Dear Parents,

 

Under normal circumstances next week would be half term, but these are definitely not normal circumstances! So, to continue the support we have provided for the last 9 weeks we are remaining open next week for the children of key workers and any vulnerable children as well as children with an EHCP, as usual. We are however, closing for the Bank Holiday Monday.

 

During the half term week I have insisted that my staff have a complete break on the days they are not in school, as they have been working every day for the last 9 weeks including over the Easter holidays and the May Bank holiday, and if we are to resume teaching on the 1st June I would like them to come back refreshed.

 

As a result of this, no new work will be posted on line for the children to do over the half term break, nor will any work be checked or marked during this period. The children also need to have some time when there is not the expectation to be completing work, as many have been working diligently every single day. If they really want to do some work they have their study books and learning packs which they can work through.  

 

My understanding is that the Government will be making an announcement next week regarding whether any return to school is possible- so keep checking the website for details- although I guess you are likely to hear it on the news, just as I do.

 

Please note that there will still be food available if you need it.

 

In the meantime stay safe

 

With best wishes

 

Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Monday 18^th May 2020

 

Dear Parents,

The sunny weather seems to be back which is great and helps to cheer us up during these uncertain times.

As you will have heard on the news there is a possibility that schools will reopen to certain year groups as from 1st June. As I said in my update last week we are planning for children in nursery, Year R and Year 1 as well as year 6 to return at some point during that week - in line with government guidelines.

 

Again I said some of you may well be apprehensive about sending your children back to school whilst the virus is still not under control so I just want to make it clear that the decision is totally yours. However, we would like an indication of who is planning to return so that plans can be finalised. If your child does not return - they can continue to work through their study books and/or learning packs, on line work will also still be available.

 

So, if you have a child in year 6, you should have rung the office either today or be ringing tomorrow to let us know whether or not your child will be returning that first week in June if we are allowed to open. Please note, if you still feel that it is not in your child's best interests due to health concerns, or due to a concern about another vulnerable person in your household, and you choose not to send your child in to school, you will NOT be fined for non attendance. At this point in time the safety of our children and families is paramount.

For nursery, year R and year 1, please can you ring school on Wednesday (nursery), Thursday (Year R) and Friday (Year 1) to inform us if you intend to send your child in to school as mentioned above. Again - if you choose not to, you will NOT be fined as I have said earlier.

 

Due to having to reduce class sizes to a maximum of 15, it will mean children may not be with their usual teacher and the school day will still not be a 'typical day', instead they will be accessing a limited amount of work which can be covered safely from their planned curriculum, prioritising the key skills they need to have covered.

The government have asked that only 1 person brings the children to school and the same person collects them so as to reduce different contacts. Parents will not be allowed into the school, you will drop your child off at a designated place and then you will need to leave the site immediately, not stopping to interact with other adults. There will be a one way system around the site with different gates being designated as either an entrance or exit.

 

These are all measures suggested to reduce the spread of the virus.

Once plans are finalised, and more information provided from the government, I will update you again.

Please do ensure you follow the social distancing rules and remember you are only allowed to meet one other person outside of your household in a public place. Also as of today the government have announced that anyone over the age of 5 who displays Covid 19 symptoms is able to have a test carried out. They have also added 'a change or loss of taste or smell' to the list of key symptoms - so be aware. Should you, or any of your household show any signs of these symptoms that person is to self isolate, along with the rest of the household.

 

It was very reassuring today as I walked around some of our local area, that no children were seen out playing. This is great news as this is helping to reduce the transmission of the virus and shows that we are all following the government guidance by staying in.

 

Please do make sure you ring the school to let us know your intentions about returning to school as this information is vital for me to be able to plan effectively should we be given the go ahead by the government.

 

Stay safe and well.

 

With best wishes,

Mrs Sheila Pape

 

Dear Parents,

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Dear Parents,

 

I am writing this update a little later than usual as I wanted to listen to the announcement which Boris Johnson was making tonight at 7p.m. Many of you may have watched both last night and tonight's broadcasts, so I just want to clarify the situation as far as South View Schools are concerned.

 

In terms of the potential for schools reopening, the Prime Minister said ‘In step two – at the earliest by June 1 – after half term – we believe we may be in a position… to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6’. It is important to note that the statements makes it clear that this is not a set date, and that this may happen at the earliest by June 1^st. However, should infections start to rise again, this date will be delayed even more, so it up to us to follow the social distancing rules and act sensibly to reduce the rates of transmission of the virus and so keep ourselves and our families safe.

 

This means that, at the moment, nothing has changed as far as schools are concerned. We will continue to remain open for children of key workers and vulnerable children as well as those with an EHCP. If your child falls into one of these categories and you need childcare, then please get in touch with me.

 I understand that this may well impact on your ability to return to work if you are not able to send your child to school as they do not meet the criteria, as mentioned above, set earlier in March. Mr Johnson was clear that if this is an issue for you, you must discuss this with your employer as they should understand this as being a barrier to you being able to return to work.

