COVID-19 Information

Catch Up Premium Spending Plan 20-21 JAN 21.pdf

CORONAVIRUS

 Bocking Primary School is open to all pupils in line with government guidance.

 This Guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools.  Many of you will have read the guidance or heard about what we should be doing to keep our community safe and reduce risks.

Outlined below are the key pieces of information we feel will explain how the government guidelines will impact on the children’s attendance at the school and new procedures that will be place for the safety of the children and staff. Our priority is, and always will be, the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of the entire community and although we cannot guarantee that we can keep everyone safe from catching Covid-19, we can and will take a wide range of steps to minimise the risks and meet the priority. 

Attendance

School attendance will be mandatory, which means that the usual rules of school attendance will apply:

  • Parents have a legal duty to ensure their child regularly attends school
  • Schools have a legal responsibility to record attendance and follow up absences
  • Schools have a legal responsibility to issue sanctions, including fixed penalty notices with Essex County Council’s codes of conduct.

 Returning to school is very important from both an academic and social point of view.

Arrival and Departure

Children should arrive at school at between 8.40am and 8.50am and walk straight to their classroom. Children in years 1-6 should walk in by themselves. 

The main gate will open at 3.05pm ready for all children to be dismissed at 3.05pm. Year 1, 2 and 3 parents should wait on the small playground and all other parents should wait on the main playground. 

Reception children will enter through the reception class door at the side of the school.

Bags and equipment

Children should also bring a named water bottle with fresh water every day. 

The children will be provided with school equipment and do not need to bring in their own pencil cases.

Behaviour

Our expectations of behaviour will remain high and even more important than ever to keep our entire community safe and able to focus on their learning. These expectations will be shared regularly with the children and will apply both onsite and on remote learning. Underpinning our expectations are our values: I am: Ambitious, Respectful, Responsible, Engaged and I Persevere.

Bubbles

Bubbles are no longer required in schools, and children and staff are no longer required to be kept separate.

However, the school may be advised to reintroduce the use of bubbles should the number of Covid-19 cases reach levels indicative of an outbreak in line with the school's Covid Outbreak Management Plan.   The aim of this measure would be to prevent the whole setting having to isolate and close and to reduce any potential spread of the virus. 

Any decision to vary this provision will be made based on the best interests of the health and safety of the whole school community.

Cleaning

Our cleaning protocols and regularity of cleaning have increased significantly and will continue to do so in all areas of the school, toilet facilities, hall, door handles, classrooms etc. cleaning materials will be available in each room.

Emergency Closure Procedures

In the event of school closure, we will notify parents and carers as soon as possible via eSchools. If you are not registered for eSchools please enquire at the school office. 

Remote Learning

This will be available on DB Primary through the class pages.  

Risk Assessment

The academy carried out a thorough risk assessment prior to reopening the school in line with government guidance. This risk assessment is under constant review to ensure  its effectiveness. The current version of the risk assessment is available on request from the academy office.

Social Distancing and Hygiene

Maintaining hygiene is of the utmost importance. We will continue to preserve a rigorous routine of cleaning and sanitising at school as last year and we will be reminding your children about the importance of thoroughly washing their hands and other relevant personal hygiene expectations e.g. covering their mouth when they sneeze or cough

Whilst social distancing is not currently a legal requirement we would ask for your care and cooperation when dropping off and picking up your children and/or visiting the school. 

Social distancing is not a requirement for the children, however the school may be advised to reintroduce measures to assist with social distancing in order should an outbreak be declared at the school. This could include reintroducion of bubbles, playground zones and the avoidance of any large gatherings, such as assemblies or performances.

Government advice is that face masks or PPE are not necessary in schools as it interferes with teaching and learning.  However, the wearing of face masks or PPE may be re-introduced for adults should an outbreak be declared at the school. 

Uniform

Children are expected to wear the usual school uniform. PE kits will be used as normal; you do not need to provide a second pair of trainers for PE.

Further Information

Further guidance and information is available via the links below should you wish to read more about the government plans to reopen in September: