S.T.O.P.
Headteacher Newsletter - Monday 1st March 2021
'For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.' Romans 8:18
Contents
1. S.T.O.P. = Start To Open Possibilities
2. What You Need To Know
3. Class Updates
4. Weekly Tweets
5. Breakfast/ After-school Clubs
6. Chromebooks
7. Suffolk County Council Message Regarding School Transport
8. Free School Meals Vouchers
9. Uniform
10. Mr Hurkett’s ‘Around The World’ Challenge
11. 'Work It With Hurkett' YouTube
12. Easter holiday tennis camp - Walsham
13. Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)
14. Safeguarding
1. S.T.O.P. = Start To Open Possibilities
Hello and good morning Crawford's Community,
Well, I can almost hear you utter the words...here we go again! It's certainly been a STOP, START year for everyone; I am ever conscious of the impact this must have on you, your children, and your lives. It appears the recent STOP, however, may well have placed us in a much more fortuitous position, moving forward?!
If you haven't guessed already, I am indeed speaking of the full school return on 8th March. It seems incomprehensible that this all began not short of a year ago. I have to say that whilst this year has been quite unbelievable, unpredictable, and unwelcome I don't hold the strong opinions of some in education (and further afield) who appear to be quoting our current children as: 'THE LOST LEARNING GENERATION!' This typifies a negative lens through which to merely gaze through. On the contrary, I'm not looking through rose-tinted glasses; yes, there is much to do, much to gather up and much to focus on. But, we will do exactly that! I do believe that this may have also provided an opportunity for everyone to appreciate the importance and pivotal role schools have on children's lives. In that, I most certainly carry the flame for the wonderful devotion, dedication, and passion teachers have. I sincerely hope that this becomes much more widely acknowledged and respected in society. Furthermore, I hope that parents/carers and members of the community Start To Open Up Possibilities (S.T.O.P.) and stand alongside and amongst schools in coeducating our children. In fact, I'd go as far as to say shouldn't we be coining the phrase: 'THE RESILIENT & COURAGEOUS LEARNING GENERATION?!'
I fully appreciate there must be an awful lot of angst and nervousness; may I assure you that the children's safety and wellbeing (and yours) is and will always be our top priority. This is firmly in the minds of all the staff and we are (and will continue) considering how to balance the social, emotional, and academic aspects of your child(ren). Please forgive me for such a lengthy newsletter, however, I have tried to include key government information (in the 'What You Need To Know' section); this is a summary of the government guidance (also attached below) which will hopefully answer the majority of your questions. Our updated risk assessment is also presented in order to fully share and consult with you. Please do comment and feedback to the school so we can consider every possible angle.
So, focusing through the lens of possibility, let's look forward. 'Perfection is like chasing the horizon. Keep Moving.'
Mr. Francksen
Executive Headteacher
2. What You Need To Know
From 8th March
- Attendance - All children and students should return to school and attendance will be mandatory once again from this date. This means that it is your legal duty as a parent to send your child (if they are of compulsory school age) to school regularly if they are registered at one. Local authorities and schools have a range of legal powers to enforce attendance if a child or young person misses school without a valid reason;
- Vulnerable or Critical Worker - If you are a parent of a child who is vulnerable or if you are a critical worker, your child should continue to be able to attend school throughout, unless they receive a positive test result;
- Concerns about returning - We know some parents will be feeling anxious about their children returning to school or college. If you have concerns about your child attending, you should discuss these with your school. They should be able to explain ways they are changing things to reduce risks;
- Unable to Attend? - A small number of children and young people may be unable to attend in line with public health advice to self-isolate. You should not send your child to school if they: - they are showing one or more coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms - have tested positive themselves, even if they do not have symptoms - someone in their household is showing symptoms - live in a household with someone who has tested positive, even if that person does not have symptoms - are a close contact of someone who has coronavirus (COVID-19) - are required to quarantine having recently visited a red list travel ban country - someone in their support bubble has symptoms and they have been in close contact with them since the symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started Actions to take: - Book a test if you or your child develop symptoms. Inform your school of the results - If the test is positive, follow guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, and engage with the NHS Test and Trace process - Other household members (including any siblings) should self-isolate from the day your child’s symptoms started (or the day they took a test if they did not have symptoms), and the next 10 full days - If your child or someone in your household has tested positive while not experiencing symptoms but develops symptoms during the isolation period, they should restart the 10 day isolation period from the day they developed symptoms - If your child displays symptoms while at school, they should not use public transport and, wherever possible, be collected by a member of their family or household. In exceptional circumstances, if you cannot arrange to have your child collected and they cannot walk, cycle or scoot home, alternative arrangements may need to be organised by the school Your child does not need a test if they: - have a runny nose, are sneezing or feeling unwell, but do not have a temperature, cough or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste - are advised to self-isolate because they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), for example, another pupil in their class, but are not showing symptoms themselves Please help schools and colleges to create the safest possible environments by following this advice and the wider public health advice and guidance.
