Latest News
Keep up to date with all the news happening in school
-
Summer Reading Challenge 2020
Wed 15 Jul 2020The summer holidays are fast approaching!
We would like you to keep reading at home as much as possible.
To keep you going you could join in with the Summer Reading Challenge and meet The Silly Squad. Follow the links below to find out more.
https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
https://www.bwis.org.uk/english-1/
Have a fun and safe summer!
-
Update 14/07/2020
Tue 14 Jul 2020Dear Parents and Carers
Thank you for being patient with us regarding our organisation for us reopening in September. I am sure you will appreciate there is a lot to get organised and think through from an operations point of view. We will be running our Early Bird session from the hall from 8am at £4 per session. We will be accepting childcare vouchers from September as payment.
Treetops will also be running from the hall. I am meeting with the owner this week, and as soon as their risk assessment is submitted and approved they will be in touch with parents..
Below is a link to our organisation based on current government guidance. This could change before September, and if it does, will be updated accordingly. If you are unsure of anything, please do ring us. We have made a summary sheet, which is a much quicker read, which can answer any immediate questions.
https://www.bwis.org.uk/information-letterspamphlets/
Our Goodbye Day is creeping up on us very quickly. Our special Leavers Books have arrived ready for all our Year 2 children. They are beautiful and made myself and the Year 2 teachers cry when we looked at them. I will try not to cry next Wednesday when I see all Year 2 children! It is such a strange end to such a strange year, but I hope that you have booked your time to come and see us.
We are also saying goodbye to three staff members on Wednesday. Mrs Atkinson, who started as a mum at the school and then worked in Year R, Mrs Goodridge who has been with us for a few years and Mrs Anderson, who is retiring, has been with us for a very long time. We will be sad to say goodbye to all three, but wish them well in their future endeavours. If anybody would like to leave a goodbye card or message, you can leave them with any teacher and they will be passed on.
We hope you are all keeping well. Please do call us if you need to know anything before the summer holiday. We will be available to answer any questions up until the end of next Wednesday.
Best wishes
Mrs Riches
-
Update 2/7/2020
Thu 02 Jul 2020Dear Parents and Carers
You will find an email in your inbox today, detailing the End of Year Arrangements for your year group. Our last day in school for Year R children will be on Tuesday 21st July (pick up normal time). We will be sending out times for Year 1 and 2 children to come to our 'Goodbye Day' next week. If there are any questions about the arrangements please telephone and talk to us.
The government guidelines are changing rapidly. The 'Guidance for Schools' for September was released today. We now need to look at this and make plans for what this will look like in our school and what we will need to do. Once we have done this, we will email it to you. if anyone would like to read the guidance, please click on the link below.
Guidance on Coronavirus and any other questions are on the government website below. From 4th July restrictions, in most of England, are being lifted. It will still be wise to check the guidelines, as they do lay out more information.
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
We hope that the new section of video introductions on the website to introduce the learning for the week is proving helpful. There is also a new 'stories for reflection' section too. Over the next few weeks, your child's next Year Group will be creating a 'Welcome to Year 1/Year 2' page to replace the meetings usually held in school in September. We are bringing these forward into the virtual world. Year R children who have not been attending will have a story with their new class teacher via zoom. For Year 1 children going into Year 2, there will be a zoom session with your new teacher and for Year 2 children there will be a goodbye class zoom with your teacher.
Keyworker groups for Year 1 and 2 will continue to run on Wednesday 22nd July. However, we are asking all parents to only use it on this day if you absolutely need it as our teachers will be busy saying goodbye to Year 1 and 2 children. For Year R, we ask that you see Tuesday 21st July as your last day as our Year R teachers will be busy making 1-1 zoom calls with children coming to our school in September.
I hope you are all keeping well. Thank you for the lovely emails I have been receiving from you. One said 'I wouldn't want your job'. I have to admit, it wasn't something I ever imagined! Your teachers have also loved having lovely emails too, so thank you very much.
Best wishes
Mrs Riches
-
Update 18/6/2020
Thu 18 Jun 2020Dear Parents and Carers
I hope you are all keeping well. I know the news of lots of our children not coming back to school before the end of term has left lots of parents feeling upset. We are continuing to follow the guidelines from the government and will not be increasing school places due to lack of staff and rooms. Whilst the 15 children in a class limit is in place we are restricted to what we can do. We are monitoring the situation closely, and hoping for further relaxing to enable us to do some face to face transition before the end of the year (probably towards the end of July). For our Year 2 children moving to Year 3, we are looking for ways to try to say goodbye. We are all very upset by the situation and want nothing more to open our doors for everyone. Very sadly, we cannot.
