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

• Weekly update from Mrs Reid

  Thu 24 Sep 2020 Jo Reid

  Dear Parents/Carers

  First of all, I would like to say thank you to all our community for once again trying so hard to make our school as safe as possible. The overwhelming majority of parents and adults bringing children to the school are walking up Elms road from the shops, wearing masks and walking as distantly as possible when entering and leaving the school grounds.

  I would also like to say thank you to our pupils who are also trying very hard to be as safe as possible, while still enjoying time in class learning and time outside playing with friends. Our older pupils have been taking greater responsibility and our year 5 pupils, who have been studying persuasive writing, have made fantastic safety posters to put up around school.  I have added some examples at the bottom of the page.

  As I have previously written, we are constantly trying to find the best ways to keep our community safe and are reviewing and adapting our risk assessment and procedures wherever we see an opportunity to further lessen the risk of infection and keep us all as safe as possible. Here are this week’s updates.

  Morning arrival

  The morning arrival one-way system appears to be working well. The arrivals are more spread out across the whole 25-minute window, and the one way in and out of school is generally being adhered to.

  Unfortunately, on Monday we have a very near miss on Elms Road for one of our pupils arriving in school. This was obviously distressing for the child and parent involved and for those nearby who witnessed the incident. In line with our commitment to keeping our pupils safe, we have reported the near miss to the local police team and have requested their attendance on Elms Road to observe the traffic and help us ensure the safety of our community.  All parents can help with this by ensuring that:

  • Children and pupils do not cross the road directly behind any home school transport taxis waiting for the gate to the car park to open – please wait until they are in the gate before crossing.
  • You do not drive up Elms Road to drop children off outside the school gates as this causes an obstruction and small children are out of the line of sight.
  • You park by the shops and walk.

  Afternoon collection:

  As there is less time for parents and adults to arrive and the majority of people are on site or leaving at the same time, we trialled a new system yesterday, which we feel provided greater distancing for parents and children as they come to collect. From today, please:

  • Enter through the car park gate when arriving at school for collection.
  • Leave the school by following the pathway close to the building with your children.

  This system allows for greater distancing for parents whilst still avoiding children walking through the car park. As it has been since the start of term, the car park will remain closed to moving vehicles from 3pm until 3:30 to facilitate this plan and keep adults arriving safe as they walk through the car park to the playground.

  Thank you again for your support of the staff at Botley School while they work hard to keep your children safe.

  Mrs Reid

  

• Covid Symptoms

  Mon 14 Sep 2020 Jo Reid

  Dear Parents/Carers,

   

  As we begin the 2nd full week back in school, I feel that I must, once again express heartfelt thanks to you all. Despite the fact that the measures that we are having to take to protect our community are inconvenient for us all, I have been extremely impressed by the can-do attitude of staff and parents alike.

   

  The feedback from Public Health England is that, on the whole, children are not tending to spread the virus and are not being seriously affected. I found this reassuring. However, it is important to note that where there have been outbreaks it is usually through adult to adult contact. As this is the case, I feel it is worth just reminding parents and carers to do your best to maintain a distance between you when dropping off and picking up your children.

   

  As there have been a number of questions about COVID-19 symptoms and what to do, I thought I would just write out a few key things that you need to know:

   

  What are the Symptoms of COVID?

  • a new continuous cough

  • a high temperature

  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

  Having just one of these symptoms could indicate a COVID infection.

   

  What do I do if my child or any person in my home shows any of these symptoms?

  • The person with the symptoms must stay at home to self-isolate for 10 days from the date their symptoms started.

  • All other members of the household must stay at home to self-isolate for 14 days

  • Immediately arrange to have a test for anyone who is actually displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

   

  Should I arrange a test for anyone else in the household if they are not showing symptoms? No. Even if one person has tested positive, there is no point in anyone else getting tested unless they begin to show symptoms, at which time they would need to be tested.

   

  How do I arrange a test?

  • Arrange a test through the nhs.uk website. This can be accessed by clicking on this link https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test 

  • If you can’t access the internet you can ring 119 to book a test.

   

  What do I do if no tests are available?

  • Keep trying until you can book a test.

  • All members of the household must self-isolate until receiving the test result

   

  What if I am not sure if the symptoms are COVID or a cold?

  • First check the list of symptoms above.

  • If still unsure whether you or your child is experiencing COVID symptoms please feel ring 119 or your GP for advice.

  • You MUST NOT come to school if you think you or any of your family may have COVID symptoms.

   

  Test results

  • If the test results are negative your child can return to school as soon as they are well enough

  • If your child has self-isolated for 10 days following a positive test, they do not have to take another test to check if they are now negative. They will be able to return to school if well enough.

   

  Will the school tell me if there is a child in the bubble who is self-isolating? No. This is because most people with suspected symptoms do not test positive for the virus. However, we will always inform you if there is a positive case that requires any action and we will always seek and follow the advice of the local Public Health Team when making decisions.

   

  If I have a child in another bubble or school and they are sent home to self-isolate, Does the rest of my family have to self-isolate? No. Not unless any of your household actually show COVID symptoms.

   

  I’m afraid this has been another quite lengthy letter but I have tried to answer all the questions we are being asked. I hope it has been helpful.

   

  Although it is important to know what to do, please remember that instances of the virus are still low and most people who test positive experience only mild symptoms. Following all the measures we have put in place can only help reduce the risk.

   

  Wishing you all continued good health  

  Mrs Jo Reid