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

• Omnicon - Update

  Mon 29 Nov 2021 Mr Seargent

  Dear all

   

  As you are no doubt well aware, Gov UK and Public Health England have re introduced some Covid related restrictions following the discovery of the Omnicon variant in the UK.

   

  Have schools been told anything different to what we know?

  No.  What you know, we know,  but nothing more.  As yet, the Department of Education have given no direct guidance to primary schools.  There are changes to recommended practices in secondary schools, which are commonly a precursor to later guidance to us.

   

  Are Ashgate making any changes now?

  Yes.  There are two major changes in place as of today.  These are in place for common sense reasons as we try to negate any risk to pupils, staff and parents in the run up to Christmas.  The last thing we want is to have to close classes due to lack of staff (supply agency staff are not readily available) and enforce staggered starts/bubbles owing to increased cases, or families finding themselves in isolation before and during Christmas.

   

  Change 1: Face masks for visitors when in the school building.

  All visitors entering the school building will be required to wear a face mask.  This is only indoors at this present time, but may extend to the wider school if cases rise or guidance dictates.

   

  If you declare yourself as medically exempt from wearing a mask or state your objection for other reasons, we will  respect this, but it will not give you access to the school building.  It is your right to not wear a mask, but others have the right to be protected from potential consequences of your choosing (or not being able) not to wear one.  No mask, no entry to the school building.

   

  Change 2:  Christmas performances to be recorded.

  In order to avoid the risk of isolations or cases spreading, we will no longer be able to perform the Christmas nativity and associated church activities face to face.  We will however record these for parents to view.  A single case of the new variant being identified at one of these events could put multiple families into isolation, regardless of vaccine status.

   

  My aim now and in the near future is to ensure that there is limited negative impact on children and families.  Please view these precautions, and any that may follow, as sensible steps to protect all and reduce the risk of multiple families isolating over Christmas.

   

  Cases in school

  Cases in school of Covid 19 remain very low.  This will only be maintained if the school community acts with consideration to others.

   

  • Isolate and test if someone has symptoms
  • Maintain social distancing wear possible
  • Ensure good hand hygiene
  • Wear a mask on public transport and in shops
  • Get vaccinated

• Attendance Award this week

  Fri 26 Nov 2021 Mr Seargent

  Well done to Mr Donaldson's Class (The Ospreys) who achieved the highest level of attendance this week.

   

  Not only have they achieved the highest attendance but have also done so for 6 weeks this term!

   

  Thank you to all the parents and carers who support their child's education and life chances by attending school regularly and punctually.

• Covid Cases - Testing advice

  Fri 26 Nov 2021 Mr Seargent

  Although the school has had, and remains to have, low levels of child based covid cases, we are gradually seeing a rise in numbers of children testing positive.

   

  I emphasise that this remains low.

   

  However, as we are witnessing a rise in numbers testing positive on Lateral Flow Tests (30 minute test) and awaiting the full PCR (lab test) results, we advise parents of the following (advice from NHS England states)

   

  • Continue strict hygiene routines, washing your hands thoroughly and regularly
  • Maintain as much social distancing as possible
  • You should wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed areas where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet
  • Ventilate rooms and allow movement of air throughout buildings where possible
  • Get vaccinated
  • Get tested if you have symptoms

   

  I am aware of several schools where Covid infection has resulted in significant disruption to school life.  It is hoped that by working together, our school community can reduce the impact it has on us and our local community.

• The conduct of parents

  Wed 24 Nov 2021 Mr Seargent

  Clarity of expectations of conduct of parents

  You will be aware that I have high expectations regarding conduct of children and adults and that the school community is to be treated with respect and dignity. 

   

  Under Section 547 of the Education Act 1996, the Headteacher has the right to withdraw permission for parents to be on school site if they are ‘unreasonable’ in their behaviour or conduct.

   

  The school is also supported by the ‘Derby City Safe Community’ initiative, which is underpinned by Derbyshire Constabulary and Derby City Council, a programme to ensure that staff and visitors to the site are not abused.

   

  I am aware that there have been incidents recently where the conduct of a minority group of parents has been brought into question.   As adults we have a moral duty to conduct ourselves in the manner that we would like our children to mirror, but sadly this has not been the case.  Those involved have had expectations made clear to them, however I feel it relevant and appropriate to remind all of my power to legally ban parents who do not meet the expectation.

   

  Mr Seargent

   

   

   

   

• Christmas Menu

  Fri 19 Nov 2021
  

• Resident Parking and the Issue of fixed penalty notices (Fines)

  Tue 16 Nov 2021 Mr Seargent

  Resident Parking Concerns and Parking Enforcement

   

  I have today been made aware that some parents at school have received parking fines when dropping children off at school in the morning when they have parked in Resident Permit Zones.   

