Lockdown November letter to parents
Dear Parents and Carers
As we return to school after the 1-week half term holiday I know that
you will be aware of the national lockdown facing us, announced by the
Prime Minister last night. In this he described how the R rate needed
to be lower and the concern over rising cases and deaths across the
country. From Thursday 5th November there will be a period of national
lockdown. Schools are exempt from this as it is considered vital for
pupils to continue with their education.
At New York I am very proud of how families, staff and pupils have
worked together, following protocols in an effort to minimise transmission
of this virus. To date we have not needed to close any classes or
bubbles and have managed to re-introduce breakfast club and extracurricular
clubs after school. Going forward it is my intention that we
maintain the good practices that we have established but I must urge
parents to follow school protocols upon return. We must remain tight
with social distancing at the beginning and end of the school day.
Please read the reminders below
- It is imperative that parents do not congregate on the pathways or
school yard (KS2 parents) at a distance of less than 1 metre. - Please be very clear about your child’s start and pick up times and
do not arrive too early or late. All school gates will be locked at
9.00am prompt. - If standing on the KS2 yard it is essential that parents stand 2
metres from other parents where possible. - Please ensure that younger children do not play on equipment on
the KS2 yard as it will have been sanitised at the end of the
school day. - When leaving the KS2 gate please ensure a distance of at least 1
metre from the parent in front of you. - When dropping off or collecting pupils from KS1 parents must stand
well back away from the double gates. - Please do not approach staff at this time. If you need to speak to
a member of staff please wait, socially distanced from others, until
the class has been dismissed and ask to speak to the teacher at
that point when the majority of parents have left the area. - When collecting a pupil from KS2 please note that only 1 family
member is permitted in the school yard. Staff will ask any
additional members to wait outside school grounds. - Do not send your child into school if they are symptomatic or have
been in contact with another person who displays symptoms. - Do not send your child into school if they have tested positive or
have been in contact with someone who has tested positive. - Do not send your child into school if they have been in contact
with someone who is awaiting the results of a COVID test.
These protocols above have been in place since returning to school after
the summer break.
Should you have any queries or be uncertain about any points above
please contact the school office or your child’s class teacher.
I hope over the half term break you and yours have managed to stay
safe and well. We are disappointed not to be able to invite parents into
school for the various events and activities that we host. As we were
unable to hold a parent book look I hope you have enjoyed looking at 2
pieces of your child’s work and talking to them about it. These were
sent home with pupils on Friday 23rd October. I also know that many
of you have enjoyed watching your child in their class Harvest video.
This is an event where we normally welcome you into school to celebrate
with us and watch our whole school assembly. Thanks to those of you
who have provided us with some positive feedback about these activities.
We are trying to involve families as best we can during these
challenging times and will continue to think of ways to do so.
If you do not yet follow us on Twitter please consider doing so because
this is a great way for you to be communicated with about what your
child is doing in school on a daily basis and what activities are coming
up. You can follow us on @Newyorkprimary
Thank you for your continued support. There continues to be some
challenging times ahead but please be assured that New York Primary
School staff and governors will follow Government and Department for
Education guidelines.
We will maximise our effort to minimise risk to our pupils and the New
York Community.
Regards
Mrs J Shaw
Headteacher
New York Primary School