Dear parents/carers
We know you will understand that there will have to be some changes in order to keep our children safe and to meet Government guidelines for schools.
The biggest challenge for schools is that we are being asked to distance groups or ‘bubbles’ of children. At Sedgefield Hardwick a ‘bubble’ will be a year group. We are not required (and would not be able) to distance pupils from others within their year group. As far as possible though we need to try and self-contain each year group, separating them by:
- staggering drop off and collection times
- implementing different breaktimes/playground zones
- not mixing year groups in the dining hall or for assemblies
- not having mixed year group teaching, for example for phonics or ‘teams’
- not sharing resources between year groups
- not allowing pupils from different year groups to access welfare facilities at the same time.
Where will I drop off/collect?
There is a one-way system in place to avoid gatherings of parents/carers and children. Parents/carers walk into the premises via the vehicle entrance and through the car park, at their allocated time (not earlier). Each year group has their own gazebo, spaced away from other year groups. Parents/carers will escort their child to their gazebo and then exit the premises via the pedestrian path. We go in reverse for collection.
There is a useful diagram showing this in the information pack. It also shows where each year group’s gazebo is.
What do I do if I have 2 children who have different drop off/collection times?
We don’t expect you to drop off or collect more than once! Please use the earliest drop off and latest collection time. The staff will be waiting in each gazebo from 8.40am so children can wait with them. Children cannot wait in the gazebo of their sibling.
What does my child need to wear?
Children will return to school in school uniform, wearing trainers rather than school shoes. It is so that children take part in as much physical exercise as possible without changing.
What does my child need to bring?
No PE kits are required. We ask that no bags are brought into school at all, other than packed lunches. All belongings will need to be stored in the classrooms because the space is so tight in locker and cloakrooms and we wouldn’t be able to distance the year groups.
What will happen at lunchtime?
Children will eat their lunch in the classroom, apart from Nursery and Reception who will be seated in 2 separate zones in the hall. This is because Reception and Nursery do not have enough tables to eat in their rooms. All children can still have a hot school meal (see menus in the information pack). These will be provided in take away containers and delivered to the classroom. Mrs Temperley will ask your child whether they require a packed lunch or school meal on their first day. School meals will be provided for transition days. We would ask that you pay for dinner money online (details on the school website) to avoid the administration team handling cash.
Can I come into school?
As far as possible parents/carers will not be able to enter the school building. ALL children will need to be dropped off/collected from their designated zone (gazebo). We cannot accommodate drop offs or pick-ups at the main school reception. With the one-way system, it will be important that we keep the ‘flow’ of people going so long conversations with staff at this point in the day will not be possible as it may create bottle necks. We do know that you may be anxious, however, so please ring or e-mail if you need to talk to a member of staff and we will get straight back to you and help in any way we can.
I hope that you find this helpful and the information pack provides further clarity. Please be assured that we would never underestimate the support that our whole school community will need during these unprecedented times and a return to school. Ensuring that our children are happy, safe and settled is our highest priority and the carefully considered reintegration into school life reflects this.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or a member of the team.
Sally Newton