Dear Partner Schools,

 

Following a very busy Summer term at school and the DfE's recent encouragement for families to engage in learning activities with their children during these summer holidays, here at the Institute of Education we have prepared a fun YouTube series with step-by-step examples of how families can promote reading and writing at home in easy, fun and evidence-informed ways.

 

"Little Literacy Lessons for Families" is a series of 6 episodes featuring families doing literacy activities at home and explaining the why and the how behind the strategies used. A team of educators and families worked collaboratively on this project and the result is an enjoyable series for families to watch and get inspired.

 

It features families with children of various year groups from Reception to Year 6, various reading backgrounds including multilingual families, so there is something in it for everyone.

 

Please share the link to Video 1 with families in your school to inspire them to try some fun, evidence informed literacy activities that any family can do this summer holidays.

 

The link to Video 1 is here: https://youtu.be/dhOZWtM1YJA

 

Find out more about the project on the Little Literacy Lessons for Families website:

https://research.reading.ac.uk/little-literacy-lessons/

 

For any queries about this project or the series, please contact the principal investigator,

Anna Tsakalaki at: a.tsakalaki@reading.ac.uk

 

Kind regards, Anna

 ------------------------

Dr Anna Tsakalaki |  Lecturer in Education (FHEA)| Programme Director PG Cert Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (SENCo).

Institute of Education |University of Reading, London Road Campus, Building L19, Room G22, 4 Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX |T: +44(0) 118 378 2631 | W: www.reading.ac.uk

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

Unfortunately we have had another positive case of Covid at the infant school, in Hedgehog class. Due to the timings of symptoms and contact dates, it has only been necessary to ask 2 close contacts to isolate. The rest of the children in Hedgehog class are continuing to attend, and parents have been kept up to date with the situation.

 

I am sure you will be aware that cases are definitely on the rise again in the local community and nationally, with many local schools also asking children to isolate. Please remain vigilant and, if your child is ill, keep them at home and seek medical advice. The school office can also support you in clarifying what action needs to be taken.

 

Please note that symptoms with the new variant seem to include sore throats, headaches and runny noses – presenting very much like a cold – so please get a test to keep yourselves safe.

 

Having said that, thank you to those of you who have kept us up to date with your family situation, test results and isolation information. It means we can deal with any issues really quickly. Remember, the contact form on the school website can be used to contact the school over weekends if you have any updates or results.

 

To help people manage their personal risk, all households that aren’t already regularly testing as part of a work-related testing scheme are still encouraged to undertake free lateral flow tests at home twice each week. These are available at most chemists and pharmacies.

 

Reports

On Wednesday, most children brought home their end of year reports. If your child is currently absent or isolating then you can either collect their report from the school office directly (unless you are isolating too) or it will be given to your child when they return.

 

New Classes

The children all had the opportunity to meet their new teacher this week. They were all very excited and certainly seemed to enjoy being able to do this. We were very pleased to welcome the new members of staff joining the junior school so that they also could meet their new classes.

 

Sadly we have a few more staff moving on for various personal reasons. Miss Evans, from the junior school office, is leaving at the end of next week to take up a different career as an events manager, which fits in better with her ‘mummy’ duties. Mrs Stone and Mr Dittrich from the infant school are also leaving. Mr Dittrich is moving abroad and Mrs Stone is moving to another school as she wanted to move to a part time role. They have all been at the school for varying lengths of time and we are very sad to see them go but would like to thank them for all of their hard work and commitment over the years, and wish them every success in their new ventures.

 

Year 2

Year 2 children who are transferring to the junior school – if you have not been able to collect their book bag from the junior school, they will be bringing it home with them tonight. Please ensure you complete the necessary forms and return these to the junior school office before the end of the week.

 

Lockdown Restrictions

As you will have heard on the news, as from the 19^th July the Government are removing the need for bubbles in school, as part of the relaxing of rules. Due to this being so near the end of the term, I have no intention of changing the arrangements for the last few days, particularly in light of the fact cases are still rising. I would also ask that children travelling on school transport continue to wear their face masks until the end of term. Thank you.

