Headteacher Newsletter Issue 16
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 16: 28.5.21
We would like to welcome the Hall family that have joined classes 2 and 4.
Staffing
Heather Smith, one of our school administrators, will be relocating at the end of this academic year. We would like to thank her for all the hard work and support that she has given the school and we wish her well.
We are delighted to inform you that Lynn Warren and Joe Barker will be joining the office team, alongside Jackie Snelling and Vivienne Prentice, from September.
Crucial Crew
On Wednesday 26th May Class 6 attended Crucial Crew organised by Uttlesford District Council and TIC Box Productions (Theatre Inspiring Schools) via Zoom. First, they watched a film about a Year 7 pupil called Paul who got involved with County Lines. Afterwards, they took part in a workshop led by the actors in the film, to discuss what had happened to Paul. The workshop was with 4 other Saffron Walden schools and everyone had the opportunity to interact with the cast and ask ‘Paul’ questions about his experience of being part of a gang. All the children found it an interesting and informative experience.
Friends in five
On Wednesday, Class 1 had a visit from their Friends in Five buddies from Class 5.
Class 5 have been working hard on cam mechanisms and had made a fully operating ‘set’ illustrating the visual text of ‘Tuesday’.
Class 5 were keen to share the story and their cam mechanisms with their Class 1 friends.
Alex told the story to Class 1 and Luca read a wonderful news report of the events which occurred on Tuesday night linked to the text.
Class 1 absolutely adored the story and were fascinated by the cam mechanisms.
Track and Trace over half term
As was the procedure for Easter, we need to hear of any COVID symptoms that have materialised within 48 hours after being in school and subsequent notification of a positive test result, from one of our members of the school community that have been on site – staff or pupils
If anyone has COVID symptoms during these 48 hours they MUST get a test and notify the school via the admin address immediately . The results related to the symptoms during these two days may take a few days to come through. When they do, the school must be informed immediately and we will then work with Essex Track and Trace and notify contacts.
If we do have any positive cases linked to the 48 hour window we will inform all contacts, staff and pupils, via email. Contacts will then need to isolate for 10 days. If they get symptoms during these 10 days they must get a test.
Please see below further information from the DFE –
We recommend all schools ensure staff, parents and carers are aware of the following information and relevant arrangements regarding positive cases in the holidays:
· Where a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), having developed symptoms more than 48 hours since being in school, the school should not be contacted. Parents and carers should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace. · If a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), having developed symptoms within 48 hours of being in school, the school is asked to assist in identifying close contacts and advising self-isolation, as the individual may have been infectious whilst in school. |
COVID updates from the Public Health Team and The Local Authority
- Please can we remind you that if anyone has any of the 3 COVID symptoms then a PCR test MUST be sought and NOT a lateral flow version.
- In due course we will be in a position to review mask wearing outside but social distancing MUST continue to take place. Mask wearing still needs to take place in areas and situations where distancing cannot easily happen.
- Guidance for schools and the nation as a whole will be different, so that schools can remain open and in order to avoid the need to isolate bubbles.
- Summer holidays must be carefully planned – they must not affect pupil school attendance. If they take place it needs to be for a period of time in the school holidays that allows for a possible quarantining process to take place. Families must only visit countries that are authorised by the government.
Self-Testing for Families
Everyone in Essex is now able to collect self-test kits from participating libraries and pharmacies. Regular self-testing among school communities will help keep all children and their families safe as we move along the roadmap out of lockdown.
Please collect free packs of self-test kits for their families. Alternatively, you can order them online.
You can find out where to collect self-test kits near you on the Essex County Council website, or you can order self-test kits online from GOV.UK.
If you test positive from a self-test kit or develop symptoms, you should book a follow-up test on GOV.UK or call 119.
Please remember there is financial support available if they need to self-isolate. The criteria have recently been extended so that parents and guardians are eligible if they need to take time off work to look after a child or young person who is self-isolating. They must also meet the other criteria.
The social contact restrictions are still in place and have not changed.
