Dear Parents

Thank you all for your patience and understanding around a very dynamic and complex week of school. I will do my best to update you today on how things are going for children in school and for home learners. There have inevitably been some teething problems and we have been doing our best to identify and rectify these.

Firstly, information for children who are currently attending school:

Key Risk Assessment information for children in school

• Each Bubble of children is kept separate from other bubbles throughout the day, including at playtime and lunchtime.
• Each Bubble has a separate toilet block.
• Children are washing their hands regularly throughout the day.
• Tables are being wiped within the day and classrooms thoroughly cleaned at the end of the day.
• Classroom and playground equipment is not being shared between bubbles 
• Adults are wearing facemasks in corridors and adult shared spaces
• Parents are being asked to wear facemasks when bringing their children to school
• You must not send your child to school if they, or anyone in the household, has symptoms of COVID, or are waiting for a COVID test result.

PE

We are hoping that all our bubbles will have an opportunity to get exercise each day, either through PE or through the golden mile.  Can the children please wear their usual school uniform each day, but ensure they have suitable footwear for exercise.  We are happy for children to wear trainers everyday if they have them.

Bubbles

The current Government guidance around bubbles states: ‘Whilst schools are attended by vulnerable children and the children of critical workers only, where possible schools should keep group sizes small.’ The school must ensure that there are enough teachers available to provide good quality home learning.  This means that we may need to increase bubble sizes to above 15 if we have too many key worker or vulnerable children attending school. 

If you are a key worker who does not work every day of the week, the West Sussex guidance is that your child can attend every day.  The Government guidance states: ‘Parents and carers who are critical workers should keep their children at home if they can.’  If you decide to keep your child at home when you are not working, they should access remote learning for those days.

Information for children at home:

Free School Meals

If your child is entitled to benefit related free school meals, you will be able to collect a food package from the school next week.  We will email to let you know when these are ready for collection.  The Government are not currently providing vouchers. If you are self-isolating due to COVID, please let us know and we will do our best to deliver your food package.

Remote Learning

We know that finding supporting technology for some families is a challenge.  Please note that you can use an Xbox or Play Station console to access Oak Academy, White Rose, and the phonic lessons.  We are currently gathering information to further support families who may be experiencing technical difficulties.  

If you wish to supplement the school’s online learning, the BBC will be launching some additional resources next week.  We will be looking at what is available so we can provide helpful information around this for the following week.

All home learning will be available to access via the school website from 9am tomorrow morning and will be updated daily.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NURSERY REMAINS OPEN FOR ALL CHILDREN

With thanks

Theresa Alford