Return to school information.

Annfield Plain Junior School 

Return to school – Monday 8^th March, 2021      

Please ensure any changes to phone numbers/e-mails are phoned/e-mailed in to school.

Preparing children for returning to school.

The best way to help your child to prepare for school is to return to structured days, including school night bedtimes, a week before returning. Please talk to your child about returning to school and how it will be the same as the autumn term.  More guidance is available below and on the school website, in the parents section.

Will school attendance be mandatory from 8^th March, 2021?

Yes, the Government have advised that school attendance will be mandatory again from the planned return to school of the 8^th March.

Which of the usual school attendance rules will apply from Monday 8^th March, 2021?

All of the usual rules will apply including:

• parents’ duty to secure that their child attends regularly at school where the child is a registered pupil at school and they are of compulsory school age;

• schools’ responsibilities to record attendance and follow up absence;

• the availability to issue sanctions, including fixed penalty notices in line with local authorities’ codes of conduct.

What about pupils who are shielding or self-isolating?  Will they be expected to attend from 8^th March?

• A small number of pupils will still be unable to attend in line with public health advice because they are self-isolating and have had symptoms or a positive test result themselves; or because they are a close contact of someone who has coronavirus (COVID-19). Please inform school if this is your child on Monday 8^th

• Shielding advice for children, who have received a letter advising them to shield as they are extremely clinically vulnerable, are advised to continue to shield. A copy of the shielding letter for the child must be given to school. Please contact school if your child is clinically extremely vulnerable and has a current letter advising them to shield.

Routines

On Monday 8^th March, pupils will enter school, as normal, through the front gate at any time after 8:30am and before 8:45am. The gates will not open before 8:30am.  If your child walks to school alone, please ensure they do not arrive before 8:30am. Children will then be asked by staff to enter school and wash their hands, ready to enter class. The school day starts at 8:45 am and ends at 3pm.

Pupils will leave, just after 3pm, through different exits. Miss Angus (class 3) and Mrs Taylor (class 3/4) will exit by the front gate – staff will bring the children out to you. All other classes: Miss Smith (class 4/5), Mrs West (class5/6) and Mrs Dorward (class 6) will exit by the back gate, at the side of school.  Parents/carers are asked to socially distance whilst waiting for their child to exit school.

Parents are asked to socially distance at the school gates and if waiting close to others, to wear face coverings.  If parents need to speak to school staff, at the school gates, please wear face coverings.

Breakfast Club is now available at the Infant School. It is booked directly with the Infant School and a member of our staff picks up junior children from there at 8.30a.m.

Continued changes to restrict the spread of coronavirus (please discuss these with your child before they return to school).

(If you want to read our full coronavirus risk assessment version 6, it is available on the school website in the news item.)

-Every room in school has handgel, anti-bacterial spray, handwipes, tissues and lidded bins. Additional cleaning will take place throughout the day in all rooms: surfaces, touchpoints and toilets.

-Additional handwashing will continue to take place and should also be encouraged at home – when entering school throughout the day, before and after eating, after toileting and before leaving school. Pupils, who have a reaction to school soap, may of course bring their own soap/handgel.  Handgel will also be available in each classroom and used routinely throughout the day. Parents are reminded to ensure children wash their hands, on leaving the house and re-entering the house after school.

– School continue to use and ask parents/carers to use the “Catch It, Bin It and Kill It” followed by handwash/sanitising of hands, for sneezes.

-Pupils will enter school from 8:30am onwards (school starts at 8:45am), instead of mixing on the yard and to ensure handwashing takes place.

-School has split playtimes and staggered lunchtimes, which assist social distancing.

-Equipment used will be disinfected after each group’s use; this includes sports equipment.

-Windows will be open as much as possible to allow for increased ventilation.

-Staff working in school have twice a week home lateral flow tests.

–Every pupil needs to bring a named water bottle, filled from home each day.  Water bottles and packed lunch boxes need to be named and return home each evening to be disinfected/cleaned.

–The only items which pupils need to bring to school are a bag with: reading record & homework, packed lunch if not on school dinners, snack, own water bottle, coat, own soap/handgel if reactive to school’s soap and their PE kit.  No home equipment such as pens etc. are allowed in school.  PE kits will remain in bags and return home each evening.

– School uniform should be worn.