Yesterday it was confirmed to myself and other heads during a webinar with Public Health England that we are still currently classed as stage 4 in the pandemic. They confirmed we were at the bottom of stage 4, and are hoping that we will move to stage 3 soon. We are still restricted by class numbers and to think of our classes as a social 'bubble' or 'pod'. This is to limit the spread of infection if somebody has a confirmed case of Covid-19. We were advised to remind parents that social distancing is still in place. Some elements have been relaxed, however limiting how many people you see/are in contact with is important. Please find attached the latest guidance regarding social distancing. If your child is attending school, they are already in a social bubble with up to 15 children and two members of staff. If it comes to our attention they are mixing with different larger groups of children outside of school, such as the park , who are not in their school bubble, then potentially you are putting the whole school at risk of closing if we have a confirmed Covid case. In the case of keyworker children, we will retract the place offered, if children are attending any group activities with children who are not in their bubble. There are waiting lists for both groups, so your place will be filled quickly.
We hope everyone has enjoyed their zoom calls last week. I know the teachers have allocated time for them each week to talk to the children. We are also updating blogs and videos as well as the learning on Year Group learning pages. The children in the Keyworker bubbles are doing exactly the same learning set as their respective year groups, and this is the same for Year R children who are not in school. Keyworker children attend on days their parents need them to, not every day, so there is no advantage for them. It is a necessary for keyworkers to do their essential roles, as recognised by the government. Because the groups grew much bigger, as per the wider opening guidance from 1st June, we were able to create a Year 1 group and a Year 2 group, making some curriculum work possible. It is still not like school as we know it and lots of activities take place outside as they are at home. We have been amazed at the learning that is taking place by the majority of families-both set by us and by you! All the children are happy when we call and we love hearing from them. I have put a new story to share on the video section today.
Lastly, we had a visit from our new Otter class teacher, Miss Miners, this week . She said hello to all the current Bat Class, who will be with her in September. It was lovely for them to see their new teacher.
I hope you are all keeping well
Best wishes
Mrs Riches
-
The end of Year R's first week back
Fri 12 Jun 2020Dear Parents and Carers
We have had a successful first week back with our Year R children. Our one way system and longer drop off time has meant a continual flow around the school, rather than lots of children waiting. The teachers have all loved teaching children in a class again. I can hear some of them making their zoom calls to small groups at the moment. I tried my first one yesterday as an 'open' zoom, with some parents and children in Year 2. It was lovely to see you! Don't worry if you missed it. Next week I will try some more of these. I will email a link out with different time slots for different classes, and you and your children can pop in to see me on zoom.
The DFE (Department For Education) updated their information yesterday for parents and carers. Lots of parents have asked me about the 'big plan' for catch up over the summer that was announced by the prime minister the night before last. Headteachers have not been given any more news than parents, and we find out information at the same time as you. As soon as I hear any more, I will let you know.
Please find the link to the updated guidance below:
I too was disappointed by the announcement of children being unable to start back, especially with more venues opening. I hope that the government continues to endeavour to find a safe solution for children returning to school
I hope you are all keeping well
Mrs Riches
-
Monday 8th June
Mon 08 Jun 2020Dear Parents and Carers
Today we saw some of Year R children return to school. I cannot tell you how lovely it is that we have children in school again. We have all missed them so much. Although some were a little hesitant on the way in, they were really excited to see their friends and any nerves were soon forgot. We have made a little video for all parents in Year R. For those who have children in, it is a little way to see that they are ok. For those parents who are still undecided about coming back to school, seeing it in action may help you to make a decision. We have even managed a last minute surprise for Bubble 6-Mrs Wombell will be able to be with them outside at lunch time! This was organised very last minute but they are so excited!
Click our video here:
http://bishops-waltham-infant-school.primarysite.media/media/our-year-r-first-day-back
You will all be receiving ZOOM invites for Fridays with your teachers (Otter class your zoom meetings will be with Mrs Campone and Mrs Belton). We will be holding them in little groups, so hopefully everyone will have a chance to talk. Before the meeting you may want to get some things that your child wants to show their teacher that they have learned or made (saves them running off to find them). A grown up will need to stay in the room during the meeting. We are getting a lot better at technology, and thank you for bearing with us on our upskilling. Teachers are really enjoying talking to all the children and answering all your emails. Some teachers are a lot better at telephone calls and some are a lot better at emailing. We are all still learning at these strange times. Now teachers are in class Monday to Thursday, Friday is our day for catching up with you all. Hopefully you have all seen the learning on the site for this week.
If you have a child starting in Year R, then you should have found your way to our new parents page. Here, there is lots of information for our new starters. Over the next few weeks, more videos will be added here. We are also getting a pack to deliver to you for the summer holidays before you start. Hopefully we will have a few transition face to face sessions in very small groups and will let you know your teacher and classes soon.
https://www.bwis.org.uk/starting-school-new-parent-information/
All children in Year R, 1 and 2 will be moving to their next year group as the class they are in normally e.g. Bat Class will move as a class. This is to help with transition back into school, whenever that may be. It isn't how we normally do things, but we want to ease any anxieties and the familiarity of their classmates will hopefully help when we start back. I said to many of you that the children are more excited about seeing their friends than adults when they were in keyworker groups. The same has happened in the Year R Bubbles.
