to holiday travel can have a significant impact on your child’s learning.
Reading/Literacy
Support Homework With Extra Practice
If your child struggles with certain literacy tasks in their homework, offer additional help with extra reading or writing practice. This reinforces what they’ve learned in class.
