FAQs

Autumn Term 2021

 

A summary of the arrangements for parents and families

Fox Cubs

Class 1 (Year 1 and 2)

Class 2 (Year 3 and 4)

Class 3 (Year 5 and 6)

To help parents and families understand the actions we are taking to help keep everyone safe and our expectations of everyone, the information below summarises the main points in the risk assessment.  We hope you find this information useful:

What are we doing to keep the children safe?

We are following the Department of Education document: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/schools-covid-19-operational-guidance These are the four control measures:

• Ensure good hygiene for everyone.
• Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes.
• Keep occupied spaces well ventilated.
• Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19.

What if my child, or one of our family members, becomes ill?

They must self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test, even if their symptoms are mild. This is because many people experience mild symptoms from COVID-19, but may still pass on the virus to others.

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

The most important symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of any of the following:

• a new continuous cough

• a high temperature

• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

What do other members of the household do?

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

What happens if an outbreak of Covid-19 happens?

We have a contingency plan (an outbreak management plan) from Leicestershire County Council which we will follow.  Here is a summary of the plan:

Criteria and Measures for Outbreak Management Stages

Stage	Criteria	Measures that may be introduced
Stage 0	0-4 cases, unlinked, or linked outside of setting within 10 days Setting has not had high case numbers previously Low cases in local area Setting in line with current guidance	None   (if setting not in line with current guidance- LCC HPT will advise that they should be)
Stage 1	5- 10 cases within 10 days- linked in setting OR 10% of staff and pupils test positive within 10 days, and are linked OR setting has medium level of cases previously OR medium levels in local area	Emphasising and enhancing current measures – cleaning, ventilation, testing etc. Encouraging uptake of asymptomatic testing Activities taking place outdoors, including exercise, assemblies, or classes One-off enhanced cleaning focussing on touch points and any shared equipment Communications from the setting to the community about current cases.
Stage 2	11-20 cases within 10 days linked in setting OR setting has medium/high level of cases previously OR medium/high levels in local area.	Emphasising and enhancing current measures – cleaning, ventilation, testing etc. Encouraging uptake of asymptomatic testing Activities taking place outdoors, including exercise, assemblies, or classes One-off enhanced cleaning focussing on touch points and any shared equipment Communications from LCC about the cases Reintroducing face coverings in communal areas Limiting visits, performances etc. IPC/HPT LCC visit
Stage 3	21+ cases within 10 days linked in setting AND/OR setting has high level of cases previously AND/OR high levels in local area	Emphasising and enhancing current measures – cleaning, ventilation, testing etc. Activities taking place outdoors, including exercise, assemblies, or classes One-off enhanced cleaning focussing on touch points and any shared equipment Reintroducing ATS Surge testing Communications from LCC about the cases - specific to setting circumstances Reintroducing bubbles Reintroducing facemasks in classrooms Limiting visits, performances etc. Escalation to an OCT IPC/HPT LCC visit
Stage 4	50+ cases/30% of setting positive within 10 days	Emphasising and enhancing current measures – cleaning, ventilation, testing etc. Activities taking place outdoors, including exercise, assemblies, or classes One-off enhanced cleaning focussing on touch points and any shared equipment Limiting attendance Reintroducing ATS Surge testing Communications from LCC about the cases- specific to setting circumstances Escalation to an OCT IPC/HPT LCC visit

Are the current measures likely to change?

All procedures are under review and are responsive to changes in Covid-19 cases - stepping measures up and down, such as a return to the class bubbles with staggered break and lunchtimes. 

What happens at the end of the school day?

Children are collected from the Front Playground from 3:20pm.  We expect adults to socially distance themselves with consideration for others.  If arriving by car please park considerately, perhaps parking in the village and walking up to school.

Can the children come to school in their P.E. kits?

Yes, when their PE session is in the morning the children can arrive in their P.E. kits but must have their school unform to change into.  If their PE session is in the afternoon they can go home in their P.E. kits.

Will the children have assemblies?

Yes, the children will gather daily in the hall for assembly.  The windows and doors are kept open for ventilation.

Will parents be invited to assembly?

Once a month we invite parents to our Achievement Assembly.  These take place outside, if it isn't raining.  If it is raining we will limit the number of parents in the hall by only inviting parents of children receiving an award and parents of children in the class presenting their work.  A Zoom link will be available for those wanting to view remotely.

What Covid-19 prevention measures will be in place at church for the Harvest Festival and for the Carol Service?

We are limiting the number of adults in church by issuing tickets - one per family.  On entry we request that hand sanitiser is used. The door will remain open for ventilation.  Adults are asked to stay seated and not sing along.  Afterwards the children will walk back to school and school will finish at 3;20pm.  A Zoom link will be available for those wanting to view remotely, if wifi permits.

How will Parents' Evenings work?

Parents will be informed of their child's progress by telephone, video call or in person, whichever way suits the parents.

How are staff keeping themselves safe?

Staff are, where possible, keeping socially distant from the children and each other.  Staff continue to test twice weekly at home, with lateral flow device (LFD) test kits, 3 to 4 days apart.  The school is well ventilated.

Do they need to wear uniform?

Yes, we expect all children to wear full uniform.

