Dear Parents and Carers
I am writing again to you prior to the start of term with a couple of updates to arrangements for the children’s return on Monday.
As previously stated, we are expecting everyone to return to school on Monday in time for registration at 08:55. If for any reason your child is not able to come in then, please let me know via phone or e-mail in advance so we can make any necessary changes to our plans.
At the end of last term, parents of children coming into Reception were told they would be able to accompany their child into school on the first day. We are aiming to make this first day for them in school as special and fun as possible, but also need to try to adhere to our plans of reducing the numbers of adults in the school building to an absolute minimum. We are therefore asking you to be prepared to leave your child at the school door to walk round with Miss Buxton or Mrs Cross to the classroom. Please note that it is possible your child may become upset at you leaving, but experience shows that being in the classroom or at the door makes no difference to their reaction, and in almost all cases the moment you have gone they are absolutely fine! Please note, this rule also applies to the older children. We will look after them, and we will phone you if they continue to be upset.
As one of the exciting provisions for our children, we will still be running Forest School, initially for Hazel Class. Please can children in Hazel Class bring their Forest School clothes into school for the week beginning 14th September, which should consist of clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty – wellies, long sleeve top, trousers, waterproof coat and trousers if you have them.
The government has put out a significant amount of advice and guidance over the last few months which we are doing our very best to follow. There is also information for parents and carers on the Department for Education website which lets you know what you can expect us to do in these rather strange circumstances. It can be read on the snappily titled https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-in-the-autumn-term
The most important information in all of this we would like you to be clear about is what to do if your child shows any of the three main symptoms of COVID19, namely, persistent cough, high temperature or change to sense of taste or smell. If your child, or anyone in your household, has any of these symptoms, please do not come to school. Please phone us straight away so we can make the necessary adjustments to our practice, and you can then arrange for a test for any affected members of your household. Details of what to do can be read on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/
Reminder that all children in Reception, Year 1 & 2 are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM), if you need help ordering meals please contact Mrs Pike at the office email address.
If you are receiving certain benefits your child may be eligible for the Pupil Premium. This is an amount of money per pupil awarded to schools to spend on improving outcomes for children, and also gives you the option of having free school meals. If you think your child is eligible, even if they are already receiving the UIFSM, please apply using the following link, as your child will benefit from the extra income in school.
In a change to previous arrangements, we are asking for your help in our plans for staffing for Breakfast Club and After School Club. We are now asking that you contact the office to book the days you require at least 24 hours in advance. If you need a place for your children at the last minute due to, for example, a family emergency, we will do what we can to accommodate them.
With apologies, we are unfortunately not able to offer any other after school clubs this half term, but will aim to do so as soon as some of our measures can be relaxed.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone on Monday.
With best wishes
James Stanford