 

What I can say is that both the Government and the Local Authority are working on plans as to how to manage any re-opening of schools to ensure that is safe for your children, parents and staff. Obviously one plan will not suit every school, as each one is different, so I am working on various options for our schools, but I can reassure you that I will not reopen unless I know I have taken every step I possibly can to ensure it is as safe as possible for your children and my staff.

 

I will continue to provide these updates on a  Monday and Thursday via the website so as soon as I know anything else I will let you know.

 

In the meantime we have received another food delivery, so if you are in need of food, particularly for breakfast, then please call in to the junior school reception to collect some. The food is available for both infant and junior parents.

 

There are still a lot of parents who have not claimed their free school meal vouchers. In some cases this amounts to quite a lot of money which you are entitled to. Please contact school for more details if you think this applies to you.

 

I know that over the last few weeks I have spoken to many of you either on the phone or in person, if you do want to speak to me please do not hesitate to ring me.

 

Finally please remember to keep social distancing at all times to help reduce transmission of the virus and keep us all safe.

 

With very best wishes,

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

 

INSET dates for the Academic Year 2020 - 2021

 

Friday 2nd October 2020

Dear Parents,

 

 

 

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Dear Parents,

Mrs Sheila Pape

The post below is by Donna, a nurse and the wife of a friend of some of the staff at The South View Federation. We have permission to share it and hope it reminds people why we have to stay home.

 

Words cannot express my gratitude and admiration for the staff on C4 and ITU and outreach, who for 2 weeks cared for me as I battled against covid. I could not have been looked after any better. I am in awe of you all. Continuously donning and doffing, wearing full PPE just to make sure I had a drink, to make sure I was comfortable, to bring my drugs, to monitor my O2, to put lip balm on my very sore lips, to change my bedding, to wash me when I only had enough energy to breathe, to cream my feet and legs so I felt better, to reassure me, to be there when my family couldn't, to check on me throughout the night, to check on me after your days off, to brush my hair, to wash my hair, to shower me in your PPE, to hold my hand, to encourage me, to make me smile, to explain everything to me, to support me, to wipe my tears.

 

To the ITU consultant knelt by my bedside explaining with compassion the threshold for tubing me and promising to try to wake me up for the birth of my grandson.

 

For the outreach team encouraging me to lay on my tummy with my 60%venturi to breathe, and to feel safe, to reassure me that i was doing well on each of their visits.

 

To the lovely physio for her encouragement and reassurance to get out of bed and walk for the first time, carrying my O2 cylinder for me.

 

For the Doctor who held my hand and walked me to the window to get my lungs strong and working, who encouraged me to be confident, the same Dr who made me laugh everyday.

 

To the lovely Dr who came and held my hand everyday, even though she wasn't caring for me everyday, to tell me how she couldn't be happier that I was doing well and that they had all been so worried about me. she held my hand and her eyes smiled.

 

To the nurses and HCA who stood at the bay windows everyday and waved and had to don the PPE just to poke their head In and say hello, how are you today, what can I do to help, do you need anything.

 

To the consultants who came to see me everyday, those who held my hand, those who knelt by me.

 

For the messages and gifts from colleagues past and present, for the love that I felt. I remember feeling that I couldn't go on, breathing was so hard and so painful, I was okay that actually I might take my last breath. I recall saying to my nurse just as the sun was rising, I cant do this anymore! He turned to me and said you can do this, look at this ... he opened the curtains and raised my bed so i could feel the sun flood in, your life is out there, you have so much to live for, your family ...… I lay there watching the sky change colours as the day began .....I do have so much to live for. His words more powerful than he could ever realise.

As I left the ward to start my recovery at home, I placed my heart on the recovery tree and the staff lined the corridor and clapped, it should be me applauding you all. My heart is with you all as you continue to care.

My COVID journey isn't just about me, its the effect that is has on everyone. The outside world cannot even begin to comprehend the care that goes on in the NHS, colleagues moved from their usual jobs, new teams being built, new ways of working. And through all this not once did I ever hear anyone complain.

 

You will forever be my hero's, my colleagues, my friends.

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart xx

Thursday 30^th April 2020

 

Dear Parents,

 

For the first time in a long while I am writing this update and it is raining outside rather than the sun shining. In fact the rain has been so heavy we had 2 ducks waddling around by the allotment, I think they thought the playground was a pond as it was that wet and shiny.

 

You have probably heard more on the news about the FSM voucher system and the issues they are having due to demand. Many of you have had queries about your vouchers and Mrs Morton has added some guidance for you here  so you can see when your vouchers are likely to arrive.

 

Learning packs and study guides.

We have some packs which have still not been collected. Staff are contacting these parents to remind them that there is work for their children to complete as we are concerned that the children will fall behind with their learning as other children in their year group are working through the planned work. It is important the children try to keep up with the learning which has been set by the teachers so they keep pace with their peer group.

 

Tonight the Prime Minister has announced we are past the peak of this virus, which is good news, but the social distancing measures and lockdown arrangements are still in place so please make sure that you still follow these.

 

Remember that we have bagels, porridge, cereal and beans in school if you need food. Just call in at either school office and bring a bag with you.

 

Stay Safe, Protect the NHS and Save Lives

 

With very best wishes

 

 Sheila Pape
Executive Headteacher

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