Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to share with you the school plans for reopening the school fully in September and the measures that will be in place to keep pupils, parents and staff as safe as possible. Guidance provided by the government to effectively reduce risk means that we are able to open the school on Thursday September 3rd to all pupils but with many measures still in place. In the guidance there are measures that school 'must' follow and additional measures that schools may implement. I am pleased that the government recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work and our approach will be slightly different to many schools around the borough. However, following our experience of partially opening over the past couple of months, I'm confident that we'll be able to use our experience and implement these measures for an increased number of pupils.

I understand that there will be many families that will be anxious about sending back their children in September. I hope that the measures explained below help alleviate that feeling and increase your confidence when sending your children back. The government have said they expect all children to attend school from September and the whole Parkfield staff are looking forward to welcoming back our pupils. We have noticed that the children that have returned have benefitted enormously from contact with friends, teachers and the routine that school provides. If you still feel worried once you have read all that the school is implementing please do contact myself at the school and I'd be happy to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have.

The list below includes a great number of measures. However, we aim to implement them in a way that makes children feel comfortable and ensures Parkfield is still the positive, happy and relaxed environment it always has been.

Four Main Preventative Measures

The following measures 'must' be in place at all schools, including Parkfield:

1. Minimise contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend school

2. Clean hands thoroughly more often than usual

3. Ensure good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach

4. Introduce enhanced cleaning, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces often, using standard products such as detergents and bleach

Social Distancing and 'Bubbles'

• At Parkfield we will minimise the contact between individuals and keep children in class bubbles that do not mix with other classes.

• There is no requirement for social distancing between pupils whilst they're in their 'bubbles' and as a result we can have all pupils back in one classroom. Where possible, staff will socially distance from children within the classroom and not sit face-face with pupils for long periods of time.

• Although this will be limited, staff will be able to move between classrooms and work with different groups of children. This is necessary for the smooth running of the school and is required for cover and teacher PPA time.

Classroom

• In KS2, tables will be set up in rows with children facing the front. In KS1, there will be a little more flexibility so that pupils aren't worried about the layout and so that it supports the learning of the younger pupils.

• In years 1-6 there will be a 'no-go zone' at the front of the class where children can't stand. This has worked well over the past few months and helps protect members of staff.

• Pupils will have their own resources that only they can use, such as pencils, rulers, scissors and pencil crayons. These will be stored in trays or a pencil case. All resources will be provided by school - children must not bring any items in from home.

• As per usual, all children will have their own water bottle provided by school. However, these must be taken home each night, cleaned and returned full of water in the morning. Unfortunately, the shared water fountains within school will not be in use.

• Items, such as reading books can now be taken home and brought back to school. At school, we will make sure that these items are not shared between classes.

• There will be limited sharing of resources across classes, such as art materials and books. Any items that have to be shared, such as ipads, will be thoroughly cleaned beforehand.

• In reception, soft furnishings will be removed from the class but children will have access to many resources that only their 'bubble' will share. These items, such as the those found in the home corner, will be regularly cleaned.

• In all classrooms, windows and doors will be left open for additional ventilation.

Dropping off and Picking Up

• We have decided not to stagger the start and finish time of the school day. We will continue to open the doors at 8.45am and 3.15pm. Please be patient as we do expect entering and leaving school to take a little while longer.

• To reduce the numbers of people on the playground, we are asking that only one parent or carer comes onto the school grounds when dropping off and picking up. We will make an exception to this rule for those brand new reception parents that are dropping their children off for the very first time on Thursday September 3rd. This is a special moment we don't want you to miss out on!

• An area for members of staff to stand, close to the school building, will be marked clearly on the playground. Teachers/teaching assistants will call their class and collect them from this area. Classes will only be allowed to enter once called to reduce the number of children entering at any one point.

• Areas on each playground for parents/carers and their children to stand whilst waiting will be identified. There will be plenty of space for parents to socially distance on the yard.

• Please ensure children do not go on the play equipment before and after school. These will be used on a rota basis by particular bubbles during school time.

