Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
10 July 2020 Issue No 14
Golden Rule No 1: Respect the school environment
Message from Mrs Sheepy Dear Parents and Carers, This is the last newsletter of the most unusual school year in living memory. I will be writing to you separately about the proposed arrangements for September later this week. I think so much has been said about these last few months that there almost feels there is little left to say so I want to concentrate and reflect on the year as a whole. We began the academic year with a very healthy record of academic performance that, along with attendance and progress measures, put us in the top 3% of schools nationally and ranked 4th best school in Warwickshire. September saw a new cohort of Reception children join us along with several other new children to the school. Our broad and balanced curriculum got underway immediately with high quality teaching enriched by visits, theme days and events in all year groups. One of my highlights was accompanying Year 6 to Marle Hall and I am sure the skills they learnt there stood them in good stead for what was to come. The year continued with wonderful Christmas performances drawing our first term to a close. When we came back after Christmas the wonderful learning continued and Year 2 had a great day at the Sea Life Centre. Our 60 strong choir enjoyed the most memorable of days at Young Voices 2020, performing their repertoire at a later date to elderly members of our community and some of our children took part in the Holocaust Memorial Day service in the centre of Warwick. Another town event, the Pancake Race, was sadly cancelled but we did not let that deter us and we held our own pancake races with our house captains in the hall! World Book Day was a wonderful event this year with the most stunning array of costumes in our vocabulary parade, Year 5 and 6 saw a performance of The Boy in the Dress at the RSC and then we held the most amazing Science Week culminating in the Science Fair. It is hard to believe this was just one week before lockdown. Clearly these are just a few of the highlights of this year and what the past few months have made me realise is how we often just take for granted all the wonderful things our children are engaged in at school and how important the routine, structure, socialisation and learning are. I hope, on our return, we all stop at times and realise just how important school is for our children. Primary school came to an end for our Year 6 children on Friday and they have utterly amazed me with their resilience, independence, positivity and maturity. They are, ironically, probably the most well prepared group of children going in to Year 7 as they have learnt skills that will be invaluable in the future. Every single child at Coten End, including our new Reception children, has had the opportunity to be in school and meet their new teacher before the return in September. I am very optimistic that this will ensure a smoother transition back.
P.T.O
Message from Chair of Governors I hope you all continue to be safe and well. When I last wrote in May I highlighted my huge pride in the way the Coten End community has dealt with the challenges of this pandemic. Whether it be the incredible demands parents faced with home learning, often whilst simultaneously having to work from home, modifying the whole school environment to create smaller groups and safer ‘bubbles’ or simply adapting to unfamiliar social distancing expectations I want to reiterate my heartfelt thanks to you all. We have managed some governor business this term revising several policies (see website) and agreeing the school budget for 2020/21. We have also been regularly updated with the evolving return to school plans and have even managed two virtual meetings via Zoom. Pupil and staff safety and wellbeing is at the heart of the school’s planning and we will continue to work hard to ensure all children can return to school as safely as possible and continue to enjoy their learning and make outstanding progress. I know pupils are really excited at the thought of a return to some sense of normality and, crucially, being able to reconnect with their friends. Finally, with the summer holidays approaching looking after yourself and others has never been more important. At a time when the world keeps changing and we are constantly adapting our version of what “normal” life looks like, it can sometimes be hard to find space and time for yourself and to prioritise what matters. Whether you are working or learning from home or in the workplace, this is a time where we all need to make space in the daily routine for ourselves. So please enjoy the summer break and take care. Kevin Griffiths Chair of Governors
I would like to thank my amazing team of staff who have relentlessly strived to provide the best possible experiences both during lockdown and since the partial return in June. Every single member of staff has played a significant role and will continue to do so upon our return. I would like to thank you, as parents, for your tremendous support during the most challenging of times. Home schooling is quite possibly the most difficult of tasks, particularly when so many parents had to work at the same time. So many of you have emailed with lovely comments and appreciation for everything that has been put in place - I am so sorry I haven't had time to reply to all of you. I would also like to express my gratitude towards the staff at KidzOwn, the members of Friends, the Educaterers staff and the Governors who have supported me and the school throughout the entire year. I would like to say thank you and goodbye to Miss Stephenson and Mrs Tolley as they move on to pastures new, and of course our Year 6 children and to a number of children moving area or to different schools. Finally, I wish you all a wonderful summer and I hope everyone manages to enjoy some sort of normality and hopefully some sunshine. With very best wishes Sarah Sheepy
