Headteacher's Blog #6

On Tuesday we had a traffic accident next to the bus stop, at the front of the school. I can confirm to all at LSA that the young person, apart from some bumps and bruises is fine. Car accidents are every parent's worst nightmare, the feeling of dread that hits you in the pit of your stomach when you hear that your child might be hurt is truly sickening. This was my first crisis since starting at LSA and I was astounded by the inspiring way that staff, parents and the local community responded. You learn a lot about a school when something goes wrong, and what I learned is that we should all be proud to be LSA. I'd like to offer my thanks to staff, to parents and to bystanders, all of whom responded calmly, sensibly and compassionately. Our young people also did themselves proud, quickly dispersing and following instructions so that we could give care to the victim. Finally, I'd like to thank the emergency services who responded swiftly and professionally to a challenging context. Watching a helicopter land next to the school gave me great faith in the ability of our emergency services to do everything they can to save lives. 

We are made to believe by the media or on online forums that Britain is broken, that its communities are divided and that its public services don't work. Tuesday afternoon's incident shows you the truth; that communities come together, that our public services still work and that people are kind and good. 

Can I ask parents to not park in the yellow box area outside the school, this is designed for taxis only and for access in emergency, please also don't park on double yellow lines. Can I also ask parents not to drop students off in the school car park, this is often where accidents occur in schools. If you could pick up your children further away from the school building then, although a little less convenient, it minimises the chance of Tuesday ever happening again.