Headteacher Newsletter Issue 10
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 10: 4.2.22
Heads of School
I have recently been meeting with the Heads of School. We have been looking at the ‘Ideas’ boxes from each class and the responses to the questions that were put to them regarding the curriculum. The Heads of School liaised with each class in assembly and visited them in their classrooms to introduce the boxes to generate the ideas. They have now collated the responses and made action points. These are being shared with staff and pupils. The children seem very positive about our curriculum and have asked for more of specific subjects, more house group opportunities and cross year group working. The Heads of School now want to liaise with the pupils about how they learn and how past learning helps new learning. They also want to explore lunch clubs in the summer term.
COVID update
Rates continue to be low in school, however, Omicron is still an issue locally and nationally and is rapid when it takes hold, therefore, as before, it is vital that we are vigilant in recognising and acting on COVID symptoms.
The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
- a high temperature– this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough– this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste– this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
If anyone has any of the COVID symptoms, no matter how mild, they must stay at home and take a PCR test. If the results are positive then they must isolate. If they have symptoms they must isolate whilst waiting for the test results. If anyone has a positive result on any test they must isolate.
Our experience is showing that in many Omicron cases, early symptoms are presenting similar to those that you would expect of a cold – headache, sneezing, sore throat and a runny nose. I would strongly recommend anyone whose children are displaying these new symptoms, or indeed themselves, to get a PCR test, although these symptoms are not those listed by the government as requiring a PCR test. In our experience, test results are being turned around very quickly, usually between 18-24 hours.
As these symptoms are not those officially listed as requiring isolation whilst awaiting a PCR result, you are not required to do so, although you may find it prudent to await a result before returning to school.
I fully appreciate how frustrating this is when your child ‘just has a cold’, but any support you can give to helping our school run at full operational capacity is very much appreciated.
Government Protective measures –
Face Coverings
Face coverings for visitors and staff in corridors and communal areas, including staffrooms (where close contact cannot be avoided) – the government, as from the 27th January, has just announced that this measure will no longer be needed. At the moment the infection rate in school has reduced, but we ask that visitors and parents still wear face coverings when they enter the school building and if they want to talk to a member of staff that is on duty at drop off and pick times, this includes class teachers at the classroom doors.
The wearing of face coverings for parents/carers on school grounds – the government, as from the 27th January, has just announced that this measure will no longer be needed. At the moment the infection rate in school has reduced, but we ask that visitors and parents still wear face coverings when they enter the school building and if they want to talk to a member of staff that is on duty at drop off and pick times, this includes class teachers at the classroom doors.
Contacts
Government have changed the rules regarding anyone identified as a close contact of a positive case, irrespective of whether they are a close contact of the Delta variant or the Omicron variant. The Government guidance can be found here.
The DfE Actions for Schools guidance has now been updated to reflect these changes. All close contacts of anyone who tests positive for Covid19 do not need to self-isolate but are now strongly encouraged to take a daily Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Test
PCR tests have been temporarily suspended for positive LFT but NOT for symptoms
The requirement for confirmatory PCR tests is to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow test results. From Tuesday 11 January 2022, in England, people who receive positive lateral flow results for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate immediately and won’t be required to take a confirmatory PCR test. This is a temporary measure while COVID-19 rates remain high across the UK. Whilst levels of COVID-19 are high, the vast majority of people with positive LFD results can be confident that they have COVID-19.
Anyone who develops one of the three main COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home and self-isolate and take a PCR test. They must self-isolate if they get a positive test result, even if they have had a recent negative lateral flow test – these rules have not changed.
Under this new approach, anyone who receives a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result should report their result on Gov.uk and must self-isolate immediately but will not need to take a follow-up PCR test. After reporting a positive LFD test result, they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace so that their contacts can be traced and must continue to self-isolate.
The isolation period of a positive case has been reduced – please see further detail in the ‘Protective measures in school’ section below.
Protective measures in school
In order to manage the current climate and enable us to continue with face to face teaching, whole school activities and having visitors in school, it is vital that we work together. We are putting extra measures in place around the official guidance to enable us to continue with the whole school way of working. We will amend these according to the rate of infection in school at the time.
Visitors
All visitors coming into the school will be asked to wear a mask and take a Lateral Flow Test (LFT), prior to visiting. They will sign a document to declare:
- that they have not travelled or transited through any of the countries or areas as per government guidance/restrictions
- that they do not have any symptoms
- that they have not been asked to self-isolate by NHS Track and Trace
- that they do not have anyone at home with symptoms or a positive COVID result
We would also like to see the negative LFT result – emailed photograph.
Contacts
We are currently acting on positive Lateral Flow test results rather than waiting for the PCR (if applicable as per new guidance). In order to protect learning time as much as possible we are hoping to act on any positive results before and after school. To support this process please inform us straight away of any positive results. In order to make this manageable for staff who will be monitoring emails out of hours we will be setting up parent mail groups for children getting the bus, attending clubs and class groups. This will enable to us to act quickly informing you if your child is a contact. This may mean that you receive more than one email if your child has been in more than one group, but we will try and make it clear that the notification is referring to the same case each time. Once the PCR result has come through (if applicable as per new guidance) we will notify you if the test is negative and that you need to stop your LFTs. Thank you for your support with this as it will add an extra layer of protection and also avoid any unnecessary disruption to learning time.
