Mid-Summer Update
Dear Parents/Carers,
I hope this finds you all safe and well having enjoyed a warm and sunny weekend? As we slowly approach the start of the new term, I thought I would take this opportunity to update you on a number of things which have been taking place at school over recent weeks, as well as provide you with some information in readiness for the new term.
The school has been a hive of activity since the start of the holidays. A new fire alarm system and emergency lighting has been installed, new touch-screens have been mounted in every classroom and the school hall will be decorated this week. The Key Stage 1 playground has also received some freshening up and the new nursery area in Reception has been decorated.
The senior leadership team met last week to update the risk assessment and finalise the reopening plan for the school. These will be posted onto the school website as soon as staff and unions have had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the documents and make any adjustments. I envisage being able to share the information on the website from Monday 24th August.
At present schools are not considered to be a high-risk setting and therefore attendance will be compulsory. I can confirm however, that when the children return on the 1st of September a staggered start and end of the school day will be in place for the first week of the new term. This will provide staff, children and parents with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with new measures which have been put in place, whilst making for a calmer experience. Children will be asked to arrive in groups according to their surname which will allow children with siblings to arrive together. Details of timings will be posted on the website from Monday 24th August.
A one way system around the school will be in place. All parents and children should enter through the Glebelands Road entrance and then take their child to the appropriate classroom door. Signposting will be in place and staff will be on hand to guide children to their new classrooms.
In order to assist with social distancing, I would ask that those children who are able to walk, cycle or scoot to school consider doing so. This will ease congestion at peak times and allow for safer movement around the school.
Children will be expected to wear their school uniform apart from days when they have PE. School jumpers and cardigans etc. will continue to be worn on these days. Children will only need bring their book bag, water bottle and lunchbox to school. Large rucksacks, toys and personal equipment should not be brought to school. Children in Year 5 &6 are permitted to bring their own pencil case but this must be able to fit into their classroom drawers. (No huge Smiggle pencil cases please as they are to large!)
Only children in Foundation, KS1 and those entitled to an income-based free school in KS2 will be able have a hot dinner. I realise that this will be an inconvenience to some parents who would prefer their child to have a hot dinner, however we will be keeping this under review and will endeavour to widen the opportunity for children to have a hot meal as soon as this becomes practicable.
After-school sports provision with FCS will commence from the 1st September. Given that these groups will be small, separated and consistent in size, we feel that these sessions can be run safely.
All staff will be in school from Monday 24th September and should be available to respond to any questions which you may have. We are all very much looking forward to seeing the children return to school and can’t wait for the start of the new term.
Yours sincerely
L. Lee