   

  This should not be a surprise as the enforcement notices have been in place for some time and I have repeatedly spoken to parents about the matter – warning them of the consequences in person and in writing.  Sadly, some have not adhered to this advice and now fines are being issued by parking wardens.

   

  We do actively encourage families to walk to and from school in order to:

   

  • Reduce localised pollution
  • Reduce high volumes of traffic
  • Support a healthier lifestyle for children

   

  It is understood that for some this is not possible, as they live out of catchment area or continue their journey to work from the school drop off.

   

  What walking distance is reasonably expected?

  We would encourage children to walk regularly within a reasonable distance, if they are fit, healthy and it is safe to do so.  However, the law defines what is reasonably expected as:

   

  “for children aged over 5 but under the age of 8 the statutory walking distance is 2 miles. For children aged over the age of 8 and under 16 the statutory walking distance is 3 miles” (Education act 1996)”

   

  For Ashgate Primary School this means that all children who attend from inside the Local Authority catchment area of the school are well within walking distance.  The catchment area includes that as far as Kedleston Road, Ford Street and Uttoxeter New Road and the eastern point of Brackensdale Avenue; all within the legal walking expectation.

   

  Whilst this does not mean children out of catchment area cannot attend (nor do we wish to discourage children doing so), the parent is opting to send their child to a school out of area or potentially beyond the defined walking distance.  Transport or parking is therefore not available for parents.  Parking for staff and official visitors is provided as it is not expected or appropriate for staff or visitors to live within catchment area.

   

  But I have to use my car, I have no option – what should I do?

  If you genuinely have no alternative but to use your car, you should look carefully at the signage around the school area to ensure that you are not parking in a resident parking zone.

   

  Parking away from the close vicinity of the school is an option.  From these locations parents can walk a short distance to school which is only a matter of minutes.  If you are doing this, you need to consider this in your journey planning.

   

  Important note:  ‘There was nowhere to park’ is not and will not be an acceptable reason for late arrival to school and will be recorded as such.  There is a reasonable expectation that parents plan their journey to arrive at school promptly and if necessary this should include the time taken to locate and park your vehicle as well as to walk to school from it.   

   

  It is not within my remit or power to suggest specific parking locations, therefore parents should look carefully at the signage.

   

  Please be considerate to residents

  Close proximity to the University campus and the inconsiderate actions of a minority have led to the resident permit zones being enforced.  In my experience, the more people fail to adhere to the restrictions, the more likely fixed penalty notices will be issued by the Local Authority.

   

  Local residents now have the legal right to park their vehicle outside or close to their home and as such pay for that privilege.  This must be respected and is legally binding.  It is true  that ‘school was here before the cars’, (a comment I have had repeated to me) but this is likewise applicable to parents opting to drive their child to school.

   

  In the past I have had complaints raised about inconsiderate parking including cars abandoned in the road, vehicles reversing up streets, three point turning mid way down roads and even parents being confrontational and swearing at residents who have understandably pointed out the resident parking signs.  This is not acceptable from any individual, especially in front of children and reflects badly on the school.

   

  Parents have been advised accordingly and should expect a fine if they flaunt the rules.

   

   

• Primary school Flu Immunisation 2021

  Tue 16 Nov 2021

  Dear Parents/Carers   For the school year starting September 2021 we will be continuing with the e-consent for the Flu Programme.  This year we will be offering the Nasal Flu vaccination to children in Reception, Year 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.    Please visit https://www.derbyshireandcityimms.co.uk/Forms/Flu to complete the consent form.  The option to consent or decline the vaccination is at the end of the questionnaire so please complete even if you do not want your child to have the vaccination.   If you wish to decline the Flu spray due to the porcine element we are now able to offer an alternative injectable Flu vaccine that does not contain porcine. Please complete the consent form as a decline due to vaccine ingredients and we will then contact you to arrange vaccination. For more information please contact the team as below.   Your unique school code for Ashgate Primary School and ERS is DC131685   For more information about the vaccination please visit our website: https://www.derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/our-services/5-19-years/school-age-immunisations   If you experience any problems, please call the School Age Immunisation Team:    Repton Health Centre: 01283 707178 Clay Cross Hospital: 01246 252953   Or email us DCHST.immunisationteam@nhs.net

• Absenteeism - Concerns and impact

  Mon 15 Nov 2021 Mr Seargent

  Persistent Absence Concerns – November 2021

   

  Every day missed at school reduces your child’s life chances

   

  In 2019, of those children not meeting SAT test standards at our school, 87% were persistent absentees or had been at some stage in their school life.

