Month: January 2022

WEEKLY NEWS FOR FAMILIES 28.1.2022

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
We ended our week with the long awaited ‘Wonderdome’ in our school hall for our younger children to visit. They entered the dome and spent time ‘star and planet gazing’ whilst discovering new information about the solar system. Across the rest of the school, an army of robots have been constructed and space focussed biographies created and written.
 The children have shown compassion and care for their friends who are not in school due to the amount of illness we have in school at the moment. The amount of absence has caused some anxiety for the children who are in school and the teachers have talked this through with the children and reassured them.
 
COVID19 UPDATE
Today, we have 20 children and 3 staff who have tested positive for COVID19. We are keeping them in our thoughts and look forward to seeing them when they return. I think it is important that I keep you updated about the situation, this is not to cause you anxiety, but to be open and help us to continue to work together. We have confirmed cases in the following classes; Lewes, Bramber, Portchester, Southsea, Pevensey, Arundel, Bodiam and Hastings. Please be vigilant and test your child if you spot any symptoms, or if they are in any of these classes.
Thank you to the parents in Portchester class for their understanding yesterday when we notified them that we were unable to staff the class today. This really is a last resort and we had no other option available to us. The SLT (Senior Leadership Team) are covering duties and classes where necessary and we are doing all that we can to keep classes open.
If your child is unwell at home, they will not be set work on Google Classroom. If they are at home because family members have COVID19 and are unable to bring them to school then work will be set for them. If your child is at home because their class has been shut, work will be set for them on Google Classroom.
We will be ‘fogging’ every classroom in the school tomorrow in preparation for our return on Monday. This is a special sanitising machine that we have bought to assist with keeping infection rates as low as we can. We continue to have windows open and regular ‘hand-washing’ or ‘sanitising’. We continue to work in two bubbles and are not coming together as a whole school.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
Just to remind you that we have two INSET days planned that fall either side of half term. These are Friday 18th February and Monday 28th February when the school will be closed for staff training. I had hoped that this would enable families to be able to get away for holidays or short breaks , but did not envisage the current situation when these were planned last year! I hope that the extended half term gives you plenty of ‘family time’ and time to relax.
The Y6 children will begin their revision programme for their forthcoming SATS tests in May. This will be delivered as usual lessons and will not be something that the children will worry about. it is our way of supporting our Y6 children to enable them to be ready for Y7 as well as the forthcoming SATS tests. Please see the classteacher’s if you have any queries or concerns.
 
Have a fabulous weekend and we look forward to seeing you on Monday.
 
Take care
Kim Huggett

PORTCHESTER CLASS CLOSURE TOMORROW 28.1.2022

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
After consulting with the Local Authority, I am writing to inform you that Portchester Class will be shut tomorrow. I am unable to staff this class for tomorrow and due to the class being one of our classes that have been identified in an outbreak class with numbers still rising I am unable to split the remaining children amongst other classes due to possible infection within other classes and the designated spatial area required for the number of children.
Neither of our usual supply agencies are able to provide a teacher and there are no spare staff in school to teach in that classroom.
Work will be set via Google Classroom tomorrow.
We will carry out a deep clean of Portchester class tomorrow and then Pevensey and Southsea classes on Saturday.
We plan to re-open the class on Monday 31st January 2022.
This decision has come after much consideration and really is a last resort. I understand that this is a difficult situation and apologise for the lateness of this notification. I have only just received confirmation from the Local Authority.
Thank you for your understanding.
 
