Dear Parents and carers,

Please see the attached letter regarding Remote Learning

• Remote Learning Letter –  21 Jan
• Guide to help you access Home Learning

Please take the time to look over the following letters.

There is information on what has been happening in school and what to do if you have a confirmed coronavirus case over the holiday period:

Covid Notification

Dec 2020 Newsletter

We have received the following advice on whether or not it is OK to send your child into school.  Please read the information carefully and use the flowchart to help with your decision.

Can my child go to school today?

Press Release

HEALTH and education experts are offering help and advice to parents on when they can safely send their child to school.

County Durham Care Partnership, which brings together NHS organisations, Durham County Council and other providers to deliver improved, joined up health and social care services, has created an easy-read chart to help parents who are unsure if their child should stay at home or go to class.

The information follows Government guidelines on spotting the signs of Covid-19.

Sarah Burns, head of integrated strategic commissioning for Durham County Council and NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Since pupils returned to schools earlier this month we have become very aware of the increased demand on NHS111 and GP practices from worried parents.

“We know that when it can be difficult for parents to decide if they should send their child to school during the ongoing pandemic. This infographic has been designed by our local GPs to help inform parents what to do if they worry that their child may be unwell.

“If children are showing signs of Covid-19, a high temperature, a continuous cough or loss of smell or taste then we would recommend that the whole household self-isolate and book a test.  All members of the household must stay at home until the test results are known.

“Similarly if children have diarrhoea and vomiting then we would recommend that they remain off school for at least 48 hours or until they feel well enough to return, as tummy bugs can also be very contagious.

“But as long as your child is feeling well, has not otherwise been told to self-isolate and there are no other household members with COVID symptoms, then it is ok to send them to school.”

Parents should continue to seek help from their GP if needed or contact NHS111 if their surgery is closed.”

For further guidance visit:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Please see following information on the school admission arrangements.

We have had a positive start to the new school year and we have thoroughly enjoyed having all our children back in school. We have spent time going over rules and routines that will help keep everyone in our school community safe as well as sharing all our lockdown adventures!

Next week we will begin our ‘recovery’ curriculum where we will find out exactly where the children are with their learning in English and Maths addressing any gaps and beginning new learning . We will also be focusing on the emotional well-being of our children through a range of activities including outdoor activities, PE, Music and art.

Drop off and pick up arrangements have gone well! Monday sees us return as a whole school and it is really important that everyone sticks to their times to avoid any cross over of class bubbles. Please can I ask that you queue in the direction of the arrows on the posters rather than ‘grouping’ together. This will avoid you and your child having to stand on the road and will support social distancing measures which we must maintain at all times.

I have included information below about drop off and pick up times to address any queries you may have and also some information about packed lunches.

Information to clarify drop off and pick up times:

1. Siblings with the same drop off and pick up times:

• Please drop your eldest child at their entry gate and then take younger sibling(s) to their respective entrance gate
• End of the day: we will send all of your children to the same exit as your youngest sibling.

2. Siblings with different start/finish times:

• Please bring all your children for the start time of your earliest child and to the earliest child’s drop off point. Staff will take all children from there and organise.
• At the end of the day all children will leave at the time of your child with the latest pick up time. We will make sure that all siblings are at the pick up point for your ‘latest’ child.

Packed Lunches:

As from Monday children are able to bring a packed lunch. This must be in a disposable bag.

Please make sure that if there is anything in a wrapper, your child must be able to open this for themselves. As per risk assessment, staff will not be opening any packaging/wrappers due to cross-contamination.

I will continue to up-date you on any changes that we need to make to our arrangements.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wendy Gill

Headteacher