West Huntspill Academy, New Road, West Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3QE
Tel: 01278 783842
East Huntspill Academy, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3PT
Tel: 01278 782453

west@thpa.theplt.org.uk / east@thpa.theplt.org.uk

The Huntspill Primary Academies

WE learn, WE achieve, WE flourish

A A A

Covid-19 latest update

HOME TESTING FOR HOUSEHOLDS AND BUBBLES OF SCHOOL PUPILS

About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still pass it on to others.

 

Regular testing of people without symptoms is important to help stop the virus spreading.

The Government are now expanding their rapid lateral flow testing scheme to include members of households, child care or support bubbles of school age children.

 

If you would like to find out more information or would like to arrange test kits for your household then please click HERE.

 

Update regarding full reopening of school on Monday 8th March 2021

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are very excited to be welcoming all of the children back in school from Monday March 8th. I am writing to outline how the school will operate from this date to make sure that everything is as smooth and safe as possible. The following steps are based on government guidance for schools.

 

Attendance

All children are expected back at school from Monday March 8th. If you have any concerns about returning to school, please contact either school as soon as possible to discuss this further. If your child cannot attend school for any reason, you must telephone the school as soon as possible every day.

 

Contacting school

There will be no face-to-face contact with the school office. If you need to speak to someone in school, please telephone the school or email the school office and we will be happy to help. Similarly please do not approach teaching staff at the end of the day for conversations. Please email the school to arrange a chat if this is necessary.

 

Bubbles

Your child’s class will be their ‘bubble’ which means that we will be keeping the classes separate through the school day. As per government guidance, staff members are able to move between classes/bubbles to deliver our curriculum and look after your children. We are planning to use sports coaches and music tutors again from the reopening date.

 

Behaviour

All children will be expected to follow the school’s clear and concise behaviour policy (available at https://www.huntspillfederation.co.uk/huntspill-federation/policies) which is based on being ready, being respectful and being safe. Any deliberately unsafe behaviour with regards to COVID-19 (such as spitting or coughing in someone’s face) will not be tolerated.

 

Uniform and equipment

All children will be expected to wear school uniform. There is no expectation that this has to be washed any more frequently than normal. Please bring PE kit in as normal and this will be kept in school until the Easter break. Please send your child with a named water bottle, named lunch box (unless they are having a school meal), a named coat and a named jumper (rooms will be well ventilated whatever the weather). Extra layers under school shirts could also be worn (e.g. vests/t-shirts). Children will not need to bring any other equipment to school. They have all been allocated their own pencils, pens and other equipment, although please be aware that some equipment will be shared within their class bubble.

 

Reading books

Reading books will be sent home each day and the expectation is that you read with your child daily. Reading books and reading journals should come in to school each day.

 

Face masks/shields in school

In line with the latest guidance, staff in school may wear face masks or shields when moving around the school buildings. Primary-aged children are not expected to wear face coverings in school.

 

Arrival at school

There will be an extended window of arrival at both schools between 8.40am and 8.55am. This is to allow for parents/carers to observe social distancing as best as possible and to spread out the arrival of children across 15 minutes. Please do not arrive at the school gates before 8.40am to avoid queues forming. Wherever possible please can one parent bring children to school to reduce the number of people around the school site. Parents will not be allowed on to the school playgrounds in the morning so children need to walk in on their own or with siblings. Members of staff will be on the school gates each morning to welcome them.

East: We will use both sets of gates: Hawthorn and Cedar will use the large double gates and Conifer will come in through the small single gate.

West:  We will use all three gates to give more space.

In school

Children will wash/sanitise their hands when they enter the classroom and will do this throughout the day.

Departure from school

There will be an extended window of collection from 3.15pm until 3.30pm. In order to make the end of the day as safe as possible, we will continue to allow parents/carers to wait for children on the netball court area at West Huntspill and the playground at East Huntspill. Please observe social distancing in this area and do not enter the school building. To allow for a one-way system, please enter the playground through the single gate and exit through the double gate. Staff will bring the children out and your child/children will be sent to you. Once you have your child/children please leave though the large double gates immediately. Please can all adults collecting children wear a mask when they are on the school grounds.

 

Lunches

All lunches will be packed lunches when we return on March 8th. We will review this at the end of Term 4 to see if hot meals are feasible for the summer term. Our school meal provider (BAM) will be providing packed lunches for children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 who want a free school packed lunch along with any children in KS2 who are entitled to a free school meal. Children in these year groups and in KS2 can bring their own packed lunch if they wish to. Children at East will be eating their lunch in the classroom with an allocated lunchtime supervisor. At West, the children will rotate to eat their lunches in the hall.