Take care
Kim Huggett

Covid Rules

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
Following some enquiries from parents, we would like to clarify the current guidance for isolation and testing after a positive LFD (Lateral Flow).
The main 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)
For most people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms listed above, even if your symptoms are mild, stay at home and arrange to have a test. You do not need to take a PCR test if you have already taken an LFD test and the result was positive.
Your self-isolation period starts immediately from when your symptoms started, or, if you do not have any symptoms, from when your positive LFD or PCR test was taken, whichever test was taken first. Your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day your test was taken if you do not have symptoms), and the next 10 full days. It may be possible to end your self-isolation earlier (see below).
You may be able to end your self-isolation period before the end of the 10 full days. You can take an LFD test from 5 days after the day your symptoms started (or the day your test was taken if you did not have symptoms), and another LFD test on the following day. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result.
Report your LFD test results after taking each test.
You should not take an LFD test before the fifth day of your self-isolation period, and you should only end your self-isolation after you have had 2 negative LFD tests taken on consecutive days. You should stop testing after you have had 2 consecutive negative test results. – please see attached document.
If you have any other queries, please speak to the school office.
Yours sincerely

Mrs Farrell

School Office

Covid rules

COVID 19 UPDATE 25.1.22

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
I am writing to keep you updated regarding the COVID cases within our school family at the moment. Whilst I understand that restrictions are due to be lifted on Thursday, we still have families affected by COVID 19.We currently have an outbreak across Portchester, Pevensey and Southsea classes. We have 9 cases across these 3 classes. We have a further 3 confirmed cases in other classes in the school and 1 further suspected case.
 
I understand that this information may cause anxiety, but it is meant to help us work together as a school family to keep our school as safe as possible. Please continue to test using LFTs for 7 days if your child is in one of these 3 classes. Please continue to test your child if you have COVID within your household and other family members are affected.
We will continue to work in our two large bubbles until the half term holiday. We will review the situation frequently and make adjustments accordingly.
 
If you have any queries or questions please see me.
 
Take care
Kim H

WEEKLY NEWS FOR FAMILIES 21.1.2022

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
In our Worships today we talked about the brilliant things that had been happening in school this week. The children highlighted ‘research of heroines, historical space accounts, the changing moon, story writing, painting, the athletics competition, the Young Voices choir performing to their families, playing with friends and having fun!’
 
COVID19 UPDATE
We currently have 8 confirmed cases of Covid19 across the whole school. This does not constitute an out-break at this point as this number does not meet 10% within a class or Key Stage bubble. Although the restrictions are to be lifted next week, we are going to continue with our two large bubbles as explained before until half term. We feel that this is the safest option for us at this time.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
Our planned Time to Shine is on FRIDAY 11th FEBRUARY at 3.15pm for Lewes, Camber, Amberley and Bramber classes. Time to Shine will be at 3.20pm for Portchester, Southsea, Pevensey, Arundel, Bodiam and Hastings classes. The children will share the three pieces of work from this half term that they are most proud of. If the number of COVID cases rise, we will have to reschedule this event.
 
SICKNESS & DIARRHOEA
There has been some discussion and confusion about the advice for when children can return to school after being sick, having diarrhoea or both. Children can only return to school 48 hours after their last episode. This means that the child is strong enough to return to school and lessens the chance of the bug spreading to other families.
 
SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL
I have contacted the Local Authority (LA) in regard to the recruitment of school crossing patrol personnel for our school. Unfortunately they have not received any applications. I have attached the ‘flyer’ to this ParentMail in the hope that one of our families may be interested or maybe know a local resident who would wanted to take up the training for this role.
 
SPORTING SUPERSTARS
CONGRATULATIONS to our amazing Y5 and Y6 athletics team who went to The Regis School to take part in a competition with other local schools. Although we did not win, Mrs Horrex was particularly proud of their ‘sportsmanship’, manners and positive attitude both to the event and to supporting each other. Thank you to all of the amazing children who took part for representing our school so well. We are very proud of Evie, Harmony, Alys, Evie, Chae and Bailey in Y5 and Henry, Sophie, Amy, Casey, Ethan, Jayden, Ava, Jazmin, Rocco, Jack, Ellie and Michael in Y6.
 
