Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you are well and are continuing to stay safe at home as much as possible. It is really important to continue to adhere to the Government guidelines to reduce the risks of COVID 19. Please therefore can I remind you to follow these key principles:

1. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them. From the week commencing 1 June, we have also welcomed back all children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups.
2. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
3. Parents must do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially outside of school. They must observe the same social distancing principles as adults, as far as possible.

Critical Workers

Children of critical workers, and vulnerable children who are already eligible, will continue to be offered a place, regardless of the year group they are in. The definition of critical workers remains unchanged.

If your work is critical to the coronavirus (COVID-19) response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed on the Government guidance attached, then please get in touch with the school to discuss your child returning. Your employer will need to evidence and give an honest account of your employment as per the strict Government guidelines to prevent fraudulent claims of critical worker status.

Government summer & “Catch-Up” plans

There has once again been much hype surrounding the Government’s proposed summer programme and catch up plans for the education sector and pupils affected by COVID 19. As has been the case throughout this process, I hear all announcements at the same time as the public, which includes the announcement this morning regarding the planned catch up programme. As yet I have received no details at all regarding what this will look like or what that will mean for our children and our school in particular. As soon as I do receive detailed guidance, the Senior Leadership Team will plan for how this will affect our children and I will then communicate this to all parents, as soon as possible.

Free school meal provision in the summer holidays

As per the Government announcement on 17^th June, there will now be a Covid Summer Food Fund, offering a six-week voucher to families with children eligible for free school meals in England during the holidays. As yet, no guidance has been sent to school about this specific fund but I will communicate this to all parents that are eligible as soon as I am able.

Transition

At this time every year, the Senior Leadership Team plan the arrangements for transition week here at school for the children’s new classes for next academic year. Obviously this will look different this year but I am still preparing for a socially-distanced transition programme for each new class. Full details will be sent to all parents shortly.

Site reminders

Please can I remind all parents that are coming onto site, whether that is to drop off or collect your children attending school or to collect home learning packs or hampers, that you MUST adhere to the 2 metre social distance guidelines and markers in place. Please depart the school site PROMPTLY, as soon as you are able to and return to the safety of your own homes. Please can I also ask you to not allow your children to use the play equipment during this time.

Health & Well-being for all

As you know, the health and wellbeing of pupils, parents and staff is one of the top priorities at Newtown C of E Primary School, especially through this COVID 19 period. If you or your children need further support, please visit our website to access the sections that can help support you and your children at home during the COVID period. The presentation in particular called “We are at home right now” which I have attached, is a very useful resource to use. I would also suggest you visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.or.uk which also have great resources for families to use.

I would encourage all families to access as much fresh air as possible. Please do take regular socially distanced walks with your children to limit the amount of time your feel cooped up or restricted during this period.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful and dedicated staff here at Newtown C of E Primary School. They are all managing their own personal circumstances, whilst having a full time teaching commitment with their COVID group, planning home learning for those in their original class, keeping in constant touch with families via phone calls, seesaw and parentmails, planning for the transition to next academic year and constantly adapting to new guidance and plans. Their health and wellbeing is also my priority and I cannot thank them enough for their commitment, as always, in keeping your children safe, happy and at the forefront of their minds.

Throughout lockdown and this COVID 19 period I have talked frequently about the empathy and compassion we need to show towards others, through love, courage and friendship; recognising that for each of us, our lockdown experiences may be very different. I wish for your family to continue to remain safe, happy and healthy and for the home learning provided by the staff at Newtown C of E Primary School to give your children, our pupils, opportunities to remain academically active and engaged with their schooling.

Thank you for your continued patience, positivity and support,

Kindest regards

Mrs. E Howlett

Headteacher

(For attachments, please visit the all school letters section of the website)