Year 2 had a treat in their emails on Friday with their video from Mr Campbell all about their new classes. If you haven't watched it have a look in your inboxes (it is restricted viewing to Year2 children only, so I cannot post a link here).
We would like to welcome Miss Ellie Miners to our growing team. She will be in Otter Class next year, while Mrs Moth will be out of class, teaching in all year groups. For children currently in Bat class, Miss Harper will be your new teacher. We will be putting pictures and videos of Miss Miners, along with Miss Whitehead and Miss Harper on our website soon.
Lastly, I heard about a free virtual festival that is starting on Saturday that anybody can attend. Some of the workshops look good fun, especially the craft ones. It is called 'The Happy Place' Festival and is being organised by Fearne Cotton. If anybody finds any other good websites, please pass them along to us and we will promote them to parents on here.
https://www.happyplacefestival.com/
Kind regards
Mrs Riches
-
IMPORTANT SCHOOL UPDATE
Thu 04 Jun 2020We will be reopening to Year R children on Monday 8th June. There is an email sent to all parents explaining the situation in your inboxes. If you are a parent of a Year R child who was undecided, or have not let us know of your intention to send your child back to school, please can you email or telephone us to let us know of your intentions next week.
Below is how the day will run, with some site safety rules. Please read through them carefully.
Thank you for your patience in our decision to delay.
Kind regards
Mrs Riches
Running of the Day for Year R Children Monday to Thursday
Drop off (8.30 to 9am): Walk-in one-way system. 1 adult per child. Please drop your child off from a safe distance outside their classroom and walk around the school to exit from the Year 2 gate and down the car ramp (Blue gates - coned off to stop traffic driving in).
Each child will be in their allocated Bubble with up to 14 classmates throughout the day. There will be no set playtimes. Children will not mix with other Bubbles and we cannot swap children between Bubbles.
Lunch: will be served to the children in containers in their classroom. Menu choices will be emailed on the Friday before, so that parents can discuss these with their children.
Snacks: there will be no fruit deliveries this half term. Children can therefore bring a piece of fruit/cereal bar from home. This needs to be put with their water bottle outside their classroom.
Sunhats and water bottles can be brought from home.
Throughout the day, children will remain with the same two members of staff. In line with current government guidance, staff will only wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when administering first aid.
Pick up: will be between 2.45 and 3.10pm. Please do not arrive later than 3.10pm.
Uniform: as near to school uniform as you can. Socks must be worn, and trainers can be worn if school shoes no longer fit.
Site Safety
Please do not arrive at the school earlier than the times stated, as the gate will be closed and social distancing harder to achieve. We are discouraging any waiting time outside of the classroom door. By allowing a 30 minute drop off window, we hope a natural staggering will occur, as has happened with keyworkers. This will be reviewed over the coming weeks.
Only 1 adult per child is allowed on the school site at any time. If you do walk to school together, please do not wait by the entrance to the school as this is a narrow ‘pinch point’ and difficult to socially distance yourself from other people who are passing.
Please continue around the one-way system after dropping off.
Children must not be allowed to run on ahead. They need to be with you at all times. If your child finds walking next to you difficult, please hold their hand.
The only time the one-way system does not need to be used is for pick up from keyworker groups after 3.30pm. At this time, you can access the school from the Year 2 gate. We have made this decision, as many children are being picked up earlier, so there will not be as many parents and children onsite.
The school office is not open to any visitors. If you need to speak to a member of staff, please telephone or email.
Collections for hampers will continue on Mondays between 10am and 1pm
Running of the Day for Year R Children Monday to Thursday
Drop off (8.30 to 9am): Walk-in one-way system. 1 adult per child. Please drop your child off from a safe distance outside their classroom and walk around the school to exit from the Year 2 gate and down the car ramp (Blue gates - coned off to stop traffic driving in).
Each child will be in their allocated Bubble with up to 14 classmates throughout the day. There will be no set playtimes. Children will not mix with other Bubbles and we cannot swap children between Bubbles.
Lunch: will be served to the children in containers in their classroom. Menu choices will be emailed on the Friday before, so that parents can discuss these with their children.
Snacks: there will be no fruit deliveries this half term. Children can therefore bring a piece of fruit/cereal bar from home. This needs to be put with their water bottle outside their classroom.
Sunhats and water bottles can be brought from home.
Throughout the day, children will remain with the same two members of staff. In line with current government guidance, staff will only wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when administering first aid.