Have a fabulous weekend.
See you on Monday.
Take care
Kim Huggett
A5 Leaflet Recruitment Yapton C of E Primary

WEEKLY NEWS FOR FAMILIES 14.1.2022

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
Our first ‘full’ week back in school has whizzed by! The children have been busy immersing themselves in their new topics. Following the letter regarding the Covid19 ‘out-break’ in Y5 and Y6 we have moved to operating as two large bubbles within our school. Lewes, Camber, Amberley and Bramber classes are in 1 bubble and Portchester, Pevensey, Southsea, Arundel, Bodiam and Hastings classes are in the other bubble. The children have shared with us that previously they have missed being together in the hall for our Worship, so we have created the two bubbles enabling this to continue in these smaller groups. The children have had a chance to talk through any worries or concerns that they have and we have facilitated this discussion through considering the word ‘change’. Staff are wearing masks in un-ventilated areas but in response to our first ‘outbreak’ and an unstructured testing routine, staff may choose to wear their masks in classrooms. If you or your child have any further concerns or queries please see either myself or Mr Hughes. As the weather becomes increasingly ‘chilly’ please be aware that we still have our windows open to maintain the ventilation following the current advice. It may be an idea to put on an extra layer of clothing under your child’s school T-shirt and school jumper on those days that are particularly cold.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
We have planned to hold our TIME TO SHINE this half term on Friday 8th February at 3.15pm/3.20pm. If cases of Covid rise or guidance changes then we will need to re-arrange or cancel the event.
Our INSET days this term are Friday 18th February and Monday 28th February.
The summer term will now end on Thursday 21st July due to schools being granted a day for the Queens Jubilee which falls within the May half term.
 
YOUNG VOICES
We have a new date for our concert at the O2 Arena, this will be on Wednesday the 4th May 2022. Mr Hughes will be in contact with you regarding the tickets very soon. Don’t forget that our Young Voices Choir are performing next Wednesday the 19th January on our school playground at 2.50pm. We will open the gate at 2.45pm for these families. The children are very excited.
 
YEAR 6
Next week our Y6 children will have the opportunity to ‘Test their Knowledge’. The end of KS2 SATS tests are going ahead this year in May and we want to prepare our children for this, but in a non-stressful way. This will give them the opportunity to experience what the SATS week will feel like in May and will highlight strengths and areas to develop so that the teachers can plan effectively to support the children in the forthcoming months. This is nothing for the children to worry about.
Bikeability: the consent forms along with the payment of  £10.00 need to be given to the classteacher on Monday morning at the latest. The school are funding the other half of the cost so that we can help more children to take part. Our school budget cannot cover the full cost. This is a really important course for our Y6 children to complete before moving on to secondary school. This is the last chance for you to ensure that your child is able to take part in this.
We look forward to seeing everyone next week.
Have a great weekend.
 
Take care
Kim Huggett

ADVICE FOR TARGETED TESTING – EDUCATION LETTER YEAR 5 & YEAR 6

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
Advice for LFD testing: regarding children in Years 5 and 6
 
Yapton C. of E Primary School has a COVID-19 outbreak (5 confirmed cases within the Year 5 and 6 classes) and one of the next actions we can take is to advise additional LFD testing to specific groups.   
 
Your child been identified as one of those who it is recommended to use LFD tests for 7 days and if positive then they should isolate and book a confirmatory PCR test at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. If you have problems or cannot use the online service, call 119. Lines are open 7am – 11pm.
 
LFD tests can be ordered online: Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or collected from your local pharmacy or test centre. You can find out where to get LFD tests at: Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests – NHS (test-and-trace.nhs.uk).
 
If your child tests positive for COVID-19 then please follow the self-isolation advice from NHS Test and Trace and inform the school.
 
As a school, additional measures are now in place.  These include:
  • restricting the number of children in the hall for Worship;
  • maintaining staggered break times and lunch times (children in Portchester Class will always have their breaks with Pevensey and Southsea Classes);
  • ensuring children sanitise their hands before and after an extra-curricular club they attend.  Clubs can continue as they have smaller numbers of children and take place either outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
 
How to stop coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading
 
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread:
 
  • Get vaccinated – everyone aged 12 and over is eligible for vaccination – see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ for more information.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • Meet people outside and avoid crowded areas
  • Open doors and windows to let in fresh air if meeting people inside
  • Wear a face covering when it’s hard to stay away from other people – particularly indoors or in crowded places
  • Participate in twice weekly LFD testing following national guidelines (recommended for 11 years and over). We encourage you to log your results here: Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
     
Many thanks for your help in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
 
Advice for LFD testing: regarding children in Years 5 and 6
 
Yapton C. of E Primary School has a COVID-19 outbreak (5 confirmed cases within the Year 5 and 6 classes) and one of the next actions we can take is to advise additional LFD testing to specific groups.   
 
