Latest News

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

• January 2021 Update

  Thu 31 Dec 2020

  Dear Parents /Carers

   

  You would have heard by now that primary schools in our Authority will not be opening on 5 January 2021 except for those pupils of Key Workers and those that are vulnerable, as we have been identified from the contingency framework list and will not be able to open fully yet.

   

  The Government classification of Critical Key Workers includes :

  • Health and social care
  • Education staff and childcare workers
  • Key public services - essential to justice system, funeral directors
  • Local and national government
  • Food and other necessary goods
  • Public safety and national security
  • Transport
  • Utilities and financial services

  If as a parent/Carer your job falls within the critical categories above you should confirm with your employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, your specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service. This is an extensive list and we ask parents and carers to consider very carefully whether they use the educational establishment for on-site provision

   

  Once you have considered this could you please inform the office of your intention to send you child to school on Tuesday 5 January 2021by phoning 02082706470 between 10 am and 2 PM ON MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 so that we can plan accordingly.

   

  Pupils on the vulnerable list will be contacted on Monday during the same times to establish if they will be attending.

   

  Additional information will be shared via the school website on Monday afternoon.

   

  Kind regards,

   

  G Krog

  Headteacher

• SCHOOL CLOSURE 4 JANUARY 2021 AND COVID TESTING UPDATE

  Wed 16 Dec 2020

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  RE : SCHOOL CLOSURE 4 JANUARY 2021 AND COVID TESTING UPDATE

   

  You are likely to be aware of the very high rate of covid-19 in Barking and Dagenham. This is having a devastating effect on many schools. Thousands of children and hundreds of staff have been sent home due to increased positive cases. The prediction is that will get worse after Christmas.

   

  In order to counteract this, the Government and Public Health England are introducing an intense testing regime for all primary school staff. This will ensure that the fewest possible positive cases attend school. At the moment, this is impossible to guarantee as 1/3 of cases in adults are asymptomatic and they do not know they have covid. 

   

  Therefore, after Christmas, ALL school staff are being tested on Saturday 2nd January. Only those who are negative will be permitted to attend school.

   

  As results will take up to 48 hours to be processed, we have no choice but to be closed to pupils (and staff who have not received their negative test results) on Monday 4th January. This day will give us the opportunity to make appropriate plans going forward.

   

  We recognise that this is another huge inconvenience for parents, but schools all over London and Essex are having to do this to help make schools as safe as possible as we start the new year.

   

  It is also our understanding that future weekly tests of staff will take place during a school day in an attempt to keep schools fully open.

   

  We are aware that Secondary School students will receive a letter requesting that they take a test before returning to school in January and that their younger brothers and sisters are encouraged to do the same;

   

  “To keep schools safe and protect the wider community, all students in years 11, 12 and 13 must get a test between Monday 28 and Thursday 31 December before they return to school. Data has shown that rates amongst this age group are particularly high. Staff in schools are also required to get tested before the new term.

   

  We also strongly encourage students in other year groups and anyone they live with to get a Covid-19 test before students go back to school in January, to make sure that anyone who may be infectious does not return to school with the virus and potentially start an outbreak. 

   

  How do I book a test if I don’t have symptoms?

   

  Go to the government website www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test where you’ll be asked some questions. Select the following options:

   

   

   

   

  • NO to essential worker

  • NO to having symptoms

  • NO to being part of a trial or pilot

  • YES - My local council or health protection team has asked me (or someone I live with) to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms 

   

  You can book your whole family by choosing ‘add family members’.”

   

  You have all played a part in ensuring that we can continue to deliver face to face teaching at school by wearing masks and attempting to social distance.  We have to date, had no teacher/TA/pupil test positive and as such have not had to send bubbles home.  As we enter the new year and return on Tuesday 5 January, you are required TO WEAR MASKS (unless medically exempt) AND SOCIAL DISTANCE WHEN ON THE SCHOOL PREMISES.

   

  Thank you, once again, for your understanding and support at this very challenging time for all.

   

   

  Leys SLT

• Re: End of Term Thursday 17th December & Christmas Celebrations

  Fri 11 Dec 2020

                                                                                                              

  Re: End of Term Thursday 17^th December & Christmas Celebrations

   

  Following advice from the Government published 8.12.20, and after much consideration, we are writing to inform you that the last day of term will be Thursday the 17^th December (leaving times remain the same for each year group, as they have been since September). Friday will be used for on-line staff training.

   

  ‘Public Health England has agreed a 6 day window after the final day of teaching in which schools and further education providers are asked to remain contactable so they can assist with contact tracing where necessary’. Consequently, we are required to report if your child tests positive for Covid 19, between 18th and 23^rd December – if this happens, in the first instance, email the school office with your child’s name, class, date of birth and a screen shot/photo of the test result. If it is not possible to email, call on the above number (BETWEEN 3PM AND 5PM - we will only be accepting calls for positive test reporting). Their class mates’ parents/carers may be informed that they may be required to isolate for 14 days.

   

  We appreciate this announcement comes at short notice and hope it does not cause too much inconvenience.

   

  After a challenging term, as we approach this unique holiday period, we thank you for your support in helping keep our school site safe and for encouraging your children’s engagement.

   

  Given the priority of minimising the risk of Covid transmission we must ask you not to send anything additional into school with your child, including:

   

  • cards or presents

  • food (class parties will still take place and we will ensure they are fun, with a special pantomime included!)

   

  Christmas Jumper Day is Friday 11^th December and Christmas dinner is Wednesday 16^th (when Christmas jumpers can be worn again!).

   

  With adult adherence to government restrictions and the forthcoming vaccinations, we are hoping 2021 celebrations can eventually run as usual!

   

  Thank you for your understanding. Have a peaceful and enjoyable break.

   

  Yours faithfully,

   

  Mr G Krog

   

  Head Teacher