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Friday, 11th December 2020

Updated - Opening on Monday, 14th December 2020

Please see update, below, re School opening on Monday, 14th December 2020

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23rd September 2020

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Planned Safety Measures for September – Updated 1^st September 2020

Dear Parents/Carers please see attached documents for updated Safety measures that have been put in place.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

As it is the Government expectation that all year groups will return in September we are continuing to work on the logistics of how we will make this as safe as we can for all (the children, staff and our wider community).  Once the government release their further updates to the guidance, we will secure our own details and will communicate these with parents and carers nearer the beginning of the new academic year via Parent Mail, the website and social media platforms.  As usual, if you have any concerns or worries please do not hesitate to contact the School Office - 01474 361193 or via email office@tymberwoodacademy.org.uk

Thank you for you continued support and understanding

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Pupil Re-Entry Update

Dear Parents/Carers,

We recognise that the school term is drawing to a close and, therefore, we wanted to give an update regarding pupil re-entry.

Due to the need for social distancing in every classroom, and supporting safe working practices, we are almost at full capacity across the school.  As you may recall, we currently have Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 6 and our Child Care Facility (Key Worker/Eligible Pupils) accessing school.

Due to the current number of pupils and restrictions on space, we will now not be taking in any additional year groups into school.  We know it was previously the Government intention to have all pupils back to school prior to the summer; however, as I have set out above, this is now simply not feasible.

We understand the incredibly difficult balancing act and added pressures you have faced in supporting home learning during the pandemic.  We are deeply grateful for all you have done.  As we have stated, we will continue to upload remote learning opportunities until the end of the academic year.

Looking ahead to September, some important information:

1. Transition ‘Now and Next’

A letter has been sent out this week which carefully sets out the steps we aim to take to ensure a smooth transition for all children when they do return to school.  Mrs Sabharwal has also completed a short video to explain the measures.  This is on our school Facebook Page.  

1. September Return

As you may have seen in the news, it is the Government’s intention for all pupils to return to school in September.  We are currently developing measures to enable us to do so in a safe and sensible way.  Once the measures are finalised, we will be in communication regarding precisely what these will look like for all members of the community.

1. Year 6 Leavers Assembly

A parentmail was sent out yesterday setting out information for our Year 6 Leavers Assembly conducted over video call.   If Year 6 parents/carers have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Clark

11th June 2020

Microsoft Teams Update

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you will hopefully know by this stage, we have successfully moved all of our on line learning opportunities onto the ‘Microsoft Teams’ learning Platform.  It is a brilliant platform and it gives the chance for:

• Staff to communicate directly with children giving tailored and bespoke feedback.
• Staff to set appropriately differentiated work for the children.
• Work to be marked with strengths and areas for development identified.
•  Parents to be fully supported in navigating home schooling confidently.

Also, you may have seen in previous communication, we are now slowly re-entering ‘priority year groups’ back into school.  But, we wanted to reassure you that work will continue on Microsoft Teams for all year groups.  Do note, the contrasting expectations may look slightly different for each year group. But, we aim to continue to provide some learning opportunities for all; even those years where children are re-entering back to school.

If you require any support with accessing or navigating Microsoft Teams, we are here to help.  Please do not hesitate to get in contact with the school office: office@tymberwoodacademy.org.uk

We look forward to continue working alongside you on Microsoft Teams moving forward.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Clark

5th June 2020

Re-Opening Update

Dear Parents and Carers,

Firstly, a huge thank you for your continued support and patience at this time. We wanted to write and let you know that we have now been given the full clearance and green light, after our risk assessment had been rigorously monitored, to re-open for priority year groups on Monday 8^th June. This will mean that over the coming weeks, contrasting year groups (Year 6, Reception, Nursery and Year 1) will return.

Our current proposed safety measures have been sent directly to those year groups and, moving forward, we will also be sending these to all families over the coming week. This, we hope, will give you a real sense of clarity regarding the clear steps and proposed action that will be implemented as the pupils return. The safety of the community is paramount.

