Keys for Success and the Corona Virus
I can offer advice to help provide a solution to a problem.
By Sycamore Class
You could use persistence because I think businesses should be able to keep on trying so they do not fail.
You should use persistence to keep on trying to find a cure for the virus.
Show respect for others by not taking all of the food but leaving some for other people.
Everyone should stop buying everything from the shops and the government should organise online shopping so that everyone can have a fair amount.
If you are not successful with a cure straightaway, use resilience and try again.
If you have to stay at home for two weeks respect the rules.
Use resilience to cope if you are stuck at home and find things to do like arts and craft.
Be confident that you will be able to get out and out about again.
Coronavirus - latest from Stanmore Primary
Last updated 17:00, 22 May 2020
This page will give the latest key guidance for the school to all parents, pupils and staff of Stanmore Primary School.
Our principles during this evolving situation are:
To protect members of our community and to keep them safe
To provide a quality education for as long as possible
To follow official government or health authority advice
To communicate as openly and clearly as we can, providing timely updates
The following questions and answers give our latest position and guidance. If you have any questions that we have not answered, please use the form at the bottom of the page to log your question and we will attempt to answer them within the limits of the guidance we have been given to date.
Plan for school return for Years R, 1 and 6
In accordance with the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday 10th May, we are continuing to make plans for the first phase of a return to Stanmore Primary School for Years R, 1 and 6. This will only happen in line with Government Guidance expected by Thursday 28th May 2020. However, like all schools we have made plans ahead of confirmation by the Government.
At Stanmore Primary School the return dates are planned for:
Monday June 1st Children of critical workers, vulnerable children and Children in Year R
Tuesday 2nd June Children in Year 1
Thursday 4th June Children in Year 6
As you would want and expect from us, we are following all available Government and Local Authority advice in working to create a range of health and safety measures.
School will not look or feel the same for your children. You can help prepare your child by sharing the photos of the site with them and sharing the ‘social stories’ that will help give a clear message about what they can expect. These can be found at: www.stanmore.hants.sch.uk/news/2020/5/22/resources-to-help-your-child-in-their-return-to-school
Managing the risks for your children
The guidance makes very clear that primary-age children cannot be expected to comply with social distancing – we will manage groups of children in ‘pods’ of 15. These ‘pods’ will have their own classroom space and central to our plan is that they work separately from other pods.
Children will be taught in half year groups – We have plans in place for 8 pods. Where possible we will keep children of the same year groups within a pod. It may be necessary to have some mixed age pods, particularly for children of critical workers and vulnerable children in Year 2-5
Most children will not be taught by their class teacher – There will be up to two adults familiar to your child, but not necessarily their class teacher. The work will be planned with input from their year-group teacher, they aren’t guaranteed to be with that teacher.
We will set systems in place to maximise hygiene practices – frequent handwashing practices will continue, as well as a regime of cleaning surfaces and contact points throughout the day. Children will also have their own desk and equipment to use wherever possible, with highly restricted sharing of resources. Children will need to bring a water bottle and lunch box but no other bags or equipment including soft toys and mobile phones
First Aid and management of cross-contamination – Every class has a first aid kit and a book to record incidents and any potential C-19 cross-contamination. The teacher will deal with any first aid incidents and record them in the class book as a ‘green’ incident. A first Aider will be called to the class for a head bump or more serious cut or bruise and record this as an ‘amber’ incident. Parents will be notified by text or phone call in the same way as usual. Parents will continue to always be notified straight away in the event of a serious medical incident. We ask that you remind your child about the need for good hygiene including managing coughs and sneezes. If there has been any risk of cross-contamination this will also be recorded. Staff have PPE to use if there is a first aid incident or a child accidentally wets or soils themselves. Don’t worry, we have spare clothes for your child.
If your child becomes unwell with symptoms – please don’t send your child to school, if they have a new or continuous dry cough, a high temperature and loss of smell or taste. Please let us know and book your child to be tested immediately. Other families in your child’s pod will be notified that they need to stay at home until the test result is returned. If the test result is positive, the symptomatic child will need to stay at home for 7 days. The other children in the group will need to stay at home for 14 days. If the test result is negative then the ill child should stay at home until they are well and the remaining children can return to school immediately. This is also the case should a member of staff show symptoms.
If your child becomes unwell with symptoms at school – they will be cared for by a member of staff in Acorns. You will contacted and asked to collect your child from Acorns and then advised to follow the Covid-19 guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
Managing the School Day
School start and finish times – These will remain the same initially. The gates will be locked at 9:30am allowing for longer because of the queuing system. We are aware of ‘pinch points’ at the school gates, therefore there will be an in/out system marked with 2m intervals.
Drop off and pick up – Social distancing is expected across the school site and we rely on you to manage that up until you get to the classroom doors. There will be a ‘check in’ and ‘check out’ queue for parents and children leading up to the classroom door. These will be marked at 2m intervals. Only one parent can accompany the child onto the school site.
Wrap around provision - This remains under review. Children mixing before and after school compromises the strategy of keeping children in their groups to lower the risk of transmission and therefore parents should not expect that this provision will resume at this time.
Attendance - Registers will be taken in each ‘pod’ each morning and afternoon. Children returning from Year R, 1 and 6 should attend school every day. Parents of critical workers have been ‘booking’ children in for days that match shift patterns. Children of critical workers in Year 2-5 only may continue with this arrangement notifying the school in advance using the existing processes we have been following during lockdown.
Notifying the school of absence or non-attendance If a child is in Year R, 1 or 6 and will not be returning to school we must receive this in writing with a reason for your decision. If a child is attending school, but is absent due to illness in parents MUST phone the office every day by 9am stating the reason for absence.
All penalties regarding non-attendance have been suspended – although the Government strongly encourage children to attend, they will not be challenging school attendance during this period. Some will not be able to attend because their families are self-isolating or shielding. We will support your decision regarding what you feel is best for the safety and wellbeing of your children
Managing the school experience
The curriculum in school – we are really looking forward to seeing children back in school and are working hard to create a curriculum that can be delivered in these unusual circumstances. Children will work mainly from their desks, using our lovely grounds whenever possible. Children in the Early Years and our younger children in Year One, will be encouraged to keep a safe distance. It will not be appropriate for them to sit at desks all day or to learn without sharing some resources and equipment. These will be wiped down with sanitising spray or washed regularly.
The virtual curriculum – this will continue, but instead of sending work to stanmoresupport, work will be submitted to:
Mr Read at year1and2@stanmoreprimary.com
Miss Hurley at year3and4@stanmoreprimary.com
Mrs Atkins at year5and6@stanmoreprimary.com
We will not be able to provide the full depth and breadth of curriculum that your children are used to - mental health and wellbeing will be the priority on return. Time will be spent listening to your children and reassuring them. In addition to this children in Catkins, will be re-integrating into school life and getting used to separating from their parents ready for transition to Year 1. In Year 1 children will be re-visiting the early reading skills including phonics and revisiting early number skills in preparation for Year 2. In Year 6 we aim to give children as much ‘closure’ as we can to their primary school years while focusing on readiness for Kings in terms of their work.
Playtime and Lunchtime - Each pod will be allocated an outdoor space. Year R and Year 1 will eat in the hall, with spaces set out carefully to minimise contact. Older children will remain in their classrooms and lunch will be brought to them, or they will eat from their lunch box. Tables will be wiped down with sanitising spray before and after lunch and bins will be emptied regularly. All children should wear trainers ready to be outside and enjoy freedom of movement during the day where less restricted use of the grounds will be timetabled for each pod. Sorry no football or contact sports including tag at break, lunchtime or as part of exercise.
Clothing – children should wear school uniform and trainers. Normal good personal hygiene and regular washing of clothes is recommended.
Behaviour – Please talk to your children about the need to follow the school rules, including those on social distancing. We are working on a revised behaviour policy and further guidance on this will follow. Adults are asked to respect these guidelines and support us in managing the risks while on site, whatever your personal views. We belong to a community and have shown tremendous support for one another during lockdown.
Q. Where can I find the latest government advice?
Information for parents and carers with regards to the reopening of schools:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening-schools-and-other-educational-settings-from-1-june
Actions for education and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020
Implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings
Specific information about online safety:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-staying-safe-online
More government information and advice can be found at this link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Q. How can I help to prepare my child for their return to school?
You can help prepare your child by sharing the photos of the site with them and sharing the ‘social stories’ that will help give a clear message about what they can expect.
These can be found at: www.stanmore.hants.sch.uk/news/2020/5/22/resources-to-help-your-child-in-their-return-to-school
Q. Will my child be able to still have free school meals?
Children in Year R and 1 will be able to have school meals as part of the universal infant free school meals provision when they are in school.
Children who are eligible for free school meals on a means-tested basis, are able to have free school meals when they are in school. In addition, for those children not currently in school, working with HC3, Hampshire’s school meals service, lunches for those already eligible for Free School Meals will be available.
We appreciate that some people may become eligible for free school meals during this period. If you think you might be eligbile, please contact us.
Q. If my child needs to be in self-isolation following the official government advice, how do I inform the school?
If your child needs to be in self-isolation following the official advice from the government, please contact the school via the online form on our Attendance and illness webpage, or call the school and leave a message. It is important that you clearly tell us if the absence is due to self-isolation.
