Keepers Lane, Weaverham, Cheshire CW8 3BY

Tel: 01606 852149

Headteacher: Ms L Conlon

Email: head@st-bedes.cheshire.sch.uk

Twitter: @BedesWeaverham

4 March 2021

ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE TOGETHER

Inspiring independent learners with Jesus by our side

Dear Parents and Carers

Arrangements for reopening school on Monday 8 March 2021

You will find the content of this letter to be very familiar…nothing has changed! Schools will reopen again on Monday whilst the rest of the country continues to remain in lockdown

and the message remains the same: Hands – Face – Space – Ventilation

Following all the recommendations from Public Health England, we will continue to arrange classes in Bubbles A/B/C and will continue with a staggered start and end to the school day (see below). Teachers have prepared letters for each class reminding pupils of PE days, to wear robust footwear and which equipment they will need in school. School bags are not required to be brought into school. Pencil cases can remain in school each week and reading books will be exchanged according to the class quarantine schedule. Free fruit is provided for pupils in Bubble A everyday and pupils can bring in one healthy snack item. Pupils will not be able to purchase a snack from the school kitchen. MORNING DROP OFF Our staggered start to the day will continue, to allow a soft landing for all pupils, time to wash hands and prepare themselves for learning. It also allows us to monitor who arrives in school for the purpose of Track and Trace. 8.45 – 8.55 – Pupils with surname: P - Z 8.55 – 9.05 – Pupils with surname: G - O 9.05 – 9.15 – Pupils with surname: A - F Only those families who have made agreed alternative arrangements should be using a different drop off time. END OF THE DAY COLLECTION – remain the same Bubble A - 3.00pm Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 Bubble B - 3.10pm Year 3 and Year 4 Bubble C - 3.20pm Year 5 and Year 6 The collection time for siblings will be the later time of the oldest child.

Polite Notice Only one adult to enter the school grounds for pick up at the end of the day.

Parents/carers MUST leave promptly when collecting their child/ren – please do not

congregate in the playground or at the top of the drive. PLEASE maintain social distancing

between each other at all times. The playground should be empty before the next bubble

can enter.

All adults are required to wear a face covering when entering the school premises including

outdoor areas. (Unless exempt)

St Bede’s Staff will wear a face covering when they come out onto the playground during

pick up times. Staff also wear face coverings when required to move around the school

building during the day.

Schools are open because levels are decreasing, but the levels remain high in this area. Although you are allowed to use parks, please do not mix with other families. Childcare bubbles are permitted for working parents while they are at work and should not be used for playdates at other times.

School is open, but we urge you to do everything you can to avoid increasing the risk of transmission.

I urge you to continue to follow safe practice in line with government guidance. Please do not increase the risk to staff and other families as well as increasing the possible risk of further school closures through mixing with others outside of your bubble. The message remains the same ‘If you can work from home, you should do so.’

Responding to a Positive Case of Covid-19 Arrangements for reporting a positive case remain the same. Bubbles will be required to close and pupils and staff will need to self-isolate if a case is reported and close contacts are identified.

Sunrise and Sunset Club Mrs Rudkin has communicated with all the families who access this provision, that Club will resume after the Easter holidays on Monday 19th April. School Dog During this period of lockdown, we have been trialling the idea of having a school dog who will attend school one day per week. There has been a very positive response to this idea and a thorough risk assessment has been completed. If you have any concerns or need to report allergies, please inform the school office and ensure your data collection sheet is updated accordingly. No pupil will be expected to engage with the dog if they are worried or have allergies. Roxie is a friendly and loving 10-month old puppy who loves being around the children. She will help to provide emotional support for our pupils by visiting classes and working with some pupils on an individual basis to provide friendship and confidence. Children take part in various activities with Roxie, including petting, reading, talking to her, as well as taking her for walks around the school grounds. Roxie provides a listening ear without any judgement as well as helping our pupils recognise how fabulous they really are! There is a great deal of research to show that there are many benefits from having a school dog.

‘They can enhance psychological development, improve social skills and increase self-esteem. Dogs can also teach responsibility, compassion and respect for other living things.’

Pupil Voice:

‘I feel safe and loved with her’ ‘She can guide me’ ‘Roxie makes me feel calm and loved’ We know some of you may be worried about returning to school - we are here for you. We know pupils will need a chance to reconnect with their friends, with time and space to play and be active. We know everyone is desperate to get back to sports/music/art/acting and everything else that they enjoy. We also know pupils are keen to get back to academic studies in school and that evenings, weekends and holidays are just as important as time in school. So please be reassured that we are

committed to providing opportunities in school that are balanced - we are here to encourage, support, challenge and help your children every step of the way. Mrs Hart, Mrs Pullan and all school staff are happy to respond to your phone calls or emails if you have any further questions. Thank you and keep safe God bless Ms Conlon Headteacher