Dear Parents and Carers,

 

I hope you all had a lovely Easter break and enjoyed some of the sunny weather, as well as being able to mix with a few other people following the relaxation of some of the lockdown rules. These rules are now being relaxed even further with effect from Monday – but please be careful, especially when you are around vulnerable people.

 

Retirement

I start this update with the news that, after 20 years at South View Junior School, Mrs Waters, Deputy Head, is retiring at the end of this academic year.

 

Mrs Waters has been a totally dedicated and committed Deputy, and has always put the children first in everything she does. Mrs Waters has seen an incredible number of changes at the school during this time, including the formation of the Federation in 2017, as well as running the junior school while I was on a secondment to a school in Winchester in 2013.

 

Over the years, Mrs Waters has improved the life chances of so many children, as well as whole families, through the work she has done with them. I know many of you still ask for her advice and guidance for many different reasons. Some of the children still come back to visit her and let her know how they are doing. I know she is proud of all of the children and their accomplishments, whether she taught them directly or not.

 

Mrs Waters has instilled a love of French in a great number of children, greeting them in the morning with a few words in French, and now many hold a mini conversation with her before heading off to class. She hasn’t been quite as successful at improving my French!

 

We cannot thank Mrs Waters enough for her dedication, determination, professionalism and hard work. I know she has inspired many teachers over the years and enabled so many staff to grow and develop into outstanding practitioners. She has always been there to guide, advise, support and listen. Mrs Waters will be greatly missed, especially by me. We have worked together for 24 years, previously working at Winklebury Junior School together.  She is going to be an incredibly hard act to follow.

We all wish her a very long, happy and well deserved retirement. If she puts as much effort into enjoying her retirement as she has into working at South View, she is sure to have a great time!

This of course meant that we had to look for a new Deputy Headteacher, and following interview earlier this term, I am delighted to announce that Mrs Kay Young has been appointed as Deputy Head as from September 2021. Many of you already know Mrs Young as a year 6 teacher but also as the current Assistant Headteacher. However, her new role as Deputy Head will mean that she will no longer be class based.

 

Also, sadly, Miss Barrett and Miss Tubb are both leaving. They are moving to jobs nearer to where they live. Again, although they have only been with us a few years, they will be greatly missed. They are both very popular teachers and the children really enjoy being in their classes. We wish them every success in their future careers. Thank you for your hard work and dedication too.

 

Staff absence

As from Friday of this week, Miss Barrett will be absent from school for a number of weeks due to her having some long awaited surgery. Mr Gaunt will be taking the class in the first instance, but I will keep you updated with plans.

 

Miss Mann is also having some remedial surgery on her knee, which has been causing her pain for a long time now. She will be out of school from 18^th May for a few weeks. Mrs Morris will be taking the class during this time, which will be a good opportunity for her to get to know them before they move into year 6, where she supports the children with their writing.

 

Exciting News

As many of you are aware, we already have Speech and Language Specialist Resourced Provision in school from Nursery through to year 6. The children accessing this provision have an EHCP (Education, Health Care Plan) with speech and language identified as a specific need and are offered a place at South View by the Local Authority, to access our specialist provision.

 

Due to the school being so successful with both resourced provision and mainstream children, the Local Authority has now asked that we open 2 new specialist resourced provisions (RP) for children with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD). This is a great compliment to be asked to do this as it shows that our proven track record of supporting children with specific needs has been recognised by the Local Authority. Again, for children to access a place, they will need an EHCP and placements will be offered through the Local Authority, Special Needs Department. The children will not be integrating into mainstream, as this will be a standalone provision, so will not impact on current class sizes.

 

There will be one MLD RP at the infant school and one at the junior school. We are currently in the process of appointing staff for both of these RPs and I will update you further with staffing for these and the whole federation, after half term.

 

Parents’ evenings

As we have not been able to hold parents’ evenings so far, we are yet again sending out some target sheets which identify what your child is working on in school and how you could support them at home. These will be coming home to you on Friday of this week.

 

If, after reading the target sheet, you would like to speak directly to your child’s class teacher then please do so by phoning in to school to let the office staff know. The class teacher will then ring you when they are available to do so.

 

We are sincerely hoping that some face to face meetings can be held before the end of the school year.

