Introduction

On July 2nd 2020, the government announced it's intentions that all pupils, in all year groups, will return to school from the beginning of the Autumn Term.

Returning to school is vital for children’s education and for their wellbeing. Time out of school is detrimental for children’s cognitive and academic development, particularly for disadvantaged children. This impact can affect both current levels of learning and children’s future ability to learn, and therefore we need to ensure all pupils can return to school sooner rather than later.

The risk to children themselves of becoming severely ill from coronavirus (COVID-19) is very low and there are negative health impacts of being out of school. We know that school is a vital point of contact for public health and safeguarding services that are critical to the wellbeing of children and families.

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION 2nd July 2020

The purpose of the information provided here is to share with parents and our community the core protective measures in place to ensure the safe return to school of all pupils in response to the government's guidance.

This information will be updated regularly and we urge parents to ensure that they are fully familiar with all aspects of the information shared below prior to their child returning to school in September.

In addition to the guidance below are links to addenda and appendices to be read alongside existing school policies. We would ask parents to consider the information  and discuss this with pupils to support their reintroduction into school. 

Term Dates

Due to uncertainty regarding future government announcements in August, we feel that it is prudent to have an extra INSET day to ensure that the school site is as safe as possible for the return of all pupils and to ensure the training and induction of all staff to revised working protocols.

All children will return to school on THURSDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER. 

Parents should note that a staggered start and end to the normal school day will be in operation from the start of September. More information is provided below. 

Please note that attendance at school from September is once again mandatory for all pupils. We will work with all families to support attendance at school of all children. Further information is provided below about support for pupils who are shielding or clinically extremely vulnerable. 

We recognise that returning to school after a long period of absence may create anxiety for a small proportion of pupils. We are committed to supporting all children with their return to school. The information provided on this page will explain fully the protective measures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the entire school community. Further support is available to children experiencing continued anxiety. 

Protective Measures to Minimise Coronavirus (COVID-19) Risks

A thorough and rigorous risk assessment process has underpinned the protective measures and system of controls in place at Appleby Primary School to support the health, safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and the wider school community. 

In accordance with Public Health Advice and guidance from the Department for Education, these are outlined below in the following sections:

We would ask parents to consider the information in this document and in the further guidance and discuss this with pupils to support their reintroduction into school. 

Prevention:

1. Minimising contact with individuals who are unwell  

2. Use of face coverings in certain circumstances

3. Rigorous and effective hand hygiene.

4. Good respiratory hygiene.

5. Additional enhanced cleaning

6. Minimising contact between individuals

7. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.

Response to any infection

8. Engaging with NHS Test and Trace

9. Managing confirmed cases 

10. Containing an outbreak. 

Follow the links below for further clarification of the Protective Measures in place at Appleby Primary School. We would ask ALL parents to read and adhere to this guidance prior to their child's attendance at school in September.

Clinically Vulnerable Pupils and Pupils living with a clinically vulnerable member of the household:

Clinically vulnerable individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness (for example, people with some pre-existing conditions are set out in the Staying at home and away from others (social distancing) guidance.

Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are set out in the Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.

• shielding advice for all adults and children will pause on 1 August, subject to a continued decline in the rates of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). This means that even the small number of pupils who will remain on the shielded patient list can also return to school, as can those who have family members who are shielding. Read the current advice on shielding
• if rates of the disease rise in local areas, children (or family members) from that area, and that area only, will be advised to shield during the period where rates remain high and therefore they may be temporarily absent (see below).
• some pupils no longer required to shield but who generally remain under the care of a specialist health professional may need to discuss their care with their health professional before returning to school (usually at their next planned clinical appointment). You can find more advice from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health at COVID-19 - ‘shielding’ guidance for children and young people.

Where a pupil is unable to attend school because they are complying with clinical and/or public health advice, Appleby Primary School to be able to immediately offer them access to remote education and will monitor engagement with this activity in accordance with guidance.

Where children are not able to attend school as parents are following clinical and/or public health advice, absence will not be penalised.

Curriculum, Behaviour and Pastoral Support

The link below will take you to additional information on Curriculum, Behaviour and Pastoral Support. Included in this section is information regarding Remote Teaching and Learning in the case of pupils being unable to attend school due to COVID-19.