Author: Mr Davies

Times when Remote Learning may be needed

Mr Davies

Brynmill Primary Remote Learning for Children affected by COVID 19 

The Local Authority are supporting schools by putting together a learning continuity template, in the meantime, we thought it wise to put something together for times when remote learning may be needed.  

*For tutorials to access any of the digital learning platforms, please follow this link: 

Times when Remote Learning may be needed: 

  1. If your child is awaiting a test or test result there will  be a work pack linked in J2E for 

them to use. It will be called the “Waiting for a test result pack.” Teachers are unable 

to mark this work or give feedback. This pack must only used should your child be 

waiting for a test result. 

 

  1. If a childhas tostay in quarantine for 10/14 days  due to them or a family member testing positive for Coronavirus or If a child has to stay in 14 days, quarantine following an overseas holiday to a country not on the governments’, we have made  a “My Quarantine Pack” available through a link in J2E. A hard copy is available on request, although please bear in mind that some tasks may have to be adapted if they include interactive links.  

*Reception children’s’ activities will be posted through Class Dojo.  

  1. If the class contact group or bubble has been told by Public Health Wales/ Track, Trace & Protect that they must self-isolate for a period of 14 day quarantine due to a case of COVID 19 in that bubble  In this instance, remote learning will be available, unless the class teacher shows signs of COVID 19 and becomes unwell (in this situation no teaching can be provided in the short term while plans are put in place).  

A blended model using the Hwb platform, J2e and where appropriate, Microsoft Teams will be used. The class teacher will have the ability to use recorded and live sessions as well as check in phone calls to support continuity of learning.  

During this time, your child will need to continue to undertake schoolwork at home. If it is at all possible, it would be beneficial for children to follow their normal routine and be ready to start their school tasks in the morning.  

Teachers will set an outline of tasks needed to be completed via live and recorded sessions, links in J2e and Microsoft Teams, dependant on the age of the child. Teachers will indicate whether a task needs to be returned as a file, link or upload a video/photo of completed work. Once again, please see our tutorials page how to do this. If you have any questions about this, please contact your child’s teacher via Class Dojo. Teachers will be available during school hours to support pupils and parents.  For live sessions to be used, parents MUST complete the required consent, as per Welsh Government guidance. A link is to be found here: https://brynmill-primary-school1.j2bloggy.com/en_GB/live-and-recorded-session-consent/ 

For a link to our Distance Learning Policy, which includes Safeguarding guidance, please use the following links: 

Distance Learning Policy 

Distance and Blended Learning Brynmill Way 

BRYNMILL OPENING LOGISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 KEY POINTS FOR PARENTS

Mr Davies

BRYNMILL OPENING LOGISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 KEY POINTS FOR PARENTS

Brynmill Opening Logistics Key Points for Parents  

Welsh Government has issued comprehensive guidance for schools for the Autumn Term which details the planning and reorganisation that schools will need to put in place in readiness for a full return on 14th September.   

  

Welsh Government say that “It is expected that planning and preparation days will take place at the start of term to enable schools and settings to work with their staff on reviewing their risk assessments, processes and associated systems.”  

  

In order to mitigate some of the risks associated with a full return, schools are being asked to reduce contact by:  

  

  • Grouping learners together  
  • avoiding contact between groups as much as possible  
  • arranging classrooms with forward facing desks where appropriate  
  • staff maintaining distance from learners and other staff as much as possible  

  

Below is a set of answers to the things we think most parents will want to know. If you have any other questions, we will use them to update this page.  

 

Point   Actions  
What date will my child start?    From Thursday 3rd September – Year 6 and Reception in phased groups only  From Monday 7th September  – Year 1, 3, 5 (Year 6 and Reception phased groups will continue to attend)  

From Wednesday 9th September  – Year 2 & 4 (all other year groups with exception of Nursery will continue to attend) 

From Thursday 10th September – Full return of all pupils with exception of Nursery  
Will there be staggered drop off and collection times? Yes    

What will the timings be?  

 

Where do I line up with my child?  

 

  • Gate 1 Trafalgar  
  • Gate 2 Trafalgar  
  • Gate 3  - Kemble  
  • Gate 4 – De Breos  
  • Gate 5 – Waterloo  

 

 In line with Welsh Government’s suggested measures for arriving and leaving schools, classes will have a different drop off and collection times. The timings will be as follows   

8:30 am – 3:00 pm   

1 /2 H – Gate 3  

1 /2 L – Gate 1 & 2  

1 / 2 B – Gate 4    

  

8:45 am to 3:15 pm   

LFP M – Gate 4 (with runner)   

LFP R – Gate 3 with runner   

4/5 J - Gate  1 & 2   

  

9:00 am – 3:30 pm   

3 /4 N Gate 1 & 2  

3 /4 T Gate 3  

5/6 D Gate 4   

5/6 E Gate 5  

 
   
Dropping off my child    

  

 

How will they come into school?  

 Pupils will arrive and wait at different gates with one parent on socially distanced queue spots next to their class’s assigned gate/s.   

*It is important that pupils are accompanied by one parent or carer and that parents/ carers are on time. 

 

Parents/ carers will be asked if they or their child have any Covid symptoms.  

 

Children will enter one at a time and find a ‘splat’ to stand on. They will take turns in using  

All children will use hand sanitiser as they enter school and the need to handwash reinforced throughout the day.   
Collecting my child   How will they leave school?  

  

 All pupils must be collected from school including Year 6 pupils. Staff will bring pupils down to the allocated exit and wait on splats.  Parents/carers are asked to wait on queue spots, a member of staff will call each child in turn. Once reunited with your child, parents and carers are asked to move away from the gate to avoid a gathering of any kind 
How will children be grouped?     Your child will be in a consistent class size contact group.  
What about break times?   Pupils will stay with their class for break times and lunch play on a staggered basis. They will be able to use an outdoor zone (weather permitting) with the aim of minimizing contact between groups, whilst still giving our children chance to run around and play together.  
Will there be Social Distancing?   Reducing the number of contacts between learners and staff will be achieved through keeping groups separate and through maintaining distance between individuals.  In primary schools, especially for younger learners the emphasis will be on separating groups. For learners old enough, they should be supported to maintain distance and not touch staff where possible. 

 
What if my child becomes unwell?   Pupils who are feeling unwell during the school day will be allocated an isolation room for their and others’ safety.   Pupils who are feeling ill before school should not attend and if they exhibit COVID19 symptoms, they should follow Public Health Wales advice for families in terms of quarantine.   
Will the Local Authority continue to provide emergency childcare>   No, there will be no emergency childcare provision in the autumn term. 
What about Lunchtimes?   Pupils will stay with their contact group (class) and will eat together in class or outside.   The Local Authority catering service have informed schools that they are planning to offer school meals. However, direct provision for school dinners will start from 14th September. All pupils will need to bring a packed lunch for the first 2 weeks until the 14th.

For parents who wish to use this service, it will be available via Squid as usual. There will be a choice of hot or cold meal which will be delivered to the classroom in disposable containers and with disposable cutlery. 
Will my child need equipment?   

 

Can my child share class resources? 

 

 For individual and very frequently used equipment, such as pencils and pens, pupils need to have their own items that are not shared. They should bring in their own pen and pencil case (one) which should contain a pen, pencil, ruler, sharpener, rubber, and some colouring pencils. Extra items that would be useful are a gluestick , a whiteboard/dry erase pen and  pink, green & purple highlighters.  However, if pupils need to borrow, then these will be cleaned at the end of the day.    

Classroom-based resources, such as books and games, can be used and shared within the contact group; these will be cleaned regularly 

 

Pupils should bring in their own water bottle and can fill it up through the day themselves, not share.   
Will there be Nursery provision?   Nursery will not be returning at the beginning to the Autumn Term.  At the time of writing, schools are awaiting the publication of further guidance on early years and nursery provision.  
Do staff or pupils need PPE?   Due to the scientific evidence related to the wearing of PPE clothing and masks, the schools risk assessment identifies when it may be needed, and that staff may choose to wear masks. If you wish your child to do so, we respect that choice however, parents are asked to consider WG guidance, which states that “No one who may not be able to handle face coverings as directed (e.g. young learners, or those with special educational needs or disabilities) should wear them as it may inadvertently increase the risk of transmission, ”  

They must wash their hands upon arrival and dispose of temporary face covering in a bin. 

 

 Hand washing should always be practiced before putting on and after removing PPE   
How will infection control be managed?    Additional cleaning will take place through the day of all surfaces, high touch areas and resources used. Children will only use resources that can be frequently cleaned. Posters and videos will reinforce this with pupils. Toilet usage will be managed be allocated members of staff and water fountains will be made unavailable. Pupils with First Aid or Personal Care needs will be attended to by staff with PPE.   
What about uniform / clothing?   There is an expectation that pupils will wear uniform from September in line with the school policy. 
Will there be Breakfast Club?   Breakfast clubs and After school clubs will not be in place for the first few weeks – inline with the Welsh Government guidance ” It is likely that schools and settings will need to respond flexibly and build this up. It is recognised that this may be logistically challenging, particularly when offering facilities across year groups.”We are hopeful that we will be able to phase in Breakfast Club from September 14th.  Schools are awaiting further advice from the Local Authority regarding how schools can make Breakfast Club work alongside the wider protective measures.  

  
Will Playworks After School Club be operating from September?  At the time of writing, Playworks After School Club are awaiting Welsh Government Operational Guidance from which to plan for a safe return. It’s unlikely that Afterschool Club provision will be available from the very start of the Autumn term. Playworks will contact registered parents with updates and start dates in September.  
What will children be doing?   WG are directing schools to develop an approach to learning for the Autumn term which is flexible enough to adapt to different scenarios and differing amounts of in-school learning and learning at home or elsewhere.  

Schools have been asked to consider a range of priorities including:  

  • health and well-being  
  • what is important for learners now, the skills that our learners need to develop most both currently and in the longer-term 
  • literacy, numeracy and IT skills  
  • Opportunities across all of the curriculum areas, developing learning experiences which involves learning inside and outside school 

. 
Will I be able to talk with my child’s class teacher  Of course however ad hoc site visits are not permitted. Where possible, we would try to arrange consultation remotely either via a telephone call or video conferencing at the earliest convenience.   

Please note, with the exception or drop off and collection, all gates will be locked. Should parents/carers require access to the school building, please contact the school office of 01792 463019  

 

Class dojo messaging service should be used as a means of communication between school and home.  
Free School Meals   The Local Authority will be providing a choice of a hot or cold option which those eligible for Free School Meals will be able to order via Squid  If you think you are eligible but have not already applied, please follow this link.   

 https://www.swansea.gov.uk/applyfreeschoolmeals  

All children will need to bring a water bottle.  

  

 

 I have children with different start and   finish times. What are my options?  Dropping off  

Where siblings start times are different we would ask that the children arrive at the time (and gate) of the later sibling. 

 

Collection. 

 

WG Guidance for the September return demands that schools endeavour to avoid contact between different groups of learners.   When scaled up to a full return, it would not be possible to have children from many different contact groups leaving their classrooms at the same time.  

 

 We would ask, unless in the case of an emergency, that your child/ren are collected at their allotted class pick up time.  

Gates and staggered timings

Mr Davies

To support the staggered start times and reduce congestion at entrances and exits, we ask that you bring your child to the correct gate on time. These are on one of the 4 streets surrounding the school. Please check the Class News Tab or Class Dojo for more details.

  • Gate 1 Trafalgar Place Single Gate 
  • Gate 2 Trafalgar Place Double Gate  
  • Gate 3  – Kemble Street 
  • Gate 4 – De Breos Street 
  • Gate 5 – Waterloo Place (back double Gate) 

8:30 am – 3:00 pm  

1 /2 H – Gate 3 

1 /2 L – Gate 1 & 2 

1 / 2 B – Gate 4   

 8:45 am to 3:15 pm  

LFP M – Gate 4 

LFP R – Gate 3 

4/5 J – Gate  1 & 2  

 

9 am – 3:30 pm  

3 /4 N Gate 1 & 2 

3 /4 T Gate 3 

5/6 D Gate 4  

5/6 E Gate 5 

Year 45J and Year 5/6 reopening information.

Mr Davies

There will be a staggered start in September.

Start dates:

Year 6 Thursday September 3rd

Year 5 Monday September 7th

Year 4 Wednesday September 9th

 

45J  Your time in school will be 8.45-3.15 Gate 1 and 2

Y56D Your time in school will be 9 – 330 Gate 4

 Y56E Your time in school will be 9 – 330 Gate 5 ( Double Gates next to Reception block on Waterloo Place)

The following booklets were sent out on Class Dojo. Please check them to see which gate to arrive at and details about the school day.

Y45J September Classbooklet

Y5D Class Booklet

Y6D Class Booklet

Y56E Class booklet

 

 

Year 1/2 Upper - Foundation Phase September return

Mr Davies

Welcome back. Year 1 and 2 will return on different days to gradually return.

Year 1  will start in your new class on the Monday 7th September

Year 2  will start in your new class on the Wednesday 9th September

You will need to be dropped off and picked up at Gate 3.

Your time in school will be 8.30 am—3.00 pm.

The class booklets were sent out on class dojo and are also being added below:

Class Booklet Y1.2H – Year 1

Class Booklet Y1.2H – Year 2

Y12L class booklet

Y12B Class booklet

For more information please see the reopening tab on the website.

Reception Dates for return

Mr Davies

Reception pupils will have a staggered start to allow us to help settle pupils. You will have 2 set dates during the first fortnight and then come to school every day from Friday 11th September.

 

8:45 am to 3:15 pm  

LFP M – Gate 4 

LFP R – Gate 3 

Miss Maliphant groups:

Class Booklet 1

Class Booklet 2

Class Booklet 3

Class Booklet 4

You will have received the details of which day on a message through Class Dojo. If you have not received this, please message the teacher or contact the school office.

Mrs Roach’s groups:

Booklets to follow.

 

 

Reopening Welcome message

Mr Davies

Dear Parent/carer,

We are really looking forward to welcoming the children back from next Monday 29th June 2020. Just in case you have missed any of our communications about re-opening, we have sent:

– A letter regarding the ‘bubbles’ with information about the bubble day including drop off and collection arrangements. For those who have said yes to returning, you should have already have received an e mail via School Comms regarding returning days and times. If you have not, please contact your child’s class teacher via Class Dojo.

– A letter from the Director of Education which includes confirmation that the end of term is now 17th July 2020

– A link to our Schools Reopening page with the following tabs:

• Latest re-opening news
• Swansea Local Authority Consistent Principles
• Brynmill Primary re opening FAQs (regularly updated)
• Translated letters from LA for re-opening

Later this week, teachers will be sending out a ‘Coming Back to School’ Booklet aimed at preparing the children for their return to school. We very much hope that this booklet will help address any anxieties your child/ren might have about what school will be like when they return.

We are also preparing a presentation with information on daily routines including handwashing and promoting the 2 m rule. The link will be sent out in due course.

Swansea Consistent 16 Principles for reopening schools

Mr Davies

Swansea Consistent 16 Principles for reopening schools

Letter from the Director regarding reopening 22 6 20

Swansea’s guiding principles on the return to education opportunities have been drawn up to help schools plan how best they can allow pupils who would like to return to check-in, catch-up and prepare for September. The principles are not prescriptive for all schools but allow as much consistency as possible in Swansea schools, at this time. It is accepted that every school is different and safe return will be based on the school’s own risk assessment.

Guiding principles

Principle 1

The local authority’s and schools’ primary focus must be the physical and emotional wellbeing of staff and learners.

Principle 2

Schools need to make provision available for vulnerable children (for check –in or respite) and the children of key workers (which now includes school staff) between 15 June and 24 July. Emergency childcare takes primacy.

Principle 3

Wherever possible, all pupils should have contact with their current and next school year’s class teachers/form teachers when they attend their school. The contact can be virtual.

Principle 4

All children should be offered a few visits to school in the four-week period between 29 June and 24 July. A school’s risk assessment will determine frequency. There will be no minimum number.

Principle 5

There will at least be a virtual opportunity for transition between primary and secondary schools.

Principle 6

Schools will be responsible for determining sessions for check-in, catch up and preparation for September to be conducted within normal school operational hours

Principle 7

The school-based emergency childcare settings will move to each school between 15 June and 29 June. Childcare will be offered by individual schools for their own pupils (who are vulnerable children or are the children of key workers) between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm during weekdays for the remainder of the summer term. Ensuring this provision will take priority for schools’ planning in terms of capacity.

Principle 8

Schools must not exceed 33.3% occupancy.

Principle 9

The last day of this school term for pupils in Swansea schools will be Friday 24 July. Schools are expected to be open for staff on Monday 27 July (if required).

Principle 10

A simple clear message to parents will be reinforced between 3 June and 29 June to state that schools can offer what is practical and safe. Continuity of learning plans will continue in parallel to ‘check-in and catch up’.

Principle 11

The local authority’s guidance and risk assessments to schools will align with national guidance.

Principle 12

All children to bring their own packed lunch to school unless a school offers half day sessions where no lunch at school is required.

Principle 13

Schools in Swansea will not be open for nursery and reception aged children between 29 June and 24 July. They will return in September.

Principle 14

A consistent corporate approach to staff in shielding households or who are shielding will be adopted so that leaders have a clear message for staff.

Principle 15

All pupils with ALN must have the same opportunity for the check-in, catch-up and preparation for September as other pupils. Individual needs, the child and their families’ voice must be considered and reasonable adjustments put in place to enable access to the check-in, catch-up and preparation facility.

Principle 16

Where possible, parents and carers should travel with their children to and from school, ideally on foot, by bike, scooter or any other means of active travel. Social distancing should be maintained on the journey to and from school.

The Transport Team will work with schools and settings to determine the demand for home to school transport for eligible pupils and will endeavour to meet these requirements.

In providing free home to school transport, priority will be given to those pupils who are unable to attend school without it.