 

You may also be aware that, as from Monday, NHS track and Trace will be taking over (from schools) the contacting of close contacts of a positive case. Please continue to let school know of any positive cases as I do not know how long it will take the Track and Trace to identify contacts and I do not want close contacts to be unaware of the situation and potentially spreading the virus further. I really want to avoid children, families or staff starting their summer holidays in isolation!

 

At this moment in time I cannot predict what will be expected of schools in September. However, I can assure you that as soon as I can, I will update you on how I shall be organising the schools for the autumn term. I am sincerely hoping that we can return to a level of normality.

 

Friday 23^rd July – Break up for the summer holidays – 12.15-12.45p.m.

 

Please collect your children at the following times to enable us to reduce the number of people on site at the same time: 

 

12-15-12.25    Parents with infant children only

12.25-12.35    Parents with children at both schools

12.35-12.45    Parents with junior children only

    

Children will have had lunch prior to being collected.

 

Finally, this virus has not gone away, so please keep up with social distancing and washing your hands. If you, or another family member, have ANY covid symptoms, you must book a PCR test immediately and isolate with your household and other members of your household bubble. Please inform the school if you are isolating due to symptoms or have a test booked.

 

As always – if you have any queries about anything in this update, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Stay safe.

 

With my very best wishes,

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Dear Parents,

 

Thank you to those of you who have expressed their gratitude to the school for acting decisively to save the virus spreading, especially where there have been suspected cases.

 

Thank you to all of you who have followed our advice, so promptly, and tested your children when they have been sent home from school feeling unwell. As you know we have continued to maintain our lockdown procedures throughout this time, with the children still remaining in their bubbles, even at playtimes and lunchtimes, as well as the rigorous cleaning which takes place daily. The children are so used to sanitizing and washing their hands now, it is second nature to them - which all helps to reduce the spread of the virus. I know the government are due to make an announcement today about their future plans for education, so as soon as I am aware as to what these are, I will update you further.

 

Remember: If your child is in year 5 or Badger class, they should be at home isolating. Unfortunately, a number of parents have reported to school that they have seen some year 5 children outside playing with other children. At the moment the guidance is to isolate, so please ensure you follow this guidance and play your part in helping to stop the spread of the virus.

 

New Classes

Yesterday, all children who were in school should have brought home a letter informing them of which class they will be in next year. If your child is in year 5 or Badger class, you should have received a text informing you of their new class and the letter will come home with their report. However, there are some children who were not in school for other reasons, so if you would like to know which class your child will be in, either call in to the school office for the letter, or ring in to the school office, and they will be able to let you know.

 

WOW Walk of Fame Challenge

As you are aware, as a Federation, we are actively involved in the Walk to school challenge where the children must walk 3 or more times per week to school, every week, to earn a special badge over the month. It is very popular with the children and a great way for them to stay active. 

The Walk of Fame challenge is a new competition that sees all schools in Hampshire competing against each other to be the most active school over the week and it would be great if the South View Federation could top the leaderboard at the end of the week. All you need to do is walk, scoot, cycle, park and stride or any other active way to get to school every day and hopefully we will be feature on the leader board. Thank you for your support.  

 

Chat Health

Southern Health have set up a School Nursing Text Message Advice Service which will provide advice for parents and carers of children 5-19 in Hampshire. They can help with things like: sleep and behaviour, emotional well-being, staying safe, toileting, health conditions, drugs and alcohol misuse. Text 07507 332417 for advice between 9a.m.-4.30p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9a.m.-4p.m. Friday. The poster will also be available on our website.

 

Stay safe,

 

With my best wishes,

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Update and Advice to All Parents – 5^th July 2021

 

Dear Parents,

 

As you are aware, there had been one confirmed case of Covid 19 at the junior school last week and another suspected case at the infant school. This suspected case at the infant school has now been confirmed, along with another positive case at the junior school, in year 5. Both of these cases are very close contacts of the first case.