• Grey trousers / shorts, skirt or dress (not black)
• White polo shirt / shirt
• Red sweatshirt / red jumper / red cardigan
• Red & white gingham dress for the summer
• Red or grey tights
• Black school shoes
• Black Indoor footwear

Children can bring a bag to school, however, they are not allowed to bring unnecessary items from home.  They must only bring things like a water bottle, P.E. kit, sunscreen, sunhat and reading book and planner.  All items MUST be named clearly.

 

All adults must always maintain social distancing to reduce the chance of transmitting the virus.  Adults waiting to collect children can wait on the front playground or pavement along the front of the school.

 

Where will I drop-off my child from?

Older children can be dropped off on the pavement alongside school and walk in by themselves.  Or at the cloakroom doors specified in the class information.

 

What hygiene measures are in place? What are you doing to keep the school clean?

We have hygiene kits in each classroom, including cleaning products and equipment.

• Surfaces are cleaned regularly and all equipment is cleaned in between use.
• Toilets are cleaned three times a day.
• Whole school gets a thorough clean in the morning.
• We have removed lots of the equipment and items from the rooms to ensure surfaces are easily cleaned.
• Children are expected to wash their hands multiple times throughout the day, staff will support and supervise handwashing where it is appropriate, and we have visual reminders in all the toilets and sink areas about good handwashing.
• We have plenty of tissues and remind children about good hygiene.
• We have supplies of hand-gel throughout the school and hand sanitiser in each class. children are expected to use this regularly (in addition to handwashing).

What equipment will be available to the children? What will they need to bring from home?

• All children will be given their own equipment.
• Any equipment that does need to be shared will be cleaned thoroughly in between uses.
• Children will be expected to bring a named water bottle to school. This will stay on their desk to reduce movement around the classroom.
• Children must bring a pair of indoor shoes to change into when inside school, these are to be kept in school.
• PE Kit is required: white T-shirt, plain black shorts, tracksuit for when it is cold outside and outdoor trainers. Children MUST have all the kit for PE.

 

Do the normal rules and expectations still apply?

Absolutely!  We have very high expectations for behaviour and attitude and we expect all children to meet our expectations:

            1.         We listen to and follow instructions.

            2.         We are always positive, honest and helpful.

            3.         We keep hands, feet, objects and unkind words to ourselves.

            4.         We look after our school.

 

Some children may need additional support and guidance to meet the expectations so we will continue to use our behaviour systems.

 

Rewards

The school employs the following range of rewards:

•           Praise, both formal and informal.

•           Dojo Points towards Golden Time.

•           Material and token rewards (stickers/stars, certificates, monthly class trophy, end of year shield, prize box).

•           Exceptional Work Stamps and acknowledgement in Achievement Assembly.

•           Opportunities for greater possibilities (library monitor, head boy/girl).

 

Sanctions

•           Verbal warning.

•           Red card – 5 minutes off the next break time or lunchtime.

•           10 minutes time-out with another teacher (quiet reflection/complete work).

•           Withdrawing participation in a school trip or sporting event.

•           Kept in at break and/or lunchtime.

•           Sent directly to the Head Teacher.

 

It would be very useful for parents to begin to talk to their child about the school expectations and routines before the start of the Autumn Term particularly if the routine at home has not been maintained during the recent closure.

• If the bedtime routine has not been maintained, we strongly recommend parents begin to re-establish this important routine as soon as possible.

 

Click for ‘Tips for Parents and Carers – supporting children as they return to primary school’ developed by Leicestershire Educational Psychology Service.

 

What happens if a child gets ill in my child’s group?

No child or adult showing signs of infection are allowed on the premises.  Staff and pupils are required to have immediate tests if they show symptoms.  If a child is sent home with symptoms, we expect parents arrange a test for the child.  We will request evidence of a negative test result (i.e. the text message from the NHS) before the child is allowed back to school.

 

A thermometer will be used if any child or adult displays symptoms and their temperature will be recorded.

Any child who displays any symptoms of Covid-19 must be collected immediately.  When the child is awaiting collection, they will be moved to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door with a window.  We will use old music room depending on the age of the child with appropriate adult supervision.

The adult supervising the child will wear PPE clothing when dealing with a suspected case; this includes a face mask, face shield/visor, apron and gloves.

 

Can the children arrive and depart on scooters and bikes?

Yes.

 

What are the fire alarm arrangements?

If the fire alarm sound these are the instructions for the different areas of the school:

 

Children in Fox Cubs

Exit through the double doors.

Congregate on the front playground near the shed.

 

Children in Class One

Exit through the Hall door.

Congregate on the field near the Bike Shelter.

 

Children in Class Two

Exit through Class One Cloakroom.

Congregate near the Ball Wall.

 

Children in Class Three

Exit through Class Two Cloakroom.

Congregate near green gate.

 

Office

Exit through the Front Door.

Wait outside green fence, near office door.

 

Kitchen

Exit through Kitchen Door.

Wait near Front Door.

 

A Fire Drill will take place week beginning 6th September.

 

If any parents have any questions, please contact the school office and we will endeavour to answer your queries.

 

Everyone’s health and safety is our priority and we hope that, by reading this document, all parents and families are reassured that the school staff are taking every possible measure to create a happy, healthy and safe learning environment.