Chopps Chat

January 2022

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Headteacher's Comment

Happy New Year! Hope you all had a lovely Christmas.


Welcome back! Whilst we are excited to get the new term started with lots of fantastic learning going on, we are also wanting to share actions we are taking as potentially this term may be challenging.


As I'm sure you are aware currently there are a significant number of cases of COVID nationally and the new Omicron variant spreads very easily.


Whilst we will do all we can to hopefully prevent spread, these is a risk that this may lead to a significant number of cases in school at some point this term.


Our priority is to keep school open. Whilst we are prepared to move to online learning this would be a last resort and would only be short term until we could safely staff school again. The biggest difficulty we will face will be staff absence. (We are finding it very difficult to get supply cover currently).


We will do our best to keep classes and school open. We have looked at school routines, will continue to minimise mixing and as far as possible reduce contact opportunities so that hopefully cases can be contained. This is something that has been relatively effective so far.


If children have symptoms, if they have a new continuous cough, loss of taste and smell or a temperature they will be expected to get a PCR test. If it is negative they can return to school.


The new Omicron variant reportedly presents a different set of symptoms, these include fatigue, headaches and a sore throat. However, these are not officially confirmed. If your child shows these symptoms then you should consider doing a Lateral Flow Test (LFT).


If someone in your household tests positive or if children are confirmed as a contact to someone who has tested positive they are still allowed to come to school but they are requested to carry out a Lateral Flow Test every day for 7 days. If the test is negative, then they can come to school.


If a child receives a positive LFT they must get a PCR test. If that is negative they can return to school.


If yourchild receives a positive PCR test they must isolate for at least 7 days. On day 6 and 7 they can do an LFT and if they are both negative and they have no temperature they will be free to return to school on day 7. If they do not do an LFT on day 6 and 7 they must isolate for the full 10 days. A flow chat is included to help you understand the current guidance. (see below)


We know you will continue to support us to keep families and our community safe. If you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you need any advice please just ask.


Please continue to wear masks if entering a school building and follow social distancing guidelines where possible. Let's do our best to keep school safe and open.


Regards


Mr D. Nelson

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Mrs Rose Leaves

Mrs Rose has left school at the end of last term. She has resigned her post as Class Teacher to take up new opportunities. Mrs Rose worked hard during her time here and was an integral part of the team that enabled the school to get a good Ofsted in March 2019. We would like to wish her all the best in her new adventures and hope it is a successful future for her and her family.

New Parent Governor

Following the Parent Governor elction held during the final week of last half term, we are pleased to announce that the parent with the most votes was - Leah Blackburn.

We would like to congratulate Leah on her success and look forward to working with her to improve the school and outcomes for all associated with us.

Parent Questionnaire Results

Thank you very much to those of you that completed the Parent Questionnaire. The results are very positive which is nice to see (see link below). There are some points that have been raised though, which will form the next agenda for the upcoming Parent's Forum.

Absence Reporting

If your child is going to be absent from school for any reason please make sure that you contact school to let us know. We have an answerphone service (option 1) which has been set up to help with this. Please leave a message and if we need to call back for more information then we will do so.

It is your responsibility to inform school if your child is going to be absent or late.

About us

About us

About us
Choppington Primary is a school at the heart of the community of Choppington, Northumberland. We are a school where every child is encouraged to achieve their very best. This is a happy, vibrant place to learn – we aim to give children the skills for life and a wealth of memorable experiences.
Choppington Primary School, Eastgate, Scotland Gate, Choppington, UK admin@choppington.northumberland.sch.uk 01670 823197 choppington.northumberland.sch.uk