Welsh Government have published a new page on Keeping safe online for practitioners and families about how to stop the spread of misinformation.
It includes information about different types of misinformation such as ‘fake news’, top tips to spot misinformation and resources for families.
Brynmill return of KS2 pupils – Logistics Key Points for Parents
Welsh Government has issued comprehensive guidance for schools which details the planning and reorganisation that schools will need to put in place in readiness for a Key Stage 2 return on 15th March.
In order to mitigate some of the risks associated with a full return, schools are being asked to reduce contact by:
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? | All primary pupils are expected to be in school on Monday 15th March 2021.
We expect that pupils in Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils will return on 15 March to join the children in Foundation Phase. |
| Will there be staggered drop off and collection times? Yes
What will the timings be?
Where do I line up with my child?
|
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 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 2
9:00 am – 3:30 pm 3 /4 N Gate 2 3 /4 T Gate 3 5/6 D Gate 4 5/6 E Gate 5
|
| Do I need to wear face covering to drop off my child? | All parents and visitors to school sites must wear a face covering. Parents should also avoid gathering at the school gate and should arrive as close as they can to their agreed drop off/collection time.
Wearing of face coverings (primary) The Welsh Government has updated its guidance on the use of face coverings in schools. To reduce the risk of transmission amongst parents and relatives, please wear masks when visiting school, and at drop-off and collection areas. Maintaining clear social distance at the school gates will also reduce risk and set a good example to pupils.
Please follow these guidelines and encourage your child to follow theirs too. They have been made stronger to keep you and your families as safe as possible. They are based on new advice from Welsh Government’s Technical Advisory Group, as we learn more about the way COVID-19 is transmitted.
|
| Dropping off my child
How will they come into school?
What if we are late and miss the class drop off time?
|
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. All children will use hand sanitiser as they enter school and the need to handwash reinforced throughout the day.
We would appeal to parents/carers to avoid being late if possible. Schools must do all they can to limit opportunity for mixing of class bubbles/ groups. If too many parents bring their children to school late, it makes it very difficult for us to manage safe drop off arrangements. If however, you have an emergency which means that you are unavoidably late, please take your child/ren to Gate 1 and queue on the socially distanced lines, waiting with your child until they are admitted.
|
| 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 |
| I have children with different start and finish times.
What are my options? |
Dropping off
Where siblings start times are different they can arrive together at Gate 1 between 8.30 and 9.00.
Collection.
WG Guidance demands that schools endeavour to avoid contact between different groups of learners. We would ask, unless in the case of an emergency, that your child/ren are collected at their allotted class pick up time.
|
| 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. For parents who wish to use this service, it will be available via Squid as usual. There will be a choice from 2 hot options which will be delivered to the classroom, and we are currently using reusable containers. |
| 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). 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. |
| 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 in line with the school policy. |
| Will there be Breakfast Club? | There will Breakfast club, places are limited and priority will be given to children entitled to Free School Meals and whose parents are blue light workers or key workers. The school will send out updated details and forms prior to the 15th March. |
| Will Playworks After School Club be operating from September? | Schools in Swansea have risk assessments in place that will focus on educating all pupils within their class bubbles. This means that after school clubs and any activity that mixes bubbles in schools should be avoided. |
| What will children be doing? | WG are directing schools to develop an approach to learning for the Spring 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:
. |
| 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.
|
Welsh Government has issued comprehensive guidance for schools for the February phased reopening which details the planning and reorganisation that schools will need to put in place in readiness for Foundation Phase return from 24th February.
The Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, says that “we will start a phased return to face to face learning for our Foundation Phase learners (3 – 7 year olds).
There will be some flexibility over this first week, with all Foundation Learners (including those in non-maintained settings) in school by the end of that week..”
In order to mitigate some of the risks associated with a Foundation Phase return, schools are being asked to reduce contact by:
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? | Wednesday 24th February– Foundation Phase classes Reception-Year 2
Thursday 25th February – All Foundation Phase pupils including nursery pupils Friday 26th February – All Foundation Phase pupils including nursery pupils |
| Will there be staggered drop off and collection times? Yes
What will the timings be?
Where do I line up with my child?
|
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 2 1 / 2 B – Gate 4
8:45 – 11.15 am Nursery LFPM – Gate 4 Nursery LFP R – Gate 3 8:45 am to 3:15 pm LFP M – Gate 4 (with runner) LFP R – Gate 3 with runner KS2 Childcare – Gate 1 and 2 |
| Do I need to wear face covering to drop off my child? | All parents and visitors to school sites must wear a face covering. Parents should also avoid gathering at the school gate and should arrive as close as they can to their agreed drop off/collection time.
Wearing of face coverings (primary) The Welsh Government has updated its guidance on the use of face coverings in schools. To reduce the risk of transmission amongst parents and relatives, please wear masks when visiting school, and at drop-off and collection areas. Maintaining clear social distance at the school gates will also reduce risk and set a good example to pupils. If you have a secondary school aged child, be aware that face coverings should now be worn by year 7 and above pupils in all areas outside the classroom and be worn on dedicated school transport for year 7 and up. Please follow these guidelines and encourage your child to follow theirs too. They have been made stronger to keep you and your families as safe as possible. They are based on new advice from Welsh Government’s Technical Advisory Group, as we learn more about the way COVID-19 is transmitted. |
| 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. All children will use hand sanitiser as they enter school and the need to handwash reinforced throughout the day. Please help us by ensuring social distancing, thinking twice before sharing lifts to schools, holding parties, sharing childcare, mixing on the way to school, whilst on school premises or afterwards. Please act responsibly as not doing so could jeopardise the return to school for the rest of the spring term. |
| Collecting my child
How will they leave school?
|
All pupils must be collected from school. 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. Please maintain a social distance of 2m. |
| 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 and Track and Trace. |
| Will the school continue to provide childcare for KS2? | Yes. Onsite learning for children of critical workers in Y3-6 WILL be available from 23 February. Onsite learning will still be offered to those who need it as opposed to those who want it.
No onsite learning available for Foundation Phase pupils prior to their return to avoid mixing of contact groups during week beginning 22 February. Places will continue to be confirmed on a first come, first serve basis for the children of critical workers. |
| What about Lunchtimes?
Free School Meals
|
Pupils will stay with their contact group (class) and will eat together in class or outside.
Between 24 February and 26 February, your child (Foundation Phase and Childcare) will be required to bring a packed lunch to school.
From the week commencing 1 March, Reception to year 2 children will start to receive a hot meal in school again. Please remember to make sure your sQuid account is topped up. Free school meal payments/parcels will not be provided for Foundation Phase children after 26 February (the last payment should be in bank accounts by Friday 12 February to cover the period up to 26 February, and the final fortnightly food parcel will be delivered on Monday 15 February
The Local Authority catering service have informed schools that they are planning to offer school meals. For parents who wish to use this service, it will be available via Squid as usual from the 1ST March. |
| 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). 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 be returning on Thursday 25th February 2021 |
| 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 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 in line with the school policy. (clean each day) |
| Will there be Breakfast Club?
Will Playworks After School Club be operating?
|
There will be no Breakfast club
Schools in Swansea have risk assessments in place that will focus on educating 3-7 year olds within their class bubbles. This means that after school clubs, breakfast clubs and any activity that mixes bubbles in schools should be avoided. |
| 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.
Priorities continue to include:
. |
| 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 over Microsoft Team 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. |
| 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 1) of the later sibling.
Collection. WG Guidance demands that schools endeavour to avoid contact between different groups of learners. We would ask, unless in the case of an emergency, that your child/ren are collected at their allotted class pick up time. |
Calling all KS2 pupils! Please take the time to complete this survey from the Children’s Commissioner for Wales. Thank you.
Are you a young person in Wales? How is lockdown affecting you? Are there any issues that are making you worry or concerned? Or perhaps you’ve had a positive experience of lockdown? Whatever it is, please share your views through this survey, #CoronavirusAndMe:
www.childcomwales.org.uk/coronavirusandme/
The closing date is 29th January and it takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Thanks.
Can we once again say thank you so much for your continued support over the Autumn Term. Putting together a virtual concert was never going to be the same as a concert with a live audience, but we are truly proud of what the children and staff have achieved.
We hope you enjoy the show. Please click the picture link to watch:
In case of a positive Covid test result – If you contact the school to inform us of a positive test result there are some questions we will ask you, so that we can pass them on to Track and Trace.
Hamper Raffle – We have received a donation of a lovely hamper which we are raffling to raise funds for the school. If you would like to buy tickets please go to Squid/ Trips & Offers purse/ Raffle – Hamper. Tickets are £1.00 each and you can buy as many as you like.
Free School Meals over the Christmas Holidays – The council will be supporting free school meal children by offering either a payment or a food parcel over the Christmas holiday period. If you have previously received a payment you do not need to do anything. If you have not received anything previously you can either contact the school by 16 December to request a food parcel delivery or await email instructions on how to apply for payment.
Our School Christmas Dinner is next Friday (11th December) If you haven’t done so already please complete this quick questionnaire. Please complete the form even if your child will be bringing a packed lunch, so we can gauge numbers.
Next Friday is also our Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save the Children, pupils are invited to wear their Christmas Jumper in exchange for a donation to the Charity.
Lateness – We are seeing an increase in the number of pupils who are arriving at the school gates after 9.00am. Please try to be on time. Remember you can bring siblings at any time from 8.30 to 9.00am to Gate 1 on Trafalgar Place.
Elf Day – Thank you to everyone who has supported the staff with their Elf Day today, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
School Christmas Parties – These will take place during the last week of term, children are asked to bring in some party food for themselves, as we are unable to share like we normally do. The party food should be in addition to their normal school dinner or packed lunch. Children are welcome to dress in party or fancy dress clothes. Please see below for which day each class is having their party.
Monday 14th December – Y1/2H
Tuesday 15th December – Y1/2L, Y5/6E, Y5/6D
Wednesday 16th December – LFPR, LFPM, Y1/2B Y3/4N, Y4/5J
Thursday 17th December – Y3/4T
Last day of Term – Friday 18th December, we come back on Monday 4th January 2021
Year 6 Leaver’s hoodies. If you would like to order these in time for Christmas. Please click on this link to go to your login page https://www.schoolleaverscompany.co.uk/leavers-hoodies-login . Or alternatively go to our website and click on “Login” at the top of our home page.
Your login details are as follows: USERNAME: SL52921 PASSWORD: 52921brynmill
You can share these login details with everyone in the year and each person can order and pay for their hoodies online. They can choose their own style, colour and size. Price includes delivery to your home address. We have set the shop to close on the 06/12/20 so please let everyone know that they must place their order by then.
If you haven’t filled in the questionnaire we sent a couple of weeks ago about including your child’s name on the back of the hoodie, please complete this as well.
At the time of writing we have not had any positive Covid cases at Brynmill. We would like to thank parents and carers for continuing to keep everyone safe by:-
We continue to try to keep everyone safe in school by:-
Face Masks – As per our message earlier this week, we are asking parents to please wear face masks at drop off and pick up time. We continue to appreciate your support and patience while we take time to check if anyone in your immediate family has any Covid Symptoms.
Informing the School of a Child’s Positive Covid Test – Fortunately we have not had any Covid cases to date, but if your child develops symptoms and you receive a positive test result, we would be grateful if you could let us know as soon as possible (as well as liaising with Track & Trace). During the school day you can ring the school number on 01792 463019, or if you receive the result outside of school hours please send a message via ClassDojo to Mrs Morgans.
School Christmas Dinner – If you haven’t done so already please complete this quick questionnaire about the School’s Christmas Dinner on Friday 11th. Please complete the form even if your child will be bringing a packed lunch, so we can gauge numbers.
Elf Day – Next Friday staff will be dressing up as Elves to raise money for the Alzheimer Society, it is completely optional but if children would like to join in too, for a small donation towards the charity, that would be fantastic. There is a Charity Donation offer in the Trips and Offers part of sQuid.
Inset Days – We have two Inset days on Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd December, which means our last day in school this term is Friday 18th December. We start back on Monday 4th January 2021.
Urgent – Christmas Concerts Consent – Mr Davies has sent out a link to a parental consent form to allow us to film children performing their Christmas item. If you haven’t done so already please complete the form here .
Christmas Jumper Day – To coincide with our Christmas Dinner Day children are invited to wear their Christmas or Festive Jumpers on Friday 11th December in exchange for a donation to Save the Children. There is a Charity Donation offer in the Trips and Offers part of sQuid.
Parent Governors – Thank you to everyone who returned a voting slip. The votes have been counted and verified, and we would like to welcome Mr David Rees & Mr Steven Lovatt as our new Parent Governors.
A big thank you to everyone who donated to last week’s Children in Need, we raised £ 270.00.
Parent Governor Elections – Please look out for the letter coming home today. Please complete the form and return by next Friday morning.
Elf Day – On December the 4th the school staff will be dressing up as Elves and donating money to the Alzheimer’s Society.
If any children would like to join in too they are more than welcome, and there will be an offer on sQuid for any donations.
Our School Christmas Dinner is on Friday 11th December, if you haven’t done so already please complete this short questionnaire. That day is also our annual Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save The Children, children are welcome to wear a festive jumper and there will be an offer on sQuid for any donations.
Christmas Concerts – Unfortunately we will not be able to put on our Christmas Concerts this year, however we hope to be able to film each class performing an item, and edit them together into a video. We are still working out the details, and will need to get parental consent for children to appear in the video, but this will be in the next couple of weeks.
Welsh government launches ‘Parenting. Give it time’ campaign
The Welsh Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan has launched a new campaign to give information, support and advice to parents. “Parenting. Give It Time” recognises that the pandemic has had an impact on families, including through increased isolation, supporting children who are self-isolating, or dealing with children’s anxiety. The new campaign provides information to parents on how to understand and respond to their children’s behaviour. It offers practical tips and advice on a range of issues. The core three themes are: your child’s behaviour, giving your child time, and supporting parents through the challenges they face. Full details available here: https://gov.wales/parenting-give-it-time.
COVID-19: Useful videos
Self-Isolation and a negative test. What happens next?
Has your child tested positive for COVID-19?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
There are loads of benefits to sending your child back to school
As always, a big thank you for bearing with us at the beginning of the school day while we check that everyone is well and doesn’t have any Covid symptoms, and for keeping everyone safe by adhering to social distancing. Diolch