Return to school for all children – September 2020

 Dear Parent/Carer,

 I am sure that you are aware that the government is now asking schools to prepare to fully open to all pupils in September. I am writing to update you with the plans that we are putting in place at Moorside Community Primary School to allow the return to school for all children in line with the government guidance from Tuesday 8^th September 2020.

 Government guidance is based on a twin strategy of limiting contact between pupils and implementing hygiene measures. Children will be taught in whole class ‘bubbles’ – this is an expansion of the ‘bubble’ system that has been in place for the year groups who returned to school in June. The children are likely to not be mixing with other classes in the usual way, such as for assemblies and lunchtimes and strict hygiene measures will continue. These will include frequent handwashing and enhanced cleaning of high contact areas.

 We will be spending lots of time on ensuring that the children understand new routines and expectations. This will be underpinned by a strong focus on Personal, Social and Emotional Health as we understand that some children may find the transition back to full time education difficult.

 Attendance

Attendance will be compulsory once again from September. We ask that you inform the office of an absence before 9am if your child is going to be absent from school. If your child or any family members have symptoms of Covid 19 we ask that you follow the Government guidelines for testing and for self-isolating.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

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

If you have concerns about your child returning to school we ask that you contact us to discuss your concerns.

Uniform

All children are expected to wear school uniform as detailed in our school uniform policy which can be found on the school website. Uniform will be available to buy from school during the first week of the holidays (W/C 20^th July) and the last 2 weeks (W/C 24^th August and W/C 31^st August- excluding bank holiday). Please phone the school office if you wish to book an appointment to purchase & collect uniform. For any families experiencing difficulties purchasing uniform, please ring school and ask to speak with a member of the pastoral team.

Windsor Shoes, Halifax, also sell our school uniform or you can order on-line by accessing www.schoolshopdirect.co.uk

Breakfast Club

The Magic Breakfast club will reopen from the 8^th September but will initially be only available for keyworker children. Children can be dropped off at the Breakfast club entrance at the front of school between 7.45am and 8.30am. The cost of this childcare provision will be £1.50 per child between 7.45am and 8.15am and 50p per child from 8.15am, up to a maximum of £15 per family per week. Healthy breakfast provision is free.

To help with planning for numbers please contact the school office for registration details if you require this provision.

For all other children warm breakfast bagels will be brought to the classroom at the start of their school day.

A free healthy tuck provision will be provided at morning playtime for all pupils. Drinking water will be accessible throughout the day in class, each child having their own labelled cup. Snacks and drinks from home do not need to be provided. Playtimes will be staggered and split between different play areas with each bubble using their own play equipment.

For lunch, pupils can bring their own packed lunch which will be eaten in the classroom. Pupils entitled to Free School meals or paying for a hot meal will be escorted to the hall for lunch at their allocated time and then re-join their class to access outdoor play, again staggered and split between different play areas.

Start and finish times – from 8^th September (Nursery and Reception have been given individual start dates)

To reduce congestion in the playground, we have made amendment to the start and finish times for EYFS and KS1. Please see the table below.

After School Clubs

We are intending to host After School Clubs as soon as we can in the Autumn term once we have clearer guidance on how this can be safely provided.

Safe distancing

There will be a 1 way system around the exterior of the school building. This is shown on the attached map which also shows the drop off and collection points for all year groups. We ask that you adhere to social distancing guidelines, keep to the times given for drop off and collection and minimise the time you spend on the school site. This will really help us to reduce congestion at drop off and pick up times.

Visits to school

The Pastoral team will be on duty at the start/end of the school day to pass on any messages you may have for class teachers. We also ask that visits to the school office are kept to a minimum. Where visits to school are necessary an appointment will be made for you. Money for payments should be paid at the office and we would request your patience and assistance in queuing within the designated safe waiting areas at busy periods.

Covid Risk assessment

Some children with medical needs will have an individual risk assessment – a member of the pastoral team will be in touch with you to either conduct a risk assessment or update an existing risk assessment.

Please contact school if you have any queries or require a paper copy of this letter. 

Yours faithfully,

Miss. D. Worthington

Headteacher