Q. What should I do if my child has an underlying health condition, or someone in my family is at greater risk from the virus?
We advise all parents and carers to follow the official government advice with regards to self-isolation or social distancing. However, if you are worried about particular health conditions you should consult the NHS website or your GP for any specific guidance related to your circumstances.
Q. Will the events in the school calendar still go ahead?
Following the government advice about social distancing given on 16th March 2020, we have decided to cancel any events for the foreseeable future.
Q. What can I do to help stop the spread of the virus?
There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses which can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19
Q. Will the SATs tests still go ahead?
Given the Department of Education’s announcement, the SATs tests will not take place this year.
Q. Are after school clubs and childcare continuing?
After school clubs will cease to run from Wednesday 18th March until further notice. This is due to potential staff shortages.
Poppins after school club will cease.
Creative Kidz are updating parents registered with them directly.
Can’t see the answer to your question here?
Then let us know what your question is, and we will try our best to answer it.
Stanmore Post - 13 March 2020 - Coronavirus
Dear Parents/Guardians,
You will be aware that the Government updated its advice on the Coronavirus on the 12th March 2020.
They have made the decision that schools will not close unless there is a confirmed case of COVID19 within the school community. Stanmore Primary School will, therefore, continue to operate as usual for the time being.
Community events
Our priority is to keep everyone safe and provide an education for children in school for as long as possible. Key advice from the government is to maintain good hand hygiene. While we have a supply of soap, hand sanitiser is in short supply and we need to prioritise these resources towards the continuing day to day running of the school.
As part of our risk assessment, we have considered the logistics of ensuring all visitors to our events can wash their hands on arrival and before leaving school. This means that we have had to consider each community event that we have planned for the next few weeks and regrettably make some changes.
The Year 3 / 4 Spring Production Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th March
This will go ahead as it is fully prepared and the children have been working really hard. The audience are asked to enter the school via the KS2 gate and wash their hands in Acorns before entering the KS2 corridor and the hall. This will be repeated at the end of the show. If you have hand sanitiser please bring this as an alternative.
The Mothers’ Day Breakfast Friday 21st March
This will, unfortunately, need to be postponed due to the number of people expected and the nature of the event.
Parents’ Evening
This will go ahead as planned but the usual face to face meeting may be replaced by a telephone consultation. Please book online for a time slot when the system opens as usual and we will review this nearer the time.
The ‘Listen to Me’ concert and The Easter Service on Thursday 2nd April
Both these events will be under review and may be subject to change.
There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses which can be found here:
People who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work or any education or childcare setting. This includes our school events.
Pupils, students, staff and visitors should wash their hands before leaving home and arriving at school and after using the toilet.
If you are worried about your symptoms or those of a child or colleague, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP or another healthcare environment. Further information can be found on the Public Health England Blog and the NHS UK website.
Possible Closure
With schools being shut in other countries it is clearly possible that this may happen here in the future. We cannot say when this might be required but we expect the Government to give us some notice of this decision and we will keep you informed.
If the school is required to close, we will continue the children’s education by using online resources including Purple Mash and Times Table Rock Stars. Please check that your child’s login for these is in their home school diary. Every child should have a reading book in their bag. In addition to this, we will post the ‘Stanmore Jigsaw’ of activities for each year group, spellings and spelling strategies. Maths will be updated daily on the website for each year group.
Please check the school website for updates. There is a department for Education helpline number and email address for staff, pupils and parents to raise any queries. Please note that the helpline is very busy and it may take some time to get through.
Phone 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening Hours 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
More information can be found at this link
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
What to do if you think you may have the virus
Anybody developing symptoms such as a new cough, temperature or fever should self-isolate for 7 days
If symptoms develop or you are concerned then you should ring 111 or go online to https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19 and follow the advice given.
Any children needing to self–isolate should report their absence to the school office. It is important that the reason for absence is made clear to the school
We understand that this is a difficult and worrying time for everyone. The situation may change and it is important that you check our website regularly. We will inform you of any changes as soon as we are able to.
Best Wishes
Sharon Taylor
Year 3 - Winchester College River Study
Year 3 were very fortunate to spend two afternoons at Winchester College studying the River Itchen and all the creatures that live in its crystal clear waters. We learnt that the water was clear because the chalk aquifer filters it. We caught invertebrates from the river bottom and sorted them. There were lots of shrimps which indicated that the water was clean.
Using an orange, tape measure and stop watch, we recorded the speed of the river. We did the test 3 times to ensure that it was a fair test. We found the PH of the river was PH7 which meant it was NEUTRAL and good for the fish.
Using our special glasses, we saw the sheltered area where Atlantic salmon spawn, laying 25,000 eggs after travelling over 6,000 miles. They use their sense of smell to navigate.
