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