Message from Friends Dear Fellow Parents and Carers, As we finish this very unusual school year I wanted to send a final thank you from all of us on the Friends of Coten End PTA committee for your support and contributions to the events we were able to run this year before we went into lockdown. Your participation and involvement was exceptional as always, and whilst we didn’t get to run our full programme of events the children really seemed to enjoy what we did run. We are very much looking forward to, and hoping for a more familiar return in September, and are already busy thinking up ideas and discussing our standard events plan as to what we can run and how we might adapt our events to keep everyone safe. We wish you all a very healthy and safe summer and are all looking forward to being part of the Coten End Primary School community in September. And remember, if you have any ideas for events, volunteering, contacts or want to find out more, please email [email protected] Many thanks Lydia Ward (Chair of Friends)
Virtual Introduction Evenings During this week we would normally have held Introduction Evenings for parents to attend to familiarise themselves with expectations for the next academic year. Our Year group teachers have each recorded a short video introducing themselves and explaining a little about their Year. These videos can be found on the school website , www.cotenend.co.uk, within the Year group blog pages along with a PowerPoint presentation giving more information about the coming school year. Please select ‘Introduction Presentation’ to view the video and PowerPoint. We hope you find these useful and informative.
Community Help Some families may need additional help and support with food supplies during the summer holidays. Please like the following pages on Facebook and you will be alerted to any help that can be offered during the next few weeks.
Packmores Community Centre
Community Mutual Aid—Warwick & Surrounding Areas
School Uniform I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents about the importance of school uniform and what is acceptable in school.
We aim to make our uniform as flexible as possible for parents, so generic uniform such as trousers, skirts, shirts and red jumpers and cardigans (without the school badge) can be purchased from a variety of outlets, particularly as they can become messy during the course of their learning! Should you wish to purchase items with the school badge on, including polo shirts, jumpers, cardigans, the Coten End book bag, PE bag and school fleece, these can be ordered online via Myclothing, an online ordering service - http://myclothing.com.
The table below details uniform for boys and girls :
Second Hand Uniform
‘Friends’ hold second hand uniform sales throughout the year should you wish to donate uniform your children have grown out of or purchase items for your children. We also have an online ordering service for our second hand shop, please use the following link to order uniform from here, https://forms.gle/9gYQiKqTTWW5qJfc9. ‘Friends’ will be processing orders up to the third week of the holidays if you would like to place an order. PE Kit We will be sending PE kits home for washing every fortnight from September, so you may find an extra set useful.
It is essential that each item of uniform and PE kit is clearly labelled with your child's name. There are many companies that supply named labels and previously many parents have used Easy2Name, https://www.easy2name.com/, however we have found it best to use a product that 'stamps' your child's name onto the care label as this does not wash off at all. Please follow this link to see the product, https://stamptastic.co.uk/products/standard-name-stamp
School Uniform
Girls Boys
Grey or black trousers, pinafore dress or skirt
Red or white polo shirt Red sweatshirt or jumper or cardigan
Red and white summer dress Grey or white socks
Grey, white or red tights Black shoes (trainers, Vans, Dr Marten-style
boots, and sandals are not suitable) Coten End fleece* (not compulsory, for out-
door wear only) A suitable coat for all weathers (any colour) – a hoodie is not an acceptable alternative for a
coat Wellington Boots
Grey or black trousers or shorts
Red or white polo shirt Red sweatshirt or jumper or cardigan
Grey or white socks Black shoes (trainers, Vans, Dr Marten-style
boots, and sandals are not suitable) Coten End fleece* (not compulsory, for outdoor
wear only) A suitable coat for all weathers (any colour) – a hoodie is not an acceptable alternative for a coat
Wellington Boots
A red Coten End book bag
A red Coten End book bag
PE Kit
School bag for P.E kit White round neck or v neck t-shirt
Black shorts Black indoor pumps (without laces)
A spare pair of pants Socks
School bag for P.E kit
White round neck or v neck t-shirt Black shorts
Black indoor pumps (without laces) A spare pair of pants
Socks
SEND Care Plans If your child has a care plan, please ensure that this is updated for their return to school in September. You may need to contact School Health to discuss the plan; please email: [email protected] to get in touch with them. If you have any queries regarding your child’s care plan, please contact Liz Munday at school next week. SEND information/School Closure Support Please follow this link to check the school website for SEND information and support during the school holidays. SEND information
Road Safety There is the possibility that school buses will not be up and running for those that need them for the start of next term. Whilst our pupils do not use school transport, this will mean an increase in the number of cars on the road which may well increase your journey time if you drive to and from school.
