Parking at St Edmund’s

Pick up and drop off times are busy outside the academy. Parking restrictions in place are to keep children safe. Inconsiderate parking can put people in danger and lead to potential traffic fines. It is vital that emergency vehicles can access the academy at any time of the day.

We would politely request all parents/carers to park sensibly when dropping children off at the academy and avoid parking close to the junction, parking on double yellow lines, double parking, parking opposite the exit from the turning circle and parking in the turning circle itself.

Buses need to be able to enter Compton Park turning circle safely. Please note the Highway Code is clear where it is illegal to park include:

• opposite or within ten metres of a junction
• over a dropped kerb
• near a school entrance or bus stop
• anywhere that would prevent access for Emergency Services

Safety tips for parking outside the academy

When picking up or dropping off children please remember the following:

• Allow plenty of time as Compton Park is likely to be busy
• Pick up/drop off children along the Compton Road
• Do not park on yellow zigzag lines, double yellow lines, in the bus turning circle or the entrance to the staff car park
• Drive extremely slowly and carefully near the academy, as there will be many children crossing at busy times of the day.
• If you decide to park further away, always be considerate to local residents and avoid blocking driveways, access ways or anywhere that would prevent access for Emergency Services

We are very fortunate that St Edmund’s Catholic Academy is tucked away in a quiet, residential area, with parents not having the worry of getting children across busy main roads when they are taken and collected by car. The downside of this is that parking can be an issue on some of the residential streets and private roads, including Havisham Drive. Please be aware that Havisham Drive is a private road and there are parking restrictions before and after the school day. We continue to work hard to maintain good relations with our neighbours, and to this end we would remind all parents/carers to be extremely careful and considerate when parking cars at both ends of the academy day.

There are disabled parking spaces in the Visitors Car Park for a number of parents and carers who are entitled to use these spaces. It is completely unacceptable for anybody else to use these parking spaces.

We all have a responsibility to ensure that children can access school safely and your co-operation in this matter would be appreciated.