Issue 31 - Friday 26th June 2020
Issue 31 - Friday 26th June 2020
Embedded Files
Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last week the government announced that they wanted all children back to school in September. Although the guidelines for this whole school return are currently still to be published, the staff at Parkfield and I welcomed the news and are looking forward to being able to welcome all Parkfielders back.
Over the next few weeks, in addition to teaching the small 'bubbles' within school, staff will be preparing classrooms, planning the curriculum and preparing the school site for the safe return of all in September. When I have more information and plans are in place I will share the information with all.
It also gives me great pleasure to announce that we're now in a position where we can potentially offer our Y6 pupils the opportunity to attend Parkfield for a limited number of days before we finish for summer. This gives our wonderful Y6 Parkfielders the opportunity to come together before they move onto high school. A separate email will be sent to Y6 parents with further information.
Earlier this week, I sent an email requesting the community support in raising funds for our school library. Your response has been amazing and we met our £1000 target in just over 24 hours. Thank you to all those that have donated and if you are able to donate, please continue to do so. I'm going to be even more ambitious and hope that we can reach £2000 within the next week. The money we raise will be spent primarily on non-fiction books that link to the different topics we teach across the curriculum. Please see below for more information.
Stay safe and thanks for your continued support,
Mr Kemp
BOOKS AND BELONGINGS COLLECTION
We've been gathering pupil's belongings and books from the classrooms and cloakrooms this past few weeks and will be giving the opportunity for all parents and carers to come to school and collect these items from school next Thursday only. To keep as safe as possible, and ensure social distancing, we have set a range of pick up times across the school day. All items can be collected from OUTSIDE of the school office (not inside the entrance) and sibling belongings can be picked up at the same time. Please be aware there are strict social distance measures in place and you will only be able to walk down the main drive and you will not be able to enter the school building. There will be an adult at the hall door for you to collect from. The children who are currently attending school will be given their belongings to take home with them. Please also return anything that belongs to school, for example: school reading books, school library book, school sports team kits, school instruments etc. Please see below for times.
- Rec: 9:15 (only clothes/wellies – Mrs Price is keeping hold of any exercise books)
- Y1: 9:30-10:00
- Y2: 10:00-10:30
- Y3: 10:30-11:00
- Y4: 11:00-11:30
- Y5: 11:30-12:00
- Y6: 12:00-1230
LIBRARY REVAMP REQUEST
We're revamping our school library and hope that when pupils return in September they'll have a library full of exciting and engaging books that link to the topics being delivered in our curriculum. We have spent thousands on fiction books over the past few years ensuring our class libraries are full of fabulous books but currently have limited funds to replicate that spending on non-fiction books. With your support, we hope to have a library that our Parkfielders can be proud of and further promote a love of reading. Once our new books have been purchased, we'll be placing a personal thank you inside each book with the name of all those that have donated. Please click the link below to donate:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/parkfield-1
TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS
Although all children won't get the opportunity to visit their new classroom before September, we are planning zoom calls with new class teachers before we finish for the summer. In addition, teachers are meeting with one another to pass on information about their current pupils to the next teacher. This will ensure as smooth a transition as possible at such a difficult time.
END OF YEAR REPORTS
In the final week of term, every parent will receive their child's end of year report. Due to the circumstances, these will look very different to our usual reports and not include the usual teacher assessments and statutory assessments.
HOME LEARNING
For those that remain at home, it has been fantastic to see so many children sharing their learning on Showbie. Please continue to take photographs of the work being completed every day and post them online. This allows teachers to see and comment on the work that's being completed.
It has also been great to see the numbers of children attending the zoom lessons on Friday's across the school. These have proved a real success and we hope you can continue to join us every Friday.
If you feel like your child would be able to complete more than the daily English and maths work, our home learning page has a range of links to some great websites that will support your child with their learning. https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/home-learning
A reminder that if you have any issues or questions around home-learning please email homelearning@parkfieldprimary.com.
WHOLE SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT ASSEMBLY
A reminder that all our Parkfielders are welcome to join us at 10am on Monday morning for a virtual whole school achievement assembly. Our numbers have increased each week and we're currently having well over 100 Parkfielders join us. Please keep your eye out for an email which will have the zoom link included.
