Letter to parents

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to you following a recent article published in a local paper which has understandably caused concern and upset among many of you, as well as among our staff team.

As Principal, I want to reassure you that the heart of Arvalee School remains unchanged: we are a community built on care, respect, and an unwavering commitment to your children. Our pupils are at the centre of everything we do, and we value each of them for the unique and wonderful individuals they are.

The recent article presents a misleading and unbalanced portrayal of life at Arvalee School. Regrettably, what is reported does not reflect the reality of our school community.

We fully recognise that supporting children with complex needs can bring challenges. However, the suggestion that our classroom assistants are unsupported or unhappy working with your children is simply not true. While we respect that individuals may hold different views, we are confident in the strong systems of support, training, and teamwork in place for all staff.

The overwhelming majority of our staff continue to come to school each day with unwavering dedication, skill, and compassion. They know, as we all do, that supporting your children is not just a job. It is a vocation that brings both challenges and deep, lasting rewards.

We are disappointed by how the article portrayed our pupils and our school community. The use of anonymous comments from reported ‘staff member/s’, without context, clarity, or balance, has led to a narrative that does not reflect the values, relationships, or lived experiences within our school.

Our pupils are remarkable young people who deserve to be recognised and celebrated for their individuality, potential, and progress. Their needs may be complex, but our commitment to meeting those needs with understanding, professionalism, and genuine care remains constant. 

The Board of Governors wish to convey their commitment to your children and will engage further with the Education Authority and our staff to discuss the article and consider any necessary steps. The school governors remain disappointed and concerned by the nature of the reporting and the lack of respect and care towards the children and young people in our care.  

While the school is now closed for the summer break, please be assured that we remain committed to open and honest communication. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to get in touch once school reopens and the class team will reassure you of our commitment to your child. In the meantime, we wish you and your family a safe, restful, and happy summer.

With warm regards,

Jonathan Gray

Principal