Why are we trialling any changes?
The current configuration within the car park areas presents a number of issues that impact on the safety of pedestrians who move between buildings during the school day. Being a 3-18 school, we need to balance many divergent risks that most schools don’t need to consider, such as supervising the movement of Nursery pupils through a car park that is used by a number of inexperienced drivers.
What other proposals were considered, and why were they discounted?
There were many other proposals and many variations of proposals considered that would take too long to document. As with everything at Howell’s, it is only after much thought and consideration that we are proposing the new arrangements on a trial basis. If you are interested in the other proposals, do contact Mrs Davis who is happy to talk through some of the other ideas that were rejected.
Can parents continue to park up and walk their child in Prep School into school?
Yes, it is possible to do this. Please ensure that you leave your vehicle safely in a marked bay in the visitor car park, or park off-site and come in through one of our pedestrian entrances. We would, however, prefer you to use the fast drop-off zone beside the Bandstand or the walking bus from Pencisely Road.
Please can you explain the changes to Nursery drop-off and pick-up procedures?
Apologies that we didn’t make it clear, there are no changes to Nursery drop-off and pick-up.
How do I collect my child from Nursery when she finishes at lunchtime?
There are no changes here either, please park in the visitor car park at lunch and walk down to the Prep School to wait outside Ty Hapus entrance.
I am concerned that the whole school is trying to use one car park area – surely this is not safe and at a detriment to safety of Prep pupils?
I am so sorry that is not clear that the whole school is not trying to use one car park. Parents who only have Senior School students are being asked to use the Pencisely Road car park. College students, if they are brought to school, are also asked to use the drop-off at Pencisely Road. If they are driving themselves, they are currently still allowed to park in the main car park. Staff are also parking in other car parks. It is only Prep School girls that will be dropped-off via the visitor car park, hopefully at the fast drop-off zone by the Bandstand. We are also encouraging use of the walking bus from the Pencisely Road car park.
Why are you proposing to stop students parking on site?
The number of students driving to school has increased significantly in the last few years. Previously we only had 15 spaces available for College students to use, which was subject to passing the Pass Plus qualification in addition to the driving test. At times, we currently have up to 40 cars belonging to College students. Until the end of this academic year, College students may still park on site, but we will now be considering further options as the trial progresses and for September.
What if I have more than one child in the school finishing at different times?
You are welcome to wait for your child wherever you are parked. If you are in the visitor area then please do remain here, if there are no spaces a member of staff will direct you to an alternative area.
Will there be provision for any accessible parking spaces?
Three marked accessible bays will be provided initially within the visitor parking area. Additional spaces will be made available during school events, with further information sent to attendees prior to the event taking place.
What about those attending lettings in school, such as swimming lessons?
The main car park will be reopened for anyone to use after 2.45pm. (Please see changes to the trial). The swimming pool is hired out to external users from 4:30pm and we will contact all hirers to request that they do not come onto site before 4.00pm. This will be monitored by staff on duty and the estates team. Other organisations who hire spaces from the school do so later in the day.
What would happen during school events?
Our events are extremely popular, which of course puts greater pressure on the car parking we have available. We have designed a separate protocol and procedure that will be enacted when large events are taking place. On these days all car parking areas will be available for use, but with additional staff on duty at key points who will direct vehicles towards available spaces and supervise any pedestrian movements across the site.
What if there are no parking spaces left or space in the drop off queue at the front of school?
Staff will be on duty in the car parks from 8:00am to 9:30 and again from 2:45pm to 4:00pm to monitor the flow of traffic and provide assistance. If there is an excessive build-up of traffic then they are on hand to take action to ease the situation. I’m not comfortable just dropping my daughter off at the end of the lane. We will continue to have a member of staff on duty at the Howell’s Crescent gate in the mornings and at the blue Prep School gates. This will be supplemented with staff at the Bandstand drop zone and in the car parks. Staff are supporting in Pencisely Road car park in addition to the staff running the walking bus. If your daughter is in the Prep School she will be supervised at all times. You may, of course, walk her to the blue Prep School gates if you prefer.
Has there been any consultation with local residents?
We have not consulted local residents, but will of course do so if we feel the implementation of the trial will result in this being necessary.
I am concerned that student parking in the local area will generate complaints from residents?
We are currently allowing students to continue parking on site and considering some different options for September. If students do park in the local area, we will expect them to be considerate of residents and to follow the rules of the road. We anticipate there will be enough spaces as many girls stay for After School Care or clubs. If there are not enough spaces in the visitor car park, people will be directed to the main car park.
What will happen if I’m picking up after clubs?
This process will not be changing. Please park as normal in either of the car parks and walk to the Prep School. The main car park will be available for anyone to use after 2.45pm daily. (Please see changes to the trial). Pencisely Road exit is a concern as it is somewhat of a blind turn. We would encourage all drivers to be aware of this and take suitable precautions.
Could we enclose the pop up café with a fence?
This may be possible, but we would like to check the changes being made will work before adding in any variables such as In Full Bloom. However, I do know how popular the cafe is and how much the parents appreciate the opportunity to chat to each other at the end of the school day.
Effect on community – parents enjoy a catch-up at pick-up/drop-off times.
Please see answer above and with the changes to the trial proposed this could still happen, but we would very much encourage people to use the walking buses at the end of the school day as well at the start.
Why can’t Seniors use Pencisely Road and leave visitors for Prep?
This is what will be happening during the trial. However, if parents have daughters in more than one section of the school, they may use the visitor car park. Although again everyone is being encouraged to use Pencisely Road and the walking buses for Prep School.
If you have any other queries, or concerns going forward during the trial, please email carparking@how.gdst.net