Reminders
Reminders
TEACHERS FOR SEPTEMBER
We're not sure what school will look like in September, but the following teachers and teaching assistants will be in the classes below.
Reception: Mrs Gooding and Mrs Jeffrey
Year 1: Mrs Price and Miss O'Connell
Year 2: Mrs Hartley (was Danby!) and Mrs Mullane
Year 3: Miss McCall and Miss Ayrey
Year 4: Miss Cummins and Mrs Gully
Year 5: Mrs Acil and Miss Dippnall
Year 6: Mr Barnes and Mrs Naughton
SCHOOL UNIFORMS - BROADBENTS
We've been told that Broadbents are now open and supplying uniform ready for September. However, they are currently only allowing one customer at a time in the shop so you may want to be super organised this year and make sure you purchase uniform before the mad school rush in August!
ONLINE SAFETY
Throughout this lockdown period it is more important than ever to ensure children are safe online. We know that many of our Parkfielders will be having more screen time now than ever before. As a result, we'll be sending you regular emails that you can share with your children so that discussions about keeping safe online can take place. We'll share many of the resources that we use in school so that children are familiar with what is being presented.
SHOWBIE - PARENT SIGN UP
Although the number of online tasks being set has reduced, parents can still sign up to our online platform Showbie https://twitter.com/Parkfield/status/1262658896973434881 . Once you're logged in you'll be able to get email notifications when work is set for your child or when a teacher comments on work that has been completed. We do hope this helps improve the engagement from the children.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
The school kitchen is open and they are providing the children on site with a school dinner if requested. We have kept the menu varied for the children and we are serving hot food a couple of days a week in addition to packed lunches. We will be charging only £1.50 per day for a lunch (£7.50 per week). We have reduced the cost because the menu is limited compared to what we usually offer but we still believe this is excellent value for money.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS VOUCHER SCHEME
Well done and thank you to Marcus Rashford who has ensured that the scheme will continue throughout the Summer holidays for those that are entitled. You should now be receiving any vouchers on a regular basis. For those families that are in school, vouchers will stop and a school lunch will be provided free of charge as per usual. If you are entitled and haven't received the email, please contact office@parkfield.rochdale.sch.uk and we will do our best to help.
If your personal circumstances have recently changed you may be entitled to Free School Meals. If you feel this is the case you can apply online at http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/schools-and-education/Pages/free-school-meals.aspx
SUMMER OPENING
We've had a few parents asking whether we will be open in the summer. At the moment, there are no plans to open throughout the summer holidays but will let you know if these plans change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We have attempted to answer many of the frequently asked questions we are being asked. If you have any further questions, please feel free to email office@parkfield.rochdale.sch.uk
What risk assessment has taken place to ensure children are safe coming back to school?
A comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out to ensure that all pupils and staff are as safe as possible. The risk assessment, which has been approved by the LA and PHE can be found at the bottom of this page.
Can you guarantee that my child will not catch coronavirus?
No. The measures we have put in place are to reduce the risk. We cannot eliminate the risk.
Will I still receive my childcare vouchers if my child is not in school?
Yes. These will continue if you’re entitled to Free School Meals. If your child returns to school they will receive a free school meal and you will not be entitled to the vouchers.
How will the social ‘bubbles’ work?
Children will have to remain in their social bubbles at all times. Unfortunately, if a child is in the ‘keyworker’ group and their year group are able to attend in future weeks they will not be able to join them as this will be a different bubble.
What will my child have for dinner?
We have a new menu that is easy for pupils to eat whilst in the classroom (e.g. packed lunch, finger food). There will be a limited choice but we can offer hot food on some days.
Will they be able to bring in a lunch bag?
Yes. These are allowed as children won’t be sharing the contents of their packed lunch.
Will my child have access to the water fountains?
No. Children will have to bring in a water bottle from home that can be taken home and washed daily. On hotter days, children may want to bring in more than one water bottle. Please be assured that if your child forgets their water bottle we will be able to provide them with a drink.
What will my child be able to bring into school?
They will only be able to bring in a coat and packed lunch. No other items will be allowed. Please don't bring a bag.
Can I just turn up to school if I change my mind and want to send my child to now attend?
No. We will be keeping registers of the children attending each day. We will require a minimum of 7 days notice as we may have to rearrange and increase staffing levels.
I’m a key worker, requiring childcare, does my child have to attend full time every day?
