Message from the Headteacher

We are looking forward to the new academic year and starting to safely return to more normality.

As you will be aware there is still a public health concern around Covid19 (Corona virus). I wanted to take this opportunity to reassure you that, as a school, we are still taking the situation seriously and have enhanced control factors in place. We have reviewed for September 2021 how our school operates and have put in place a range of controls to minimise risks of transmission and make Bethersden Primary School a low risk envirnment for our children, families and staff. With your help we can help to stop the spread and keep our community safe and continue to provide an excellent education for the children. On this page you will find all the necessary information, including the most up to date risk assessments.

The control measures we have put in place are there to prtect everyone and we ask for your co-operation and support with everything. We apprecaite that it may cause some inconvenience for which we apologise but we do need to work together.

As the siuation changes we will of course be reviewing the procedures we have implemented and will head back to more normality as the situation allows. Should you have any questions please call the school office (01233 820479) or email families@bethersden.kent.sch.uk

Thank you for your support,

Stuart Gawthorpe

Headteacher

How you can help to slow the spread of Coronavirus.

• Make sure you and your children follow these general principles to prevent spreading any respiratory virus:
• Wash your hands often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.
• If you’re worried about your symptoms, please call NHS 111 – don’t go directly to your GP or other healthcare environments.

What’s the current situation?

All children are now back in school full-time. If your child is consideref clinically extremely vulnerabe they should also be back in school but please make an appointment to discuss extra safety measures we could put in place or any specific concerns you may have.

What we’re doing to support children and staff

• All children are back in school and will be supported by their Class Team (Teacher and Learning Support Assistant). Lucy Henshaw, Family Liaison Officer will also be supporting children who find the return to school challenging
• The school has an enhanced daily cleaning regime which is regularly reviewed.

How we are supporting children with learning at this time?

We have carefully thought about our timetable and curriculum offer when children return to school. In the early days we will be concentrating on reconnecting with the school and friends, restoring relationships and learning culture. When these are in place we will concentrate on recovering the lost learning whcih will include identifying gaps for each individual child. Recovery will take place when the reconnection and restoration has taken place and will be kept under constat review.

How we are supporting parents and families at this time?

• A dedicated email address has been set up for our school families which is monitored throughout the school day and regularly at all other times – families@bethersden.kent.sch.uk. This email address should be used to make contact with any member of the school team.
• If you are concerned for the welfare of a child or family in our school you should email safeguarding@bethersden.kent.sch.uk and your email will be dealt with. If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a child or family please contact the police on 999