 

Children will be playing in different zones/areas at playtimes and lunchtimes in their class bubbles. All children will wash or sanitise their hands before eating.

 

Larger gatherings

There will be no whole school collective worship or times of gathering together until we are told it is safe to do so, but the children will continue to have class assemblies, PE and music provision whilst adhering to government guidelines.

 

Breakfast Club and after school clubs

Breakfast Club at both schools will start up again on Monday March 8th. The Breakfast Club at East Huntspill will be based in the hall from this date. Breakfast begins at 8am. It is important that those attending come to school at 8am so that children arrive at roughly the same time.

 

Enhanced cleaning

As has already been happening, there will be advanced cleaning throughout the day and classroom staff will wipe frequently used surfaces (such as door handles and taps) regularly.

 

We hope this is the last time that we will have to fully reopen the school following a partial closure and that we can get back to a normal school routine as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you all on Monday March 8th.

 

Kind regards,

 

Steve Davis

Acting Principal

 

Update from Tuesday 23rd February 2021: (copied from Federation Facebook page)
 
Dear Parent/Carer
 
As I am sure you are aware the government have confirmed that all schools will reopen for all pupils from Monday March 8th and we look forward to seeing all of our pupils back in school from this date.
 
We need some time to read the latest government guidance to work out whether we will need to put in any new measures to keep everyone safe so will update parents/carers at the start of next week about any new arrangements which may need to be put in place.
 
We do not expect that this will be the case but just need time to consider the latest guidance.
 
Kind regards
 
Steve Davis

Message from Chair of Governors - 18th January 2021

Dear Parents/Carers

After a bumpy start for all of us going into the new term, I hope things are starting to settle down for you and you are beginning to find some routine.  I am writing to let you know that unfortunately Derek Nevell has been unwell and is taking some time away from school to recover.  We have been fortunate enough to secure an excellent acting Headteacher for this interim period, Steve Davis.  Steve will be helping to support all the staff in delivering high quality learning in this difficult time and ensure that the smooth operation of the school continues.  I am sure you will see his face at the gates over the next couple of weeks please say 'Hello'. 

 

Hi from Steve-I just wanted to introduce myself in writing to the school community but I hope to meet many of you in person in the coming weeks. I hope that during my time as Acting Headteacher, I can support the pupils, staff and governors in providing the best opportunities for learning. I started my primary education career thirty years ago and have been headteacher at three schools in North Somerset over the past twelve years. I will divide my time between West and East Huntspill and have already been made to feel very welcome by the staff and pupils I have met. I look forward to working with the Huntspills' school community until Derek's return and send my best wishes to everyone as we all deal with the challenges of everyday life during a pandemic.

 

On behalf of the governing board, I really hope you are all keeping well and safe.

 

Many thanks

Kate Burrow  

Chair of Governors

and 

Steve Davis

Acting Principal

Newsletter and Important information - 15th January 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

We hope you are all keeping safe and well during this difficult time.  All of the teachers have been busy preparing online learning and home learning packs.  Your class teacher will have informed you about how to access online learning for your child’s class.   All information regarding home learning can be found on our website, under the Home Learning tab, where you will find the daily lessons for each class.  Specific home learning tasks for each class will also be communicated to you be via Tapestry, ClassDojo or Google Classroom.  Please check these every day to ensure that your child is up to date with their learning. 

Home Learning Expectations

There is a national expectation that parents will support their children to engage in home learning. The tasks that we set for home learning match those that are being taught in school. We will provide your child with work each day in several different subjects.  The lessons will provide a minimum of 3 hours per day of learning for Key Stage 1 children and 4 hours per day for Key Stage 2 children.  The lessons that we provide will consist of materials from White Rose Maths, The Oak National Academy, The Write Stuff, Read, Write Inc., Oxford Owl and BBC Bitesize lessons.  Home learning will also include the use of online APPS/games such as TT Rockstars and Teach Your Monster To Read.  We will also provide links to You Tube videos that we think will support your child’s learning further.  We aim to make our home learning sequential and as easy to follow as possible. We welcome any suggestions on how we can improve this for you.

Monitoring and Feedback

It is important for us to be able to monitor and feedback to the children about their home learning.  We ask all parents to send work to us via Tapestry, Class Dojo or Google Classroom. This may be a photo of the work or a short video of their learning.  We love to be able to see the continued hard work that the children are doing.  Teachers will check work regularly and provide timely feedback. If your child has a paper home learning pack, these should be completed and handed in the following week, marked and will be returned to you.  By sharing your child’s home learning with us, teachers will be able to continue to monitor your child’s progress and celebrate their achievements with them.  Teachers will make weekly telephone calls to families of children who are not in school or in regular contact via Class Dojo, Tapestry or Google Classroom. These calls are to check how your child is getting on and give any support necessary. We welcome communication via Class Dojo and Google Classroom, however, it is important to remember that teachers are still teaching in school, as well as providing home learning. They will not be able to provide an immediate response so if you have any urgent questions or concerns, please contact the school via telephone.

Food Hampers

Food hampers are available from both sites on Mondays and can be collected from 11.30am-12.00pm.  If you are collecting a food hamper, it might be helpful for you to bring either a box or a strong shopping bag with you to help you carry your hamper items home.  If you have asked another family to collect your hamper for you because you are unable to, please could you let the school know.  Please remember that if your child is attending school and receiving free school meals, then they will not be entitled to receive the hamper as well.

Paper Work Packs

Work packs will be available to collect from school at the same time as food hampers. You are welcome to collect a work pack with or without a food hamper but must let the school know by phoning the school office or sending a Dojo/Google Classroom message. If you require a work pack, please let us know before the Monday morning. If you have collected a work pack, we will assume you will require one every week thereafter.

Self-Isolation

We would also like to remind you that if your child has been asked to self-isolate due to the closure of their bubble, in line with national guidance, your child MUST remain at home and self-isolate for 10 days and exercise can only be taken at home.  If your child remains well during their isolation, they will be expected to continue with their home learning. If a member of your household bubble tests positive for Covid-19 during their isolation period, you are required to inform school. We thank you for keeping yourselves and our community safe.

Although the schools remain open to children of critical workers and vulnerable children, in line with government guidance, we ask that parents and carers who are critical workers keep their children at home if they can. 

We would also like to remind you that if you need to share any sensitive information about your child, e.g. medical information or your child’s well-being, we suggest that you contact the school directly via telephone or email, rather than communicating this information via ClassDojo or Google Classroom.

 

Take care and keep safe.

Yours sincerely

Huntspill Federation

Keep in touch - 12th January 2021

Please be aware that schools are expected to keep in touch with all families on a weekly basis (Dojo or phone calls)

If you have not heard from us by the end of Thursday 14th January please phone the school office or send a message via Dojo.

If we do not hear from you at all, we may be required to do a home visit.

Many thanks for all of your ongoing support.

Bubble Closures at East Huntspill School - 6th January 2021

Advice to All Parents – Bubble closures at East Huntspill Primary School

Dear Parents & carers,

We have been advised by Public Health England that two of our bubbles have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school community.

The school remains open for your child who should continue to attend as normal if they remain well. The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must
stay at home for 10 days.


We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people,
coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirustest or by calling 119.

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.
Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stayat-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection 

The 10-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.   Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.


If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
* a new continuous cough
* a high temperature
* a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/.
If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice
from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19
Do
* wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
* use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
* wash your hands as soon as you get home
* cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
* put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Yours sincerely

Mr Derek Nevell
Headteacher

Update regarding school meals (copied from Federation Facebook page)

SCHOOL MEALS UPDATE
All children eligible for benefits related free school meals (not attending school) will have a packed lunch available at their school every lunchtime until Friday 8th January. This can be picked up from the school gates daily between 12.00 and 12.30pm.
From Monday 11th January, children not in school but eligible for benefits related free school meals, will be able to collect a food hamper which lasts for 5 days. This can be collected from the school gates between 12.00 and 12.30pm each Monday.
Please note: you cannot have the provided packed lunch and the food hamper as well.

Update from Tuesday 5th  January 2021

Dear Parents,

Thank you for all your patience and support at this difficult time.  Please be aware that if your child is eligible to attend school during the lockdown, we will have contacted you.  If you have received a text, phone call or message via Dojo it would be very helpful if you could let the school office know whether or not your child/ren will be attending.

Home Learning – all children are expected to engage with learning activities during the lockdown, whether in school or not.  Please look on the Home Learning tab of the Federation website and then click on your child/ren’s class.  Teachers will make a daily comment directing you to the specific learning tasks.

We realise that accessing online learning can be challenging for many families.  Please bear with us, while we organise additional resources or work packs.  We will provide more details in the week as well as information about food vouchers or hampers.

If your child/ren are attending school the same guidelines regarding Covid symptoms apply.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.