- Child CEV - If your child is confirmed as clinically extremely vulnerable, they are advised not to attend school or college until further notice. Find out more on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from coronavirus (COVID-19);
- Shielding Evidence - Your child’s school may check that your child is advised not to attend school or college by asking to see a copy of the shielding letter sent to you;
- Adult CEV - Children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable should still attend school. Information for parents is available from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health;
- Remote Education - If your child is unable to attend school for the reasons given above, your school will provide support with remote education and pastoral support;
- Close Contact - If your child is identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and is asked to self-isolate, you do not need to self-isolate unless your child develops symptoms. This also applies to other members of your household (including any other children in the same school or college) - If your child has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and then develops symptoms but has a negative test result, they will still need to self-isolate for the full 10 days from the day after contact with the person who tested positive;
- Holidays - You should plan your holidays within the school holidays as usual. Avoid seeking permission to take your children out of school during term time. You should make sure any travel is in line with national travel guidance; - Keep in mind that you and your children may need to self-isolate when you return from a trip overseas;
- Testing - the staff at Crawford's are taking part in the asymptomatic testing programme. Rapid testing using lateral flow devices (LFDs) will support the return to face-to-face education by helping to identify people who are infectious but do not have any coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. Those who test positive will self-isolate, helping to reduce transmission of the virus and keeping other pupils and students in face-to-face education. Testing remains voluntary but is strongly encouraged - Primary aged pupils do not need to be regularly tested - Managing cases in schools will take swift action when they become aware that someone who has attended has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). They will contact their local health protection team if they: - have 2 or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) among pupils or staff within 14 days - see an overall rise in child or staff absence rates where coronavirus (COVID-19) is suspected
- School Closure - The local health protection team will advise what action is required. Closure will not usually be necessary, but some groups may need to self-isolate
- Start Times - Arrival at school will be as normal, however, we are still encouraging parents/carers wear to face masks and to ensure 2 metre distancing - please see Point 22 on the risk assessment for further details
- School Transport - Local authorities, schools and transport providers will do all that is reasonably practicable to maximise social distancing where possible and minimise the risk of transmission. What is practicable is likely to vary according to local circumstances;
- Curriculum - Schools will continue to teach a broad and balanced curriculum in all subjects, and will adapt teaching and curriculum planning to ensure pupils cover the most important content. In some exceptional circumstances, schools may consider it appropriate to suspend some subjects for some pupils, but only where this is in the best interest of the pupils and in discussion with parents;
- Remote education - Where a pupil cannot attend school on-site because they are complying with government guidance or law relating to coronavirus (COVID-19), for example, if they need to self-isolate or shield, state-funded schools have a duty to provide remote education for school-aged children - Where it is needed, schools should provide remote education equivalent in length to the teaching your child would usually get in school. This will include recorded or live direct teaching time, as well as time for pupils to complete tasks and assignments independently. It should be suitably tailored if your child has special educational needs or a disability - The amount of remote education should be a minimum of: - 3 hours a day for key stage 1 (years 1 to 2) on average, with less for younger children - 4 hours a day for key stage 2 (years 3 to 6) - You can find out more about your school’s remote education offer on their website. If you have concerns about the amount or quality of the remote education your child is receiving, you should talk to their teacher or headteacher. If you have used the school’s complaints process and you still have concerns, you can raise them with Ofsted. Ofsted will consider the complaint and take action where appropriate.