   

  In 2018, Ashgate school was graded as Good by Ofsted.  However, you may recall that the only grade that was below ‘Good’ was singularly related to the number of persistent absentees (children with less than 90% attendance) at the school.  OFSTED highlighted that: 

  ‘Too many pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, continue to be absent from school or are frequently late’ (Ofsted 2018)’.

  I shared at the time my frustration that too many families do not understand the link between non-attendance/lack of punctuality and under performance (low test results / outcomes).

   

  FACT: Persistent absenteeism (missing 1 day or more in two weeks) nationally, and at our school, is the single most avoidable reason for under performance.  An overwhelming number of children whose attendance is  below 90%  fail academically at primary school, are significantly more likely to leave secondary school without good GCSEs,  be involved in crime as teenager or receive a custodial (prison sentence) as an adult.

   

  Are we getting better?

  Despite initial improvements, recent records highlight another spike in the number of pupils who are considered persistent absentees.  As a result my team are in the process of updating the Local Authority Educational Welfare Officer who will take actions in line with DfE requirements.  This can include fixed penalty notices (fines issued by court) and /or summands to court.

   

  (Note: This spike in persistent absenteeism IS NOT related to Covid absences which have been discounted)

   

  Should I be worried if I receive an Attendance Matters/Warning Letter?

  Simply put – YES, you should be worried about your child’s education and the wider impact this is having on their chances in life. Parents will soon be issued with persistent absence warning notices and if you receive one:

  • You may receive a fixed penalty notice of between £250 and £2500 (per child) if improvements are not ‘significant and sustained’ or if a charge is not paid to the council promptly.
  • Your child has missed at least 1 in 10 days at school (Autumn term alone to date: this equates to at least 22 and a half less maths and English lessons than children who always attend.
  • Failure to improve now is highly likely to make your child a statistic confirming failed outcomes linked to absence.
  • The Local Authority Welfare officer is aware of concerns linked to your child.

  Food for thought - If the school were to offer an additional 10% (or more) of lessons for your child, this would have a huge impact on their outcomes. 

  The bottom line is that this is offered to all persistent absentees, you simply have to turn up, on time, and every day.

   

  Frequently Asked Questions:

   

  They are only children; does it really matter?

  YES! The fact is that children who attend school for less than 95% of the time underperform significantly and have ominously reduced lifetime opportunities. It is not good enough to send your child to a good school or be graded a ‘Good School’ if absenteeism impacts on achievement. Schools with poor attendance and diminished outcomes do not remain ‘Good’.

   

  But my child has been ill and I have told you this?

  Absence is absence, and impacts on a child’s learning and wellbeing, regardless of the reason. This is clear in the actions taken under national policy. Whilst I have utter respect for parents who state that absence has been a result of specific unavoidable illness, this does not negate the fact that their child has been impacted by it, or that the policy applies to all. A child, who is absent due to intermittent illness, has missed the same amount of time as a child who has been absent as a result of a parent’s failure to bring them to school for unauthorised reasons. 

    

  To be clear, under policy and in reality, absence through illness has the same impact as absence for any other reason and as such is included in your child’s absence figures. This is a national requirement.

   

  So, are you saying you want me to bring my child into school when they are ill?

  No. But I do ask parents to consider carefully if absence is really necessary. We are not medical practitioners and cannot make decisions on behalf of health professionals, or indeed parents – the choice is yours.

    

  I cannot afford a fine, how will I pay the school?

  Firstly, fines are not issued by, or paid to the school – despite what you may have read on social media or in popular press. The courts issue fines and the revenue is taken by them. If you cannot pay a fine, this is a matter for the courts and is dealt with in line with any other unpaid debts to the Crown. The school has no say in this.

   

  I will not pay the fine, what can they do to me?

  Simply put, the fine increases to up to £2500. If you continue not to pay, you can get up to a 3 month prison sentence.

   

  I did not realise this and I have received a letter re my child’s absence. What can I do?

  Ashgate Primary School is here to help you when and where we can. 

  • The first step is to attend the meeting and work with the school. This will be your chance to seek support if there are underlying reasons for the absences. Whilst we cannot act on your behalf, we can point you in the right direction and look to see if there is anything we can do to help.
  • Recognise that there is an issue, and do all you can to reverse any absence trends. This may be easier said than done, but it cannot be ignored for your child’s sake. It is never too late.
  • Act promptly if you receive notices, attendance letters and/or court notices. They will not go away.

   

  Remember -every day missed at school reduces your child’s life chances.