NEWS & EVENTS
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
Please see a letter from Mr Marsh Ballard with information on how we are dealing with the Coronavirus in school. For more information please click on https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
17 March 2020
Dear Parents
We have worked hard at school to try and keep things as ‘normal’ as possible for the children over the past couple of weeks, continuing with learning and maintaining routines. However, considering the update from the Government last night, it now becomes increasingly tricky to continue with this policy.
Current advice remains that schools stay open and, therefore, we will do our best to do this. However, with the change in advice last night with regards to self-isolation, ie, should any member of the household exhibit symptoms, these being a high temperature (above 37.8 degrees) or have developed a dry, persistent cough, then the whole household should self-isolate for 14 days, there will, inevitably, be an impact on daily routines at school. Should it become necessary for you to self-isolate as a family, then you will be required to phone school and let us know that this is the case on the first morning of absence only.
Currently, there are just 4 members of staff who are required to self-isolate, which we have been able to manage within the staffing structure at school. Should this increase, which is likely and staffing becomes an issue, then the need to partially close, or completely close, becomes a possibility. In the meantime, staffing at school will need to remain flexible, with classes where possible taught by their usual teacher, but this is by no means guaranteed going forward.
In order to try and keep as many of us fit and healthy and school open for as long as possible the school has focussed on trying to address three areas: 1) further promoting personal hygiene, 2) reducing the number of visitors and 3) trying to minimise the size of gatherings during the school day.
The following steps have initially been put in place:
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regularly reminding the children about the importance of hand washing.
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ensuring soap canisters remain topped up during the day.
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cancelling all trips out of school.
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named plastic cups have been given to all children who don’t have a water bottle in school. (Water fountains have been turned off, with the environment in mind. Please could you make sure your child has a named water bottle in school.)
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reducing the length of day the children are together, by cancelling all after school clubs. (Breakfast club will remain open for the time being, although this may need to be reviewed going forward.)
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cancelling all assemblies.
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reducing the number of adults coming into school by postponing Parent Evenings, cancelling Book Fair, cancelling non-essential visits from professionals from outside agencies, not using supply teachers, etc.
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Staggering playtimes, so only one class is out at a time.
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We are also currently looking at how we can manage lunchtimes to reduce the need for everyone to be in the hall together. However, this is proving to be a logistical problem that we continue to seek a solution.
Things seem to be changing on a daily basis currently and it looks like being an interesting few days that lie ahead!! I’m sure I can look forward to your continued support and will endeavour to keep you up to date if anything changes at school.
Your sincerely
A Marsh-Ballard
A MARSH-BALLARD
Headteacher
UPCOMING EVENTS
TUES 17 MAR
Book Fayre arrives in school- cancelled
TUES 17 MAR
Year R, Yr1 & Yr2 Trip to Bristol Aquarium - postponed
WEDS 18 MAR
CAMHS Resilience Workshop - cancelled
FRI 20 MAR
Training Day - School closed to all pupils
TUES 24 MAR
Parents Evening - postponed
THUR 26 MAR
Parents Evening - postponed
WEDS 1 APR
Parents Forum - 6pm - cancelled
THUR 2 APR
Easter Service at St Marys Church - cancelled
FRI 3 APR
Last day of term 4