We would prefer your child to attend every day, full time as staff will be in place for this provision. However, we understand that you may not want your child to be in every day. Our expectation is that children attend for a full day (8.45am – 3.15pm). Both school gates will be locked during the day and we may not have the staff available that can meet parents.
Will I be fined if I don’t send my child to school?
No. Currently, the government have said they will not fine parents if they decide to keep their children at home.
Will I lose my child’s place at Parkfield if they don’t come in for the remainder of the term?
No. Your child will still be a Parkfielder in September.
If my child does attend, what are my options if I don’t want my child to attend anymore?
Let school know and we will accept your decision.
What will happen if the member of staff in my child’s bubble is poorly?
If it is not coronavirus related symptoms, we will first attempt to cover the group with another member of staff that hasn’t had contact with another social bubble. If we have no members of staff available we will send a message as early as possible to let parents know that we can’t provide any provision and children will have to stay at home.
What will happen if my child is displaying symptoms from coronavirus?
They must stay at home and you must follow government guidance. You will be entitled to have your child and household tested for the virus. All children in their social bubble will also be sent home and will be able to be tested.
If the poorly child has a sibling that is in a different social bubble, the children within that group and adults would also have to be sent home.
If your child is poorly at school, a member of staff will support them. The member of staff will be wearing PPE and will accompany them to an area of the school away from anyone else until they can be collected.
Our household has someone that is clinically vulnerable. Should I send my child to school?
No.
What will you be doing for those children that are not in school?
We will continue and develop further, the home schooling that is being offered to those that remain at home. We will also continue our regular phone calls and the popular whole class zoom video conferences.
If my child is only attending part-time, what do we do on the days that my child is at home?
Home learning tasks will continue to be provided on Showbie and Tapestry (Reception)
Can you make sure siblings are able to start school at the same times?
Where possible we will keep siblings together. However, if there is a large age gap this may not be possible as a Y6 pupil will not want to be placed in a Reception classroom.
Will my child be grouped by ability?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to group children by ability.
Will my child be grouped with their friends?
We will do our very best to group children with their friends. However, if they are in a ‘keyworker’ bubble they will be unable to mix with children from their class that attend part time and are in a separate bubble.
Can my child change the social bubble they are in?
We would only consider this in extreme circumstances and a period of time (possibly a week) would have to be spent away from school before any change.
Will my child have to wear uniform?
No. It will be optional. We understand that many children have grown and may not fit into their uniform. We also appreciate that many of our children like dressing in their uniform and would prefer this. You will have to make the decision. What we do ask is that clothes must be washed daily and cannot be worn the following day.
Will you be covering the curriculum as planned?
Unfortunately, no. We have an amazing curriculum at Parkfield and our whole staff are upset that they can’t deliver it. Our focus within class will be to support the home learning tasks being set and support the pupil’s emotional health and well-being.
Can you guarantee that my child will be taught by a teacher?
No. We don’t have enough teachers for the number of bubbles required. Teachers will also have to spend time contacting other members of their class and supporting home learning. We also have some members of staff who are unable to attend school as they’re shielding.
I’m a key worker and my child will have to be in school full time. Will they be with their class on the days their classmates are in?
Unfortunately we can’t guarantee this. We understand that this can and will cause some upset.
What arrangements are in place for Y6 transition to high school?
We have been in contact with all the high schools that our Parkfielders are attending and we have sent over important information – including predicted SATS grades. These scores will be shared with parents in an end of year report near the end of term. If high schools arrange a transition day at a later point in the term, we will contact parents. Members of staff from high schools will not be visiting any Y6s at Parkfield as we’re not allowing any visitors.
Has anything been arranged for Y6 pupils leaving?
It is really upsetting for the whole school community that many of our Y6s may not attend Parkfield again. When it is safe to do so, school will arrange a leaving party that our Parkfielders fully deserve.
Who will be allowed into the school building?
We will be reducing the number of people coming into school by having only essential services come in – such as workmen. Parents will not be able to come into school. All communication will be via phone, email or video conferencing.
Risk Assesment - COVID - 19 (Draft)
Risk Assesment - COVID - 19 (Draft)
Parkfield Coronavirus Recovery Risk Assessment May 2020 FINAL - webversion.pdfGoogle Sites
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