As the government set out last month, the aim is for children – in other year groups - to return to school prior to the summer holiday. We will be keeping this intention under careful and close review. However, do note for these year groups (Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5), this would not be before the start of July. In the meantime, the school will continue to offer a wealth of On-Line Learning opportunities on Microsoft Teams. It is a fantastic platform and we are absolutely thrilled to see the swell in numbers.

If you have any questions or considerations, please do not hesitate to make contact with the school office office@tymberwoodacademy.org.uk

Yours faithfully,

Mr Clark

4th June 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Firstly, thank you to all those who have now responded to the google form. Again, your swift response is deeply appreciated. We wanted to let you know that we have now received, following the rigorous scrutiny of our school risk assessment, the full clearance and green light to re-open next week for Year 6 pupils. Please do see the attached letter setting out Year 6 specific information. This is a summarised version of the key information sent out during half term.

Thank you again for all your support,

Yours faithfully,

Mr Clark

In addition, the school will also continue to provide home learning activities and maintain regular contact for all other pupils who are not at school.

We would like to thank you all for your continued support and to the hard-working staff who are doing everything within their power to make the school as safe as possible for children. Working together we will find a way to ensure that your child’s school is once again a place where they can flourish and enjoy their learning in the way that they deserve.

Yours sincerely,

26/03/20

Evening Update

We have absolutely loved to see all the children engaging in their Joe Wicks exercise and Home – Learning so a HUGE thanks for sharing.

On – Line Tutorial 

Another large thanks for both your positive and constructive comments regarding the tutorial videos. We noted that for the longer videos (in Y3/4 and Y5/6), the footage is not as clear. This is due to us having to reduce the size of the video to allow an upload! However at the point of the video where the questions are shared, they (the questions) will now appear in large font on the screen. This improvement has been made on all the key stage 2 videos we have uploaded so far. So, do get stuck in!

This will ensure the children can access the learning fully.

Friday Challenge:

We would really like to see the children trying out the ‘On-Line Tutorial’ videos. So, any clips or photos of the children in action, please add them to the thread below or likewise, send them to the office email: office@tymberwoodacademy.org.uk

FSM: Packed Lunch Collection

A reminder that there is no pick up for school lunches tomorrow. We will be in further communication for the days and times of collection next week.

As we have said, the School is so grateful for your continued support at this incredibly difficult and challenging time. If there is any further guidance you need, do reach out to the school.

Yours faithfully,

The Tymberwood Team

25/03/20

Morning all,

Three important updates for you:

1. Office communication

In line with the latest Government guidance, to reduce non- emergency travel, we may have days where we have a skeleton staff in the Office.  With this in mind, the phones will continue to be fully manned from 8:00am - to 10:00am. However, it will not be fully staffed full time throughout the day. If you have any problems getting through, or if it is urgent query, please email us: office@tymberwoodacademy.org.uk
 

The emails will be monitored consistently throughout the day and we will then get back to you regarding your query.

1. FSM updates

We are incredibly grateful to all those families collecting school pack lunches for adhering to government guidance regarding social distancing and combined the trip to school as their daily exercise.

Timings for collection today (25.3.20): 10 am – 11am.

To further reduce the risk of spreading the disease, today will be last collection point this week. Working closely with Chartwells, we will be ensuring that pupils will be given ample food for the rest of the week.

1. On-line Learning

As a reminder, we will be staggering videos onto the ‘class pages’ today. Please see the update yesterday for further guidance and support.

As always, we thank you for your continued support and please do contact the school if you have any questions.

Yours faithfully,

23/03/20

Dear all, 

Information Summary

* If pupil Learning Packs have still have not arrived via the post tomorrow, please contact the school office. We will take immediate action. 

*WAVE2: On-line learning activities and opportunities are now on the class pages of the website.  

*It was great to see families today, who aren't self isolating, collect packed lunches for the children eligible for FSM. The same system will be in place tomorrow from 10am. 

*TT rockstars: we know this is a fan's favourite! If you have lost / forgotten passwords, do make contact with the school office (by phone or email by 8:30 tomorrow) and we will communicate them to you straight away. 

* A shout out to our Key workers working in the different industries. What you are doing it making a huge difference. 

Thanks everyone for your support, generosity and showing unwavering Tymberwood spirit. 

Have a lovely evening, 

Yours Faithfully, 

Mr. Clark 

20/03/20 (18.44)

Key Information for Attending School Next Week

Dear Parents/Carers 

We deeply thank you for all your support and quick responses over the last few days. 

Due to the reasons set out in the government guidance, your child is eligible to continue attending school. We will be ensuring that the opportunities provided will be as fun, varied and as creative as possible. 

We have drafted an initial list of key information: 

1. The school day will run from 8:40am – 3:15pm. 

2. We are NOT able to offer Breakfast or After School Club at this time. 

3. The school gates will open (as normal) from 8:30am. 

4. We have specialist staff working on rotation from each key stage, to ensure pupils eligible to be joining us, will have a familiar adult present.

5. School lunches: All pupils who would normally have a school dinner will be provided with a cold packed lunch. If your child normally brings in their own packed lunch, they can continue to do so.  We will provide further information regarding the content of the school packed lunches, next week. 

6. School uniform: the pupils will not be expected to wear school uniform. 

7. We do ask that pupils come in with a PE kit which will return home with your child/ren at the end of a week.

8. Once finalised, we will share next week, a draft timetable so that you can effectively prepare the children for the week. 

9. We will be working predominately in the Year 3 classrooms and school hall. 

This is not an exhaustive list; however, we hope it gives a clearer indication of what we propose.

We fully appreciate all your support and look forward to giving the children brilliant opportunities next week. 

Yours faithfully, 


 Mr Clark 

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20/03/20

Hi all,

What a week! All your comments of support and thanks have truly meant so much to the staff team. Just a few quick updates and final bits of information, then we promise to leave you all in peace:

1. A Parent Mail is coming out now setting out the Free School Meal information. The school office is now SHUT. Therefore, any questions (about the logistics of it all), we will answer on the phone from 8am on Monday 23^rd March.
    
2. As you would have seen on the recent Parent Mail regarding ‘Home Learning’, we will be in further communication on Monday putting the children’s work on the class pages of the website. 
    
3. For those whose children are eligible for school on Monday, the Parent Mail will be with you soon setting out the key information. The aim is it will help you prepare the children for the changes taking place.
   
   
   Have a happy and restful weekend and continue to do all you can to follow government advice whilst staying safe!
   
   Yours faithfully,
   
    Mr Clark and Miss Kowalewska ​

20/03/20

Quick update: Free School Meals / Eligible Pupils

Good afternoon,

Quick update : Free School Meals / Eligible Pupils

1. For all those Parents and Carers, whose children are eligible for a Free School Meal, do note that our school (and wider Academy) will ensure those children are fully catered for.  We will be contacting you, directly, in due course to give you a guidance of what this will look like and how it will work.

2. Also, under the government guidance, for those families who are eligible to access school next week, we will make contact later today setting out key information moving forward.

Your comments of thanks really are deeply appreciated. Stay safe and look after each other.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Clark

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19/03/20

COVID 19: Two Important Updates - Thursday 19th March

Dear Parents/Carers,

1. As you will have seen, all schools – for the vast majority of pupils – will be closed after the children go home on Friday. Although further confirmation from the government is being sent across today, can we initially ask for your help on the following:

If you (parent or carer), are a key worker, or consider it likely that you may be, can we please ask that you get in contact with the school, as soon as possible. The exact definition of Key workers will be set out today by the Government, but we can assume that the list will contain the following

• NHS staff
• Police Officers
• Firefighters
• Food delivery drivers
• Armed Forces
• Prison officers / some prison staff
• Care Workers (Can we still ask that you contact the school, although this occupation is not yet highlighted in government information.)

We may seek further information, depending on further government recommendation, but having the essential information (above), will make a huge difference to the school.

1. We have understandably had questions from parents about ‘Home Learning’ support from the school. This is something we have been preparing and planning rigorously. We will be in further contact – later today - about exactly what this will look like.

Your comments of support and thanks at this turbulent time have been deeply appreciated and we are doing all we can to ensure the school community has all it needs.

 If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to be in contact with the school.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Clark

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19/03/20

COVID 19: Two Important Updates - Thursday 19th March

Dear Parents/Carers,

1. As you will have seen, all schools – for the vast majority of pupils – will be closed after the children go home on Friday. Although further confirmation from the government is being sent across today, can we initially ask for your help on the following:

If you (parent or carer), are a key worker, or consider it likely that you may be, can we please ask that you get in contact with the school, as soon as possible. The exact definition of Key workers will be set out today by the Government, but we can assume that the list will contain the following

• NHS staff
• Police Officers
• Firefighters
• Food delivery drivers
• Armed Forces
• Prison officers / some prison staff
• Care Workers (Can we still ask that you contact the school, although this occupation is not yet highlighted in government information.)

We may seek further information, depending on further government recommendation, but having the essential information (above), will make a huge difference to the school.

1. We have understandably had questions from parents about ‘Home Learning’ support from the school. This is something we have been preparing and planning rigorously. We will be in further contact – later today - about exactly what this will look like.

Your comments of support and thanks at this turbulent time have been deeply appreciated and we are doing all we can to ensure the school community has all it needs.

 If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to be in contact with the school.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Clark

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18/03/20

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Following the government’s latest update, we wanted to confirm that the school remains open as normal on Thursday and Friday.

Once the government has released clarifying information, and we have been in contact with our Academy Trust (Reach2), we will be in further contact to add further clarity regarding next week. This will be over the coming days. 

Thank you all in advance for your continued support. 

Yours faithfully,

Mr Clark  

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18/03/20

ASD/ADHD: Top Tips for Helping your Children at Home

Dear Parents/Carers

As you are aware, this is a turbulent time, whether your child is currently in school or unable to attend. We fully recognise that you know your children best, and what works for them. Yet, we felt it worthwhile to send over some simple tips and advice to support you during this period of uncertainty. These can be adopted during the school day, evenings and weekends.

Top tips

  *   ​Use positive language when giving instructions
  *   Keep a simple and consistent structure (where possible) throughout.
  *   Keep a regular routine that the children know and will follow.
  *   Let the children know what is coming next as much as you can.
  *   Use your child's interests to engage them in their learning.
  *   Have regular comfort / sensory breaks
  *   Keep instructions short and simple
  *   Give them 'take up time' (time to respond) when you give an instruction.

We will be giving you a call before the end of the week with some suggested resources (that we have in mind) which may be helpful moving forward, regardless of further Government advice and decisions.

We'll look forward to speaking to you soon,

Yours faithfully


Mr Clark

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18/03/20

COVID 19: Key Information Update

Dear Parents and Carers,

We wanted to update you on some key information:-

1.   We will be sending PE Kits home this week after your child has had their lesson. If you could wash them and return them after the weekend, in time for next week's PE lesson, it would be gratefully appreciated. 

2.   The school continues to receive a full and thorough clean at the end of the day and high contact areas (door handles etc) are being cleaned consistently throughout the day.

3.   We have implemented a bottle washing rota of all the children's drinking bottles. These will go through the dishwasher at a high temperature.  

4.   School continues to remain open. We are continuing to monitor the Government's guidance and will, of course, inform you of any change to the current situation. 

Thank you for your continued support.


Mr Clark

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17/03/20

COVID 19 Update: 

Dear Parents/Carers

Learning Opportunities: A Starting Point 

Further to the Facebook message that has been posted earlier this afternoon, please see some suggested activities and sites that the children can use and access.
 

Reading: little and often 

If you can listen to the children every day, it will really build up their confidence and fluency. Asking them questions along the way will make a real difference. For example:  

*Where is the story set? Who is the author? What is the blurb? Who is your favourite character? What is it about this book do you like not like? What do you think may happen next? Is it a fiction or non – fiction book? How do you know?Put yourself in the shoes of one of the characters and retell the story from their point of view.

1. TT Rockstars

TT Rock stars is a fantastic on-line platform which really allows the children to build their number knowledge and fluency.  This is especially the case with pupils getting quicker at their Times Tables. If you do not know your child’s log in details, please contact the school office and we will support. 

2. BBC Bitesize(https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/zbr9wmn)

This is a great on-line resource and allows the children to practise lots of the skills and knowledge, in both core and foundation subjects, that they have been learning in class. 

This should be a great start. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support. As always if you require any clarifications or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school. 

Yours sincerely, 

Mr Clark

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16/03/20  (12.07)

COVID - 19 Update

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are aware that this is an increasingly turbulent and unfamiliar time. Yet, on behalf of the school team, I wanted to write and thank you all for your ongoing support. We are seeing many of you being incredibly proactive in asking questions, sharing information and seeking clarification which we greatly appreciate.

Last week, you will have seen that we have taken the decision to cancel assemblies at this time to reduce large gatherings of pupils and adults. We will now be putting some further measures into place this week:

• Break times / Lunchtimes

We will have staggered break times across the school where only one year group will be outside, on the same playground, at any one time. Also, at lunchtime, we are have taken similar measures to reduce large gatherings of children.

• Parent Share

Due to relatives of all ages coming to Parent Share to celebrate and engage in the learning, as a precaution, we have taken the decision to cancel those sessions until further notice.

• Start of the day

Our doors will be open in the mornings from 8:35am (5 minutes earlier than usual) to allow a smoother and quicker transition for parents. Once again, reducing large gatherings.

• Trips

We are rigorously monitoring all relevant guidance around school trips, and we will be taking evidence-based decisions on whether they should go ahead. We will keep you updated in a timely manner if there are any changes.

• Hand Washing

Pupils are regularly and consistently being given opportunities to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water. As a school, we are ensuring staff and any visitors entering the building, will do the same.

• Breakfast and After School Clubs

As above, these will continue as normal in their current form. Staff will continue to ensure high levels of hygiene are followed, especially before and after contact with food (After School Care Club).

We do recognise that this is a strange period, but please do keep communicating with the school. As always, if you have any questions regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to let the school know.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Clark

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13/03/20 (16.03)

Dear Parent and Carers, 

Please see below a letter from Sir Steve Lancashire the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reach2 Academy Trust. 

Do note, where he refer to residential trips, this is with reference to the current academic year. The Y5 pupils, who have their planned trip to France in October, is still presently on and will be revisited and reviewed at a later stage. 

Yours sincerely,

Mr Clark ​

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12/03/20

Dear Parents / Carers, 

Following on from the recent updated government advice, the school will be open as normal tomorrow. 

We look forward to seeing you in the morning. Thank you for your continued support. 

Yours sincerely, 

Mr. Clark 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update     (03/03/20)

Dear Parents/Carers

We understand, after speaking to some of you this morning, there are some concerns relating to the virus with a possible connection between Tymberwood and another local secondary school.

I am writing to confirm that after communicating directly with the school, our advice remains absolutely the same, in that your children should be brought into school. We will be continuing to monitor the situation carefully.

Should the information or advice change, you will of course be informed immediately.

Thank you for your continued support.


Mr Clark
Head Teacher

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