Dear Parents,

As we approach the end of a highly unusual week, I’d just like to say a massive thank you for showing support to the school as well as your children. I know that I speak on behalf of all the teachers and the wider school staff and governors in saying that we are truly proud to be part of such wonderful communities.

We have really missed the children and seeing you at the school gates, but thank goodness for technology!! We have loved the excitement of opening up messages from the children (via you!) about their learning and have loved seeing their work; do keep them coming! We are immensely proud of how the children are embracing this new way of working and it has been particularly heart-warming to see them getting involved in helping others.

We have had a number of children who we have needed to care for this week and they have all been AMAZING! They fully understand the need for their parents to continue their role as a key worker and they have made their parents proud with their respectfulness, courage and enthusiasm. It hasn’t been easy for them going to a different environment and not having all familiar faces around them, but they have coped remarkably well and I know they have put staff through their paces with Joe Wicks fitness plans!!

A great team effort all round. Thank you to everyone.

There’s some important information to follow, but may I take this opportunity to wish you a healthy weekend and reminder that the clocks change…one hour forward!

With very best wishes,

Julie Hopkins: Executive Head Teacher
Hollie Geeson, Amanda Scott, Alison Longden: Heads of School

Keeping in touch

Whilst staff have received messages from most families, there are some who have not been in touch. Please remember that staff still have a duty of care and as such we must remind you that it is an EXPECTATION that you will communicate with us, so please get in touch.

We also need to keep in touch with those children who the government define as ‘vulnerable’ so if you receive a call from an unidentified number it could be us so please answer the call.

FSM vouchers

For those entitled to free school meals: office staff have been trying their hardest to resolve the issue of vouchers for you. Please bear with us; the on-line queues are rather busy!!

Summer term staff changes

We will send a letter out early next week informing you of imminent changes that will go ahead after the Easter holiday, regardless of whether or not school is open as I know some of you have queried this in schools where changes are expected.

Fraud targeting parents of children in FSM

The DfE has warned that fraudsters are targeting parents of children eligible for free school meals. Families have received an email requesting their bank details, claiming this will enable their children to continue receiving meals through school closures amid the COVID19 pandemic. DfE issued a notice, urging parents to delete the scam email immediately.

It is abhorrent that criminals would seek to target the most economically vulnerable families at any time, least of all now; please report anything unusual to the police if you are affected.

Children with Asthma

Asthma UK published the following shielding advice yesterday and I would urge you to read if it concerns anyone in your care. Particular reference should be made to:

“If you are, or your child is, taking:

• Any biologic therapy, also called a mAb (Xolair/omalizumab, Nucala/mepolizumab, Cinqaero/reslizumab, Fasenra/benralizumab)
• Steroid tablets or liquid every day
• Antibiotic tablets or liquid for asthma every week (e.g. azithromycin)
• Tiotropium
• A combination inhaler that also contains a long-acting bronchodilator (e.g. Seretide, Fostair, Symbicort) at a high daily steroid dose (see the list in the article)
• An inhaler with a high daily steroid dose (see the list….in the article) AND you are taking Montelukast

Or, if:

• You have been admitted to hospital for your asthma in the last 12 months
• You have ever been admitted to an intensive care unit for your asthma

Then you should follow the shielding advice which is set out in very helpful detail, including how to register for extra services from the government.”