COVID symptoms and ACTION – a reminder
To confirm, children are to stay off school if they are unwell with any virus, unless mild. If they or a household member develops or has symptoms of a high temperature, persistent cough or loss of taste/smell then they must have a COVID test. Whilst waiting for the test results, all household members must isolate. The class bubble does not have to at this stage but siblings in school do. Please keep the school informed if any of your household has any of the three symptoms and of any test results. It is vital we all work together on this to keep everyone safe.
Attendance
Now that we are all back in school it is very important that attendance is as strong as it can be so that we can work with the children to get their learning back on track. Even though national restrictions are easing it is very important that holidays are not taken during term time. These requests will not and cannot be authorised. The Local Authority have increased their monitoring process and related paperwork for schools in response to this.
Part of the COVID Winter Support Grant:
- Essex Essential Living Fund
Households struggling to pay food, fuel, or water bills and for other essential household goods such as fridges or cookers can apply for an emergency grant from Essex Essential Living Fund (EELF).
Anyone can apply but EELF will advise on eligibility and what you could get.
Apply online or call 0300 7900124 between 8:45am – 5:00pm
- Essex Family Wellbeing Service
On behalf of Essex County Council and the NHS, Virgin Care and Barnardo’s provide a range of child and family services throughout Essex that are free at the point of delivery.
https://www.essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/
Free School Meals Funding
You can register for Free Schools Meals Funding if you meet the criteria below.
If you have a child in Key Stage One and are receiving the free meal, which is part of the universal offer, you could be missing out on this additional funding for the school, which will support your child with their learning, if you meet the criteria below. You have to apply for this funding. If you think you meet the criteria below then please follow the guidance below and contact the school office.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
Lost Property
Can parents please make sure jumpers and coats are named as we cannot keep lost property during this climate.
Mobile Phones
This is a gentle reminder not to use mobile phones whilst on the school site. This is part of our safe guarding policy for all of our children.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
(More events and dates to follow, once confirmed)
28th May Break up for half term.
7th June Return to school after half term
25th June Reception September 2021 Induction Morning – format to be confirmed
6th July Sports Day – format to be confirmed
7th July Parent Evenings – times and format to be confirmed
8th July Parent Evening – times and format to be confirmed
12th July Year 5 Harlow Outdoors trip
14th July Year 6 Harlow Outdoors trip
20th July Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly
21st July Break up for the summer.
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending May 14th
Reception Jaxon – for reading lots of words with the V and Sh sounds in Guided Reading this week
Year One Teddy G – for his excellent independent work and choosing the right sounds
Year Two Claudia – for fantastic effort all week in each of the lessons
Year Three Luna – for always putting 100% effort into all her learning
Year Four Wilf – for great effort in English especially in the neat presentation of his work
Year Five Charlie U – for good use of questioning in Science
Year Six Ted B – for his well-structured and detailed report
Week ending May 21st
Reception Kyle – for always doing the right thing
Year One Minty – for working hard and focusing well when writing her fantasy story independently
Year Two Esme W – for being a great team member and fantastic effort with her handwriting
Year Three Jack – for an excellent, neat newspaper based on Spy Fox
Year Four Emmie – for working hard and putting great effort into her writing
Year Five Beau – for his great work ethic and for supporting others in class
Year Six Joshua – for his good understanding and focus in French and Maths
HEADTEACHER’S AWARD
For children who have achieved their personal best:
Reception
Isobel – for outstanding questions
Wilbur – for excellent progress in reading and addition
Year One
Beebee – For making great progress in her use of phonics.
Harry – For making great progress in Maths.
Year Two
Jude – for a fantastic improvement in his work in every subject.
Milly – for developing independence with all her work.
Year Three
Martha B – for always putting maximum effort into all her learning.
Jack – for working hard to improve his presentation.
Year Four
Amelie – for working hard all round, challenging herself in maths and putting great thought and
consideration in her writing in English.
Poppy – for her super effort and thought in her writing and reading.
Year Five
Jack – for excellent effort with reading
Miley – for working hard to improve handwriting and presentation.
Year Six
Darragh – for his good focus and effort in all his lessons.
Grace – for trying to do her best and not giving up even if it is very tricky.
Have a good half term and thank you for your support.
Best wishes
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher