Arrangements for September 2020
Dear Parents/Carers,
As I am sure you are aware, full-time, compulsory schooling will be in place for all pupils from the beginning of the autumn term. Schools have received guidance to prepare for opening, and I am currently working with staff and governors to ensure that the plans in place for September minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
Much of what we have already put in place as a school will remain the same – promoting good handwashing hygiene and social distancing. I also want to bring your attention to a few areas which I think will be of particular interest to you as you start to prepare your children for their return in September. Please take time to share these details with your child/ren before they start back at school in September. This will help them prepare for change and know what is expected.
All pupils return on Monday September 7th 2020.
*The school website will be updated, should there be any changes following additional government guidance during the summer holiday.
Welcome Video
All class teachers will produce an individual welcome video; this will allow pupils to visualise what their classroom layout looks like. This will hopefully allow for a smoother transition both to their new year group and starting back at school.
These will be uploaded on to the school website at the beginning of September – this will be communicated to all parents upon completion.
Staggered Timings During The Day
School will continue to operate a staggered start and finish to the school day, ensuring the children receive the full amount of learning time in school. Staggered break and lunch times will be in place to ensure the year group bubbles are kept apart whenever possible.
During drop off and pick up, please adhere to the 2 metre social distancing rules still in operation within school grounds and leave the school site promptly.
| Drop off | Pick up | Start time | End time | |
| Year 3 | Playground | Playground/play area equipment | 8.50-9.05am | 3.15pm |
| Year 4 | Playground | Playground/pupil entrance | 8.30-8.45am | 3.00pm |
| Year 5 | Staff car park/visitor entrance | Staff car park/visitor entrance | 8.50-9.05am | 3.15pm |
| Year 6 | Staff car park/conservatory | Staff car park/conservatory | 8.30-8.45am | 3.00pm |
Please follow guidance given by staff on the day
Year 3 only - On Monday 7th September and Tuesday 8th September Year will start at 09.05-09.15 am
Classes for September 2020
| Current Class | Teacher and Class September 2020 |
| Kingfishers | Miss Felton 3RF |
| Swans | Miss Wheeler 3AW |
| 3AW | Mrs Platt 4MP |
| 3RF | Mrs Warren 4LW |
| 4PS | Miss Prince 5DP |
| 4MP | Mrs Bailey (Mon-Wed) Mrs Demetre Thu-Fri 5BD |
| 5DP | Miss Sheldrake (Mon-Wed) Mrs Bradley (Thu-Fri) 6SB |
| 5MH | Miss Rouse 6CR |
Year Group Bubbles
Doddinghurst Junior School will operate with year group bubbles, meaning pupils will have the opportunity to interact with one another at break and lunch (in their own year groups).
In class, all pupils will be sat facing the front and side on to another. Staff must socially distance themselves from pupils and other adults.
Pupils and staff are not required to wear face masks, however all staff will be issued with face shields and be used at their own discretion.
Chuckles – Before and After School Provision
Chuckles will restart in September and are in the process of communicating with parents providing an update.
School Meals
We will be resuming our hot food selection for all children with a few minor alterations to our menu.
Pupils will eat in their classrooms.
Packed Lunch
Please can all packed lunches be brought to school in a disposable plastic bag or plastic box that must be cleaned daily.
Healthy Snack
Healthy snacks must be brought to school in a disposable bag.
School Uniform
All children will be expected to wear school uniform.
PE
Government guidance is for children to undertake PE outside whenever possible. Please ensure pupils come to school in their PE kits on the days they have a PE lessons. Teachers will provide timetables during the first week of term.
There will be no contact sports.
The Curriculum
A broad, balanced curriculum will continue for your children. Shortened morning worship and assemblies focusing on our school Christian values will be delivered daily in classes. A daily Maths and English learning session will continue to be taught each morning. Afternoons will continue to focus on foundation subject learning. Class teachers will use a variety of assessment strategies to identify learning areas that need greater focus and individual needs which may require additional support. Staff will be mindful of those children who may be feeling particularly anxious after a long time off school.
Equipment
School will provide all equipment for use in class, however pupils are allowed to bring in to school their own colouring pencils. All pupils will have access to a cloakroom area for their coat and school bag.
Bring a water bottle in to school daily and take it home to clean and refill.
Visitors
The school office will remain closed to all parents and visitors unless a pre-arranged appointment has been made. Any messages or enquiries can be made via email or telephone. admn.djs@osborne.coop or 01277 821064
Should a pupil be sent home due to showing signs of COVID-19
Pupils sent home due to showing symptoms of covid-19 will be expected to be tested and school informed of the results. Information regarding testing can be found here:
https://www.essex.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-covid-19
When a child, young person or staff member develops symptoms compatible with coronavirus, they should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 7 days. Their fellow household members should self-isolate for 14 days. All staff and students who are attending an education or childcare setting will have access to a test if they display symptoms of coronavirus.
Where the child, young person or staff member tests positive, the rest of their class/group within their childcare or education setting should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 14 days. The other household members of that wider class/group do not need to self-isolate unless the child, young person or staff member they live with in that group subsequently develops symptoms.
As part of the national test and trace programme, if other cases are detected within the child or young person’s cohort or in the wider education or childcare setting, Public Health England’s local Health Protection Teams will conduct a rapid investigation and will advise schools and other settings on the most appropriate action to take. In some cases, a larger number of other children and young people may be asked to self-isolate at home as a precautionary measure - perhaps the whole class, site or year group.
Where settings are observing guidance on infection prevention and control, which will reduce risk of transmission, closure of the whole setting will not generally be necessary.
Thank you very much for your on-going support during these significant changes to school life and routine. Please do not hesitate to get in touch either with your child’s class teacher or with me via admin.djs@osborne.coop
We are looking forward to welcoming your children back into school. Staff will be at hand to meet pupils and parents upon their return in September.
Yours Sincerely
Mr R Davies
Head of School