Please bear this in mind and allow sufficient time for your journey.
Pedestrians, please also be extra careful when walking to and from school and ensure that you only use designated crossings if you need to cross the road.
Road Safety — Year 6 Warwickshire Road Safety Education team have produced a short video for Year 6 pupils to help them to plan and prepare for their journey to their new secondary school safely. The video can be viewed here—hope you find it useful
https://youtu.be/sNqBPuX2PYw
Coten End Primary School
Has 2 cleaning vacancies
Monday to Friday
Morning 6.00am—8.30am – 12.5 hours
or Evening 3.30pm— 6.00pm – 12.5 hours
Term Time
Start date 1st September 2020
This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This Post is subject to
Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Experience is preferred, training will be provided.
For more information and an application form, please contact
the School Office on 01926 491329 or
Committed to Equal Opportunities
Directory of Services for Families
Family Information Service We would encourage parents and carers to access Warwickshire Family Information Service, please subscribe to their FIS Newsletter by accessing the Warwickshire County Council website, clicking on the envelope button at the top of page ‘Subscribe for updates’ and then choosing Subscribe to News from the Family Information Service. This will be updated regularly and signpost to other local support services. Tel :01926 742275 Email: [email protected] www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis Twitter @WarksFIS Facebook: WarwickshireFIS Citizens Advice Bureau https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ Adviceline: 03444 111 444 Text relay: 03444 111 445 Adviceline’s available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It’s usually busiest at the beginning and end of the day. It's not available on public holidays. If you call from a mobile, we’ll ask you to enter a local landline number on your keypad. This can be any number - we only use it to send your call to a local adviser if one is available.
Messages from Warwickshire County Council Social Distancing Lockdown restrictions are starting to ease a bit more, you can now meet in groups of up to two households in any location, both indoors and outdoors. However, it’s still important to continue to follow social distancing measures to stay safe. https://bit.ly/2C1DLq0 Stay Alert We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must: 1. Stay at home as much as possible 2. Work from home if you can 3. Limit contact with other people 4. Keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible) 5. Wash your hands regularly 6. Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms. We are all in this together and all have our role to play. #BestWarwickshire Find out more by visiting: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Parents and carers can contact WCC if they have any concerns or queries or require information, that school is unable to provide, as the network of provision changes over the weeks ahead.
Please contact WCC on the parental helpline on 01926 412021 from 9.00am to 5.00pm or check the Council’s website for further information. The parent and carer webpage can be found here- https://schools.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-advice-parents/1
Get Cooking! Anne-Marie provides tips and ideas for cooking on a budget. www.get-cooking.co.uk Follow on: Twitter Facebook Get Cooking! (Anne Marie) Warwickshire Instagram Family Support Worker Helpline - Telephone number 01926 412412 Family Support Help Line is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. The Help line is staffed by Family Support Workers. This can be used for parents needing advice and signposting for other services. IAPT - Telephone Number 02476 671090 The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme began in 2008 and has transformed the treatment of adult anxiety disorders and depression in England. IAPT is widely-recognised as the most ambitious programme of talking therapies in the world and in the past year alone more than one million people accessed IAPT services for help to overcome their depression and anxiety, and better manage their mental health.