-The main focus for pupils will be for teachers to assess catch-up requirements for English and Maths.  Additional sessions of English and Maths will be taught, with a focus on reading, writing, GPS, vocabulary, speaking & listening, maths.  Teachers will assess gaps in learning and begin working on the appropriate level to start to catch-up on gaps in learning.  Some subjects: Science, Geography & History, RE, French and DT will be paused, to allow for catch-up with English and Maths.  This will be reviewed each half-term.

-PE lessons will take place, pupils need their own PE kit in school all week, every week.  Currently we are unsure about swimming lessons and music lessons (Y4 ukalele and Y5 brass).  We are awaiting further guidance about when and how they re-start.

-We understand that for some children the period of lockdown has increased anxiety.  PSHCE daily check-ins will be used to support pupils in overcoming any worries or anxieties about lockdown they may have.

-We rely on parents/carers to make sure that pupils understand that outside of school they should also follow social distancing rules, to restrict the spread of coronavirus.

-The same as arrangements prior to the lockdown period, if parents need to contact school they are asked to phone, rather than go to reception, if they can.  Any education staff or contractors visiting school will have to follow lockdown health and safety restrictions.  If parents need to enter school or access reception face coverings should be worn.

-If any pupil or staff, or member of their household, present with coronavirus symptoms, they should not attend school, for any reason. Parents/carers should inform school, self-isolate with all members of their household and apply for a test to their doctor. We will then follow government guideline on informing contacts of the pupil/staff.  If the test is positive further action can be taken by school; if negative the pupil/staff can return to school if feeling well.

-Reading books will be used as normal, cleaned and left for 48 hours before being returned to the reading shelves.  Please ensure your child’s planner and reading book is in their bag each day.

-Face masks are not required for pupils in primary schools. However, if you want your child to wear one we do allow it, as long as they understand the hygiene of how to wear one and place it in pocket or bag when not worn.

-We will continue to use the anti-bacterial fogging machine to deep clean at the end of each week and disinfectant mats when entering each building.

Covid-19

If any pupil or staff, or member of their household, present with coronavirus symptoms (high temperature, new continuous cough, loss of sense of smell or taste), they should not attend school, for any reason. Parents/carers should inform school, self-isolate with all members of their household and apply for a test to their doctor/NHS. School must be informed immediately of the result of the test.  If the test is negative the pupil/staff member may return to school when they are well.

If the test is positive, school must be informed and parent/carers will also be asked to provide details of anyone they have been in close contact with by NHS test and trace. The person with the positive test must self-isolate, as do the rest of the household – track and trace will advise on the date and number of days (currently 10 days from onset of symptoms). During periods of self-isolation, the pupil will be provided with home-schooling, through DB Primary.

If a child or member of staff become ill in school, there is a room to isolate pupils in and PPE equipment for staff to wear.

Wellbeing

If your child has been struggling with wellbeing, during the coronavirus period, there are many support sites/workbooks for you to use in the parents’ information section of the news item on the front page and on their wellbeing page on DB Primary.

Home-schooling

Thank you to all parents/carers for supporting your children with their home-schooling. Any workbooks we have sent home for you to use, should not be returned to school – children are welcome to continue using the workbooks if they wish (answers are in the back). Please remember most children will need catch-up and once we return, we will be able to advise you on how to help further.

Loan laptops can remain at home for your child’s use, for homework set on DB Primary, Reading Plus and Spellzone etc.  When your child leaves our school, or if there is a change in plan, we will request the return of the laptop.

School uniform

Please see the school uniform section on the parents’ section of the school website, for expectations of uniform. You can order school uniform items directly online from: totstoteams.com (Tots to Teams); we do not take orders in school. You will have the choice to have the items delivered direct to your door, for a delivery charge, or in bulk to school. Children are able to wear navy jumpers etc., without logos, from local shops such as Asda etc. Please write your child’s name in all of their clothing.

Parent Pay

School is now cashless. School dinners and educational visits need to be paid for on Parent Pay. Parent Pay information is found in the parents’ section of this website. We will be able to help you set up Parent Pay accounts. All parents will need to use parent pay as school trips will be paid for by this.

School lunch

If you are unsure whether you will be entitled to FSM, school can undertake a quick check. Contact school with the claimant’s date of birth and the claimant’s national insurance number, if you would like this check completed. School dinners cost £2:10 per day and must be paid for, in advance, through Parent Pay. Some people may have had a change in circumstances due to lockdown, please let school know if you have, even if you do not want FSM for your child; this allows school to receive additional pupil premium funding.

School meal food vouchers

The final free school meal Edenred voucher has been issued and needs to be redeemed as soon as possible, as the site will close for school access on return to school 8^th March.

REMINDERS

• Parents are reminded to socially distance when picking up children and to wear a face mask, when approaching school staff to talk or accessing school reception.

• Every pupil needs to bring a filled water bottle to school every day. It needs to be clearly marked with their name.

• Children’s names should be written on all of their school uniform and PE kits. PE kits need to be in every day in your child’s school bag.

• Reading books and planners should come to school daily.

• School’s dress code includes appropriate hair styles – i.e. no symbols, pictures, patterns, hair extensions or vibrant colours during term time.

• Packed lunch boxes must be clearly labelled with the child’s name.

• In line with school policy and to ensure consistency and keep packed lunches in line with food standards for school meals, packed lunches should not contain the following:

Fizzy / sugary drinks in cartons, bottles or cans

Chocolate or Chocolate-coated products / sweets / confectionary

Chocolate spread as a filling for sandwiches.

If these items are put in a packed lunch, they will be withdrawn and given to the child to take home at the end of the day (Please see packed lunch policy on the school website if you are unsure of what is allowed).

USING BIKES or SCOOTERS TO TRAVEL TO SCHOOL

Pupils are allowed to travel to school on their bike or scooter, but it is school policy that a helmet must be worn.  Parents are reminded that the bikes and scooters are left in the yard at owner’s risk.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY DATES 2020-2022

APJS School COVID 19 risk assessment version 6

FSM pupils

An easter food voucher from Durham County Council has been sent out by e-mail to parents/carers of FSM pupils.

If any parents/carers have had a change to their financial situation and feel they may be able to apply for free school meals support, contact school with your name of the applicant (adult) and your national insurance number for school to complete a check.

 BT BASIC INTERNET – FOR FAMILIES IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES

The monthly line rental only costs £5.16 (including VAT) a month. As well as getting free weekend calls (up to sixty minutes duration) to 0845 and 0870 numbers, it comes with a call allowance of £1.50 and a £10 monthly price cap.

If you would like to add broadband to a BT Basic line, the total cost of this is £10.07.

With the price cap, it means no matter how many calls you make the most you’ll pay each month is £15.16 or £20.07 with broadband, if you keep with the eligible calls included within the price cap. If you make fewer calls it will be less. This applies to UK numbers starting with 01, 02, 03 and 08 as well as UK mobile numbers starting with 07 – so UK mobiles are included too! You can choose to have either monthly or quarterly bills.

How the Call Allowance and Monthly Price Cap Works

·         Monthly price cap – To help you save money on call costs, you have a £10 monthly price cap on UK phone line numbers starting with 01, 02 and 03, UK mobile numbers starting with 07, and 08 numbers.

·         This doesn’t mean we stop you making calls once you’ve spent £10 or that you have to make £10 worth of calls. You can make as few as you like. But if you do make over £10 of calls (eligible for the price cap), you’ll know that you’ll only pay a maximum of £10 a month for your calls. We charge this amount after you’ve used up your £1.50 call allowance

·         Call allowance – As well as the price cap you get a call allowance of £1.50 a month. This is to spend on calls to UK phone line and mobile numbers beginning with 01, 02, 03, 07 or 08, and international numbers. So as long as you stay within your £1.50 call limit your phone bill will always be £5.16 per month.

·         If you go over the call allowance we will charge up to £10 for calls eligible for the monthly price cap (01, 02, 03, 07 and 08 numbers). That’s even if you’ve spent more on these types of calls.

·         If you go over your allowance with calls that aren’t eligible for the price cap you’ll pay 11.3p a minute (plus 3.3p for each call) for all normal UK calls. And for all other calls you’ll pay our standard BT Basic calling package rates.

Who Can Get BT Basic?

You must be getting one of the following means-tested benefits:

·               Income Support

·               Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

·               Pensions Credit (Guaranteed Credit)

·               Employment and Support Allowance (Income related)

·               Universal Credit (and are on zero earnings)

How to Order BT Basic

If you’re the named account holder, you can get a BT Basic application form by calling 0800 800 864 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). We will talk to you about the calls you make so that you can be sure BT Basic is the best package for you.

You will need to fill in a simple one page application form and return it to us within 14 days of receiving it.

You will also need to give us some personal information:

·               Y0ur date of birth

·               Your National Insurance number

·               Confirm the benefit you are receiving

·               Remembering to sign and date your application before returning it in the pre-paid envelope.

We need these details so we can check your records with the Department for Work and Pensions and find out whether you qualify for BT Basic.

Completed application forms should be returned in the envelope provided. If you do not have an envelope, you can send it to this address (remember to put a stamp on the envelope, otherwise it won’t be delivered by the Royal Mail):

BT plc

BT Basic

Durham

DH98 1BT

What Happens Next?

Don’t worry about contacting us, we’ll tell you as soon as possible whether your application is successful. When we have all your information, we’ll check your personal details against benefits information held by the DWP and we’ll write to you after we’ve processed your application.

If you have not filled in your form correctly, this might take up to 30 days. If we need any more information, we will contact you. If you do not qualify for BT Basic, we will write to you to let you know and tell you about other ways you can save money on your BT bill.

If your circumstances change and you are no longer getting one of the benefits that qualifies you for BT Basic, you must let us know so we can review your situation.

Other financial support

1. Vodaphone sim cards – school has free vodaphone sim cards which can be used to support with phone usage.  Contact school if you would like one.
2. BT internet – school has twenty codes for free internet until end of July 2021, if you are unable to afford the internet needed for home-schooling.  Please send an e-mail to school with your name and the pupil’s name if you need this – the code will be sent back to you via e-mail.

3.  Citizens Advice County Durham – fuel poverty support.

   We have a team of 5 expert energy advisors who are able to assist with things such as changing tariff, helping with supplier disputes, understanding the energy bill and most importantly assessing for a £49 fuel voucher for anyone struggling with topping up their prepayment meter.

   EAP- poster

Support for emotional wellbeing

Click on documents below to find a range of organisations for support for emotional wellbeing and mental health, including one point, camhs and camhs emergency telephone numbers.

Children’s mental wellbeing organisations for support

Adult mental wellbeing organisations for support

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DB Primary

Welcome to DB Primary- Powerpoint presentation for parents

DB Primary login support guide for parents

Office Package

Here is a link to download the office packages being used in school such as Word, Powerpoint etc.

https://www.openoffice.org/download/index.html

Easter reporting of positive covid test

Annfield Plain Junior School

24^th March, 2021

Dear Parent / Carer,

Positive Covid notifications during Easter holidays

As we approach Easter holidays, we once again ask that you continue to follow Government guidance with regards to keeping Covid safe.  However, should a child attending a Stanley Learning Partnership school develop symptoms during the holidays, please contact 119 in the first instance for advice and guidance.

In the event said child has a positive test result, it is essential you notify us as soon as possible.

Please email us on enquiry@stanleylearningpartnership.co.uk using the subject title ‘Positive Covid test’.

In the body of the email please state the following:

• Child’s name
• School attended including year group and class teacher’s name
• The date they tested positive
• The date the symptoms started
• Sender’s name, telephone number and relationship to child.

E-mails will be checked twice daily and you will be contacted by a member of staff (this may not be your Headteacher) for more information.

Despite schools being closed, it is imperative you take the steps outlined above so that we can advise other potential contacts they may in turn need to be tested.

Naturally, if you do have a positive test in your household, be that a child or another household member, please ensure you follow the guidance you are given and self-isolate accordingly.

The above arrangements will be operational from 5pm on Friday 26^th March until 9am on Monday 12^th April.  During this time, all school and / or staff emails will not be checked.  Please do not attempt to contact your Headteacher via email or directly as this may be missed.  The process outlined above is the only means of communication that will be regularly monitored.

From Monday 12^th April, please use your usual school contact details as staff will be available from this point onwards.

Many thanks for your co-operation and support.

Kindest regards,

Mrs I Burgess

Latest coronavirus guidance 

APJS School COVID 19 risk assessment version 6

50928 Self isolating Family Friendly A4 FINAL

Parents_carers guide to Covid

Symptoms of coronavirus

Coronavirus testing update September

Privacy Statement – Track and Trace

Please find updated information for your use:

It is vital that all children’s absences and the symptoms of their illness are reported to the school office on the first day of illness, to ensure the right action is taken to keep our school community and your families safe.  (Tel: 01207 234531)

If your child is ill with any of the following symptoms, you MUST request a coronavirus test (even if you think it is another type of illness) and keep your child at home, until the test result is returned:

• A high temperature;
• A new, continuous cough;
• Loss or change of sense of smell or taste.

