Dear Parents

We made it!!

Thank you: I just wanted to take the time to say a big thank you to everyone for their contributions in making this extremely difficult and challenging term such a success.

We have been so proud of the resilience and positive attitudes of the children and how well they have adapted to the new ways in which the School needs to work.  They are truly amazing and they make everything worthwhile.

Thank you to the parents for following our new rules and routines (even if you don’t agree with them).  It makes such a difference to the safety of our community and in the smooth running of the School.  Thank you also for continuing the learning at home and supporting your child in the “catch-up” needed.

I am so grateful for the time, dedication and enthusiasm of all our staff in making this term positive for the children and providing a safe and secure learning environment.    From cleaning duties, being apart from their colleagues, implementing a fully adapted curriculum - in addition to the “recovery” curriculum needed to support our pupils after being out of School for 6 months.  I know that the pressure is significant – however, we are all pulling together (in separate bubbles and staff rooms ☹) and providing the best learning opportunities that we possibly can. 

Changes After Half-Term: As you are all aware the increase in cases in our area is concerning.  Therefore, after half-term, any staff who have to work across bubbles and cannot appropriately socially distance will wear a mask.  In addition, if staff wish to wear a mask within their bubble when they are working closely with children they may do so.  When they are teaching, masks will not be worn as distance can be maintained.  This will be explained to the children but it would be useful if you could too.

We will also be introducing a seating plan in the hall for Y1-Y4 (Y5/6 already have designated seats in their classroom).  Currently the children sit in year groups but have a choice.  After half-term, they will be seated in the same position as their class to minimize contact.

Parents: Could parents please only wait in the areas where their children are collected and once you have collected your child, please leave the site.  I appreciate that it may be the only social contact that some parents have with others in a day but we need to make sure that numbers on site are kept to a minimum.  For parents who need to wait 5 minutes for collection of a KS2 pupil, could we again ask that you stay in the designated area and so does your child/children and that they are supervised.

The current situation has meant that many families are finding things difficult.  Please remember we are here to help.  We have access to a range of resources to help and support families.  If you find your family in a change of situation, please let us know and we will do everything that we possibly can to help.

Reminder: Part of our risk assessments state that rooms need to be ventilated.  Although we do have the heating on as well, it can be cold in the classroom so leading up to winter you may want to put some additional layers under uniform.  Please always make sure that your child has a warm and waterproof coat as despite the weather we are trying to get out whenever we can.

Have a fantastic half-term everybody, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all on Monday November 2^nd.