Dear Parents/carers, 

I am writing this week’s letter early just to remind everyone of the COVID restrictions in place at school, on premises and at the gate, and to ask everyone to please follow these in order to maintain the safety of all.

It is so tempting with the easing of restrictions across the country to think that all is well and now we don’t have to think about masks and social distancing.

I really wish we didn’t!

In the updated DfE guidance for schools there has been very little change. We are still expected to teach in bubbles, have staggered start and finish times and maintain restrictions.

This week alone has seen the rise of the Indian variant of the virus and we cannot, or should not, take for granted that we are all exempt from that just because there are fewer cases in this area.

I have really appreciated the way parents/carers have followed these restrictions since March 2020 and I know it has been a long time.

That fact that we have had no bubbles closing at all during this time, fingers are still firmly crossed, has been down to the joint effort of staff, children and parents and carers. A real team effort.

However, this week in particular I have noticed, as have other staff and several parents, that the following of these restrictions is slipping. I would therefore like to remind you of these and ask that you keep up this great effort.

Please remember:

ü One adult only please with each child where at all possible. Please ensure the children stay with you as they wait to come in and do not run around.

ü On school premises masks/exemption lanyards must be worn and social distancing followed.

ü Please do not arrive too early either at drop off or pick up times. Arrive as close to your times as possible to avoid large groups of parents/carers gathering, especially at the corners of entrance B where the path widens.

ü All entrances should be kept clear, do not wait on the drive ways as this stops the flow of people.

ü For the parents/carers of Y3/Y4 please wait by the fence and at least 1m apart This ensures that the path is kept clear for people to walk past.

ü Remember the same rules apply for parking and dropping off. Please do not drop off on zig zag lines or at the entrances to school.

ü Parents/carers must not come into school unless by prior appointment. Please ring or email with all questions or enquiries.

ü Children must have everything they need for the day. If they have forgotten anything you must ring the office to be given a time to come. Please do not just arrive at the office to drop off forgotten items.

ü Teachers will not be able to speak to parents/carers at the school gates, either morning or afternoon. Please use planners and DB Primary for all communication, request a phone call or email school.

ü Please inform school if your child is going to be absent for any reason. Attendance is once again reportable so please ensure this happens.

ü If you are going to be late you must ring the office to arrange a time to bring your child. Please do not just bring them to the office. It is vital that the drop off times are adhered to as all entrances are being used at various times.

ü If you feel your child has any COVID symptoms at all, they must be tested and school informed immediately.

I would also ask that if someone else, who does not see this letter, is coming to school to drop off or pick up, please let them know of these restrictions.

Thank you again for your continued efforts.

I hope that soon I do not need to write letters of this nature but at the moment I really feel that I do.

Mrs Paula O’Rourke

Head Teacher

PLEASE CONTINUE TO FOLLOW ALL RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE

SHOULD ANY MEMBER OF A HOUSEHOLD BE SENT FOR A COVID TEST THE WHOL