School Newsletter

26th August 2020 (Whole School - 26/08/2020)

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

COVID-SECURE SCHOOL STARTS ON TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER

STAGGERED START AND END TIMES

FAKE NEWS

NURSERY AND RECEPTION TRANSITION VISITS

BREAKFAST CLUB RE-OPENING

QUICK GUIDES, HELP AND DETAILED INFORMATION

COVID-SECURE SCHOOL STARTS ON TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER

Our school staff are back at work from today – and job number 1 was coronavirus safety training for everyone. We have been working very hard to make sure that school is as safe as possible. We have been planning all through the summer and buying in face masks for staff and visitors, cleaning products, sanitiser and soap to name but a few.

We know this is a worrying time and want you to know that we have worked with the government scientific guidance and our Health and Safety advisors to make school as safe as it can be – we’ve even asked for an inspection on Friday this week to make sure we haven’t missed anything before we welcome children back on Tuesday! Even our staff who are clinically extremely vulnerable have returned to work and we hope this will give you confidence too.

STAGGERED START AND END TIMES

All year groups have a ten minute window for going into class at the start of the day. Reception Classes, Year 3 and Year 5 are welcomed 0835 – 0845 (finish at 1505) and all other years 0845 – 0855 (finish at 1515) as normal.

THESE ARE NOT GATE ENTRY TIMES – we know that would make life very hard for families and our site is over a third of a mile long so social distancing on site is not a problem.

This is simply to make sure that Reception & Year 1, and Year 4 & Year 5, aren’t crowded into tight spaces at classroom entry points – and so that Year 3’s shared cloakrooms don’t get crowded too.
If you have children in both drop-off windows, just be sensible - aim for a few minutes before 0845 so that they all get to their doors at about the right time and aren’t hanging around.

PLEASE DON’T COME INTO THE SCHOOL GROUNDS UNLESS YOUR CHILD NEEDS YOU TO. If your child can be independent, please encourage that – this will stop over-crowding (the most dangerous thing you can add to).

There will be a one way system in place – if you are on the school grounds, please take care to follow the signs – even if they mean that you have to go out to come in again.

FAKE NEWS

I have heard from a number of parents with concerns about children getting school-forced covid tests and being held in quarantine. This is fake news. If we have ANY health concern about your child, we will give you a call in the same way that we always have and it will be your decision as the parent how to respond. Please let us know if you’ve changed your mobile number so that we can get hold of you of needed.

NURSERY AND RECEPTION TRANSITION VISITS

We are looking forward to welcoming our new children and their families for the visits starting next week. ONE adult per child is welcome for your visit. We will need you to wear a face covering in class and use hand sanitiser when you arrive. We will also ask you NOT to touch any of the children’s toys and resources – the cleaning regime is already tough and it will really help us if you don’t add to that!

QUICK GUIDES, HELP AND DETAILED INFORMATION

To find out more, please see the attached quick guides and detailed information:

September Details FAQs

Parent Quick Guide

Child Quick Guide

We have already started adding info to our instagram as well. There will be a video tour from Mr Gray sent to you by email tomorrow as well – this will show you and your child what to expect when you arrive at the start of the new term.

BREAKFAST CLUB RE-OPENING

Breakfast Club doors will again be open 0800 – 0815 from Tuesday. Children will be sat at tables with children from their own class bubble but normal food and drink will be ready and waiting. The cost is 50p per child per day (or free for those receiving benefits-tested free school meals). There is no need to book. Sorry - Breakfast Club is NOT available for Nursery children – this is because they need specially trained staff for their young age.

QUESTIONS

If you have any particular concerns or questions, please do get in touch. We are very happy to help. You can email Paula in the school office on office@victoriaprimaryschool.org.uk, call her on 0115 807 7750 for general questions or call Lorraine (Family Support Worker) on 0115 807 7755 for any specific issues.