REFUGE
https://www.refuge.org.uk/ 0808 2000 247 Refuge is concerned for the safety of survivors experiencing domestic abuse during any period of isolation with their perpetrators, especially as it may be harder to access help during these conditions. We want to reassure women that the Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is still operating 24 hours a day, and confidential support is available if they need it. If it isn’t safe to call, women can access the Help-line’s webform to request a safe time to be called back by a member of specialist Helpline staff. Warwickshire MASH If you have concerns that a child is suffering ANY form of neglect, abuse or cruelty, contact us immediately on: 01926 414144 Lines are open from:
• Monday to Thursday: 8.30am – 5.30pm
• Friday: 8.30am – 5pm Warwickshire Welfare Service https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme The Warwickshire local welfare scheme helps our most vulnerable residents at times of unavoidable crisis when they have no other means of help. The scheme provides basic and essential help for food and energy. This is given either in emergency food parcels or with credit for energy. It is not a cash benefit. CGL – Change, Grow, Live https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire/leamington-spa Change Grow Live Warwickshire is a recovery-focused service with a full range of treatments and interven-tions designed to support people to take control of their recovery journey and achieve their recovery goals. Our services include harm reduction, opiate replacement prescribing, residential and community detoxes, counselling, emotional support and supported access to mutual aid. Support in accessing training, employ-ment and housing will also be available.
What does the Family Information Service (FIS) do?
Albert Einstein said "I don't need to know everything. I just need to know where to find it when I need it."
FIS support families, and professionals working with families on a wide range of subjects. Everything that isn't behaviour or parenting (this should be directed to the Family Support Work duty line).
FIS webpages are better than google - This is because we have done all the research, and include only the safe, good quality information.
Newsletter - sign up to our twice weekly newsletter and encourage families to sign up for up to date information for professionals and families. 14th July will be a holiday activity specific newsletter.
Helpline available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Trained team ready to support families and professionals on all subject areas.
The right support at the right time - we want to work with families at the earliest possible opportunity to pre-vent escalation of need.
FIS Brokerage team – work 121 with families with more complex needs where there are no safeguarding con-cerns (this should be directed to MASH). Due to COVID-19 all brokerage work is being carried out by telephone.
FIS support families in crisis to help them access the services they need to support them.
Examples of areas of support; finance, housing, parental contact/conflict, relationships, SEND, holiday activities, childcare.
FIS can be contacted throughout the school summer holidays.
Helpline contact details - [email protected]. 01926 742274
FIS webpages: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis
Sign up to our newsletter here https://mailchi.mp/warwickshire/familyinfoservice
Calling all children in Warwickshire
Its competition time again
how safe is your home?
Would you like to become a Junior Fire safety champion?
All you have to do is complete a fire safety check in your home with an adult, following our
online form.
The online form gives safety information and asks you to check certain areas of the home,
with adult support. This will help keep you safe from fire and will give opportunity to
request support from the Fire service.
All children who take part in the safety check will receive a certificate to show you have
become a Junior Fire Safety Champion.
10 entries will be pulled at random and will also receive a medal
We cant wait to make you all Junior Fire Safety Champions
Please email Gemma Childs at [email protected] to request the link to the online form, once you have the form you can start your safety check and then submit it once completed. The closing date for this activity is Friday 31st July, all certificates will be posted out
throughout the month of July.
10 lucky winners will be pulled at random after the closing date and those entries will re-
ceive a medal.
Good luck to everyone taking part.
During Covid-19 local GPs have reported a drop in the uptake of pregnancy, infant and pre-school booster vaccinations in Warwickshire. Good vaccination coverage is essential to avoid a local resurgence of serious vaccine-preventable diseases which could have a significant impact on the health of pregnant women, infants and children, and would place substantial additional pressures on the NHS during the COVID pandemic.
