Dear Parents/Carers,                                                                                                                       Sunday 20^th September

I am writing this letter in response to the rise in COVID 19 cases not just across the whole Country but in County Durham and in Aycliffe too, and to the Government’s tightening of rules across the county. I know that this will be making parents/carers very anxious.

I want to reassure you we are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe, children, parents/carers and staff.

All classrooms are cleaned thoroughly every day and deep cleaned with special sanitising canisters. Every day equipment is sanitised frequently, as are all surfaces. The children do not move out of their “bubbles” and staggered times are used throughout the day as well as very frequent handwashing and hand sanitisation.

I would like to thank all of you who have followed all of the rules and safety strategies we have had in place from the beginning of this term. It is so important that you continue to do this. Please ensure if you are in or around school premises that social distance is maintained at all times. 

I have noticed that some parents/carers are wearing masks when waiting outside of school and although this is something  I cannot enforce, I do feel that it would be a good move for everyone.

As of Monday senior staff at the main gates may choose to wear face coverings- masks or visors- to ensure conversations can continue to take place.

Teaching staff must not be approached. If you require a conversation with your child’s teacher, please put a note in your child’s planner and they will be happy to call you.

I would like to remind the parents/carers of Y5/Y6 children that all children must be brought to school by an adult. There is no one to supervise them while they are waiting in line to come into school. Please ensure this happens.

I would also like to stress that when children are dropped off and picked up, parents/carers move away from the school gates and driveways as soon as possible.

These rules are here for the safety of us all and I make no apologies for ensuring all parents/carers are following them. Thank you again for your support in all of this. I care deeply about each one of our children and their families and will do all I can to help to keep you safe.

Do not hesitate to contact me or the Senior Leaders on sugarhill@durhamlearning.net if you have any questions.

I have put some Government guidance for parents on the website so please keep looking at this for information, especially around what to do if you feel your child is poorly.

Thank you again for your continued support

Stay safe

 Mrs Paula O’Rourke