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Dear Families,
COVID-19 update
The local authority has today provided more guidance for schools. The South West Directors of Public Health, UK Health Security Agency and Regional Schools Commissioner have recommended that, due to the high case rates, which are likely to persist into winter, schools maintain enhanced protective measures until the end of term. They note that, in our area, the high case rates are being seen particularly in school age children.
The advisors have consequently updated their COVID-19 poster. Click here to access the full sized document.
You will see that the authorities have identified that a national shortage of supply staff may mean that classes across the region may be sent home if there is not enough cover. We will of course do everything possible to avoid this happening in our school.
Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with us to offer help and support should staffing levels become a cause for concern in the coming weeks. We are busy producing an overview of who can help when and will be in touch with volunteers soon to discuss next steps.
The levels of COVID-19 in our school community are currently fairly stable. As long as we do not experience any outbreaks in the coming days/weeks, the following in-person events will go ahead before Christmas. Please be aware that the local authority is recommending that events are postponed or moved to a virtual platform if 10% of the school community is isolating due to COVID-19 infection. We very much hope that this does not happen.
Saturday 4th December – Open Day
You are invited to bring your children into school, at designated times, to enjoy a trail around the grounds and celebrate the opening of our beach. Different year groups (with their siblings) are invited to come in at different times of the day. Reception to year 2 families have been allocated longer slots because more families have expressed an interest in this opportunity.
We will welcome families via our main pedestrian gate and share a map of the one-way trail around the site. This will take you through our wonderful forest school areas, outdoor classrooms, new mud café and beach. You will be able to peer through windows and look into classrooms and get a feel for where your children enjoy their time at school. Please wear wellies and dress warmly! If the weather permits, there will be refreshments available en route – please bring lidded cups/bottles.
Please note that you will need to supervise your children for the duration of your visit. It is not appropriate for unaccompanied children to attend.
If COVID-19 infection rates suddenly start to rise next week, this event will be postponed and rescheduled for early in the new year.
Afternoon of Tuesday 14th December – Reception nativity play for reception families
Our reception children are already preparing for their nativity play. They will be performing in St Paul’s church and we are extremely grateful for this opportunity. As well as providing a highly appropriate backdrop for the performance, the venue will facilitate social distancing and adequate ventilation.
As long as COVID-19 infection rates allow, parents/carers will be invited to come along and watch the performance, timings will be confirmed as soon as possible. If COVID-19 infection rates reach 10% before then, we will record the performance and share the video with families before the end of term.
Please be assured that there will be opportunities for children in other year groups to perform for families and showcase their learning and achievements later in the year.
Thank you
I would like to thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we continue to navigate the pandemic. I appreciate that the strict risk assessments that schools are being required to follow at the moment appear to be in complete contrast to those required in general life. There are also differences in the way that individual schools are running. This is because of the unique circumstances that each school operates within. Rest assured that we, like you, are looking forward to when these measures can be relaxed.
Yours truly,
Alison Godfrey
Head Teacher