Letter to parents – The start of the Autumn term
Dear Parents and Carers
We are nearing the start of the Autumn term, when all children are expected to return to school. We hope that the summer break has been a good one and that your child/children are keen to return to school on Monday September 7th. Many parents have been asking what changes will children see in their return to Pathfield and what are we doing, as a school, to minimise the risks for all students and staff?
All staff will have their temperature taken in arrival at school.
We have not had any identified cases to date, but if there are any concerns about any member of staff and their health, they will be sent home and told to isolate, request a test for Covid 19 and inform us of the outcomes. Parents will be informed if there are any positive cases identified within the school, and Public Health England will also be informed of the situation, where we will then follow their advice and guidance.
On arrival at school, children will have their temperature taken and then escorted to their classrooms. Each class will be an independent Bubble, with a set staff team, ed by the class teacher.
Bubbles.
Each class will be a ‘Bubble.’ The Bubbles will not mix and all have a staggered break time and lunchtime. Staff will not be shared across Bubbles during the day, but the therapy team will have access where appropriate.
If a child becomes ill, they will be supported in the isolation room and parents will be contacted. If there are any identified cases, parents of children within the Bubble will be informed and all PHE protocols followed.
Cleaning routines.
Hand washing routines include washing on arrival at school, before breaks and lunchtimes and at regular intervals throughout morning and afternoon sessions. Each classroom will be thoroughly cleaned each evening, after the children have left school, but throughout the day the class team will be responsible for regular cleaning of the chairs, tables and resources. All doors and door handles will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
Face Masks.
As schools, we have all been tasked with making our own, local decisions about the children wearing face masks. Government guidance was made with mainstream school in mind, where corridors are often tightly packed with students at transition times.
In a special school most of our students will not be able to put on a face mask and, in some cases, won’t accept one on their face. The issue therefore is potentially not about the students, but staff. All staff will be wearing their face masks whilst in school, working with the children.
Students do not appear to be alarmed by this, but if your child wishes to wear a mask, they are welcome to do so.
Transport
The County Transport Team have been working through the holidays to organise the transportation of the children to and from school. We do not have any say in how this will be managed. If you have a concern, please let us know or contact the transport team directly.
Staff will be in school on the 3rd and 4th of September for training. During this time, I will be asking the class teachers to contact each of the families within their class group, to explain the procedures and to welcome you and your child back to school.
We hope you enjoy what is left of the holidays and we look forward to working with you into the future.
Cherie