- Assessments In Primary Schools - Statutory key stage 1 and 2 tests and teacher assessments planned for summer 2021 are cancelled - Schools will continue to use assessment during the summer term to: - inform teaching - give you information about your child’s attainment in their annual report - support your child’s transition to secondary school if they are in year 6
- Ofsted inspections - Routine, graded Ofsted inspections remain suspended for the spring term across early years, state schools and colleges. The intention is for these inspections to resume in the summer term. We are continuing to keep the inspection arrangements under review.
- School Food - Schools will continue to provide meal options for pupils who are in school. Meals should be available free of charge to all infant pupils and pupils who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. The meals served should meet the school food standards and where possible a hot meal should be available - Schools should also continue to provide free school meal support for pupils who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals and who are learning at home during term time. The guidance on providing school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak outlines how and when children eligible for free school meals should be supported at home - If your family needs support during the Easter break, you should contact your local authority to access help through the COVID Winter Grant Scheme;
- Clubs - From 8 March, out-of-school settings and wraparound childcare providers will be able to offer indoor and outdoor provision to all children. However, parents and carers will only be able to access settings for certain essential purposes. Therefore, from 8 March, providers should only offer indoor and outdoor face-to-face provision to: - vulnerable children and young people - other children, where the provision is: - reasonably necessary to enable their parents and carers to work, search for work, undertake education or training, or attend a medical appointment or address a medical need, or attend a support group - being used by electively home educating parents as part of their arrangements for their child to receive a suitable full-time education - Parents and carers should not be allowed into the setting unless it is essential - Live performances of children’s dance, music and drama should not take place for the duration of the national lockdown.
- Children with Health Concerns - It is now known that very few children are clinically extremely vulnerable. Read the latest guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. - Children deemed clinically extremely vulnerable are advised not to attend out-of-school settings while shielding advice applies nationally. The Department of Health and Social Care has published updated guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing - Some children and young people may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, stress or low mood as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Schools will continue to offer pastoral support to any pupils who need to work remotely;
- Support for Children and Parents - Online resources to help you support your child with mental health and wellbeing, including: - MindEd - a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health - Every Mind Matters - an online tool and email journey to support everyone in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing - Bereavement UK and the Childhood Bereavement Network - information and resources to support bereaved pupils, schools and staff - PHE’s advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing include key actions you can take to support your child - Youth Sport Trust and Sport England have advice and support on helping children and young people stay physically active - Use the DfE blog to find mental health resources for children, parents, carers and school staff - NHS mental health services remain open and have digital tools to connect with people and provide ongoing support. Please use your local children and young people’s mental health service when needed - Support for children and young people. Get free, confidential support at any time by: - texting SHOUT to 85258 - calling Childline on 0800 1111 - calling the Mix on 0808 808 4994 Find help online through: - Young Minds - information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health - Think Ninja - a free app for 10 to 18 year olds to help build resilience and stay well - Every Mind Matters - building resilience and supporting good mental health in young people aged 10 to 16 - PHE has also launched new e-learning which can help parents and carers to support their children and young people in emergency or crisis situations - Barnardo’s See, Hear, Respond service, provides support to children, young people and their families who are not currently seeing a social worker or other agency, and who are struggling to cope with the emotional impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) - Use the See, Hear, Respond self-referral webpage or Freephone 0800 151 7015.
- Safeguarding - It is also vital to report any safeguarding concerns you have about any child. Contact the NSPCC helpline.
Absences - please remember to ring the school office before 9 am (leave a voicemail if necessary) to notify us of any absences. Please DO NOT email.
All children can wear their school uniform upon their return.
3. Class Updates
Class 1
Well done little learners another week complete! Mrs Shave is super keen to have you back in the classroom very soon. A big thank you to everyone who joined in with our Ely cathedral project and submitted their questions. Philippa was super impressed and has sent a special video of the angels just for us! Look out for it on the timetable next week. Her challenge for this week is that we all join next Thursday and all have a go at a question about George and the dragon, all the details will be on our final timetable.
I really enjoyed the questions you had written for Mrs Shave in our show and tell this week and I am sure you all enjoyed my singing as a result, he he he!