 

Admissions

Following the latest admission rounds, we are yet again full in both Year R and Year 3 for September, with waiting lists for both year groups.

 

Parents of the children who have been offered places will have received, or will be receiving, information from us regarding transition arrangements. Again these have been impacted by Covid restrictions, but we are hoping to be able to have some visits later in the term. In the meantime, if you have any queries then please contact either school office.

 

 

Parking

If you park outside of the school on Baynard Close/Shooters Way, please can you be mindful not to block driveways. Some of the local residents have had trouble getting in or out of their drives due to cars being parked across them. Thank you.

 

Incredibly Important Reminder

If your child is unwell you should keep them at home as you would usually do. If they, or any member of your household, displays Covid like symptoms, children must not come to school and the whole household (bubble) must isolate immediately. You should arrange for the symptomatic person to be tested with a full PCR test (not an LFD test) and all remain in isolation until the results are returned. If they are negative, then isolation can end, but if positive, the whole household must remain in isolation for the full 10 days. If in any doubt – ring school for advice.

If a member of your household is unwell and you are not sure if it is Covid related, I would rather you acted cautiously and rang the school for advice, before sending children to school.

 

Parents should observe social distancing from other adults and children at all times and should not gather together either inside or immediately outside of the school grounds. I know this will be difficult when some of you haven’t met up for some time, but the more people who meet together, the higher the risk of any transmission.

We want to try and avoid any further cases so please do follow the rules for your own safety and the safety of the rest of the school community.

 

With my very best wishes,

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

See letter under Parents, Letters, then infant or junior school.

Infant school class photos will be taken on Wednesday 5th May

Please click the link below to read an important letter regarding Covid advice for all parents.

 

Advice to All Parents 30.03.2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

As you are aware we were informed on Friday afternoon that we had a positive Covid case at each school. Advice from the DfE and the Local Authority was followed with Year 2 and Year 4 children, as well as staff who had had close contact, now isolating. We wish those who are unwell a speedy recovery.

 

Just to clarify: The last day of isolation for Year 2 children is Saturday 3^rd April, whereas for the year 4 children it is Friday 2^nd April. This is due to different contact dates with the cases involved. During the isolation period, if your child or any member of your household starts to show symptoms then your whole household must isolate and a test arranged.

 

I know some of you may well have decided to have your child tested anyway once you heard about the positive case, however, even if the result is negative, they still have to isolate for the full 10 days to allow time for any symptoms to develop.

 

During this period of isolation, on line learning will be set for the children as it was during the lockdown. Their teachers will be working from home to do this. Those children who are entitled to a Free School Meal can order a lunch via the school website, this will need to be collected by an adult who is not isolating. The child cannot be brought to the school with them.

 

I also recognise that many of you may have siblings to bring to school. They are entitled to attend school but the child who is isolating MUST remain at home, appropriately supervised. If this causes anyone concern or anxiety, as you are not able to bring siblings to school and supervise the isolating child, then the siblings can remain at home too and we will provide home learning for them as well. Please ring the school office to let us know this is what you are doing. Should you require the use of a school laptop to access the home learning, again, contact the school.

 

Easter Holidays

We break up for the Easter holidays on Thursday at the normal time.

As before, those families who are eligible for Free School Meals will be issued with food vouchers for the Easter holidays. These will be arranged in the same way as they have been for previous holidays.

 

LFD tests

As mentioned in my last update, LFD tests are available from the Anvil for any adult who has school aged children. These tests are for all of the adults in your household. If you haven’t already been to the Anvil to collect your tests, please do so as soon as you can. I believe you can just call in, no booking required.

 

Important Reminder

If your child is unwell you should keep them at home as you would usually do. If they, or any members of your household, display Covid like symptoms, children must not come to school and you must arrange for the symptomatic person to be tested and remain in isolation until the results are returned. If the result is positive then the whole household must isolate.

If a member of your household is unwell and you are not sure if it is Covid related, I would rather you acted cautiously and rang the school for advice, before sending children to school.

 

Change in Lockdown rules

As from Monday 29^th March, lockdown rules are changing very slightly. 6 people or 2 households can now meet up either in a public space or a private garden.

