WELCOME
Dear Parents,
I am delighted to be writing my first letter as the new Head Teacher of St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Leicester.
Throughout my career, I have been involved in education and thoroughly enjoyed my previous range of experience as a teacher, senior leader, specialised leader of education and as an Assistant Head teacher.
Since my appointment in January this year I have had the opportunity to work closely with Mrs Andrea Leslie and The St Thomas Aquinas Trust to ensure a smooth transition of Headship. Staff, children and governors have clearly worked very hard to make St Joseph’s the great school it is today and I feel very fortunate to be the new Head Teacher of a school with such a good reputation in the local community.
My priority as Head Teacher is to ensure that the children who attend St Joseph’s continue to be safe, happy and achieve well. To this end I will be working hard to make sure that the school continues to grow and flourish, building on the good foundations already in place.
As a parent of three children, I know how important it is to work in partnership with parents and carers in order to make school a positive and rewarding experience. I am aware that many of you have long associations with the school and I am hoping that we can work together to ensure its continued success.
In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there is anything I can do to help and support you with your child’s learning and/or wellbeing at school. I look forward to meeting you all.
I can be contacted by email at cdedman@st-josephs.leicester.sch.uk
With best wishes,
Mrs Clair Dedman
.
Information from our Academy Trust CEO
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Frequently Asked Questions (By Parents)
Entry into School
School will be open for drop off between 8.40 and 9.00, this will avoid a bottle neck. Children are to enter school via their designated entrance, wash their hands, then enter their classroom and sit in their allocated space. Parents are to wait in the playground with their child until the member of staff on duty calls their child in. Only one adult per household allowed on the playground. The school gates will be locked at 9.00.
School Uniform
Children are required to wear school uniform. As PE will be taking place outside children will need a warm PE kit. This should be black leggings or tracksuit bottoms, a school t-shirt and a warm hoodie. In line with the schools Uniform Policy.
Bubbles
A bubble is a group of children who remain together within the school environment. Children will remain in the same bubble throughout this current situation; once they have been established. Bubbles are to be no larger than one class. Staff can now move between bubbles, however this will be minimised.
Handwashing
Children should wash their hands frequently. Each class to display the handwashing protocol. Hand sanitiser will also be available within school. In addition, where possible, children should bring a small bottle of hand sanitiser with them. This should be clearly labelled with their name and will then be kept on their desk.
Wiping down resources
Tables, handles and resources should be wiped down frequently. Each class to display the wiping down protocol. Each bubble will have a box of resources including spray, wipes and marigolds.
PPE Equipment
The Trust have sourced PPE equipment and this will be available within the room being used by each bubble. This equipment is only to be used for sickness, first aid or intimate care.
First Aid
Wherever possible first aid should be administered within the classroom. Each class will have some plasters, wipes and disposable gloves in addition to the PPE equipment. As we need to reduce the movement around school wherever possible, if an ice pack is needed an adult should fetch, wipe down after use and put back in the fridge.
Assemblies and Collective Worship
There will be a daily act of Collective Worship. There will be at least one assembly a week over teams.
Bookbags
Bookbags and PE Bags can be brought into school.
Library Books
All children will be issued with home readers or library books.
Breaktimes
Children will be allocated a space outside for break and lunchtime. This will ensure that there is no cross over of the bubbles. This may mean that we need to stagger break and lunch and the use of outside space.
Lunchtime
EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 will be eating their lunch in the hall. There is enough space for us to be able to keep each bubble separate. Within KS2 lunches will be eaten in the classrooms. One member of staff will go to the kitchen and collect these. If the children are bringing in their own lunchboxes this needs to be in a wipe down lunch box, If possible no fabric lunchboxes to be used.
Toilets
Each bubble will be allocated a set of toilets to use. There will be a waiting spot outside for if the area is already occupied.
Doors
All internal doors will be propped open; where it is safe to do so. This reduces the need to touch surfaces and increases ventilation.
Cloakrooms
Cloakrooms will be used. Drop off and retrieval of coats needs to be supervised.
The Field
The field may be used during this time. It could also be used by more than one bubble as long as they remain in different spaces.
End of the Day
At the end of the day children can be picked up between 3 and 3.15pm (Times have been allocated) Parents/Carers are to remain at a safe distance from the school building and the children will be sent to them.
School Office
Visits to the school office should be kept to a minimum. Contact should be made by phone call or email wherever possible.
School Curriculum
When the children first return we will be carrying out assessments so that we can identify any gaps that may have developed. Initially our curriculum focus will be on RE, English and maths. This includes the teaching of phonics and promoting a love of reading. Our aim is to accelerate progress get the children ready for the next stage of their education.
Parents in School
Our current risk assessment does not allow any parents within the school building. This means that if it is necessary to have a face to face meeting; this will need to be done either outside (weather permitting) or on a virtual platform. If the current restrictions are not lifted by the time we would usually be offering parents’ meetings; these will also be done virtually.
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