Reflections on week 2

The local and national situation remains concerning with the news that gatherings of more than 6 people are illegal from next Monday and that the infection rate in Tameside continues to warrant additional local restrictions.

NHS Test and Trace have contacted a number of our families and they have informed us immediately, arranged tests and self-isolated whilst awaiting the results. I applaud such actions as they contribute to the safety of our whole community and appeal for everyone to follow the guidance if you are contacted by T&T, or if anyone from your household develops symptoms of COVID-19.

I’m also reassured by the cautious approach taken by families when it comes to sending in children who are not feeling 100%. Children will suffer from a multitude of sniffles, colds and other bugs and I don’t expect them to miss out on their lessons for minor complaints. However, a higher than normal temperature, a dry, persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell should warrant a COVID test. Your cooperation with this will help keep school open and us all safe.

The morning and end of day routines seem to be bedding in well and I again thank everyone for their patience and cooperation. We do not seem to have any major problems with crowding on the school site, although the area under the year 2 canopy is, at times, still too crowded. Please avoid this area of school if possible. I will assist with children in Mrs Barton and Mrs Adam’s classes whilst I’m monitoring the corner door.  Please ensure that only one parent attends school to do drop offs and collections and that you leave the site promptly after saying goodbye or collecting. I have closed the slide and climbing frame before and after school to prevent unnecessary mixing across “bubbles”  and to encourage children to leave the site promptly.

I am delighted with how resilient the children have proved to be with so many aspects of school life being different from our usual “Flowery” offering. The internal routines are getting quicker and from next week, year 2 and 3 classes are returning to the hall for their lunches. We are also launching after school clubs from next week, for years 5 and 6, (the children have a letter with full details.) Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 have access to a before school club starting at 8am on the day that they do P.E. with entry via the back door of the main hall. (Same rules for clubs as PE lessons regarding earrings.) It is good to see some forest school sessions returning and swimming lessons for our year 3 children.

Again, thanks for everyone’s support as we endeavour to keep everyone safe, keep school open and restore the ‘Flowery Field’ experience.