School needs to be informed if a child is taking a test and of the test result, whether it is negative or positive.

How to book a test.

There are a variety of ways to book a test:

• Using a drive-in, walk-in or mobile test unit (this has the quickest test result return);
• By ordering a home-test kit.

There are different ways to order a home-test kit or book an appointment at a test site:

• Online at: https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/antigen/name
• Phone 111 if symptoms worsen or go online to: https://111.nhs.uk/COVID-19
• Phone 119 for testing track and trace.

Returning home test kits.

You can return test kits by:

• Booking a courier online to pick up your home-test.
• Finding the nearest priority box at: https://www.royalmail.com/services-near-you#/

Waiting for the test result or/and a positive test result.  

For individuals who are symptomatic and/or test positive for coronavirus please follow the latest NHS guidance, which can be found at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

(Individuals with symptoms or/and a positive test result isolate for 10 days and the rest of the household isolate for 10 days.)

For guidance on responding to coronavirus in children, please follow the link at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/coronavirus-in-children/

What to do if another person, who you have been in close contact with, tests positive.

You should self-isolate for 1o days since the last close contact with the affected person

Close contact is:

• Direct close contact –face-to-face contact with an infected individual for any length of time, within 1 metre, including being coughed on, a face-to-face conversation, or unprotected physical contact (skin-to-skin);
• Proximity contacts -extended close contact (within 1 to 2 metres for more than 15 minutes) with an infected individual;
• Travelling in a small vehicle, like a car, with an infected person.

If there were any positive cases in school, you would be informed immediately and public health would advise school which children and staff would need to self-isolate.

What do the different results mean?

Individuals can end their isolation if there are no symptoms and a negative coronavirus result. 

However, if further symptoms develop, there will be a need to isolate and a further test may be appropriate. Please follow the advice from track and trace for this:

parents/carers to contact https://111.nhs.uk/COVID

How to help school?

-Inform school in the first day of any illness by speaking to the school office, clearly explaining  the symptoms your child has.

-Following the advice above.

-Keeping school informed of any tests taking place and the result, whether negative or positive.

-If a child or your household has to self-isolate make sure we know the expected date of return to school for your child,

-When asked to self-isolate, follow this correctly for the correct time-scale.

How school can help you?

-If self-isolation has to take place, we will provide you with your child’s work to home-school for the period of isolation.

-There are a few coronavirus testing kits in school – they can only be distributed if there are no tests available to be delivered to you by courier which is bookable online, at local testing sites or through the 111/119 helpline.  All three must be tried and used, if available.

Current Drop-Off and Pick-Up Arrangements

All children enter in the morning through the front gate from 8:30 to 8:45 am (school starts at 8:45am) but this changes at the end of the day, depending on whose class children are in.   The school day ends at 3pm.

When dropping off or picking up please remember to socially distance and if you can’t, wear a face mask.  If approaching staff to talk to them please wear a face mask.

Class 3 (Year 3): Miss Angus                 Exit at hometime through the front gate

Class 3/4 (Year 3/4): Mrs Taylor         Exit at hometime through the front gate

Class 4/5 (Year 4/5): Miss Smith         Exit at hometime through the side street gate of school

Class 5/6 (Year 5/6): Mrs West            Exit at hometime through the side street gate of school

Class 6 (Year 6): Mrs Dorward             Exit at hometime through the side street gate of school

Parent support

Action for Happiness

A range of ideas and resources linked to happiness. To discuss with your children about what matters the most. Which links well to the work on resilience we do in school.    https://www.actionforhappiness.org/toolkit-for-schools

Parent Pupil Wellbeing Pack – Juniors & Mental Health Website Support for Parents

Children’s mental wellbeing organisations for support

Adult mental wellbeing organisations for support

HOMESTAY 2020 schools

Citizen’s advice can offer support with finances, contact details,

http://www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/

0300 330 9027 – Advice Line Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm

0300 323 2000 – Debt Advice Line Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm

0300 323 1000 – To cancel or rearrange appointments

Homestay [formally  Stonham] can offer support with finances, rent arrears etc.

To contact gateway ring Durham Homestay team.

Gateway on 0191 332 4935 / e-mail GatewayDurham@homegroup.org.uk

Stanley Community Centre

Telephone or text:  07775874413 if you need support around anxiety, food, social communication, your children.

Foodbank information:

The website link below will direct you to information about your local food bank.

Food Bank Information

FamilyLine offer a free service available to support adult family members on all aspects of family life issues, whether it is emotional support or practicable advice on any aspect of parenting or broader family issues  – Tel Number: 0808 802 6666, text: 07537 404282 or email: familyline@family-action.org.uk

SEND update for parents:

Durham SENDIASS have also devised a guide to help parents, carers and young people (16-25) to continue to access the service during the COVID-19 Outbreak. Please see the information guide below with key contacts.

Comms from SENDIASS

SENDIASS and MCT Virtual Zoom Coffee Mornings

SENDIASS and MCT are planning some twice weekly virtual Zoom coffee mornings / evenings until the middle of June for Parents / Carers of Young people ages 0-25 with a disability or additional need.

Please follow relevant date link below to register.

** Thursday 10am-11.30am** ( Link works for every Thursday until 11th June. Please register for every one you wish to attend)

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUoc-yqrT8jH9Yip0ac2512JahbkTv41pHf

** Tuesday 6pm-7.30pm * ( Link works for every Tuesday until 16th June. Please register for every one you wish to attend)

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYoc-itrz4rH9z2jClhHw5-mjAA1X44Axy0

Any questions please email us at SENDIASS@durham.gov.uk

North East Autism Society

Offer support with enquiries via telephone, email, and Facebook. They also have a private family network page where they are offering lots of support and guidance.

For more information call 0191 4109974

Face book page North east Autism Society

Email info@ne-as.org.uk

SEN Grant opportunities 

http://annfieldplain-jun.dbprimary.com

DB-Parent-Leaflet

Please click on link above to access DB primary and for more information look at the DB primary tab at the top of the page.

Wellbeing resources

Below is a powerpoint you can use for change and loss with your child:

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Annfield Plain Junior School         Remote Learning Guide for Parents/Carers

The following is guidance for you to support your child with learning at home, whether in addition to their normal school day or when self-isolating.

Our School Offer

Annfield Plain Junior School will make considerable effort to provide all pupils with access to remote learning, which is easy to access and available for all.

• Where a child has no access to a laptop, tablet or PC, school will try to support parents/carers by loaning the pupil a laptop for home use. Please contact the school office if this is needed.

• At Annfield Plain Junior School, we use DB primary as our safe, online learning platform. An information leaflet has been provided, in paper form, for each pupil and is also available on our school website.

This primary learning cloud is a safe area, on the internet, for pupils and members of our school community, to share information and access a wide range of learning resources and links to our online learning programs.

DB primary is specifically designed for primary pupils and has its own resources for: digital literacy, online safety, Maths, English and Computing.

The pupils in each class have their own forum, blog, shared spaces and ability to set online homework and return homework to staff.  Anything that your child puts on to DB Primary can be seen by member of staff.  Inappropriate content can be reported to staff at the school by clicking on the whistle icon.

• All pupils have access to school bought online programs and links will be displayed on DB Primary:

For English: Reading Plus and Spelling Zone which provide a personalised program of reading/activities linked to assessment of a pupil’s level and need. Class teachers can access each pupil’s pages to support and monitor progress.

For Maths: Times Tables Rockstarz and My Maths.

For ICT: Gooseberry Planet.

Pupils have passwords for all the sites above and other sites in their school planner. If you have any issues with the passwords please contact the class teacher.

When isolating at home:

If your child needs to self-isolate, or is ill, please contact school.  Work will be provided for your child and will be a combination of paper-based learning and our online programs/DB primary set work.

Supporting home-learning:

If possible, do the following: designate a working space, plan a timetable with breaks and exercise, have the correct equipment before starting, stick to a routine, emphasise completing work set by school and praise your child’s efforts.

Other ideas for home-learning.

We have other resources and guidance on this page to support you too.  Click on the link to find the file, which you can open or download.  There are also a range of free website resources, including BBC lessons, the Oak National Academy video lessons for all year groups and a very useful government document, where you can find a vast range of websites for all curriculum areas, mental wellbeing and SEND support.

BBC Bitesize Daily, via the BBC iplayer, red button, BBC Four and BBC Sounds provide free core subject learning of Maths, English and Science for Year 1 to Year 10 pupils.  The government document, with free websites for the curriculum, SEND and mental wellbeing, is worth a look at too.  The Oak National Academy have also launched 180 video lessons for all year groups.(Links are below)

Parent home learning help booklet, including school curriculum sites

Parent Pupil Wellbeing Pack – Juniors & Mental Health Website Support for Parents

Class teacher work set for each week is below (for best results plan a daily timetable):

• All pupils are registered on Reading Plus;  your child should use it for 40 minutes and complete set English work for class each day. your child has a personalised pathway on Reading Plus.

• All pupils are registered on Spelling Zone; your child should use it for 30 minutes each day. Your child has a personalised pathway on Spelling Zone.

• All pupils should access My Maths or Times Tables Rockstars or Number Frame and complete set Maths work for class each day.

• All pupils can have breaks between subjects – try different fitness sites, skipping, meditation, yoga, relax kids.

• Plan rest of set work for day and include something you want to do – project, art, cooking, maths games etc.

• Share fun, educational sites – including those that get your child up and moving.

• Plan in free time at the end of day, to give yourself a break!

Class 3 Miss Angus                        http://wp.me/P6Ndbx-cJ

Class 3/4 Mrs Taylor                     http://wp.me/P6Ndbx-Sn

Class 4/5 Miss Smith                    http://wp.me/P6Ndbx-cR

Class 5 Mrs West                            http://wp.me/P6Ndbx-cN

Class 6 Mrs Dorward                    http://wp.me/P6Ndbx-cW

FREE DAILY RESOURCES for CHILDREN:

Useful free websites: Table of Online School Resources

Great daily support resource, starting on 20th April is BBC’s Bitesize Daily via the BBC i-player, red button, BBC Four and BBC Sounds are providing free for core subject learning of Maths, English and Science for Year 1 to Year 10 pupils.  The content will be age relevant and there will be a new English and Maths lesson each day containing current curriculum, with other subjects to be added.  It will also contain videos, quizzes, podcasts etc.

The Oak National Academy has launched its online classroom and resource hub. The Academy offers 180 video lessons each week for schools to use, across a broad range of subjects. The lessons cover children in Reception through to Year 10 and are free to use by young people.   The Oak National Academy can be accessed by the link:

A government document which includes a  great range of free websites for all subjects, pupils of all ages and SEND pupils, with hyperlinks.           https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-online-education-resources-for-home-education

Science: e-bug project by Public Health.     Resources are currently available for KS1, KS2 and KS3 and can be used in various settings including schools and at home:  https://e-bug.eu/

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families – wellbeing advice and support.  Website: https://www.annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/

British Psychological Society (BPS)      Website: https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/bps-offers-advice-schools-parents-and-carers-help-children-through-uncertainty

Children’s Commissioner           Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/

MindEd – support from foundation to end KS2 about mental wellbeing.    Website: https://www.minded.org.uk/

The Child Bereavement Network – support for KS1 and KS2 pupils.  Website: http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/covid-19.aspx

PE with Joe Wicks on Youtube.   Weekdays at 9am but you can visit any time on youtube to view the workout.

Wildlife with Steve Backshall on Facebook.    Every day at 9:30 for answering all your wildlife, biology, conservation, geography and exploration questions.

Science with Maddie Moate on YouTube.  Weekdays 11am, Maddie and Greg chat about science and nature.

Dance with Oti Mabuse on Facebook.  Every day at 11:30am but children can view the class at any time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJmpCH9p2X8

Maths with Carol Vorderman.  Free access to her maths website: www.the maths factor.com

Disney 10 minute wake up session. https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up/shakeup

Durham County Council have provided a range of resources to use on your daily 1 hour walk this document gives you ideas of how to learn outdoors.

Parks and Countryside Service 10 Ideas for Outdoor Learning

SEN support from Mrs Dorward:    If anyone needs SEN support – no matter how small – please e-mail school and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  Stay safe.  Mrs Dorward.

Sent on behalf of Chris Affleck – Investing in Children Project Worker

Messages for parent/carers

 There is a lot of information out there about coronavirus. Not all of it is based on facts or evidence. Help stop your children worrying about things that might not be true by talking to them about where their ideas come from and encourage them to talk to you if they don’t know if something is true. Find out more at http://www.durham.gov.uk/covid19mentalhealth

 Are your children missing their friends and usual activities? Why not encourage them to keep in touch with friends or groups online, have a virtual play date or dance class. Remind them that we can still have fun even when we are in the house. There are ideas for activities at http://www.durham.gov.uk/covid19mentalhealth

 What are you doing to stop the young people in your house being bored or worried? We’re playing window bingo with the neighbours – let us know your ideas 😊

 Being busy can distract us from our worries – why not get your children to help you with activities in the house or garden. It’s a great way to learn new skills too.

 Messages for young people

 Are you bored of being in the house? Why not see if you can help with tasks around the house – then do something fun with the rest of your family 😊

 If you are feeling sad or worried, remember lots of people are feeling the same way. Talking about your feelings with you family could help, or there are groups that you can call or contact online that can support you. You can find details of support at http://www.durham.gov.uk/covid19mentalhealth

 Going for a walk or a jog with your family is a great way to exercise and it’s a good way to forget about your worries for a while. Always try to get your outside time if you can 😊

 Other Resources

https://www.actionforhappiness.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LxXy9AfNXA

Online Support Session for parents

Autumn Life Skills Staying Safe Week: autumn term

Spring Life Skills Respect & Diversity Week: spring term

Summer Life Skills Health & Fitness Week: summer term

Parent information, celebration and support sessions 2019-20

Autumn term:

• September – Year 3 parents’ drop-in session.
• Thursday 21st November 9 to 10 am – mental health and wellbeing support workshop.
• Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd October, 3:15-5:30pm – parents’ evenings.
• Monday 18th November, 5pm – Howtown information session.
• Friday 20th December, 10 am at Annfield Plain Methodist Church – Nativity Play “What does Christmas mean to you?”.

Spring term:

• Thursday 9th January, 5pm – Year 6 SATs meeting.
• Wednesday 5th February, 2pm – “Think Sensory, Not Behaviour” workshop, delivered by Treetops sensory team. (Practical support for parents of children displaying anxiety, struggling to sit still, dislike of loud noises etc.)
• Monday 9th and Wednesday 11th March, 3:15-5:30pm – parents’ evenings.
• Monday 16th March, 3:10-4:10pm – parent & pupil times tables workshop – come along and find out some fun games and activities you can use at home to help your child learn their times tables.
• Wednesday 1st April, 2pm – join us in our Science week to attend a rocket workshop featuring a real rocket.
• Reading for pleasure reading & afternoon tea parent and pupil sessions during World Book Week and Mother’s Day session.
• Friday 3rd April, 1:30pm – Easter coffee afternoon and fundraising fayre.

TBA – Y4 parent ukalele performance.

Summer term:

• Thursday 23rd April, 9-10 am, health and wellbeing session, including Relax Kids.
• Thursday 30th April, 9-10 am, coffee morning including e-safety information session.
• Monday 18th May, 3:10-4:10 pm, health and fitness pupil & parent session.
• Wednesday 20th May, 3sixty bike display.
• Friday 19th June – Father’s Day reading & afternoon tea parent and pupil session.
• Wednesday 8th July, 3:15-5:30pm – parents’ evening.

TBA – Annual singing picnic with infant school.

Autumn Enjoy & Achieve Week, 2nd-6th December, 2019: Plastic Fantastic?

Children will all take part in activities and lessons to enquire whether plastic is fantastic or not.  All classes will share the book, “Somebody Swallowed Stanley”, other books, take part in Philosophy for Children enquiries, art projects and a range of other subject-based activities to develop their understanding of plastic pollution.  The knowledge they develop will then be used to complete a written piece of work.

Spring Enjoy & Achieve Week, 20th-24th January, 2020: Fairytales with a Twist.

The week will be launched with a visit by author Stuart Reid.

Summer Enjoy & Achieve Week, 1st-5th June, 2020: World of Work.

The week will include workshops delivered by Medical Mavericks on junior careers in Health and Challenge the Champion.

World Book Week, 2nd-6th March, 2020

Our world book week, this year, will begin with all classes taking part in Lingotots workshops based on enjoying familiar stories in French.  Parents are invited in throughout the week to enjoy reading with their child in the library, whilst enjoying afternoon tea.  The sessions all take place at 2pm on: Tuesday 3rd March, Wednesday 4th March, Thursday 5th March, Friday 6th March – places are limited and should be booked at the school office.

Keen artists in years 5 and 6 groups will also able to make book sculptures, with artist Susan Warlock.

Science Week, 30th March-3rd April, 2020

Science week’s theme is “Our Diverse Planet”.  Wednesday 1st April is a unique chance for pupils to work with Chester university to investigate how rockets work and see a real rocket.  For pictures of the rocket which will be arriving in school, visit starchaser industries ltd. on the internet! Parents and carers will also have the opportunity to come in to see the rocket.