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Covid Rules Change
Mon 28 Feb 2022Monday 28th February 2022
Dear Parents,
RE: Covid-19 Rules Update
Last week the government issued new guidance and plans regarding Covid procedures. The full document can be found via this link Living with COVID-19. The emphasis from the government is now around living with Covid, in the same way as we live with countless other diseases that can cause ill health. Clearly there are many views in wider society around the plans announced by the government. As a school we want to move forward in a way that recognises the impact Covid can have, but also reflects the governments ambition to move to a new normal. From Thursday 24th February, in line with DfE guidance, we will be implementing the following:
1) Children need to attend school if they are well. There may be some individual situations which parents want to discuss with us, but the over-arching ambition is that children come to school if they are well enough.
2) Children should stay at home if they are unwell. If a child comes to school unwell or showing any of the three classic signs of Covid we will ask them to be taken home
3) It is still advised to take a PCR or LTF test if your child is showing Covid symptoms, then stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
4) The legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test is removed. However staff and children who test positive will continue to be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received 2 negative test results on consecutive days (free NHS tests will remain available until the end of March 2022).
5) There is no advice for children to take precautionary Covid tests: if they are well they attend school, if they are unwell they do not.
6) Close contacts who are fully vaccinated and those aged under-18 will no longer be asked to test daily for 7 days, and the legal requirement for close contacts who are not fully vaccinated to self-isolate will be removed.
7) From Monday 28th February we will no longer be setting work to complete at home if a child is off school. If they are off school they are unwell, and therefore not able to complete school work. Parents are free to set work from the National/Oak Academy website (https://www.thenational.academy/ ) if they so wish.
8) The guidance for staff in primary education settings to undertake twice weekly asymptomatic testing has been removed. Therefore we are not asking staff to take LFTs twice a week.
9) We will not be sending Covid-alert emails to parents/carers if a new Covid case arises in a class/year group.
10) We will still monitor school absence due to Covid for the time being.
11) If the number of cases rises then we will (i) take appropriate actions in school to reduce infection, (ii) if cases continue to rise we will consult our local Health Protection Team.
General advice from the government remains:
a) Get vaccinated (there is not yet any clear guidance re vaccinations for all children in England)
b) Let fresh air in if meeting indoors
c) Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where coming into contact with people you do not usually meet and when rates of transmission are high
d) Wash your hands and following advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”
We obviously need to see how the changes above affect the health of the children and staff. If we find that we need to review our procedures then we will do so. Parents and visitors are now welcome to come in to school at any time. Face masks are no longer required.
As always, if you have any questions please contact the school office for advice.
Yours sincerely,
Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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Mental Health Week
Thu 17 Feb 2022This term our children enjoyed learning about looking after their minds in our Mental Health week. Each class completed a growing together tree where they put what they have achieved since September. We are very proud of our children who have lived through so much in the past two years.
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Shake Up Your Wake Up!
Thu 27 Jan 2022Today our children took part in a fun morning of making and eating fruit kebabs. The children were learning about how to make a healthy start to each day through their breakfast choices and exercise before school. Children are always encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school. Fresh air and exercise in the morning is a good way to energise before learning. The fruit was kindly provided by our Hampshire catering team.
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Latest Coronavirus guidance
Tue 04 Jan 2022Tuesday 4th January 2022
Dear Parent/Carers,
RE: Coronavirus measures
I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas holiday and would firstly like to wish you all a Happy New Year.
At the start of this week the Department of Education (DfE) have published new guidance to schools to help combat the Omicron variant of Covid-19. There are some important changes which I have outlined in this letter.
Facemasks
It has been much publicised in the media that facemasks are to be reintroduced into classrooms this January. However, this still only applies to secondary schools. The guidance is very clear that facemasks are only required for children aged 11 on the 31 August 2021.
Please do not send your child to school with a facemask as staff will ask your child to remove it. We have also written to our local Health practice emphasising the DfE’s guidance as we have been made aware of some conflicting messages being given by GP’s.
Our staff are not required to wear a facemask when working with children but are encouraged to do so in communal areas where they might meet. For example, the staffroom.
Visitors
Schools are now encouraged to ask all parents and visitors to the school site to present evidence of a recent, negative lateral flow test (LFD). Until further notice parents and visitors will only be allowed into the school building with a prior appointment and evidence of a negative test result. If you need to speak to a member of our office team or collect your child, please wait under the reception entrance canopy.
Symptoms and Close Contacts
If your child has Coronavirus symptoms you should seek a PCR test for your child. Please inform the school office. Whilst they are awaiting the test and result they must self-isolate at home.
If you have tested your child with a Lateral Flow Test (LFD) and this is positive you must seek a PCR test for your child. Please inform the school office. Whist they are awaiting the test and result they must self-isolate at home.
If a member of your household tests positive on a Lateral Flow Test (LFD), please inform the school office and seek a PCR test for confirmation. Your child can continue to attend school.
If a member of your household tests positive with a PCR test please enquire with the NHS Test and Trace team whether your child is deemed a ‘close contact’. If the NHS Test and Trace team believe your child is a close contact they may continue to attend school if they take a Lateral Flow Test (LFD) for seven days. We understand this situation may be confusing and problematic and ask that you speak to the school leadership team in these circumstances.
If your child has tested positive for Coronavirus, confirmed by a PCR test, the self-isolation period is ten days. Children can potentially shorten the self-isolation period by taking a Lateral Flow Test (LFD) on day 6 and 7 of the self-isolation period. If the test results are negative your child can return to school. Please note the office staff will ask for evidence of these negative test results.
Remote Education and ‘Bubbles’
If your child is self-isolating at home, and is well, the school will provide work via our SeeSaw application. Please support your child with this work. Missing ten days of school is potentially very disruptive to your child’s progress and we must do as much as we can to minimise the disruption caused to your child’s learning.
There are currently no plans to reinstate our ‘bubbles’ as a measure to curb infection. Should infections significantly rise in the school this could be a consideration.
We will be doing our upmost to keep children learning in school. However, if any of our teaching staff become infected with Coronavirus it is extremely difficult to find agency staff to cover. We may combine classes or ask our support staff to teach lessons but this is not sustainable for an extended period of time. As a last resort children may need to work from home for a short period of time.
Your support
Throughout the pandemic the support we have received from our school community has been excellent. We again ask for your patience and strict adherence to the measures outlined in this letter. Please do everything you can to protect your child and our school. Parents play a critical role in helping us limit the transmission of this virus and keeping our school open for children’s learning.
I thank you again for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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Alton Lions Recognition
Fri 26 Nov 2021We are delighted to announce that Sophie Knapp and Luca Corlett have this week been commended by the Alton Lions for their work in a poster competition. The competition was called 'Our Perfect Earth' and it encouraged our children to draw attention to the powerful message that we must look after our environment and the world we live in.
The children's work is on display in Alton town library.
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Harvest Assembly
Tue 12 Oct 2021Dear Parents,
RE: Confirmed Cases of Covid-19
We have today been informed that there have been further confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 within the school.
Please be reassured that for the very large majority of children, coronavirus will be a mild illness. However, if children are off school because of coronavirus is does cause great disruption to their learning and parent’s ability to go to work. We want to try to avoid this and prevent further infection.
To this end we have taken the decision to suspend all our assemblies and lunches in the hall for the time being. This measure will help reduce the opportunity for children to mix closely together indoors.
Unfortunately, this does mean that we will also be cancelling our Harvest assembly this Friday. This is tremendously frustrating but hope you understand this difficult decision. We will be putting together an alternative Harvest video of the children. We will also continue to welcome any donations for the Alton Food bank this Friday.
We politely request that you refrain from speculation or discussion on social media about which children are the confirmed positive cases. If you have any questions or would like further advice about your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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Open Days
Mon 13 Sep 2021
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September Reopening Arrangements
Wed 01 Sep 2021Thursday 2nd September 2021
Dear Parent/ Carer,
RE: Arrangements for School this September
I hope you have enjoyed a lovely summer holiday.
I am writing to explain our arrangements for the start of the new term. The children will return to school on Monday 6th September.
Will the children still be in ‘bubble’ groups?
The school will no longer be operating bubble groups and the children will be able to mix freely with their friends and siblings across all year groups.
What time will school start and finish?
The school will revert to its normal timetable. School will start at 8:50am and finish at 3:15pm. We would like the children to continue to wait outside the school gates until they are called in by a member of staff. Children will be invited to come in within their separate year groups from 8:45am. This slight staggered entry will enable the children to come into school calmly and avoid congestion on our stairs.
At the end of the school day we ask that parents continue to wait outside the school gates where the children will be brought out at home time.
What hygiene measures will be in place?
All staff and children will continue to wash their hands on arrival to school. They will also wash their hands or use hand sanitiser at different points during the day. We will be encouraging our staff to leave windows and doors open to enable natural ventilation to circulate around the school. If children feel cold, they will be allowed to wear a coat in classrooms.
How will children play and eat their lunch?
The children will resume eating their lunch at a table in the hall. School lunches will again be served on plates. The children will then play outside without restrictions or zones.
Will parents be allowed on the school site?
Parents are now welcome to come in to school but we politely request and encourage the wearing of face masks. A member of staff will be on gate duty each morning for messages and queries. Teachers will also bring children to the school gate at the end of the school day and are very happy to talk then. If you have a concern or would like to discuss a matter in more detail, we ask that parents book an appointment by phoning the school office.
What will my child wear?
All children must strictly return in school uniform. Our school uniform policy is as follows:
- Navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan with the new Wootey badge.
- Grey trousers, skirt or shorts
- White shirt or polo shirt (optional to have this with a school badge)
- White or grey socks for girls or grey tights. Grey or black socks for boys.
- Option to wear navy blue and white gingham dresses in the summer. Separate gingham blouses or skirts are not permitted.
- Children can wear small hairclips or bows. However, large Jo-Jo bows are not acceptable.
- Black shoes or all black trainers (Trainers that contain large logos or alternative coloured soles are not acceptable.)
Please note that we expect trousers, skirts and shorts to be grey. Children can bring their school bags and coats as normal. These will be stored in the children’s lockers. The children do not need to bring their own pencil cases.
Will the children come into school wearing P.E kit on P.E days?
Children will continue to come in to school on P.E days wearing their kit. Class teachers will contact you to confirm which days are P.E days. Our P.E kit is as follows:
- Black or navy shorts (shorts MUST be worn for gymnastic sessions due to H&S regulations)
- Sky blue polo shirt
- White socks
- Trainers
- Tracksuit/trousers and jumpers or school hoodies are advisable for winter games sessions
Please also note that children wearing earrings must have these taped or removed for sessions.
Will breakfast and after school club provision be operating?
Our ‘Early Bird’ club will resume and we are able provide a breakfast snack and before school care for £3.25 a session. Please contact Mrs Slade in the school office in September for further information. The after school club at the Infant school will also be reopening. Please contact the Infant school for further details.
What if my child has symptoms of Covid-19?
If your child has symptoms of Covid-19, do not send them to school. Please contact the school office for further advice. A PCR test is the most likely recommendation. However, we recognise that children will get coughs and colds this winter and we wish to avoid any unnecessary school absence. Our school staff are very happy to discuss symptoms and next steps with parents.
What if my child or a member of my family tests positive for Covid-19?
If your child tests positive for Covid-19 you must inform the school immediately. Your child will then self-isolate for ten days as they recover from the illness. If a member of your family tests positive for Covid-19, please also inform the school. However, you should follow advice from NHS Track and Trace as to next steps and to who in your family will need to self-isolate.
What if there is a positive case of Covid-19 in the school?
If a child or member of staff tests positive for Covid-19 we will not be sending home classes or year groups. It is not now the school’s responsibility to inform close contacts of the infected person to self-isolate. This is the responsibility of NHS Track and Trace. We will inform parents that there is a case in school so that you can be vigilant for symptoms but we expect all children to continue to attend as normal, unless advised differently by NHS Track and Trace. Any absence for reasons of self-isolation without NHS guidance will be unauthorised.
Will my child be entitled to receive remote learning if they are self-isolating?
If your child is self-isolating on the guidance of NHS Track and Trace they are entitled to receive remote learning. If your child is recovering from a Covid-19 infection they are entitled to receive remote learning, if they are well enough. We do not expect to children to be learning at home if they are unwell. Home learning will be conducted through our online SeeSaw application.
School Medication
If your child brings medication to school it is important that you complete a fresh administration of medicines form for this year. Our admin office staff will be outside on the first day with a table to collect in all medicines and issue any forms. Please ensure that all medicines are clearly labelled for your child. An administration of medicines form is also attached with this letter.
I would like to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we start a new school year. We look forward to welcoming our children back and to providing them with the joy of learning again. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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End of Term
Thu 22 Jul 2021Thursday 22nd July
Dear Parents/Carers,
RE: End of term
It is very nearly the end of our school year and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the children, staff and governors for all their hard work. This past academic year has been extraordinary. I recognise how challenging and difficult it has been for children learning at home during the lockdown periods. It has equally been very hard for the children and staff to persevere with bubble arrangements for the entire year too. We are very proud of all our children and how they have coped especially those in Year 6 who will leave us this week. These children now have the independence, confidence and good manners to go on to secondary school. We look forward to saying goodbye to them at our leavers assembly at 9:30am tomorrow. We ask that parents try to maintain social distance and avoid crowding. Masks are optional as we will be outside on the playground. Children in Year 6 may leave with their parents after the assembly. The rest of the school will leave at the normal end of day times.
Our children’s first day of term in September will be Monday 6th September. Important information regarding how the school will operate in the autumn will be sent in a letter before we start back. If your child tests positive for Covid 19 during the school holidays there is no requirement to inform the school unless this is just before the start of term. Please also remember our school uniform will be expected in its entirety in September.
- Navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan with the new Wootey badge.
- Grey trousers, skirt or shorts
- White shirt or polo shirt (optional to have this with a school badge)
- White or grey socks for girls or grey tights. Grey or black socks for boys.
- Option to wear navy blue and white gingham dresses in the summer. Separate gingham blouses or skirts are not permitted.
- Children can wear small hairclips or bows. However, large Jo-Jo bows are not acceptable.
- Black shoes or all black trainers (Trainers that contain large logos or alternative coloured soles are not acceptable.)
I wish everyone associated with Wootey Juniors a very happy and restful summer holiday.
Your sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
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March Reopening
Thu 25 Feb 2021Dear Parent/ Carer,
RE: Returning to School this term
Schools in England will reopen for all children on Monday March 8th. All our staff are really looking forward to seeing them again. I am sure there are lots of parents who are very relieved too! I would like to thank parents for all your efforts with supporting home schooling during the past weeks.
Every effort will now be made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and staff when they return. We want to see our children back at school and I hope this plan gives you the necessary confidence that this can be achieved.
Bubble groups
All our children will return to school in the same consistent class groups but they will be able to mix with other children in their year group during recreational times. The rationale behind this is to reduce the potential for virus transmission and to ensure that the school can quickly self-isolate a group of children in the event of an infection.
All year groups will be kept separate by staggering the school’s timetable. Please see the table below for when your child will start and finish the school day.
Year Group
Start
End
3
8:45am
3:10pm
4
8:50am
3:15pm
5
8:55am
3:20pm
6
9:00am
3:25pm
It is essential that children arrive and leave only at these times. If siblings have different arrival times they too must wait outside the school gate until it is there time to come in.
During the day each year group will also have slightly different times for break and lunch. When the children go out for play they will be given specific areas where they can play each day.
Hygiene Measures
All staff and children will wash their hands on arrival to school. They will continue to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser at different points during the day. At lunch time, when the children are outside playing, a team of cleaners will disinfect desks, surfaces and the children’s toilets. The school will also be cleaned thoroughly, in all areas, at the end of each day.
Children are not expected to rigidly keep social distance from each other but they will be encouraged to keep their distance from staff. Children will not be permitted to wear facemasks or face shields unless a doctor’s letter is provided that states that this is required.
Child is unwell
The Cornonavirus symptoms are a new continuous cough, high temperature and a loss of smell. If your child develops any of these symptoms at school or at home, or someone else in your household develops symptoms tell us immediately and arrange for the affected person to get a test. Your family household must also self-isolate until you receive the test result. Please then inform the school of the test result as soon as possible.
Parents
All parents are kindly asked not enter our school site at any time. To minimise contacts between parents we would like parents to wait in their cars, if they are driving, or to stand outside the school gate at a distance between each other. If parents wish to speak to a member of staff, a member of the senior leadership team will be on gate duty each day. There will also be a safe box for parents to drop payments or slips to the school office. Teachers will bring children to the school gate at the end of the school day and can talk briefly over the fence. If you have a concern or would like to discuss a matter in more detail, we ask that parents book a telephone appointment.
Uniform
All children must strictly return in school uniform. Our school uniform policy is as follows:
- Navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan with the new Wootey badge.
- Grey trousers, skirt or shorts
- White shirt or polo shirt (optional to have this with a school badge)
- White or grey socks for girls or grey tights. Grey or black socks for boys.
- Option to wear navy blue and white gingham dresses in the summer. Separate gingham blouses or skirts are not permitted.
- Children can wear small hairclips or bows. However, large Jo-Jo bows are not acceptable.
- Black shoes or all black trainers (Trainers that contain large logos or alternative coloured soles are not acceptable.)
Please note that we expect trousers, skirts and shorts to be grey. Children can bring their school bags and coats as normal. These will be stored in the children’s lockers. The children do not need to bring their own pencil cases. They do not need to bring in or store P.E kit. Children can come to school in their P.E kit and class teachers will notify you the days when P.E lessons are taught.
Breakfast and After School Provision
Our ‘Early Bird’ club will continue and we are able provide a breakfast snack and before school care for £3.25 a session. The children will be separated in to year table groups to avoid mixing with other children as far as possible. Please contact Mrs Rossiter in the school office for further information. The after school club at the Infant school will also be reopening. Please contact the Infant school for further details.
Is school attendance compulsory?
The government has stated that it is vital for all children to return to school in order to minimise, as far as possible, the longer term impact of the pandemic on children's education, well-being and wider development. School attendance will therefore be compulsory again and our usual rules on attendance will apply. We know that some of you will be anxious about your child returning to school, especially if you or a member of your household has been shielding. If you have concerns please contact the school office so a member of Senior Leadership Team can contact you and reassure you of the measures we are putting in place. This local authority guide attached with this letter also offers some helpful advice.
There is no school that can absolutely guarantee the safety of children and staff from this virus. However, we are confident that our school is and will continue to be a low risk environment. The safety measures and professionalism of our staff have ensured that we have safely operated with children throughout the worst weeks of this pandemic.
I would like to thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility. We look forward to welcoming our children back and to providing them with the joy of school learning again. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tim O’Brien
Headteacher
