Letter from the Head Teacher to parents and careers on Friday 16th October 2020 link
Letter from the Head Teacher to parents and careers on Friday 9th October 2020 link
Message from the Headteacher Thursday 1st October 2020
Dear parents and families,
As you will know since the start of this term the children have been working with their previous class teachers. This has helped them to settle back into school and to catch-up on missed learning. Today was their last day in their old year group, they have now all moved up to their next class. Congratulations!!
Below are the new class teams.
|
2 year olds (PM) |
Nursery Class (AM) |
Reception Class |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
Year 6 |
|
Miss Wells |
Miss Miles |
Miss Mansouri |
Miss Sobers |
Miss Steer |
Miss Fawkes |
Mr Nondo |
Miss McGivern |
Miss McAlpine |
Miss Schooley |
|
|
Miss Wells |
Miss Beaton & Miss Woolcock Mrs Omar (phonics) |
Mrs Omar & Mrs Cresswell |
Miss Matthews
|
Mrs Wormald |
Mrs Flatt |
Mrs Osbourne |
Miss Khan |
Miss Khan & Miss Barros |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miss Marlowe |
Miss Marlowe |
Miss Marlowe |
Below are the new start times and home times for all classes:
|
Class
|
Nurs |
Rec |
Yr 1 |
Yr 2
|
Yr 3 |
Yr 4 |
Yr 5
|
Yr 6 |
|
Gate |
EYs |
EYs |
KS1 gate
|
KS1 gate
|
KS2 fire gate
|
KS2 fire gate
|
KS2 fire gate |
MUGA |
|
Morning |
8.55 (Nurs) |
8.45 |
8.55 |
8.50 |
8.50 |
8.45 |
8.55 |
8.45 |
|
Home time |
3.30 (2YOs) |
3.20 |
3.30 |
3.20 |
3.25 |
3.20 |
3.30 |
3.25 |
Kambala Road and Mantua Street. Road closure for Safer Streets.
As from Monday 12th October these two roads will be blocked to parents coming to school in their cars.
This has been arranged with Safer Streets to help us keep our children and families safe.
If you drive to school using Kambala Road ad Mantua Street please don’t wait until 12th
October- stop now!
Friday 2nd October: school is closed for children – staff INSET day.
Best wishes to you all
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Message from the Headteacher Friday 25th September 2020
Dear parents and families,
I hope you are all well and keeping warm after the noticeable drop in temperature this week!
In today’s letter will be giving you a COVID update and reminders, some information about work for children who are isolating, exciting news about your child’s new class and teacher, an update on our road closure arrangements and finally an invitation
COVID update and reminders:
We still have no positive COVID cases at Falconbrook.
If your child is unwell with possible symptoms they must not come to school. You should book them a test online or by calling 119.
Symptoms are:
Children must stay at home until you have the test result. Brothers and sisters must also stay home during this time, as should all members of your household including you.
We will keep in contact with you during this time, and will help as much as we can.
Remote Learning:
If your child or children are isolating, we will provide them with learning to do at home each day. This will be the same work as the rest of their class is doing in school. We will need you to update us each day, by e-mail to let us know that your child has completed their daily work, and to ask any questions.
Your child’s teacher will keep in contact during this time as needed.
Road closure update:
As from 12th October Mantua Street and Kamala Road (including side roads) will be closed for cars during morning drop off and at home time. We have made this arrangement with Safer Streets.
More information will be shared with parents and children soon.
Celebration lunch on 1st October.
All Bubble Groups will celebrate their final day in their current classes with a special lunch on Thursday 1st October. If your child usually has a packed lunch you may book them a school dinner for this day at the school office. Menu includes pizza, chips and chocolate cake. YUM!!
REMINDER: School closed for children on Friday 2nd October.
New Classes for 2020-2021.
The children will be meeting with their new class teacher on Thursday 1st October. They will move up to their new class and year group on Monday 5th October.
|
Year |
Class Teacher |
Teaching Support Team |
Additional Teacher |
|
6 |
Miss Schooley |
Miss Barros Miss Khan Miss Marlow |
Mrs Pieniek-Jones |
|
5 |
Miss McAlpine |
Miss Khan |
Mrs Pieniek-Jones
|
|
4 |
Miss McGivern |
Mrs Osbourne |
Miss Watts |
|
3 |
Mr Nondo |
Mrs Flatt |
Miss Watts
|
|
2 |
Miss Steer |
Miss McNeish |
Miss Watts
|
|
2 |
Miss Fawkes |
Mrs Wormald |
Miss Watts
|
|
1 |
Miss Sobers |
Mrs Cresswell Mrs Omar |
Miss Watts
|
|
Rec |
Miss Mansouri |
Miss Beaton Miss Woolcock Mrs Omar (phonics) |
Miss Miles |
|
Nurs |
Miss Miles |
Miss Wells |
N/A |
A temporary goodbye.
Mrs Hamill will be going on her maternity leave at the end of next week. We will keep you updated and let you know when we have any news!
Best wishes
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Message from the Headteacher Friday 18th September 2020
Dear parents and families,
I hope you are all well, and that you have had some time to enjoy the sunshine this week. Here are few reminders and an invitation:
What to do if your child has symptoms of the coronavirus.
COVID update:
Over the past two weeks a number of our children have had COVID symptoms (a new and persistent cough, a temperature, a change in taste or smell). Children who have these symptoms stay at home and return when they receive a negative COVID test result.
We have no positive cases here at Falconbrook.
Unfortunately, many of our families are finding difficult to book a test. This is the same for everyone across the UK, including all schools. I understand how difficult this is for our families, please contact us if you need any advice – we will do what we can to help.
To book a test go online or phone 119.
Driving cars in Kambala Road:
Please do not drive down Kambala Road at drop off time and home time. This road is too narrow and is becoming a danger to all the children and their families during these busy times.
We need to take care and keep each other safe.
A Special Lunch for Everyone
On Thursday 1st October we would like all children to have a special school lunch to celebrate their transfer up to their next class. The menu will include:
Children who usually have a packed lunch can book a school lunch for this day – just let the office staff know.
Dates to remember:
Best wishes
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Message from the Head Teacher Friday 11th September
Dear parents and families,
Welcome back to the new school year.
We have enjoyed a wonderful start to the new term this week. The children have adapted to the new school safety rules swiftly and without fuss. They have also returned to their learning with enthusiasm. It is a delight to see them back in their classrooms working hard and making progress once more.
Have you seen our ‘outstanding’ banners?
To celebrate the outstanding outcomes in our recent OFSTED inspection we now have banners displayed outside the school. The children, staff and families deserve to feel proud and to celebrate and share Falconbrook’s achievements.
What to do if your child has symptoms of the coronavirus
Do not send them to school.
Contact school to report their absence.
Book a test for your child at either a local test centre, or online or call 119.
Keep your child at home until you have the result of the test.
If the test is negative let us know asap – you child can return to school.
If the test is positive let us know asap – your child will need to stay at home.
We will provide work packs for your child if they have to self-isolate and remain at home.
Please go to www.gov.uk for the government’s coronavirus guidance and support information
Social distancing at the school gate
Please keep to a distance of 2 meters apart when waiting outside of school gate. Doing this will help us to reduce the spread of the virus within the school community.
Arriving at school in the morning and collecting children at home time
Please make sure you bring your children to school on time and collect them on time too at the end of the day. All Bubble Groups have different start and end times. We are doing this to make sure the groups don’t meet inside the school, so that we can reduce the spread of the virus and keep all of our children and our staff safe.
Safe Roads = Safe Children
We are looking at ways to stop traffic in Mantua Street and Kambala Street (at the back of the school building) at the start of the school day (8.45am -9.00am) and at home time (3.15pm -3.30pm) because of concerns around children’s safety. In the meantime, to help keep our children safe, please do not drive down these roads when bringing your child to school or picking them up. Thankyou.
Best wishes
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Message from the Head Teacher Friday 4th September
Dear parents, children and families,
I hope you are all well and that you have had a good summer.
The Falconbrook staff returned to school this week to finalise arrangements for school to re-open on Monday 7th September. We are really looking forward to seeing all the children return next week.
As you will already know for the first 4 weeks of this term the children will remain with their class teacher and year group. This will support them to swiftly settle back into their familiar school life and learning. All children will move to their next class on 5th October.
Most of you will have received a call from your child’s teacher this week, who will have already spoken to you about all that has been put in place to make Falconbrook ready for the children’s safe return on Monday.
The children will work in class or year Bubble Groups, with their teacher and TAs. These Bubble Groups will remain together all day, including break times and will not mix with other Bubble Groups. This is being done to avoid different Bubble Groups meeting in school and reduces the risk of spreading the virus. Start times and home times are staggered for each Bubble Group too, they will also come into school through different gates. See timetable below.
It is important that children arrive on time and are collected on time. This will help us to keep the Bubble Groups separate and safe.
|
|
Nursery |
Reception
|
Yr. 1
|
Yr. 1 |
Year 2
|
Yr. 3
|
Yr. 3
|
Year 4 |
Yr. 5 Hamill |
Yr. 5 McAlpine |
|
staff |
Ms Miles & Ms Wells Ms Omar |
Ms Mansouri & Ms Beaton Ms Cresswell |
Ms Fawkes & Ms Wormald |
Ms Sobers & Ms Woolcock |
Ms Steer & Ms Flatt |
Mr Nondo & Ms McNeish & Ms Osbourne |
Ms McGivern & Ms Osbourne & Ms McNeish |
Ms Watts & Ms McAlpine |
Ms Hamill & Ms Barros & Ms Schooley |
Ms McAlpine & Ms Khan & Ms Schooley |
|
Gate |
EYs gate |
EYs gate |
KS1 gate |
KS1 gate |
KS1 gate |
KS2 fire gate / school house |
KS2 fire gate / school house |
KS2 fire gate / school house |
Main gate / MUGA |
Main gate / MUGA
|
|
Start time |
8.45am |
8.55am |
8.45am |
8.55am |
9.05am |
8.45am |
8.55am |
9.15am |
9.05am |
9.15am
|
|
Home time |
3.15pm |
3.30pm |
3.15pm |
3.25pm |
3.30pm |
3.20pm |
3.20pm |
3.30pm |
3.20pm |
3.30pm
|
What other safety precautions are in place at school?
How can I keep in touch with school and my child’s teacher?
What should I do if my child has some of the symptoms of COVID-19?
Are your contact details up to date?
What must children bring to school on the first day?
All children will need to be in the correct school uniform, including black shoes. They will also need to bring the following:
Please make sure your child does not bring anything else into school.
Please label all clothing.
Please write your child’s name and class on all items of their clothing, including coats. This will help to ensure children do not accidently take home someone else’s belongings and will reduce lost property.
I look forward to seeing you on Monday morning.
Best wishes to you all
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Message from the Head Teacher Friday 17th July.
Dear parents and families,
I hope you are all well and keeping safe.
This week we said goodbye to our Year 6 children. This was a unique experience, and quite different from previous years, as we celebrated outdoors, in a social distanced and safe manner! It was great to see almost all our Year 6 children back at school for this event , and to have the chance to remind them in person of all they have achieved during their time at Falconbrook, and to acknowledge what wonderful young people they have all grown into. We are very proud of each of you and look forward to you visiting us in the future.
Classes for the first 4 weeks of term.
In last week’s letter I let you know that when all the children come back in September they will return to their current teacher and to their usual classroom. We have made this arrangement to help the children to settle back into school happily, and to give them the opportunity to catch-up on their learning with their familiar adults. All children will move up to their next class on Monday 5th October.
Staggered start and home times next term.
As you will already know we will continue to stagger the start and end time for all classes next term to avoid overcrowding and the risk of spreading the virus. See below for detail:
|
Class |
Nursery Miles |
Reception Mansouri |
Year 1 Sobers |
Year 1 Fawkes |
Year 2 Steer |
Year 3 Nondo
|
Year 3 McGivern |
Year 4 |
Year 5 Hamill |
Year 5 McAlpine |
|
Teacher |
Ms Miles |
Ms Mansouri |
Ms Sobers |
Ms Fawkes |
Ms Steer |
Mr Nondo |
Ms McGIvern |
Ms Watts |
Ms Hamill |
Ms McAlpine |
|
Gate |
EYs |
EYs |
KS1 gate |
KS1 gate
|
KS1 gate |
KS2 fire gate |
KS2 fire gate
|
KS2 fire gate
|
Main playground gate / MUGA |
Main playground gate / MUGA
|
|
Start time |
8.45am |
8.55am |
8.45am |
8.55am |
9.05am |
8.45am |
8.55am
|
9.15am |
9.05am |
9.15am |
|
Home time |
3.15pm |
3.30pm |
3.15pm |
3.25pm |
3.30pm |
3.15pm |
3.20pm
|
3.30pm |
3.20pm |
3.30pm |
Important note: Please be on time as this will help us to keep the Bubble Groups safe and as a result reduce the risk of spreading the virus across our community.