However, the fact remains that the more people who meet together, the greater the risk of contracting or spreading the virus. So, we are keeping our arrangements as they currently are until we break up for the Easter holidays on Thursday.

 

These arrangements are: one adult should bring/collect your child/children to and from school.

Please keep your children close beside you at all times so that they are not mixing with other children. It defeats the object of us keeping them separate in school if they then mix together on the way home! If your child has mixed with a year 2 or year 4 child on the way home, or out of school, then you might want to monitor them closely.

 

Be aware of others on the paths, giving space where necessary, to allow people to pass each other safely.

Parents should observe social distancing from other adults and children at all times and should not gather together either inside or immediately outside of the school grounds as this is not allowed. I know this will be difficult when some of you haven’t met up for some time, but the more people who meet together, the higher the risk of any transmission.

We want to try and avoid any further cases so please do follow the rules for your own safety and the safety of the rest of the school community.

 

Finally, we were made aware of a man acting strangely outside of school on Thursday at the end of the day. Senior staff patrolled the local area, including all of the access paths to the school, but no one was seen. Everyone outside of the school was accounted for and there for a legitimate reason. I believe the police were called but they have not made contact with the school so I am not sure if they attended. However, as always, please be vigilant. Children are continuously being reminded not to speak to strangers nor go with them. We will continue to have staff monitor the gates during this coming week.

 

With my very best wishes,

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Please click the link below to read an important letter regarding Covid advice for all parents.

 

Covid Advice Letter 26.03.2021

Comic Relief 2021

 

This year has shown that we’re at our best when we come together to be kind and look out for others.  The smallest things really can make a big difference.

 

Red Nose Day is about using the power of fun to brighten people’s lives, in the UK and around the world.

 

On Friday 19^th March we are going to make The South View Federation an even brighter place to be by dressing in our brightest clothes!

Anything from high-vis jackets to neon socks or just bright clothes will do. You can also wear comic relief merchandise, however, this year due to COVID-19 we will not be permitting red noses in school.

 

To avoid money coming into school we will not be collecting a donation on the day, however, please donate what you can online at

https://donation.comicrelief.com/

 

Thank you all for your support and we cannot wait to see your bright clothes!!

Dear Parents,

 

It was lovely to see all of the children back today. We had over 98% attendance which was fantastic. Good attendance is essential now to ensure the children are at school to access the learning they need to cover by the end of the year. I sincerely hope there are no more lockdowns in the future.

 

The children settled in so well today and I saw so many smiling and happy faces, it was lovely to see they were genuinely pleased to be back in school.

 

As I said in a previous update, lockdown rules still apply and government guidance states that only one adult should collect a child and then leave the site immediately. Adults should not be interacting with other adults as this is not allowed under lockdown rules. Please ensure you have your child/children by your side and then leave the site.

 

Tonight, both Mr Bond and I noticed children up trees, in the crater, on the trim trail - they MUST be by your side. We go out of our way to keep the children in their separate bubbles in school, to keep them safe, they are then seen to be mixing with other children in other year groups which then puts them, and others, at risk of transmitting the virus. In effect, if a 'bubble' has to be closed due to a confirmed case and your child has been seen mixing with that bubble after school, I am afraid they will need to isolate too.

 

However, it was good to see so many of you respecting the lockdown and trying to keep us all safe, but we need everyone to follow the rules to ensure we keep everyone as safe as possible.

 

Thank you to those of you who passed on their thanks for the work we are doing in school, it is greatly appreciated.

 

As we are now back full time, I will only write an update when there is information which I need to share. You will continue to receive a text to let you know an update has been posted on the website.

 

Sadly, I know a number of parents have lost their jobs during this pandemic. If you feel you are now eligible for Free School Meals, then please contact either office, or access the link on our website, to see if you qualify. If you do, this will allow extra funding for your child as well as providing them with a free school lunch. Do not miss out on your entitlements!

 

Those of you who were provided with a school laptop to access online learning, please can you return them as soon as possible as we will be needing them for use in school.

 

Please continue to follow the lockdown rules and stay safe

 

With my very best wishes,

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Next week (8th -14th March) is British Science Week, a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths.

