January Return to School Letter
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you have managed to enjoy a peaceful Christmas despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
These restrictions were even more acute for a number of our children, staff and their families who tested positive during the festive break. Our thoughts and best wishes are extended to all families affected.
Following the government’s announcement yesterday, I felt it was important to keep you informed of our situation. Whilst the Education Secretary has stated there will be limited return for some primary schools in the highest risk areas of England, this does not include our region therefore we will be opening for all children on the 5th January 2021 as previously planned.
Throughout the break we have worked with Public Health and sought and followed advice from the NHS. In order to reduce transmission rates the following measures remain in place:
- Staff and parents politely requested to wear face coverings at pick up and drop off points
- Visitors into school restricted
- Children to continue to enter school through separate entrances and remain in year group bubbles throughout the day, only one parent/carer to accompany child onto school grounds
- Flexible start time in place and we ask that you make use of this wherever possible. A staggered finish. We request that all parents observe social distancing at drop off and pick ups.
Once inside we have:
- Additional hand washing
- Additional cleaning of all surfaces throughout the day
- Additional ventilation inside and all opportunities for learning to be outside taken. (please ensure that your child is dressed warmly and has a coat and wellies/ outdoor shoes)
All staff and children should remain at home if they feel unwell and a test should be taken if they become symptomatic. If any member of the household is awaiting test results then the whole household should isolate. If any member of the household tests positive, the whole household should follow NHS guidance.
We know that the measures we put in place are no guarantee, however we have worked with the NHS who have reviewed our procedures and view them as robust. We do however rely on the whole community to pull together, be vigilant and follow the tier 4 advice issued.
Your child’s education and wellbeing is at the very heart of all our decision making, we will continue to review all procedures and keep you informed. We look forward to welcoming children back to school on Tuesday 5th of January.
We wish you all a Happy New Year with the hope of a better 2021 for all.
Kind regards
Mrs S Hirst
Principal