Dear Parents and Carers,

A little later than expected but here is an update to the KS2/Junior return to school, I do apologise for the delay. Please read the information below and adhere to the safety advice. We are aware of at least two schools that have had to send classes / year groups home today due to coronavirus cases in their schools. The virus has not gone away. We can safely manage pupils in school but in order to control the spread of the virus and limit any potential impact on pupils being able to be in school we need to work together and keep to the rules. Perhaps the most important ones for you are to “Keep 2m apart at all times”” and to wear a mask at all times when on the school grounds”. Also, if you, any close family members or your children show any signs of Covid, stay at home and seek advice or get tested.

Junior Return

All Junior children will return to school on Monday 15^th following the timetable set out below. As stated previously there are some changes to the entry and exit times. Part of the thinking behind the changes is that the older children tend to hang around on the yards first thing and then Y3 take time to leave so we have changed the order to hopefully make the process more efficient. Other than Y4, ‘Entry Doors’ have remained the same, the change in Y4 stops them having to crossover in the corridor. Please aim to arrive as close to your allocated times and avoid waiting on the yards. Please remain socially distanced at all times and please be aware that masks must be worn on all school grounds including ours. Please clear away from the yards as quickly as possible.

Staggered timetable and Door entry and exit Plan

If you have children in the infants and juniors all your children can enter the building via your infant child’s classroom and entry time. Older children can make their way through the school to their classroom where an adult will be on duty to receive them. Hands must be sanitised at the point of entry. Please remind them that they go straight to class without stopping touching things.

We are sorry but we are still unable to provide breakfast club at present.

We have reintroduced the ‘Daily Mile’ to encourage physical activity during the day. This takes place at different times for different year groups. Classes may also make use of online physical activities like Joe Wickes, or yoga activities or well-being activities. No specific kit is required.

Please remember that for PE sessions, PE kit should be worn to school as safety guidance does not allow changing in school.

The Schools meal service is providing hot and cold lunches and these can be purchased via the Squid App. Dinner time will run as it did before Christmas with year-groups attending the hall but remaining socially distanced in classes.

Playtime is an important part of the day. ‘Class-bubbles’ will be maintained during playtimes to ensure safety and virus control. Sadly the amount of equipment permitted is limited by the safety guidance.

In line with Government guidance, Play time snacks must be fruit. Snack bars and chocolate and crisps are not permitted. We are now able to provide fruit and this can be purchased via the squid app, guidance on doing this has been sent out vi the school app or you can contact the office for help. Before Christmas playtime snacks became really unhealthy, this cannot continue and will be challenged. Fizzy drinks and energy drinks are not permitted. If they are brought in they will be confiscated until the end of the day. Water will be provided.

Under the safety guidance, windows must and will remain open for ventilation. Given that it is still March we can have cold days and so please provide you child with ‘layers’. Please ensure a jumper is sent into school on colder days and you may wish to encourage the wearing of a vest.

We really are looking forward to seeing all the children back. We acknowledge that there is a lot of work to be done settling children back in to school, re-establishing routines etc, building confidence and rebuilding learning confidence and progress. We are prepared for this and will continue to support the children as we move forward through the pandemic. Please support us in supporting your children, keep to the rules, and encourage the childfen to try their best and make the most of being back in school.