 

The official science week theme for 2021 is ‘Innovating the Future’ and we will be following this theme by exploring scientists, inventors and important creations throughout the week. In addition to this, we will be also undertaking some exciting experiments to answer the question ‘Can we create a rainbow?’ so that the children across the Federation can experience the awe and wonder of science.

 

It has been a difficult year due to the Covid19 pandemic, however the rainbow has been a symbol of hope for the future and a reminder of our wonderful NHS. As well as celebrating Science Week through activities at school, we are holding a competition for you to enjoy as a family at home.

 

We would like you to experiment with creating your own rainbows and upload photographs and videos of your creations to either Tapestry (Nursery and Year R) Purple Mash (Infants) or Seesaw (Juniors) - prizes will be awarded for the best rainbows!

 

Some ideas will be uploaded to Tapestry, Purple Mash and Seesaw, but there are many other ideas available online (www.pinterest.com has some lovely ideas for experiments).

 

Please upload your rainbow entries by Monday 15th March. We hope you have lots of fun exploring the wonderful world of science and we can’t wait to see your rainbows!

 

Miss Mann

(Junior School Science Manager)

 

Mrs Holley

(Infant School Science Manager)

Dear Parents,

 

We are truly looking forward to welcoming all of the children back on Monday. It will be really important that the children are helped to get back into a routine ready for Monday. Please try to ensure they get plenty of sleep over the weekend so getting up for school on Monday is not too much of a shock for them!

 

As the government have clearly stated, all children are expected to return unless they have medical exemption from a consultant. If children do not return it will be marked as an unauthorised absence as previous absence procedures are to be followed. This does mean the re-introduction of fines for non- attendance in line with local authority guidance. I am not anticipating this being an issue, as last time we returned to school we had almost a full turn out except for a few children who were unwell or isolating. However, I do need to make you aware that fines will be used as they were before lockdown, for unauthorised absences.

 

PE

With effect from Monday, please note the PE days below when the children should be coming to school in their PE kits:

 

At the Infant school

Rabbit Class - Monday and Wednesday 

Robin Class - Monday and Thursday 

Ladybird Class - Tuesday 

Mole Class - Tuesday and Thursday 

Woodpecker Class - Tuesday and Friday 

Hedgehog Class - Wednesday and Thursday 

Fox Class - Wednesday and Friday 

 

At the Junior school

6KY  -Thursday

6KM - Tuesday

5RM - Tuesday and Friday

5CT - Wednesday and Friday

4CA - Monday and Tuesday

4AB - Wednesday and Friday

3ES- Tuesday and Thursday

3CB- Monday and Wednesday

Mrs Clift's Class- Monday and Tuesday

 

 

Sanitising and cleaning regimes will continue but it will help if you can also remind your children to wash their hands before leaving the house and when they return home at the end of the day.

Some parents brought gel so that they could gel their child's hands as they left school, especially if you intend to provide them with something to eat or drink. They will continue with washing their hands and using gel in school, as they were during the autumn term.

 

As before, if anyone in your household develops symptoms, you must keep all family members at home and get the symptomatic person tested. Better to be safe than sorry! 

 

Great News - I have now received information from the DfE regarding home testing for adults with school age children:

 

Asymptomatic testing information for parents and adults in households with children at school or college

NHS Test and Trace announced earlier this week, that all adults in households with school and college age children without symptoms can now access regular rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.

 

Test kits can either be collected or ordered online, as set out below. 

Undertaking regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing helps reduce transmission of the virus. Parents and other adults in households with children at school or college, who do not have symptoms, can now access regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. This includes childcare and support bubbles.

Tests are fast, easy and completely free.

 

There are different ways for a household, childcare or support bubble to collect their test to take at home, twice-weekly:

If you have any queries about the tests, and you live in England, please call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day from 7am to 11pm.

 

Children of primary school age (and below) without symptoms are not being asked to take a test.

 

Testing is voluntary, but strongly recommended to all who are eligible. Alongside the vaccine, washing hands, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing, rapid testing plays a vital role in reducing transmission rates. Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to play our part and do what we can to protect each other.

 

These kits are very easy to use but if you do have any queries about using them please just give school a call - we are all used to them now and can easily help you start on your testing regime.

 

I look forward to seeing you all next week..

 

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact school.

 

In the meantime, best wishes and stay safe.

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher