Dear Parents

Firstly, I would like to thank you for being so supportive over the lock-down period. No-one could’ve prepared us for such unprecedented times. We have all experienced different circumstances during this time and I appreciate everyone’s understanding.

The government have suggested that schools re-open their doors on the 1^st June, however school will be closed for the half term week – 25^th May until 8^th June in line with our school holiday pattern. This will allow us time to prepare school for the re-opening. There will be no work set for the children during this period.

Holiday Club provision will be available for key worker children only.

Under the guidelines from the Government/DfE we may be re-opening our doors on 8^th June for the selected year groups; Pre-School (part-time basis), Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. The return date for schools is reliant on many scientific-based requirements, which could change at any time depending on the R number and alternative advice from the government. The critical key worker list has not officially changed and we will provide child care if there is no adult at home to look after these children.

Our initial focus will be the children’s well-being. During the lockdown period, I am aware that like many of us, the children’s worlds have been turned upside-down. With that in mind, our curriculum focus will be based on PSHE. I want to assure you that the Leadership Team and staff have discussed the well-being of the children and have planned sessions ready to support their feelings, worries, relationships and questions.

I would like to thank my staff for all their hard work and dedication during this time. We are very fortunate to have an amazing team who have worked tirelessly to provide children with a variety of online learning that has allowed them to be independent learners and also move their learning forward. Staff have been very impressed with children’s efforts. I would also like to thank you, the parents, for assisting the children to access their home learning. We really do appreciate it.

After collating the feedback from parents I feel reassured that we all have the same expectations and also the same concerns. I have implemented a number of measures around school, however with this comes no guarantees and we are all aware of the risks of people being in groups. I can only assure you that we will do our best. A full risk assessment has been completed to ensure we are meeting government guidelines to protect our children and staff.

Following the guidance provided to school and taking into account parent’s views, the points below are applicable to our setting:

• Parents are asked to keep 2m apart when dropping off and collecting children, adhering to social distancing guidelines.
• Children will be encouraged to socially distance, however the Government guidance makes it clear that very young children cannot socially distance and that pupils will not be provided with PPE, nor expected to wear it. Wherever possible, we will minimise the opportunity for children to have close contact with each other, but it is not guaranteed and parents sending their child in must be aware of this.
• If a child becomes unwell we will contact you immediately (please ensure that the contact details we have for you are correct).
• If anyone in a group shows symptoms of C-19, all children and staff in that group will be told to self-isolate for 14 days. Where a family in that group has siblings attending in other classes, it may be the case that other groups must also undertake a period of self-isolation. Attendance at school will not be allowed until the period of isolation has been completed.
• Hygiene is going to be promoted throughout the day. This will consist of regular handwashing (on entry to school and at break times), sanitiser will be available and anti-bacterial wipes will be used regularly to clean equipment before and after use. Our school Site Management team will continue to thoroughly clean the school once children have left each day.
• Staff will only wear PPE when looking after a child with symptoms, providing personal care and administering first aid.
• Different entrances/exits have been allocated for different groups.
• We will have staggered start times, break times, lunch times and finish times.
• Children will have a different teacher due to class sizes changing to no more than 15 children.
• Wherever possible we will use outdoor space for learning.
• Parents will not be penalised if they choose not to send their children to school during this time. Should you decide to keep your child at home, school will fully support your parental decision.
• School dinners will be available, this will be a choice of sandwiches. However packed lunches are recommended if you are able to provide one.
• Children must wash daily and fresh clothes must be worn daily, to assist in reducing the risk of catching and spreading the virus. Therefore, school uniform will not be required to be worn until further notice.
• Children will be issued with their own resources, e.g. book, pencil, ruler etc.

Change to routine:

1.       Parents will not be allowed to enter the building.

2.       Enquiries must be made via email/telephone.

3.       Pre-School will enter and exit through their usual door. Session times are; morning - 8:40am-11:40am and afternoon - 12:10pm-3:10pm.

4.       Entering school:

• Reception at 8:50am (through Reception doors)
• Year 1 children at 9:10am (through Y1 doors)
• Key worker children at 8:50am (through the yellow doors at the front of the building)
• Y6 children @ 9:10am (through the yellow doors at the front of the building)

5.       The end of the day will have staggered timings:

• Reception at 3pm (from playground)
• Year 1 at 3:10pm (from playground)
• Key worker children at 3:10pm (from yellow doors)
• Year 6 children at 3:20pm (from yellow doors)

6.       Breakfast Club and After School Club will re-open in September 2020.

7.       All extra-curricular clubs are suspended until September 2020.

8.       Please bring all school resources back to school so they can then be cleaned. School resources will not be sent home until next academic year. Reading books will be issued via our online platforms.

I would like to take this opportunity to reassure families that we will take every precautionary measure that we are able to. No decision has been made lightly and we will continue to evaluate and improve our offer over the next few weeks as more evidence becomes available to support our judgements.

My priority is the safety of the children, staff and our school community (parents and governors). I will be following all government guidelines that have been issued and all updates will be on the website, please see ‘Mrs Brownley’s blog’.

The government has suggested that sometime in June/July that all children of Primary age will return to school and as soon as I have more information, I will be in touch.

Our aim is to have a positive transition back to school for the children, allowing them to access school and settle back into a routine with their friends albeit this will be very different. This will be a challenge, but one I am hoping that we can achieve together.

We are all a little apprehensive and wary but we also very much want to do our best for our children and our community. Again, thank you for your continued support in these unprecedented times.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Laura Brownley

Mrs Laura Brownley
Headteacher
Lostock Hall Community Primary School
Tel : 01772 338289
Website: www.lostockhallcps.co.uk