Your child been identified as one of those who it is recommended to use LFD tests for 7 days and if positive then they should isolate and book a confirmatory PCR test at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. If you have problems or cannot use the online service, call 119. Lines are open 7am – 11pm.
 
LFD tests can be ordered online: Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or collected from your local pharmacy or test centre. You can find out where to get LFD tests at: Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests – NHS (test-and-trace.nhs.uk).
 
If your child tests positive for COVID-19 then please follow the self-isolation advice from NHS Test and Trace and inform the school.
 
As a school, additional measures are now in place.  These include:
  • restricting the number of children in the hall for Worship;
  • maintaining staggered break times and lunch times (children in Portchester Class will always have their breaks with Pevensey and Southsea Classes);
  • ensuring children sanitise their hands before and after an extra-curricular club they attend.  Clubs can continue as they have smaller numbers of children and take place either outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
 
How to stop coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading
 
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread:
 
  • Get vaccinated – everyone aged 12 and over is eligible for vaccination – see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ for more information.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • Meet people outside and avoid crowded areas
  • Open doors and windows to let in fresh air if meeting people inside
  • Wear a face covering when it’s hard to stay away from other people – particularly indoors or in crowded places
  • Participate in twice weekly LFD testing following national guidelines (recommended for 11 years and over). We encourage you to log your results here: Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
     
If you have any further queries or concerns, please see Mr Hughes or myself or contact us using our office2@yaptonschool.org email.
Take care
Kim Huggett

WEEKLY NEWS FOR FAMILIES 7.1.22

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
We have had a fabulous four days back in school this week. The children have settled well and have enjoyed starting their new learning. The re-issuing of the Google Classroom information has caused a little anxiety with some of our older children who are concerned that this implies another ‘lock-down’. The teachers have talked this through with the children and have explained that this is to help them to continue to learn even if they are at home and unable to come in to school.
 
LEARNING AT HOME
If, unfortunately a family member develops COVID19 and is unable to bring the children to school, we will be setting work using the Google Classroom platform. This will also apply if we need to close a class or there are children at home because they have tested positive for COVID19 but are well and are not displaying any symptoms. The work will be set daily and will include English, Maths and one other subject. As this is a short term arrangement, the feedback from the teacher will be a voice recording within the Google Classroom instead of the formal feedback that was given during the previous ‘lock-downs’. The teachers will set the work to align with the learning that the children in school are taking part in.
 
COVERING CLASSES
If for any reason we are unable to cover a class (we will of course to our utmost to prevent this from happening) we will split the class on the first day and notify the families of that class that it will be shut from the following day. This will enable alternative working arrangements to be made by families.
 
EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS
It has been great to see so many children wanting to take part in the clubs that we have available. The slips have come home today with the children informing of you of the clubs that they will be taking part in from next week. Some of our clubs were very popular (for example Gardening and Lego) so we have created additional groups that will start either after half term or after Easter. These slips will come home next week. So, if you haven’t had a slip for all of your chosen clubs yet, these will be with you next week.
 
YOUNG VOICES
We have heard from the organisers of the ‘Young Voices’ event who have informed us that our new date will definitely be confirmed within the next two weeks. As soon as we know, we will let you know.
 
YEAR 6 BIKEABILITY
We will send out the information for this next week. It may be an idea to dust off the bicycles and check the tyres etc in preparation for the course.
 
JANUARY PRAYER
I have attached our prayer for January that we have been sharing together in school. We have reflected on the excitement of a new year and the chance to make changes.
 
Have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you all on Monday.
 
Take care
Kim Huggett
PRAYER FOR JANUARY 2022