A special well done to Sophie, Chester and Harry who have submitted me some beautiful work this week, fantastic sentence writing, 3 dojos each for that. Keep it up peeps!
Class 3 & 4
We made pancakes in school before Shrove Tuesday - we all helped to mix a lovely batter then we ate them in class, with syrup, lemon juice and sugar and cinnamon! Mr Francksen and Mr Hurkett had a flipping pancakes competition - our Head Teacher won! We have been learning about Ely Cathedral’s Octagon Tower, with a virtual school trip to see the angels and Jesus in the stained glass window. It was fascinating and exciting to see this sight.
This week’s prayer is chosen from our daily prayers anthology (that means collection!) and is one we say at lunchtime before we eat together.
God is great, God is good,
Let us thank Him for our food,
By His hands, we are fed
Thank you God for our daily bread.
Amen
Written by Dylan Stephenson Y3 and Elsie Shave Year 3
4. Weekly Tweets
If you use Twitter, please do go to our @CrawfordsPSchl Twitter handle to see what takes place throughout the week. Failing that, sit back and enjoy a snapshot, below.
5. Breakfast/ After-school Clubs
6. Chromebooks
If your child has been loaning a school Chromebook (to aid them with their remote learning) please can you ensure they return it with its charger upon our return?!
7. Suffolk County Council Message Regarding School Transport
If your child is eligible for SCC-funded school travel you will need to opt-in by 31 May 2021 to receive travel for the start of the 2021/2022 school term.
If your child already receives SCC-funded travel you still need to opt-in every year.
If your child is starting secondary school in September 2021 and they are eligible for SCC-funded school travel you will be contacted by 30 March 2021. You will need to opt-in if you would like your child to use this service.
If your child is starting primary school in September 2021 and they are eligible for SCC-funded school travel you will be contacted by 15 May 2021. You will need to opt-in if you would like your child to use this service.
For more information on the SCC school travel policy and getting your child to school please visit; www.suffolkonboard.com/optin
8. Free School Meals Vouchers
If you are in receipt of Free School Meals and are remote learning, we have placed an order with DfE/Edenred for vouchers to cover the period from Monday 22nd February to Friday 5th March. These should have been delivered to you by email on or after Wednesday 24th February. Please check and let me know if you have not received them.
9. Uniform
For those currently attending school (or those soon to return), please be aware that you should be coming to school in your usual school uniform as much of the time as possible. We encourage you to wear layers so that you can stay warm in well-ventilated areas. We’d also recommend that you wear sturdy outdoor footwear and/or have wellies in school due to the amount of outdoor learning we are doing.
We are aware that with all the outdoor play and learning activities, you may be needing to wash uniform more frequently so if you run out of uniform towards the end of the week, other clothes are acceptable. However, we do expect all pupils to be in uniform for the majority of the week during this time.
For all those who could do with some spare school uniform (especially Year 6 children), we will be wheeling out our school uniform trolley. Please do take what you need. These have been washed and sanitized. However, you may wish to wash again.
10. Mr Hurkett’s ‘Around The World’ Challenge
Don’t forget to keep logging your miles for the 'Around the World in 40 days' Challenge - well done to everyone that has done some so far. It's a community challenge so please encourage your parents/carers, brothers, sisters, grandparents, uncles, aunties, friends, and dog (maybe not the dog). Please see the form below to learn how to take part. Good luck!
Every pupil that participates and helps achieve 24,901 miles in 40 days will receive a fantastic medal.
11. 'Work It With Hurkett' YouTube
12. Easter holiday tennis camp - Walsham
We have agreed to circulate details of this Easter holiday tennis activity programme. Please note that the School is not involved in the event and any queries should be directed to the organiser.
13. Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)
I’m thrilled to be speaking at this online OPAL open day on 2 March! I’ll be sharing how we’ve made playtime a key part of our school day and the impact it’s had for children and staff. See you there? Book your FREE place. Mr Francksen
14. Safeguarding
About Us
Email: admin@crawfordsprimary.suffolk.sch.uk
Website: crawfordsprimaryschool.com
Location: Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3QZ, UK
Phone: 01449 673253
Twitter: @CrawfordsPSchl