Since the rates in school have calmed, we will be following the number of days in the guidance, as opposed to the 10 that we asked you to follow previously. Therefore if we do have contacts (pupils or staff only) in the school setting please take LFTs for the 7 day contact period. PLEASE TAKE THE LFT EACH MORNING rather than the evening before, as the cases we are getting have been negative the evening before but positive later the following day in school.
As per the guidance, all staff will continue to take Lateral Flow Tests twice a week. Ventilation, strong hygiene and cleaning routines will be in place. These measures will be increased if the virus rate increases.
PCR test can be arranged online by following this link: Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). If you cannot use the online service, call 119. Lines are open 7am to 11pm.
In order to decrease the testing time please opt for a face-to-face test as opposed to a postal option.
You can access a free LFT in a number of ways, including at the local LFT site in your district, by collecting a home LFT kit from a test site, or by ordering a home test kit online. More information about these options can be found here: Regular Rapid Lateral Flow Coronavirus (Covid-19) Tests.
Thank you for your co-operation. We wish those affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) a speedy recovery.
Government changes to the isolation period
The Government has recently changed the isolation period for a positive case from 10 to 5 full days dependent on two negative LFT 24 hours apart from day 5 with no symptoms and following protective measures for the remainder of the 10 days. Please send in your two negative LFT to the office at the end of this isolation period before the return to school.
To clarify –
Anyone who receives a positive lateral flow result will need to start isolating immediately. This will be day 0 of the isolation period. On day 5 and 6 you can take two lateral flow tests 24 hours apart. If they come both come back negative your child can return to school on day 6 if they do not have a temperature. If the LFT are positive then the isolation period must continue. Anyone displaying symptoms must also still isolate and book a PCR test.
Local Authority advice – children to undertake twice-weekly lateral flow testing
We have seen COVID-19 infections in primary school-aged children in Essex increasing over the past few weeks. At this rate, it is expected that some primary schools could see significant numbers of pupils infected with COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, regular household testing has been encouraged, but we would now like to strengthen that advice for primary age children.
To help limit the spread of the infection within primary schools we are asking you to:
- Support your primary school child, if you are not already doing so, to undertake twice-weekly lateral flow device tests.
- Be alert to COVID-19 symptoms in your child (high temperature, new continuous cough, or loss of sense of smell or taste).
- Encourage good hand hygiene within your household.
Whilst we understand this is different guidance for some of you, we would strongly encourage you to begin this practice as a family, excluding any child/ren under the age of 2. This will ensure that as much asymptomatic infection as possible is picked up and will help schools to continue to operate at full capacity and minimise the spread of infection through the school and wider community. You can access free LFD tests in a number of ways, including at the local LFD site in your district, by collecting a home LFD kit from a test site, or by ordering online. More information can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/regular-rapid-coronavirus-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms/
Under this new approach, anyone who receives a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result should report their result on Gov.uk and must self-isolate immediately but will not need to take a follow-up PCR test. After reporting a positive LFD test result, they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace so that their contacts can be traced and must continue to self-isolate.
Please note anyone who develops one of the three main COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home and self-isolate and take a PCR test. They must self-isolate if they get a positive test result, even if they have had a recent negative lateral flow test – these rules have not changed. If the PCR test is negative, your child can return to school if they are well enough to do so.
Snow Procedures
We had a very mild start to the new year but the temperature is dropping and although snow is not currently fore-cast we would like you to be aware of our snow procedures should the need arise –
Bad weather
In the event of severe weather conditions and possible school closure a notice will be placed on the school website.
Parents will be notified via our school website or the Essex County Council on the ‘Emergency School Closures’page: https://www.essex.gov.uk/education-schools/schools/dates/pages/emergency-school-closures.aspx
Parents will also be notified through our School Communication Chain – details below.
Please note that when the school is open in bad weather a path will be cleared to enable you to gain access to the school but care does still need to be taken.
Communication Chain
You will recently have been informed about our Parent Communication Chain. In order for the Communication Chain to be effective, it is important that phone calls are made as opposed to emails or texts, in order to ensure contact is made. Normally the chain will be activated the morning of the school closure as the decision is made on the day, unless in exceptional circumstances we know of the need in advance. We will try to open the school where possible, hence the decision being made at the last minute, once we can assess the school site. We will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible, but, as you are aware, it takes some time for the communication to pass through.
Facebook can be used as a supplementary means of communication if requested to do so by a member of the leadership team, but this is not part of the school process. Parentmail, the Communication Chain, the school website and the Essex link above are the school notifications.
Thank you again for your support with this process.
Lost property
Please could we make sure all uniform is named so that we can return misplaced items.
Sickness
The school office should be notified on the first day of each absence before registration at 9.00am and this should be followed up in writing on the day of return.
