Dear Parent/Carer, 23rd June 2020
I hope you and your families are all keeping well. As you will know, the guidance we are receiving is changing at a fast pace. Although the information in this letter is correct at the present time, this is an evolving situation and therefore the content remains subject to change. If any changes occur, I will inform you as soon as I can.
All staff in the school have been working hard to prepare classes for the children’s return in August 2020. Our teaching staff, have also been keeping in contact with our children and providing work on Glow to keep them on track with their learning.
SCHOOL MODEL
- Group A will attend school for 2 days (10 hrs in total). – (Monday and Tuesday)
- Group B will attend school for 2 days (10 hrs in total). – (Thursday and Friday)
Please note more specific details in regard of the identified days that your child/children will attend school and the days that they remain at home (Blended Learning) will be conveyed to you by an email from the school.
In drawing up our groups, we have taken account of the following:
- local and national guidance
- our school site to ensure it is fully compliant with guidance from health and safety advice
- school and class capacity guidance to ensure 2 metre social distancing rule
- siblings attending school on the same day
Please note that all these factors have been used to formulate our class structures for August 2020. Whilst we know our children well we cannot guarantee that friendship groups are kept together nor can we plan on this basis. It is always our intention to get it right for our children.
Please note that personal requests to choose specified days or times for your child cannot be accommodated due to all of the factors highlighted above.
In the event of a return to our normal operational guidance on class sizes, the school will need to change class structures and this may result in a change of teacher for your child.
Clothing and Uniform: following the most recent advice from the council, I am asking that children come to school wearing their uniform. This includes a white shirt/polo shirt, grey trousers/skirt and a grey jumper/cardigan. Please remember school ties and scarves are often not washed as regularly as other items of uniform. Children should wear a suitable jacket and footwear for all weather conditions.
When children arrive at the school they will have to wait in designated areas of the playground as entry to the building will be strictly controlled. The children will be expected to wait outside regardless of the weather.
At the moment children will not need an indoor P.E kit as all physical activity will take place outdoors.
School Equipment: Children are allowed to bring their packed lunch box or lunch bag (if required). Children should not bring any personal belongings or toys from home to minimise the risk of infection. The school will provide all of the equipment necessary for each child.
Hygiene Arrangements: We will follow enhanced hygiene practices including sanitisation stations at all entrances, regular handwashing, regular cleaning and deep cleaning in line with council guidance to assist in the prevention of infection.
Children should bring a water bottle. Please fill this at home before the children come to school.
Breakfast Club: Planning for breakfast clubs is still under consideration by the council.
School Lunches: A mixture of hot meals and packed lunches will be available in school.
School Transport: Arrangements are still being considered for this by the council. Where possible parents and carers may wish to transport their own child. It is possible that journeys will be staggered with a limited number on board to support social distancing. Where possible children and young people should be encouraged to walk/cycle to school in keeping with active travel. Due to social distancing requirements on school transport, the Service will not be able to offer any privilege transport for any pupils in September 2020.
In-Service Days: There will be one in-service day for teachers on Tuesday 11 August 2020. The second in-service day is still required under national arrangements and this has been scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2020.
Please note parents and carers will not be permitted to access our school grounds or the school building. All access to the school building will be by prior appointment and confirmed by the school.
Arrangements for Starting School:
Group A will attend school on Wednesday 12 August 2020.
Group B will attend school on Thursday 13 August and Friday 14 August 2020.
For the latest information and advice, please continue to access www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/coronavirus and our school website.
If any, Cumbernauld families are in need of assistance or support, please email us at enquiries@cumbernuald-pri.n-lanark.sch.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Once again I would like to thank you all for your support over these last months and the fantastic work you have carried out at home to support your child’s learning. We kindly ask for your continued patience as we work to get the school organised for the return of pupils in August 2020. We wish you an enjoyable summer break and look forward to welcoming you back to school in the near future.
Thank you for your continued support and co-operation in all school matters.
Take care of yourselves and stay safe.
Yours sincerely
Ed Clinton
Head Teacher
