Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Dr Robyn Dewis Director of Public Health - Letter to parents of Derby Children

  Tue 30 Mar 2021 Dr Robyn Dewis Director of Public Health

  Dear all,

   

  We have made great progress with bringing down the number of coronavirus cases in the City, but as we begin to ease restrictions it is more important than ever that we follow the legal restrictions.

   

  Although the vaccine programme is progressing at great pace we still have a majority of people under 50 who are vulnerable to infection. As we move around more, the virus will increase its spread.

   

  Relaxations are due on Monday 29th March and, if the required conditions are met, Monday 12th April. From the 29th March we will be permitted to meet as a group of six people, or two households, outside and this will remain the same in April.

   

  We will still not be permitted to meet socially indoors, and this includes children who are within a ‘bubble’ at school; it is important to remember that ‘bubbles’ are only in place in the school environment. This means that children are not permitted to meet in each other’s houses nor to have sleepovers.

   

  We are making really good progress, but an increase in cases now will put at risk the dates at which further relaxations are permitted.

   

  Thank you with your help in sticking to the rules and Doing the Right Thing for Derby.

   

  Yours sincerely

  Robyn Dewis

  Dr Robyn Dewis Director of Public Health

• Important information about Covid rules

  Tue 23 Mar 2021 Mr Seargent

  Please read this carefully and with consideration.

   

  Too many parents are flouting clear rules and putting others at risk.  I cannot articulate enough my frustration at this.  Although the actions are from a minority, a minority is too many. 

   

  In particular I refer to:

   

  • Continuing to send children to school with symptoms (including coughs)
  • Avoiding wearing facemasks
  • Not social distancing
  • Arranging events out of schools that breach lockdown rules

   

  Staff cannot make decisions for you regarding your child’s symptoms – this is the parent’s responsibility.  Do not send them to school if you suspect symptoms; it can be no clearer. 

   

  It is inevitable that if this continues, bubbles will close at school and this will impact on many, including those relying on children attending school in order to work.  It will be necessary to instigate further deep cleans (as was the case last time parents breached the guidance) in an attempt to undo the damage; but ultimately the health, wellbeing and lives of others are being placed at risk by those who believe themselves exempt from the guidance.

   

  The rules apply to all.  I want children and staff in school but the actions of some are placing this in jeopardy.

   

  • If your child has symptoms – get them tested
  • Report the outcome to us
  • Wear a face covering on school site
  • Keep socially distant
  • Follow the national guidelines

   

  If it’s a cough – keep them off – get a test

   

  If you feel you need to re familiarise yourself with guidance, the most recent links are available on the school website under the Covid Info link.

   

  Thank you to those who are considerate of others and have been diligent in their actions.

• Red Nose Day Activities - Friday 19th March!

  Fri 19 Mar 2021 Ms Vobes
  Next week we will be taking part in Red Nose Day in school!. We will be dressing up as our own favourite super heroes and sharing smiles with our favourite jokes!
  Take a look in the letters section for more details!

  

• Easter Break Free School Meal Vouchers

  Thu 18 Mar 2021 Mr Seargent

  Following a communication from Derby City Council stating that they are extending use of the Covid Winter Grant, I can confirm that those entitled to Free School Meals will be provided with meal vouchers over the Easter break period. 

   

  Vouchers will be supplied via the Wonde system which has proven successful in the most recent lockdown.  Families who have previously received these need not act as we already have your details in the system and you will receive them automatically.

• School Attendance update March 2021 (Peoples Services Directorate)

  Tue 09 Mar 2021 Derby City Council

  Dear Parent/Carer

   

  SCHOOL ATTENDANCE – COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 2021

   

  This is a message about school attendance from March 8th 2021

   

  Derby City Council are working in partnership with all schools across the City to welcome all children back to school in March following a further period impacted by Covid-19. Again, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to parents for the work you have done in ensuring your child/ren have received education during this period.

   

  We have heard of many cases of parents often in very difficult circumstances who have done their very best to support their child’s learning whilst schools have been closed to all but specific groups of pupils.

   

  We are sure parents are delighted that schools are re-opening to all pupils this month and children can return to their usual routines and benefit from and enjoy all that is on offer to them at school.

   

  In January, when the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was increasing, the government made it clear that no parent would be penalised or sanctioned for their child’s non- attendance at school as schools were then closed to all but those specific groups of pupils.

   

  Now the circumstances have changed, it is vital for all children to return to school to minimise as far as possible the longer-term impact of the pandemic on their education, wellbeing and wider development. We know that children have not only missed out on learning but also missed being with their friends and the wider social aspects of school.

   

  Missing out on more time in the classroom risks pupils falling further behind.

  Those with higher levels of absence tend to achieve less well in both primary and secondary school.

   

  Therefore, the Department for Education have confirmed that school attendance compulsory again from March 8th.

   

  This means from 8th March 2021, the usual rules on school attendance apply, including:

  • It is a parents’ duty to send their child to school regularly if they are of compulsory school age;

  • It is schools’ responsibility to record attendance and follow up absence

  • the local authority is able to resume the use of legal sanctions, including penalty notices and processes that may lead to prosecution in court for persistent absence.

   

  If you are worried about your child returning to school, you should discuss your concerns with the school directly. The school will be able to offer reassurance about the protective measures they have in place, and all schools work closely with health and other agencies who may also be able to help if needed.

   

  In addition, this is not the time to take your child out of school for a family holiday or other term time leave. It is unlikely that any leave will be authorised by the Head Teacher after so much enforced absence from school. The more your child is in school, the more they will catch up.

   

  No school or local authority wants to take legal action, and every attempt to resolve parents’ concerns and improve a child’s attendance will be made before any formal action is considered.

   

  After so much disruption to your child/ren’s education over recent months, the most important thing is that the school and parents work together to get children back into school. The school is ready to listen so please contact them if you have any worries and they will try to help you.

   

  Schools and colleges fully appreciate that some children and young people may be experiencing feelings such as anxiety, stress or low mood as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

   

  Education Welfare Service, People Services Directorate, Derby City Council

  derby.gov.uk