Please note, Breakfast Club will continue to run but school arrival and collections will return to normal times, 8:40am – 8:50am and 3:15pm.  If your child has been attending school during this current lockdown and is not well, please could you inform the school each morning that your child/ren are absent.

Please be aware communication from school may show number withheld as staff are using their own telephones because the school line is currently down at the moment at West Huntspill School.

Yours sincerely

 

Derek Nevell

Executive Headteacher

Update from Monday 4th  January 2021: (copied from Federation Facebook page)

Dear All,

As you you may have heard in the recent Prime Minister’s announcement, West will only be open to children of key workers and vulnerable children as of tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.
Myself and staff will go through class lists as soon as possible and then contact families of children who can attend school tomorrow. This will be by DoJo, Tapestry, Google classroom or telephone call as soon as we possibly can.
East: Will continue as they did today.
Thank you.
Mr Nevell

Update from Sunday 3rd January 2021: (copied from Federation Facebook page)

Dear All,
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding. Please see the below for a little more information:
- East: texts have now been sent to all families that can attend tomorrow and beyond. Please call the school tomorrow if you feel your child should be attending.
- East: if your child is not attending, then they must access the online learning via the Home Learning page and class page and DoJo/Tapestry.
- East & West: please be reassured that the only reason there is a difference between provisions at the two schools is due to staff belonging to different unions and acting on their union advice.
- All: when picking up can only one adult please come onto the playground, can face coverings please be worn, can you enter through the small gate, exit through the large gates and socially distance at all times.
- All: if your child is attending school, please send them in with an extra layer. The classrooms will be well ventilated whatever the weather (as per guidance).
- All risk assessments have been updated and checked by governors and enhanced cleaning will continue throughout the day.
Mr Nevell

Update from Sunday 3rd January 2021: (copied from Federation Facebook page)

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Dear All,
Apologies it has taken some time to update you all but here are the arrangements for the schools as of Monday 4th January 2021:

WEST HUNTSPILL:
All classes are open as normal and Breakfast Club is running.

EAST HUNTSPILL:
Classes will ONLY BE OPEN to children of key workers and vulnerable children. You will be informed via text (by 5.30pm) if your child is to attend school tomorrow. All other children will receive online learning. Please do not bring your child to East if you do not receive a text message. If you feel your child should be attending school (because you are a key worker and/or your child is vulnerable), then please ring East tomorrow (Monday).

Online learning will be accessed via the Home Learning tab on the school website and/or the class pages and DoJo or Tapestry.

This arrangement will continue until further notice; I will keep you updated regularly.

Huge apologies for the short notice to these changes but I have been working on this as quickly as I can.

Thank you for your understanding.

Mr Nevell and Federation Governing Board.

Covid-19 - Christmas arrangements 2020

Dear Parents

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support this term during this unprecedented time. Our pupils continue to make us extremely proud, as they continue with their routines of learning.

 

Covid over the Christmas Break:

A reminder that if your child has symptoms of Covid over the Christmas break they must self-isolate in line with Government guidance.  You should arrange to have them tested and you must let us know the resultThis is for the period Saturday 19th December to Thursday 24th December. This is because we may need to undertake track and trace and contact other students or staff if their symptomatic period has covered any of their time in school. 

 

Please can I ask that if this does happen over the Christmas break you contact the school directly via email:

 

East email: SCH.144@educ.somerset.gov.uk               West email: SCH.410@educ.somerset.gov.uk

 

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

 

  • A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

 

For additional advice, please consult the NHS information link: Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

 

Finally, a reminder that school re-opens for all students on Monday 4th January.

 

May I also take this opportunity to remind you that if you have any safeguarding concerns over the Christmas break, please contact Somerset Direct on: 0300 123 2224.

Thank you for your continued support. I wish you all a restful and safe Christmas break, and we look forward to seeing the students again in the New Year.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Mr D Nevell

Executive Headteacher

Covid-19 - Tier 2 Face Covering Advice 27th November 2020

Dear Parents
As per Government guidance, our local area will be placed in Tier 2 from Wednesday 2nd December.
 
In response to this, we are politely requesting that parents/carers wear a face covering when dropping off their child before school and when on school premises to collect their child at the end of the school day.
Please see the enclosed detailed guidance regarding Tier 2 restrictions.
Thank you.

Covid-19 Advice to Parents at West Huntspill School 19th November 2020

Dear Parents

We have been made aware of a member of our school community who have tested positive for COVID 19.

We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 14 days.

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.

 

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. 

 

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

 

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

 

The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

 

Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

 

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

 

Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

 

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

 

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

 

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

 

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.

 

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

 There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

 

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 

Yours sincerely

Derek Nevell

Headteacher

Covid-19 Important update - Letter to parents 5th November 2020

 

Dear Parent/Carer,

Although there is no need to officially notify you, I am writing to inform you that a member of staff at West Huntspill Primary School has been advised to self-isolate for 14 days by PHE (Public Health England). Their return date is due to be Tuesday 17th November 2020.

Please be reassured that this is not related to a positive case in school, but is due to that member of staff being in close contact (outdoors) with someone outside of school on Monday 2nd November who has since displayed symptoms and tested positive with Covid-19.

We have sought advice from both the LA (Local Authority) and PHE on this matter and we are following that advice strictly. There is no need to take any further action at the present moment, however, to help us cope with the reduction in staffing we have made the decision to close our breakfast club from Monday 9th November until Tuesday 17th November (at West Huntspill). We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

Our aim, as always, is to keep everyone involved with the school and local community as safe as possible and I would like to thank you for your on-going support and understanding.

I will also take this opportunity to remind everyone of the simple measures we can all take to minimise the chance of transmission: washing our hands regularly, keeping our distance and following the government advice closely.

 

Yours sincerely,

Derek Nevell

Headteacher

Update following Prime Minister's announcement on Saturday 31st October 2020:

Following the Prime Minister's announcement last night that England will be going into a full lockdown from Thursday, I just wanted to reassure you that both East and West Huntspill will remain open to all pupils and all pupils are expected to attend.

Currently there will be no changes to our arrival and departure procedures as they work well as they are and are outside, however, you are reminded that you should abide by social-distancing rules at all times and must not loiter outside the school gates. Please drop-off/pick-up your child/ren as quickly as you can.

If you (or staff) wish to wear a mask at either drop-off or pick-up times, that is absolutely fine.

This situation will be kept under constant review.

Take care,

Mr Nevell

Attendance

17th September 2020

Dear Parents/Carers,                                                                                      

 

Attendance

 

Thank you for sending the children back so smartly.  We had a super first week with 98% attendance.

 

You will be aware that this is the time of year when many children suffer with the usual coughs and colds and it can be difficult to decide if your symptoms could be COVID or are just the normal ‘back to school cough and cold’, so I really value your support in continuing to send your child into school if their symptoms do not match the criteria on the government guidelines to warrant the application for a test.  You may find this NHS link useful https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/.

 

Following guidance from SCC on Management of Covid-19 in educational settings I would like to make you aware of the following processes.

 

If your child or any member of your household is showing COVID symptoms you should let us know immediately and you should book a test by using the NHS online portal https://111.nhs.uk/ or by calling 119.  In this scenario, DO NOT send your child to school.  Please let us know immediately if your child is showing symptoms.

 

If anyone in your household is showing COVID symptoms, they, and their siblings, cannot return to school until a negative test result is given.  During this time all members of the household must self-isolate.

 

If your child has a positive test result, please notify the school immediately by telephone.  Do not email this information as it will require urgent action.  There is a procedure for me to follow which involves contacting Public Health England for confirmation and direction.

 

We will of course notify all relevant parents/carers if we have a positive case and then let you know the action we need to take, as directed by Public Health England.  As you know, we have taken measures to keep pupils in class bubbles. As a result, it is most likely that we would only direct members of the affected class to self-isolate; these pupils would then access learning online.

 

If any positive test is confirmed during the school day, parents/carers of affected groups of students will be contacted immediately.  In the event that the positive test is confirmed out of school hours, I will ensure that this is communicated in a timely fashion to prevent any pupils in the affected group from coming into school the next day.

 

If your child is feeling unwell in school could you please encourage them to let staff know.

 

Please be assured that we continue to take note of revised guidance being issued to schools daily and make the necessary amendments to our risk assessment to ensure that our young people are as safe as they can be in school.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

Mr Derek Nevell

Executive Headteacher

Full re-opening of school 

Wednesday 2nd September 2020

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

Full re-opening from Monday 7th September 2020:

 

We are all very much looking forward to seeing all the children back in school on Monday 7th September and I am writing to let you know how school will operate when the children return.

