Issue 32 - Friday 3rd July 2020
Headteacher's Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
We're almost at the end of the summer term and what a strange year it has been for all. Although there are a growing number of pupils back in school, we do miss all the large number of children that are having to remain at home.
You will have read in my email earlier this week that one of our pupils tested positive for covid-19. As a result, the whole 'bubble', including staff members, were sent home, told to self-isolate for 14 days and have a test for coronavirus. Following the test results I can confirm that one other pupil within that same bubble also tested positive with every other member of the bubble testing negative. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected and we do hope they make a speedy recovery.
As a result of the positive tests, we followed all advice from Public Health England and because the confirmed cases were contained within the one bubble it wasn't classed as an outbreak and the school could remain open.
The fact that we had a case confirmed in the heart of our community really brought home how vital it was to follow all the measures we have put in place at the school so that the environment remains as safe a place as possible for all pupils and staff. I do hope that because the virus was contained within a 'bubble', it gives confidence to those families that have children in school or will return in September.
The news over the past few days has been around the return to school for all pupils in September. As I mentioned last week, the staff and I are looking forward to welcoming all children back and will be working hard over the coming months to ensure school is ready following the recently published guidance. Although I will send out more information once plans have been finalised, I'm aiming for Parkfield to be as normal as possible when all pupils return but will put use any measures required to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Please see below for some more important school news, including INSET days that I've had to change due to the current circumstances.
Stay safe and thanks for your continued support,
Mr Kemp
Y6 RETURN DELAYED
Unfortunately, plans to open to our Y6 pupils have been delayed due to the covid-19 situation earlier this week within school. As a result we now hope to invite all Y6 pupils into school for the final two days of term. We apologise that this is limited offer for our Year 6 pupils but our staffing situation and the current government guidelines leaves us with no other options. A separate email will be sent to all parents and carers of Y6 Parkfielders.
INSET DATE CHANGES
Friday 11th September and Friday 9th October 2020 are now going to be school INSET days where the school will be closed to all pupils. As a result school will now be open on Monday 19th and 20th July 2021 for pupils. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause. If the changes to the summer dates impact on any holiday plans already made please contact the school office.
The change is being made because staff training that was due to take place back in April can only be rearranged for these new dates. The training is the new phonics programme introduced last year at the school and will strengthen further the teaching of phonics and early reading at the school.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
We've added a number of events to the school calendar for next academic year. We haven't included all events due to take place as we await the ever changing government guidance.
An updated list of events and holiday dates can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/calendar-inc-holiday-lists.html
LIBRARY REVAMP REQUEST
We have been amazed by the response by the whole school community at raising funds for new non-fiction books for our revamped school library. Our Just Giving page reached £2000 last night which is just incredible. We'd like to say a huge thank you to all those that have already donated and do hope that others can keep adding to the total over the next few weeks. We're looking forward to writing the names of all those families, individuals and businesses that have donated into the front covers of our new books. You can donate by clicking on the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/parkfield-1
ZOOM CALL
Zoom video conference calls have proved hugely successful over the past couple of months and next Friday will be the last time each class will have a zoom call with their current class teacher. The following week, class teachers will arrange zoom calls with their new classes for September. We hope that this will support the transition process a little and help ease any nerves of pupils uncertain about their new class. Please keep an eye on your emails for the zoom invitation.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS - BROADBENTS
Children will be required to wear uniform in September and 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!
Reminders
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.
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.
TEACHERS FOR SEPTEMBER
A reminder that teachers and teaching assistants will be in the classes below.
Reception: Mrs Gooding, Mrs Jeffrey and Mrs Shepherdson
Year 1: Mrs Price, Miss O'Connell and Mrs Law
Year 2: Mrs Hartley (was Danby!), Mrs Mullane, Mrs Walker, Mrs Bardsley and Mrs Roworth.
Year 3: Miss McCall, Miss Ayrey and Mr Shearman.
Year 4: Miss Cummins, Mrs Gully and Miss Rigby.
Year 5: Mrs Acil and Miss Dippnall
Year 6: Mr Barnes and Mrs Naughton
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
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)
Parkfield Coronavirus Recovery Risk Assessment May 2020 FINAL - webversion.pdf