 

Year 5 and Badger class will continue to isolate until Friday 9^th July.

 

The children who have been in contact with the positive cases for coronavirus (COVID-19) have been informed that their child must stay at home for 10 days.

 

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well. If you have a child in the classes which are isolating, and wish to keep other siblings at home, please just let the school office know.

 

As always, I will keep you updated about the situation in both schools.

 

If you receive a positive result from a LFD or PCR test, please let school know immediately. If you receive the result out of school hours – you must inform us immediately via the school website contact form, as mentioned in previous updates, so that I can act quickly and prevent the virus spreading further.

 

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact either school office for advice or guidance.

 

With my very best wishes

Stay safe,

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

As you will be aware, we had to close Year 5 and Badger classes due to Covid cases. If your child is in any of these classes, can I remind you of the following:

 

1. If you are entitled to FSM (Free school meals) you can book a lunch on our website (https://www.southview-jun.hants.sch.uk/fsm-during-covid/) and someone, who is not isolating, can collect the lunch.
2. Your child should be accessing the home learning which will be available through Purple Mash (Infants) and Seesaw (Juniors)

 

Also, here is an update from PHE regarding those who have been in close contact of positive cases:

 

To help control the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, Public Health England (PHE) is now recommending that, in the South East, close contacts of PCR positive individuals in schools and colleges take a voluntary PCR test through NHS Test and Trace as soon as possible, rather than waiting until day 5 of their 10-day isolation period as previously advised. This should be done even if they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

This guidance only applies to children school-aged or college-aged.

Please note that if a close contact undertakes a voluntary PCR test during their 10-day isolation period and tests negative for the virus, they must still complete 10 full days of self-isolation. This is because the incubation period of the virus means they could develop coronavirus after receiving a negative test result if it’s within the 10 days - voluntary PCR testing as soon as possible therefore gives close contacts’ households the best chance of minimising the possible risk of spreading COVID-19 to others. It is important to remember that as many as 1 in 3 people with coronavirus have no symptoms.

 

This advice applies to anyone who has been in close contact of a positive case, not just at school.

 

IMPORTANT:

If any children who are isolating develop symptoms, please get them tested immediately with a PCR test, and let school know the results as soon as you have them,  so that we can keep parents updated, as any further positive results may mean extending the isolation period. Please use the link on the school website (contact form) if you need to let us know anything over the weekend. This is checked daily and if you need someone to contact you, leave your contact number and someone will respond. Please note the return call will show as No Caller Id.

 

Please try to use the walk-through testing centre at Churchill Way, (0300 303 2713) as this will mean you get your results back more quickly, so if there is a positive result we can isolate contacts more quickly, and your whole household can isolate more quickly without spreading it to your friends and relations.

 

The rest of the children should be attending as usual but as I said yesterday, if you feel you want to keep siblings off where one of your children is isolating, then let the office know.

 

I will keep you updated with any developments.

 

In the meantime, stay safe, keep social distancing and washing your hands frequently.  We really want to keep everyone as safe as possible

 

With my very best wishes,

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

 

Advice to All Parents

 

Dear Parents,

 

We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the junior school and may be a case in the infant school, yet to be confirmed.

 

We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

 

The children who have been in contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days. The children who have been in contact with the likely case have also been contacted.

 

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well. If you have a child in the classes which are isolating, and wish to keep other siblings at home, this will be authorised, please just let the school office know.

 

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for a PCR test (the normally available test type) and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. 

 

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

 

The household isolation period includes the day the first person in your household’s symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. This means that if, for example, your 10 day isolation period starts on the 15th of the month, your isolation period ends at 23:59 hrs on the 25th and you can return to your normal routine.
 

Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

 

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

 

Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

 

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• a new continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

 

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/.

 

If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.

 

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

 

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher