COVID-19 Update 20th May, 2020 An important message from our Head Teacher about School re-opening to specific Year Groups from 1st June, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you will know, the Government has directed schools to begin a phased re-opening for some pupils. On June 1st Woodcock Hill will be hoping to welcome back to school Reception Class, Year 1 and Year 6, as well as some vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers in other year groups who require a place.
Details of our proposed opening are set out below but please bear in mind that our school opening date may be subject to change as there is some uncertainty amongst Government and Councils. We will inform you immediately of any new developments.
We fully understand that parents will have concerns about sending their children back to school and we would like to reassure you that we will be doing everything we can to ensure the safety of all in school. We will be implementing strict protective measures following all DfE guidelines and have undertaken a detailed risk assessment. We know that you will want to help to keep pupils and adults safe on site, so we would politely ask that you follow the guidance set out below:
*Each class returning will start and finish at different times to avoid "pinch points" and reduce adult to adult contact:
Reception -10am until 2pm
Year 1 - 9:30am until 2:30pm
Year 6 - 9am until 3pm
*Please only use the main school entrance on Farwood Road and adhere strictly to timings.
*If a child needs accompanying to school only one parent should attend.
*Pupils will enter and leave school through their usual classroom door.
*We request that parents/guardians do not enter classrooms or cloakrooms and whilst on site maintain the 2 metre social distancing rule eg. Whilst waiting on the playground at start and end of school please maintain at least a 2 metre distance from other adults.
*Under no circumstances should anyone come into school who is displaying symptoms.
*Pupils should wear clean uniform and have a PE kit.
*Adults should avoid gathering in the reception area of school and keep to the 2 metre social distancing rule.
*We have been asked to remind parents/guardians to only use the Government's recommended modes of transport and walk to school if possible.
*In order to keep pupils safe they will be working and playing in small groups, which will mean they may not be in their usual classroom or with their usual teacher.
* Break time snacks will be available and lunch will be a cold lunch initially until we are certain of pupil numbers.
*We will be implementing a raft of measures to ensure safety for pupils and staff which will be set out very soon for parents to read in a separate communication on the website, "Safety Measures for Pupils and Staff".
*Please note that the DfE Guidelines state that, "wearing a face covering or face mask in school is not recommended".
* For those year groups not yet returning we will continue to provide home learning resources on the website.
We hope the information above will help parents/guardians in navigating the school safely in these very challenging times. Start and end school times will also be sent to you via group call for your convenience.
We look forward to welcoming Reception, Y1 and Y6 pupils back to school but also understand fully that parents/guardians may have reservations. Parents will not be penalised if their child does not attend school at this time but please do let us know if you have made the decision to keep your child at home for the present (Reception, Y1 and Y6 pupils only).
With very best wishes. Keep safe,
J. Kitaratzis