Birch art work inspired by Kurt Jackson
Art work inspired by Kurt Jackson whose paintings reflect a concern with environmental issues and ecology.
Children used words associated with plastic waste, contaminating the worlds oceans, to spread the message that we need to think carefully about how our actions damage the natural environment. The children researched and then wrote persuasive posters to highlight the issue of plastic waste and suggested alternatives to ensure that the oceans are kept clean.
Hazel class - fully engaging in the tunnel experience
Hazel Class have thoroughly enjoyed book week this week. It has been great to see all the children enjoying their reading and sharing stories together. We have had favourite books bought in to school including one with life size pictures of animals and plants in, including a rather terrifying looking tarantula. We have also had some hand written stories bought in and shared. It is so exciting to see members of our class enjoying stories so much that they want to write their own in their own time, we even have one boy who is keen to become an author when he is older.
In our writing sessions in Hazel class, containing a mix of the three year 1/2 classes, we have been exploring the book 'The Tunnel' by Anthony Browne. The children have loved looking at this book and have studied the images in the book to make predictions and infer the characters thoughts, feelings and reasons for actions. They have also been writing some excellent descriptive sentences by looking in detail at some of the amazingly illustrated images and writing what they can see but also by fully engaging in the tunnel experience by climbing through their own tunnel and seeing what it might have been like for the girl in the story.
The children have shown a great amount of empathy towards the world while we have spent time looking at the book, 'Little Turtle turns the tide' by Lauren Davies. They have had some great ideas as to how to reduce plastic and are keen to look after our world more, especially our oceans. Please encourage the children to do what they can to help reduce, reuse and recycle.
Stanmore celebrates World Book Day 2020
On Thursday 5th March, we participated in the worldwide celebration of books and reading. Prior to World Book Day, we welcomed Lauren Davies, author of ‘Little Turtle turns the tide’ to Stanmore, where she shared her beautifully illustrated book highlighting the important issue of plastic pollution in our seas. This text was selected as our focus book for the whole school during the week, with the children exploring the storyline, vocabulary and grammar features during their writing and guided reading sessions. Alongside this, we linked in our PSHE work on the environment and plastic pollution, as well as creating some stunning artworks inspired by the book. The children were invited to contribute to a whole-school art project using plastic bottle tops, highlighting the concerns of plastics swamping our oceans.
On World Book Day itself, the children were invited to dress in a ‘sea’ theme; we were so delighted to see so many children participate as beachcombers, mermaids, pirates and a wide selection of sea creatures! In the afternoon, the children moved into their house ‘families’ and shared stories with each other. This was a wonderful afternoon of story-telling, sharing favourite books and drawing on past experiences across Early Years to Year 6.
Friday afternoon featured the ‘Book Swap’ with children across the Key Stages bringing in and exchanging books for exciting new reads. It was lovely to see the children bursting with the anticipation of reading their ‘new’ book.
The children are encouraged to complete their ‘share-a story’ log, which runs for the month of March, with a block to be shaded in for every 10 minutes of story sharing completed. We look forward to creating our ‘Share-0-Meter’ of reading to see how many hours of story sharing Stanmore can achieve over the month.
Read all about it!
This week we featured in the Hampshire Chronicle. Click on the photo below to see the story online.
Lunchtime is changing - for the better
The opinions and views of our pupils are really important to us at Stanmore Primary. By listening to our pupils and implementing their ideas we build on their sense of Belonging and Trust in our school community.
One area where the children have had the responsibility to make a difference is in the changes we have made to lunchtimes.
A huge amount of time and effort has gone into making the lunchtimes a positive and enriching experience for all the children, with different areas offering different activities. Watching a huge majority of our children dancing and singing along with Miss Elkins on the Junior Playground,(and hearing about the staff joining in while watching from the staff room window), has been quite magical.
At the beginning of the week, children ate their lunch in a darkened hall lit up with fairy lights while ambient music played, and today the tables were set in rows of red, blue, green and yellow for the house teams to sit at.
Thank you to all the children and staff who have contributed to make this a success.
A new addition to Stanmore School
A little bit of rain did not deter Birch class from pond dipping, in the school pond, as part of their longitudinal study in science. To their surprise the pond was teeming with frogspawn. It takes frogspawn roughly three weeks to hatch after spawning and each tadpole is around 12mm and brown in colour.
Birch class will keep the pond under close observation and report when the first tadpoles hatch.
The children have written some very entertaining playscripts for a short Pixar animation, ‘The chess game.’ So many children excelled that Mrs Taylor awarded many Headteacher’s merit for their excellent writing.
Year 3/ 4 have been busy learning their lines, practicing the songs and collecting costumes for their Ancient Egyptian production which they will perform at the end of the month.