Pick up: will be between 2.45 and 3.10pm. Please do not arrive later than 3.10pm.
Uniform: as near to school uniform as you can. Socks must be worn, and trainers can be worn if school shoes no longer fit.
Site Safety
Please do not arrive at the school earlier than the times stated, as the gate will be closed and social distancing harder to achieve. We are discouraging any waiting time outside of the classroom door. By allowing a 30 minute drop off window, we hope a natural staggering will occur, as has happened with keyworkers. This will be reviewed over the coming weeks.
Only 1 adult per child is allowed on the school site at any time. If you do walk to school together, please do not wait by the entrance to the school as this is a narrow ‘pinch point’ and difficult to socially distance yourself from other people who are passing.
Please continue around the one-way system after dropping off.
Children must not be allowed to run on ahead. They need to be with you at all times. If your child finds walking next to you difficult, please hold their hand.
The only time the one-way system does not need to be used is for pick up from keyworker groups after 3.30pm. At this time, you can access the school from the Year 2 gate. We have made this decision, as many children are being picked up earlier, so there will not be as many parents and children onsite.
The school office is not open to any visitors. If you need to speak to a member of staff, please telephone or email.
Collections for hampers will continue on Mondays between 10am and 1pm
-
IMPORTANT SCHOOL UPDATE FOR YEAR R PARENTS
Sun 31 May 2020Dear Parents of Year R children
Following recent advice to teachers yesterday evening, following 4 members of the governments scientific body breaking ranks and speaking against a wider opening tomorrow, we will now only be open to Keyworker children on June 1st. Safety for children and staff is paramount. We apologise profusely for the lateness of this announcement, and there is an email in your inbox explaining the situation fully. Please contact the school office ASAP if you are a Year R parent who needs a keyworker space. Your child will be in BAT class tomorrow.
The situation will be under review and we will get back to you at the end of the week regarding a possible opening date.
A link to the advice is below:
https://neu.org.uk/press-releases/stop-wider-1-june-school-reopening
-
School Update
Fri 29 May 2020Dear Parents and Carers
Following the government's confirmation last night that they are meeting government targets, I am confirming that we will be opening for our 2 keyworker bubbles and 6 Year R bubbles from Monday 1st June.
If you are sending your child back, please spend the weekend talking to your child about school using the guidance we have issued.
All children (Keyworker children and Year R) will be expected to wear uniform. It can be a more relaxed version, especially footwear (trainers can be worn, sandals of any colour but socks must be worn). Blue/black PE shorts can also be worn if your child has outgrown their grey ones. We do have some spare summer clothes in school. We will put this out at the end of the day, which you can purchase for a donation. If any Year 1/2 parents have summer uniform they would like to donate, please wash and leave it in a carrier bag outside our office. Please remember our office will not be open, as we are limiting the number of adults who enter the building. If you need to get in touch with us, please email or telephone and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Thank you to all Year 2 children who have been sending us your photographs and writing for your Year Book. They are fantastic-keep them coming!!! I have also loved watching your 'Deadly 60' videos. There were some pretty deadly animals on there!
I have also loved looking at Year 1 and R's super learning. I know your teachers have been very happy when they are sharing it with us all.
We look forward to seeing some of you on Monday.
Best wishes
Mrs Riches
-
School Update: Information for Year R Parents, Keyworker Parents and Year 2 Parents
Tue 26 May 2020Dear Parents and Carers
If your child is in Year R or you have requested a keyworker space please check your emails today as there will either be an email from myself or Miss Turner explaining what to do and where to go if we start back on June 1st. It will look different to the school we left, but I am sure our fantastic staff will help your children understand the new 'normal' in school at the moment.
Thank you to all the Year R parents who have let us know their intentions on coming back to school. Your kind words and messages were so lovely. We have tried our best to support and help keep learning fun through the lockdown and it is lovely to know how much it has been appreciated. I will pass your good wishes on to the staff too.
Now for our lovely Year 2 children. We understand that this would have been our term where we would be getting ready to say goodbye to you. We are ever hopeful we will see you again soon. We would like to do something special for you. Usually, we buy a book as a leaving present. This time we would like to make a special Year Book, with photographs and writing from you and we need you to help. Please can you ALL do the following to help us?
By Friday 5th June can you please email the Year 2 teachers:
1. A really lovely picture of yourself (just you in the photograph)
2. A photograph or scan of a short piece of writing telling us your favourite memories about being at school. It can include something about your teachers, your learning, your friend or even me. We want it to be in your lovely handwriting (not typed) so your mummies and daddies may need to help you to make sure it is your best piece.
We have lots of other pictures we can put in as well. We will be putting it altogether ready for the end of term.
We will let you know after the government announcement if Monday 1st June is happening, so please watch this space. Now go and enjoy this lovely sunshine!
With best wishes
Mrs Riches
