Return of all pupils
We are very much looking forward to having all the children back on Monday. Everything is ready and we have some fun days planned to help children settle back into school routines and get used to being with their friends again.
I’m hoping you’ve all seen the guidance I sent out to parents last week. You can find it on the school website here: https://www.southill.dorset.sch.uk/news/return-to-full-opening-guidance-for-parents/
Everyone needs to be aware of the arrangements we’re operating under so that we’re all doing the same thing. It’s the safest way to be! Thank you all for keeping to our new guidance.
Some quick reminders:
- School drop-off is between 8.40 and 9am
- Children should be in normal school uniform (with minimal tweaks to compensate for the cold please).
- If you haven’t ordered a hot school meal for next week, children will need to bring a packed lunch.
- Please don’t gather closely together when waiting at the end of the day.
Home testing
NHS Test and Trace have sent us more information for you about their new home testing scheme. I have included the details below but it is perhaps worth noting these points straightaway:
- Southill School cannot provide any tests for you
- The test is for adults who live with school-age children
- Primary children aren’t expected to take the test
New starters
Welcome to Taylor who joins our Year 2 class and to Nevaeh who is starting in Reception.
FOSS Award
John Gregory has been given some money to award to local deserving community groups. I’m pleased to tell you that FOSS has been chosen to receive £150.
That’s all from me this week. The remainder of this newsletter is messages I have been asked to share with you.
Have a great weekend everyone. We’ll see you on Monday!
From Schools’ Mental Health Support Team
We hope you are all well during this eventful time – we can imagine you are feeling both excited to return to normality, but also rather apprehensive too! We hope we can alleviate a little anxiety by providing a resource for parents here: https://youtu.be/D3GkzXqKjHQ
With young people’s return to school after another lockdown, it is only natural for us to feel a sense of nervousness and apprehension about what this might look and feel like, for both us as parents (and teachers!) and our children. This video looks at some of the reasons why our children might have a variety of mixed feelings as they return to school, some strategies to support them, but also some ways to boost parents’ wellbeing too!
We hope it will be helpful for parents, both in the short and long term, in supporting young people’s return to school.
Asymptomatic testing information for parents and adults in households with children at school or college
NHS Test and Trace announced earlier this week that all adults in households with school and college age children without symptoms can now access regular rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.
Test kits can either be collected or ordered online, as set out below. Secondary school and college students will continue to access testing through their school or college.
Undertaking regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing helps reduce transmission of the virus. Parents and other adults in households with children at school or college, who do not have symptoms, can now access regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. This includes childcare and support bubbles.
Tests are fast, easy and completely free. There are different ways for a household, childcare or support bubble to collect their test to take at home, twice-weekly:
- through your employer, if they offer testing to employees
- by collecting a home test kit from a local test site – anyone aged 18 or over can collect 2 packs of 7 tests
- by ordering a home test kit online – please do not order online if you can access testing through other routes, this frees up home delivery for those who need it most
- please note that kits are not available from your child’s school
If you have any queries about the tests, and you live in England, please call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day from 7am to 11pm.
Children of primary school age (and below) without symptoms are not being asked to take a test.
Testing is voluntary, but strongly recommended to all who are eligible. Alongside the vaccine, washing hands, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing, rapid testing plays a vital role in reducing transmission rates. Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to play our part and do what we can to protect each other.
Relax Kids: invitation from Sian to take part in a Saturday online session
I thought I would reach out and let you know about a “Back to School” workshop that I am holding via zoom this Saturday, 6th March @10am.
The session will focus on some techniques that can be used when returning to the classroom to help children stay calm and relaxed, and to help reduce anxiety. I feel that this will be beneficial to those that are returning to school, as well as those already attending and will now face another change in their day to day school life. The focus will be on using breath to lower the heart rate, walking with confidence, and using some gentle pressure points to practice our mindfulness skills.
The session price is £5 per household, and Zoom codes will be sent once payment has been received. Parents can book their space by commenting in this event, or sending a message to my Facebook page.
Here is the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/464970774531678
And here is my Facebook page should parents wish to message me: https://www.facebook.com/relaxkidswithsian
Coronavirus Helpline for Parents and Carers
Dorset Council’s Educational Psychology Service has set-up a helpline to support those who have been worried about their child or teenager during the lockdown or who have concerns about their return to school
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Our COVID helpline is here to support parents and carers so they can help their children cope with the lockdown. If you live in the Dorset Council area and are concerned about how your child is managing and you need someone to talk to, please ring us.”
The helpline number is: 01258 474036. It is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.45pm. Callers need to ring and make an appointment for a 30 minute phone consultation.
Topical road safety advice from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Dear parents/ carers
During lockdown, the roads have been a lot quieter than usual. As the school run starts again, we want to keep all children safe and well as they travel to school. Over the last few months, there have been less vehicles on the road. We anticipate the roads will become busier when schools reopen fully, so now may be a good opportunity to remind your child about the importance of being aware of their safety, however they are using the road (as a pedestrian, cyclist, on a scooter or as a passenger). This is especially important if they are beginning to make this journey independently.
Why not spend a few moments looking at the “Tales of the Road” with your child, helping to remind them about staying safe. Tales of the Road (think.gov.uk) The interactive booklet can be viewed online, just follow the instructions on page 2 to navigate to the sections relevant to your child, or if you wish you can print a copy. If you would like to look at additional resources to help discuss road safety with your child, visit Education resources – THINK!
If you’ve been staying at home, with only maybe the odd trip to the shops or to care for a vulnerable loved one, the chances are you may feel a little nervous getting back on the road yourself. Please have a look at this leaflet to ensure you are as safe as possible. DWFRS-Back-on-the-Road-4.pdf (dwfire.org.uk)
Please remember as the school runs start again for all children, the roads around the school can become busy with vehicles such as cars and buses as well as children walking, biking and scooting. Please take extra care, both as a pedestrian or a driver, and be aware of the many other, very young road users around the school during drop off and pick up. We understand the pressure when dropping off and picking up children; most people are considerate when parking and understand the risks of blocking the road for other road users, but there have been a few issues in the past when emergency service vehicles have not been able to get easy access to school premises. Please watch this video for further guidance on driving with emergency vehicles. Blue Light Aware (YouTube)
Thank you
Education and Road Safety Teams
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Updated guidance for parents for supporting children’s remote education
The Department for Education has updated the guidance for parents to support their children’s remote education to provide more information for parents and carers as they support their children as they go back to school.
We have added top tips for supporting children, including links to information about the Reading Well booklist that supports mental health. We have also provided information on how to access online resources and services through your local library and online: support for parents and carers to keep children and young people safe from online harm.
Message from Weymouth Foodbank
Weymouth Foodbank is aware that there are probably many families in our community who are experiencing difficulties financially at the present time and struggling to find resources to provide adequate food.
As such, we would be extremely grateful if in your usual communications with families you would be willing to point out that the Foodbank is there to help any who are struggling, possibly including the following:
“In normal circumstances, we encourage anyone accessing Foodbank to be referred by a school, GP, or other agency such as Citizens Advice. This is to ensure families get not only food, but also the support they need. However, these are unusual times and we recognise that getting a referral may be more difficult. As a result, at the present time, we are happy for any family who is struggling, to just come to the Foodbank where they will be given food and signposted to get a referral for future visits. The Foodbank is open on a Monday 10.30 to 12.30 at Westham Methodist Church, Newstead Road, Tuesday and Friday 10.30 to 12.30 at the Baptist Church, 18 The Esplanade, Wednesday 10.30 to 13.30 at St Francis Church Littlemoor. For more information, please see our website weymouthfoodbank.co.uk”.
Home Learning: Resources for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Dorset Council have produced this useful list of online support for children, young people and parents/carers, and have asked me to share it with our families.
There is a whole host of helpful information for people of all ages, which includes:
- Headspace
- The Smiling Mind
- Cosmic Kids Yoga
- Park Yoga
- See it Differently – Listening Room
- Dorset CAMHS
- Wellbeing Tips for Families
- Young Minds
- Dorset Mind Your Health
- Chat Health
- Kooth
- Child Mind Institute
- Gratitude Journal
- Insight Timer
- NSPCC Guidance
Online Safety alert from the Dorset Police Safer Schools and Communities Team
‘Cunch Line Chronicles’ App Game
We have become aware of an alarming mobile game called ‘Cunch Line Chronicles’, which simulates running a county lines operation and is available via iPhone and Android app stores.
There are concerns regarding the general content/influence of this game, and it’s potential for grooming, and possible recruitment, with an in-game chat feature.
It may be worthwhile to make parents and carers aware of this apps existence and the possible dangers. Please see the National Online Safety website for more information.