School Re-Opening FAQs
1. When is the school likely to re-open?
The government have said that the earliest possible date is June 1st. As this is a training day, the earliest date we will be open is 2nd June. Unfortunately, the government are planning to confirm whether this date will go ahead as late as May 28th so we will not be able to be certain until this date.
2. Will all children be returning to school?
No, the government have asked schools to re-open for Year R, 1 and 6.
3. Will children in those year groups be in school every day?
No, children in year R, 1 and 6 will be offered the chance to come to school on a Monday & Tuesday OR a Thursday & Friday. This is to ensure that we can open in the safest manner possible
4. Will the children be taught by their own teacher?
This will not be possible for all children but we will try to make the teacher and teaching assistants they have as consistent as possible.
5. What about the children in years 2, 3, 4 and 5?
We will continue to provide home learning for these children on the school website.
6. What about home learning for my year R, 1 or 6 child on the days when they are not in school?
We will provide some home learning for these children too.
7. Do I have to send my child to school?
No, the school will be respecting the rights of any parent to keep their child at home during the summer term.
8. How are you planning to keep the children safe?
In order to make the school environment as safe as possible, we will be:
- reducing class sizes to no more than 15
- separating each group as much as possible although they may pass in the corridor
- staggering start and finish times for school
- using different entrances and exits for different year groups
- staggering break and lunchtimes
- ensuring the children wash their hands at regular intervals
- increasing the cleaning taking place at school
- removing soft toys and furnishings as much as possible
- windows and door will be propped open to maintain airflow / ventilation
9. Are there measures in place to protect the staff?
Yes, we have taken measures to support staff’s ability to keep 2m apart. One of this is that parents will not be allowed into school (except to collect their child at the end of the day) except by prior appointment. Only one parent will be allowed in the school reception at any time and the office staff will be keeping the hatch closed unless they need to pass something through.
10. How can parents speak to a member of staff?
We would ask parents to phone the school if they need to speak to a member of staff. No member of staff, including our family liaison officer, will be able to meet with parents except by prior appointment.
11. Will my child have to wear school uniform?
No, it is important that children come to school in clean clothes each day and so we will be allowing children to wear non-school uniform. Please keep this as suitable for school as possible e.g. no spiderman outfits!
12. Will I still receive free school meal vouchers?
We have applied for these vouchers for all children who are entitled to free school meals for the week beginning 1st June and are expecting that you will receive them as normal this week. We will update you about any government changes to the scheme when we know more.
13. My child is currently in EduCare – what will happen to them?
We will continue to run EduCare 5 days a week for the children of key workers. Unfortunately, because of the need to keep groups of children apart, your child will need to stay with the EduCare group rather than joining their class. From June 1st, if your child is in EduCare and in years 3 - 6 but you are not entitled to free school meals, you will need to pay for them or send your child with a packed lunch.
14. I have not been using EduCare but am a keyworker and am going back to work – can I use this facility?
The list of jobs that are classed as keyworkers has not changed. If you need to start using this service, please complete a keyworker application form which we can email you. Even if you have completed one in the past, please let us know that your child needs a space so we can plan for additional numbers.
15. The government have stated that it is their ambition to bring all primary children back to school before the end of the summer term. Will this be happening?
We do not currently see how this will be feasible due to the space that is needed to keep groups to a maximum of 15, the number of staff who are able to work and the safety of our staff.
16. Will there be Breakfast and After School Club?
We will not be able to provide this as we need to keep groups of children apart.