Good Morning all,
As we get ready to welcome all our children back in to school I thought I would give some updates.
As from Monday all children must be in school. We know some children may be feeling a little anxious about this but we will do our utmost to make them feel safe and secure on their return. Children already in school may also feel a little nervous about sharing their desks again etc so we are already thinking this through with them.
School from 8th March is compulsory and we will follow absence procedures as usual. Although we would all like a holiday, holiday requests should only be submitted for exceptional circumstances as per the school policy.
Practicalities
On return all children should arrive at their set drop off times (as in the Autumn term). They need to line up and distance from other year groups as usual. I would ask that parents continue to socially distance on school grounds
and wear a mask (wearing a mask is not compulsory but I believe it makes some people feel more comfortable at our busier times). We will not challenge any individual who chooses not to wear a mask but will remind people to distance if we see groups gathering on school premises.
At both drop off and pick up your child/children should remain with you and should not be playing around the school grounds. They must not go on the play equipment.
We will continue to keep the children in their class bubbles. Hand washing and sanitising will continue.
If your child is unwell for any reason please be vigilant and do not send them into school. This applies particularly if your child has a temperature, cough or lack of sense of smell or taste. Headaches and sore tummies, flushed faces are also symptoms displayed by children. Although we realise it is sometimes difficult to tell we would err on the side of caution as cases in our particular area continue to be relatively high and we wish to avoid bubble closures and potential illness in families.
If a child tests positive we will continue to close bubbles where necessary after seeking advice. It is really important that you let us know if anyone in your family is waiting on a test or tests positive so that we can make sure we follow all guidance. If someone in your house is waiting on a test due to symptoms or tests positive then your child/children must isolate for the appropriate time.
Your child will receive home schooling if they isolate individually or as a bubble.
On return to school children should bring in their lock down work to share with their teacher if it has not be seen or responded to. The Collins books can remain at home to be used as advised by the teacher.
Households with school age children are now able to get Lateral flow tests twice a week.
Use this link for more information.
There is also a lateral flow drop in point at West Park leisure centre.
On return
Our main priority is to settle the children back into as normal a school routine as possible. We will provide support for health and well being as part of our weekly timetable and allow the children some space for getting back into the routines and being with all their friends again.
Academically we will focus on core skills on the children's return and test before Easter to determine any gaps and next steps. Our approach to catch up is outlined in our catch up funding statement which can be found under the key information tab.
We will determine the progress of the children using our usual assessment system. Year 6 and 2 will sit previous SATs papers and the teacher assessments will be informed by this and other formative assessments.
We recognise that not all children will have made appropriate progress during lock down but had evidenced in the autumn term that our procedures had a positive impact on children's progress so we are determined that we will be able to support all children with this.
Other news
Year 6 are able to wear their leavers hoodies on return with a school t shirt underneath.
There are spaces in holiday club for both Easter and summer holidays and the summer half term. Please get in touch with Bernie at the club if you wish to book a place. Your child can do morning, afternoon or full day sessions. A full day runs from 7.30 till 6.00.
Please see further information under the parents tab-Dovedale WRAP club.
We will be holding a virtual parent's evening after Easter and will let you know the details for this shortly.
School is closed on Friday 2nd April as it is Good Friday.
I realise this is a lot of information to take in but know there may be even more questions. I will continue to keep you up to date with any further guidance.
Thank you for all your support-we truly appreciate it.
Sarah Houseman