If your child has been vomiting or had an upset stomach a 48 hour leave of absence from the last episode is required. For guidance on other illnesses please contact the School Office or refer to the document on the website in the ‘Attendance’ section – “Guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings”.
Lateness
School starts at 8.50 a.m. We have noticed several children are consistently arriving late for school – ‘late’ is defined by not being within the school gates by 8.50 a.m. Please make every effort to be at school on time and if you know that your journey will be disrupted by road works, do allow time for this.
Please note that lateness is recorded on a per pupil basis.
Thank you.
Mobile Phones
This is a gentle reminder not to use mobile phones whilst on the school site. This is part of our safeguarding policy for all of our children.
Application for leave of absence for term time holidays
Guidance from the Local Authority:
“Leave of absence may only be granted by a person authorised in that behalf by the proprietor of the school. As from 1st September 2013, the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 amended Regulation 7 to prohibit the proprietor of a maintained school from granting leave of absence to a pupil, except where an advance application has been made by the parent with whom the pupil normally resides, and the proprietor considers that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application.
Taking your child out of school during term time could be detrimental to your child’s educational progress. There is no entitlement to parents to take their child out of school during term time, however, you may apply to the school for leave of absence if you believe there are exceptional circumstances.
If the absence is not authorised and the holiday is taken, the case will be referred to the Education Welfare Service who may issue a Penalty Notice for £120 (or £60 if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school.”
Please note occasional days for birthdays and treats cannot be authorised and cheaper prices cannot be considered to be a valid reason. No leave of absence will be granted during our assessment weeks or the first week of the Autumn term. Medical appointments, if at all possible should be made outside school hours. Siblings of children attending medical appointments should remain in school.
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
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
14th – 18th February Half Term
22nd February Bag2School
28th – 4th March Book Week
1st March Parent Consultations – early – online
1st March Friends of Clavering Pancake Event
3rd March Parent Consultations – late – online
11th March Sharing Assembly – Year 1 Parents
14th – 18th March Art Week
17th March Friends of Clavering Disco
25th March Sharing Assembly – Year 5 Parents
28th March Tray Day
30th March Church Service
31st March Easter Egg Hunt
1st April End of term
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending January 21st
Reception Eva – for writing so many words in qu diagraph
Year One Emily – for her continued focus and excellent listening skills
Year Two Isabella – for trying hard to accept help to improve her work
Year Three Milly – for fantastic writing across the curriculum
Year Four Matilda – for a great attitude towards her learning and continuous good effort
Year Five Emma – for working hard in all areas of the curriculum
Year Six Olive – for her enthusiasm and skills in Tag Rugby
Week ending January 28th
Reception Lunetta – for her enthusiastic and accurate aiming and throwing in PE
Year One Torben – for his excellent comprehension skills shown when reading and during story time discussions
Year Two Phoebe R –for fantastic creative story writing
Year Three Darcey – for fantastic writing including correct use of first person and speech
Year Four Bella – for independently writing a great ode poem
Year Five Matilda S – for regularly showing great thought and focus about her work
Year Six Lincoln – for his good focus and contributions to discussions on graffiti in English lessons
WRITER OF THE WEEK
| w/e 28.1.22
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R Henry for using his phonics to spell independently
1 Willa for her detailed character description using adjectives 2 Beebee for her independent story writing 3 Carrie for her fantastic diary writing 4 Ava for super effort with her ode poem 5 Kayleigh for demonstrating excellent effort when writing 6 Maisie for her consistent high standard of writing |
Autumn Term 2021 Art Awards
The Clavering Art prize is awarded each term to a representative from Early Years, Key Stage One, Lower Key Stage Two (Years 3 and 4) and Upper Key Stage Two (Years 5 and 6) in recognition of outstanding work in Art. The winning pieces are displayed in the entrance hall.
Early Years Winner: Lunetta Year R
Key Stage One Winner: Phoenix Year 2
Lower Key Stage Two Winner: Oscar Year 4
Upper Key Stage Two Winner: Charlie Year 6
KITCHEN AWARD
Each week the kitchen team present an award to the class or individual for good manners –
4.10.21 Class One – for exceptional manners
11.10.21 Kayleigh – for always saying thank you
18.10.21 Eve – for great manners
1.11.21 Consuello – for stacking the trays when they started to fall
8.11.21 Taylor – fabulous salad serving
15.11.21 Darcey – helping people in the line for lunch
22.11.21 Amelia – for being mature about her food choices
29.11.21 Rory – for being a brilliant buddy at lunch time
1.12.21 Will – for being polite and being a great buddy
8.12.21 Millie S – for picking up the trays and Reception Class – for trying new foods
31.1.22 Alfie F for trying hard to use the scraper to clear his tray
31.1.22 The Whole School for acting so sensibly during a fire drill over lunch time
Look out for our next edition of ‘Friday Focus’:
The fortnightly Friday Focus is a chance for every class at Clavering to share their learning with the Clavering School community. It is a great opportunity to find out what each year group has been up to and engage in conversations around learning.
If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to make an appointment.
Have a good weekend.
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher
