School Re-opening
Headteacher Newsletter - Summer 2020
Contents
1. KWV survey for a school place for the W/C 8th June
2. FAQs
3. Risk Assessment
4. A Crawford's Simple Parent Guide
5. The "New Normal" Parent Guidance
6. Example of a Classroom
7. Government Evidence for Returning to School
8. Coronacast
9. SAGE Report
"The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come"
Dear all,
I hope you all enjoyed the half term break?! The weather has been wonderful and I hope the recent update from Boris has enabled you with a little more flexibility and freedom with seeing family members and being able to get out for some fresh air?!
On Thursday, the government confirmed that it had met its own targets (the five tests) for coronavirus control. The Prime Minister has therefore confirmed that schools will begin to reopen from next week.
We were, of course, expecting this to be the decision and, as you know, we have worked with the head teachers across the Trust to develop risk assessments and procedures to protect our children and staff. Staff have been fully involved with the development of these risks assessments to ensure they meet the specific needs of each school. As parents, you were also consulted and changes were made following your comments. Thank you to those who responded to the risk assessment survey. We received 3 responses!
It is important to understand that the risk assessments are likely to be developed further as more children return. This document will, therefore, be available on our school website for your convenience.
The plans for reopening school are based upon a phased model which gradually, over the next few weeks, increases the provision towards the government expectations. However, the movement from one phase to the next will only take place when the former phase has been fully successful and we are confident of the safety in moving to the next stage.
Please bear in mind that we may still need to close classes or the school at late notice (e.g. due to a lack of staff which means it is unsafe to open); if this is required, we will do this via a phone call/message.
We understand that you may have some anxieties about your child returning - these are natural for any parent. Please do contact the school if you want to discuss these anxieties before your child returns and please remember that there will be no pressure from the school for your child to attend if you believe this is not the right time.
As I am sure you can appreciate, phasing a reopening is a considerable challenge, therefore, I would ask for your patience, understanding and trust. I would also like to thank all the staff for their continued endeavour thus far to ensure children and families are provided with learning opportunities and communication that keeps them buoyant.
Having also held conversations with parents, there have been some very relevant questions which weren't necessarily covered in our previous correspondence. As such it is hoped that a FAQs section would help further guide you in your decision to begin sending your child/ren back to school. Please click on the link button below.
We will be opening next Tuesday 2nd June. Initially, this will be for Key Worker/Vulnerable (KWV) families. Thank you to those who have confirmed. You have been allocated a place.
As we move forward, a form/survey will be sent to you each week regarding wider re-opening. At the moment we are at 'Phase 1' as described in the shared risk assessment.
Please note, each phase will be confirmed at least one week before it is due to take place: Moving from one phase to the next will be dependent on the success of former phases and also may change due to scientific evidence and the government’s risk rating for COVID-19:
PHASE GROUP WHEN DAY(S)
Phase 1 - KWV Group ONLY - Tuesday 2nd June - Every day
Phase 2 - YR - When the school notifies you - Mondays & Tuesdays/ Y1 - Thursdays & Fridays
Phase 3 - Y6 - When the school notifies you - Thursdays & Fridays
Phase 4 - YR & Y1 - When the school notifies you - Mondays & Tuesdays/ Y5 & Y6 Thursdays & Fridays
Phase 5 - All other year groups - When the school notifies you - One day per week
I am conscious that the majority of this newsletter is devoted to reopening and children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 and their families. However, I know that there are children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 who are wondering when they will be coming back to school. We do not know the answer to this question and this really is determined by matters elsewhere. I am, as ever, immensely proud of all the children who attend Crawford's Primary School. I am looking forward to welcoming the children who will return on Tuesday but I will also be thinking of those children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 who will be continuing their learning at home.
As more children begin to return to school we ask that if you have queries or questions please DO NOT ask these to your child’s teacher at drop-off and pick up times. Please either telephone or email the school office and we will get back to you. Similarly, we ask that you do not come to the school office in person - please email or telephone.
In this newsletter, I have included the survey for the school opening W/C 8th June - KWV families; please complete this by Wednesday 3rd June if you require a place.
I have also included information, guides, video links, and more below. As ever, we try to provide you with a balance of opinions so that you are in a position to judge for yourselves when will be the right time for your child to return to school.
Best wishes,
Mr Francksen
Executive Headteacher
6. Example of a Classroom
Government Guidance
About Us
Email: admin@crawfordsprimary.suffolk.sch.uk
Website: crawfordsprimaryschool.com
Location: Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3QZ, UK
Phone: 01449 673253
Twitter: @CrawfordsPSchl