 

The Government has released a document entitled ‘Guidance for full opening: schools’ (updated 28th August 2020), which can be found by following this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#safeguarding

Practical guidance to help plan for your children’s return can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak?utm_source=back-school-campaign-aug-2020&utm_medium=offline&utm_campaign=backtoschool

Leaflets for parents/carers can be found here:

https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/schools-/resources/parents-leaflets/

 

In accordance with this guidance, we will be taking the following steps to continue to ensure that we can both educate your children as well as keep them and staff safe. The below is an updated guide from the one sent out to all parents/carers on 15th July 2020.

 

Attendance:

All children are expected back at school on Monday 7th September 2020 full-time. If you have any concerns or questions about returning to school, please contact either school as soon as possible to discuss this further. If your child cannot attend school for whatever reason, you must telephone the school as soon as possible every day.

 

Contacting school:

There will be no face-to-face contact with the school office. If you need to speak to someone in school, please telephone or email the school office, we will be happy to help.

 

Bubbles:

Your child’s class will be their ‘bubble’, which means that where possible we will be keeping the children in each class/bubble separate from other classes/bubbles. As per the guidance, staff members are able to move between bubbles to allow us to deliver our curriculum and look after your children. It is planned to begin using our sports coaches and music tutors again from September. However, currently there will be no swimming.

 

Behaviour:

All children will be expected to follow the clear and concise behaviour policy (available at https://www.huntspillfederation.co.uk/, which is based around being ready, being respectful and being safe. Any deliberately unsafe behaviour with regard to COVID-19 (for example spitting and coughing) will not be tolerated.

 

Uniform & equipment:

All children will be expected to wear school uniform. There is no expectation that this has to be washed any more frequently than normal.  Please bring PE kit in as normal and this will be kept in school. Please send your child with a named water bottle, named lunch box (if not having school meals), a named coat and a named jumper (rooms will be well ventilated whatever the weather). They will need no other equipment.

Children will be allocated their own pencils, pens and other equipment, although please be aware that some equipment will be shared within their class bubble.

Reading books will be sent home and the expectation is that you read with your child daily.

 

Face masks:

The current government guidance does not recommend the universal use of face coverings in all schools, however, staff and pupils are permitted to wear a face mask to school if they so desire. It will be the responsibility of the individual to wear and use their face mask appropriately; if this does not happen then they will be asked to remove it.

 

Arrival at School:

There will be an extended window of arrival at both schools between 08.40 and 09.00. This is to allow for parents/carers to observe social-distancing as best as possible and to spread out the arrival of children. Please do not arrive at the school gates before 08.40 to avoid queues forming. Wherever possible can only one parent/carer bring your child/ren to school. There will be no parents allowed onto the school playground except our new foundation stage parents/carers (if required to encourage your child in).

East: Wherever possible, we will use both sets of gates; Hawthorn & Cedar will use the large/double gate and Conifer will come in through the small/single gate.

West: We will use all three gates to give more space.

There will be members of staff in the playground to help guide children to their classrooms.

Children will wash/sanitise their hands when they enter the classroom and will do this throughout the day.

 

Departure from School:

There will be an extended window of collection from 3.15pm until 3.30pm. In order to make the end of the day as safe and manageable as possible, parents/carers will be allowed onto the netball court area (only) at each school to wait for children from all classes. Please adhere to social-distancing and do not enter any school buildings. To allow for a one-way system, please enter the playground through the single/pedestrian gate and exit through the large/double gates. Staff will bring the children out and your child/ren will be sent to you. Once you have your child/ren please leave through the large/double gates immediately.

This system will only be in place for the end of the day.

 

Crossing patrol:

The crossing patrol at West is planned to be back in operation from September 7th.

 

Lunches:

All lunches when we return will be packed lunches (this will be reviewed for 21/09/20).

Children at East will be eating their lunch in the classrooms with an allocated lunchtime supervisor. At West, the children will rotate to eat their lunches in the hall. Children will be playing in different zones/areas at playtimes and lunchtimes, in their class bubbles. All children will wash or sanitise their hands before eating.

 

Larger gatherings:

There will be no whole school collective worship or times of gathering together until we are told it is safe to do so, but the children will continue to have class assemblies, PE and music provision whilst adhering to Government guidelines.

 

Breakfast Club and after school clubs:

There will be no breakfast club at either school for the first week back. We are aiming to have this running from the week beginning 14th September 2020 and will keep you updated.

We are not planning on running any after school clubs in the Autumn Term.

 

Enhanced cleaning:

As has already been happening, there will be enhanced cleaning throughout the day and classroom staff will wipe frequently used surfaces (door handles and taps for example) regularly.

 

Thank you for your continued support and understanding; we look forward to seeing you.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Derek Nevell ~ Executive Headteacher