Before and After School Club (Early Birds and Busy Bees)

• Early Bird and Busy Bees club will take place in the hall during the Autumn term from the usual times of 7.30am - 8.45am and 3.15pm - 5.30pm. Parents are to drop off and pick up at the fire doors (new 'red cage') next to the main school entrance.

• The hall will be split into areas to accommodate pupils from each class bubble. Children must stay within their allocated areas and maintain social distancing from members of other classes.

• These groups will have their own resources, games, breakfast items, plates, cutlery, ipads...etc.

• Space is limited and as a result places must be booked beforehand. Contact the school office to book a place.

Large Gatherings

• Assemblies will not take place in the hall as classes can't mix with one another. However, we will continue regular virtual assemblies to bring the school together as a community. This unfortunately means that no class assemblies and parent events will take place for the foreseeable.

Uniform

• All pupils will return to wearing normal school uniform from September. The guidance explains that there is no need to wash uniform more regularly than normal. A reminder about uniform requirements can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/uniform.html

Break Times

• Both playgrounds will be split into two areas for classes to play in.

• KS1 will have playtime at the same time as one another.

• KS2 classes will have staggered break times. Y3/4 will have a break for 15 minutes at 10.30am followed by Y5/6 at 11.00am.

• KS2 children will not be able to enter into Reception's outside play area.

• There will be equipment for each class that they can play with during this time.

• The large play equipment, such as climbing frames, rota web and exercise equipment will be used by different classes on a weekly rota.

Lunch Time

• Lunch times will be staggered so that classes don't play in the same area.

• Infants classes will eat their lunch in the school dinner hall.

• KS2 pupils will have dinners delivered to their classrooms.

• A full menu, including hot food, will be on offer that meets the national food standards. The price of dinners will increase from September to £2.30.

Children with Special Educational Needs

• We're pleased that pupils with an EHCP can return full time and will receive the provision that they're entitled to.

• For limited times during the day, pupils with SEN, may be grouped with members of other classes so that their needs can be fully met. Unfortunately, our usual excellent provision can't be provided without this small increased risk. If you are worried about this, please contact Mrs Whalen or Miss Steele who will be happy to talk you through the protective measures in place.

Curriculum

• We will resume our deliver of our exciting, creative, broad and balanced curriculum. We will continue to teach all subjects. However, we may reduce the amount of time teaching of some foundation subjects in the Autumn and Spring term to focus on basic reading, writing, phonics, vocabulary and maths activities. This will allow children to 'catch up' due to any missed learning.

• Following teacher assessments in early Autumn term, we expect a number of pupils across the school will take part in additional intervention and catch up programmes. For some pupils, this may result in them missing a particular subject for a number of weeks. This will only occur, following consultation with parents.

PE Lessons

• All PE lessons will take place outside.

• Children in Y1 - 6 must come to school dressed in their outdoor PE kit on their PE day. (i.e. white t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms, trainers and a tracksuit top. Any dark colour tracksuit is acceptable.)

• All PE lessons will include non-contact activities.

Extra Curricular Activities

• After school clubs will return from Monday 14th September.

• Members of one class only will be able to attend each club. As a result, there will be fewer extra curricular opportunities in the Autumn term.

• All sporting fixtures against other schools have been postponed until the Spring term.

• All sports clubs will take place outside. Appropriate clothing (i.e. outdoor PE kit) will be required.

Entrance into School

• The school office will continue to be closed to parents. If you do need help from the office please call or send an email.

• Members of staff will be on the playground each morning and after school to deal with any immediate inquiries. Please ensure you abide by social distancing.

• The school gates will continue to be locked throughout the school day but the buzzer at the main entrance can be used.

• Meetings with school staff have to be pre-arranged as there is limited space in the school to meet. The majority of meetings continue to take place virtually or over the telephone.

A full risk assessment will be emailed out during the summer holidays which will explain in detail many of the safety measures we're implementing. Please see below for some Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any further questions, please complete the form here (https://forms.gle/a28YWCrUgvB3DRyG7) and I'll include a response in future newsletters.

I do hope the numerous measures mentioned above do ease any anxieties you may have. Please stay safe and thanks for your continued support,

Mr Kemp