The outbreak of Coronavirus led to the closure of schools in England from 20th March 2020, As we reopen our school there are a number of new measures in place to keep the children, parents, staff and wider community as safe as possible.
Following the government announcement that it would like schools to re-open for all pupils from September, we have been working on arrangements to allow all of the children to return safely. We have followed the government’s guidance and feel we are now able to share the arrangements with you to help you understand what school will be like in September.
What safety measures are in place to protect your child?
- When your child returns to school they will be in a ‘bubble’ with their teacher and other children from their year group. Your child will remain in the same ‘bubble’ with the same children. There will be no mixing with other ‘bubbles.’
- Your child will work with children in their ‘bubble’. However, because of the age of the children, social distancing will be extremely difficult to enforce and sustain within the ‘bubbles.’ Your child will share equipment and resources with the other children in their ‘bubble’. Workstations, equipment and toys will be cleaned and disinfected frequently.
- Additional hand washing will continue to take place – when entering school throughout the day, before and after eating, after toileting and before leaving school. Hand gel will also be available in each ‘bubble’ and used routinely throughout the day.
- The most difficult times to enforce social distancing are playtimes, lunchtimes and the use of the porches. To support the safety of staff and pupils playtimes and lunchtimes will be staggered so the ‘bubbles’ do not mix.
- Each bubble will be allocated outdoor portable play equipment which the children can access during playtimes. Any equipment used will be disinfected at the end of each playtime.
- Your child will eat their lunch within their ‘bubble,’ this might be in the dining hall or in their classroom. ‘Bubbles’ will not mix.
- Following the same arrangements prior to the lockdown period, parents will not be allowed in school. If parents need to contact school they are asked to phone, rather than go to the school office, if they can. Any education staff, external visitors or contractors visiting school will have to follow COVID health and safety restrictions.
What does your child need to bring to school?
- The items which your child needs to bring to school are a reading folder, PE kit and packed lunch (if they do not have a school meal).
- If your child brings a packed lunch into school it will wiped down by a member of staff as they enter school. It is essential that when your child has returned home packed lunch boxes should be disinfected, ready for the next day.
- Your child does not need to bring their water bottle to school. Water will be available to your child throughout the day and they will use disposable paper cups.
- No equipment such as books, pens, personal belongings or bags will be allowed in school.
What does your child need to wear for school?
- We ask that the children wear their school uniform each day.
- Your child will need to bring to school a kit for PE – shorts, t-shirt and sandshoes/trainers.
When will my child return to school?
Year 1 Bubble – Mrs Peacock
- Children in the Year 1 ‘Bubble’ will return to school on Thursday 3rd September 2020.
- If your child is in Year 1 ‘bubble’ they should arrive at school at 8.50am. You and your child will come into the school grounds via the gate. Lines are marked on the path for you to stand on keeping 2 metres distance.
- It is important that you do not arrive before this time, to reduce social distancing.
- Only one parent should bring their child to school.
- Your child will walk around the school onto the school yard and go straight into their ‘bubble.’
- Parents will leave via the car park double gates – following a one way system.
- Children will be kept 2 metres apart from each other. Please remind your child that on their way to school they must socially distance.
- Your child will eat their lunch in the dining hall with the other children in their ‘bubble’.
- The Year 1 ‘bubble’ pick-up will be at 3.05pm.
- You will pick your child up at the front gate. Parents picking up their children are asked to socially distance – waiting on the lines marked on the path.
- Your child will be brought to the main school gate and dismissed by their teacher.
Year 2 Bubbles – Miss Boe and Mrs Clayson
- Children in the Year 2 ‘Bubbles’ will return to school on Thursday 3rd September 2020.
- If your child is in Year 2 ‘bubble’ they should arrive at school at 9.00am. You and your child will come into the school grounds via the gate. Lines are marked on the path for you to stand on keeping 2 metres distance.
- It is important that you do not arrive before this time, to reduce social distancing.
- Only one parent should bring their child to school.
- Your child will walk around the school onto the school yard and go straight into their ‘bubble.’
- Parents will leave via the car park double gates – following a one way system .
- Children will be kept 2 metres apart from each other. Please remind your child that on their way to school they must socially distance.
- Your child will eat their lunch in their classroom with the other children in their ‘bubble’.
- The Year 2 ‘bubble’ pick-up will be at 3.15pm.
- You will pick your child up at the front gate. Parents picking up their children are asked to socially distance – waiting on the lines marked on the path.
- Your child will be brought to the main school gate and dismissed by their teacher.
What will happen if someone is unwell?
- If any pupil or staff or member of their household, present with Coronavirus symptoms, they should not attend school, for any reason.
- Parents/carers should inform school, self-isolate with all members of their household and apply for a test.
- We will then follow government guidelines on informing contacts of the pupil/staff.
- If the test is positive further action can be taken by school. If the test is negative the pupil/staff can return to school if feeling well.
We do hope that this information will support you in understanding how we are carefully we are trying to manage and support a positive, safe, phased return to school for our children. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact school.