Breakfast Club:
Unfortunately, we will not be able to re-open breakfast club in September. As soon as we can re-start breakfast club safely, we will let parents know.
The London Childrens Book Project.
We were extremely fortunate to receive a large donation of children’s books from the London Childrens Book Project. We were able to offer these books to all children to take home and keep – and read over the summer holiday. We were pleased that so many of you were able to take up this offer.
Holiday Homework.
As well as reading, and writing in their reading diaries, the children’s holiday homework project will be emailed to you all tomorrow. A copy will also be on the website. This holiday the children will be doing a project called Heroes. Children should not need access to a computer to complete this holiday project. We are asking that parents email photos of their child’s work during the holiday, so we can share examples on Twitter and celebrate excellent efforts when they children return net term.
Keeping in touch.
All teachers will telephone parents and children on 4th or 5th September, for a quick chat and to make sure everyone is feeling confident about the start of the new term on Monday 7th September. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns please contact us at school and we will do what we can to help.
Finally, it feels very strange writing to you all, instead of seeing you all at home time in the playground to celebrate the end of the year, and to wish you a happy summer holiday. We know the virus will still be with us in September, but I am confident that with the safety arrangements firmly in place at school we can continue to work together and make sure our children swiftly settle back into school life and to get on with their learning!
Thank you for your patience and your support during this difficult period.
I wish you all a peaceful and safe summer and look forward to seeing you next term.
My very best wishes to you all.
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 10th July
Dear parents and families,
I hope you all well and keeping safe.
This week we welcomed back children from Year 3 and Year 4. We now have children in school from every year group, which is wonderful! Falconbrook is slowly, but steadily becoming a normal school once again.
I continue to be impressed by how quickly the children have adapted to life back at school, and to enjoying their learning. They are also carefully following the new safety arrangements and are being very well supported to do so by their teachers and TAs.
These past months have been extraordinary, and although the virus will continue to be part of all of our lives for some time to come, it is good to be able to start to return to normal life. We have already begun to plan for the new term in September. As you will know the government has said that it expects all children to return to school at the start of the Autumn term. For Falconbrook that will be from Monday 7th September.
Safety arrangements in September:
The current additional safety arrangements that are already in place at school with continue in the new term. This will include the children working in a Bubble Groups with their adults, and remaining with just their group all day, including playtimes. From September these Bubble Groups will include the whole class.
Additional cleaning will still take place, along with additional hand washing and sanitizing for all children and staff.
If your child displays any of the COVID-19 symptoms they should not come to school. Please report any absences in the usual ways. It is important that we can contact parents immediately should their child become unwell with COVID symptoms. If your phone number has changed please make sure you tell the school office.
We will continue with staggered start and end times next term. This is to avoid overcrowding in school, and the risk of spreading the virus. It also allows staff who travel by public transport to avoid rush hour crowds on tubes, trains and buses. We will soon be able confirm the start and end time for each class.
All arrangements we have put in place are in line with the government guidance for schools. If you would like more detail on these arrangements, please contact us. We are happy to answer any questions or discuss concerns that you may have.
Classes and teachers at the start of the new term.
We have given much thought to how we may best support the children when they all return in September. Some children may feel anxious about coming back. Some children may feel unconfident because they have missed some of their learning. Our aim is for all our children to feel happy and confident when they return, and for them to be given the opportunity to swiftly and safely get back up to speed with their learning.
It makes sense for them to do this with adults they are already familiar with, and who know their learning well. So, for the first 4 weeks of the new term the children will be working with their current class teachers and TAs in their usual classrooms. These first few weeks will be used to catch-up on missed learning, support the children to feel confident and happy and prepare them for their move to their next class and teacher.
The children will move to their new classes at the beginning of October. As we do not have any new teachers or TAs joining us in September the children will already know their next teacher and TAs.
Summer Sports sessions at Falconbrook.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to move ahead with our plans for a summer sports school. However, we will inform parents about summer activities being arranged in the local area as soon as we are given this information.
Congratulations and a very fond farewell:
Miss Lennard and Miss Little have now completed their teacher training at Falconbrook and will both be starting new jobs in September. We will be very sad to see them go at the end of term! I’m sure you will join me in wishing them every happiness and success as they start their new careers.
Reminder: term ends on Thursday 16th July. Bubble groups should be collected at their usual time.
Finally, I would like to thank you for your support and understanding during these difficult times and look forward to a more settled time from September.
Best wishes to you all
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher.
Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 3rd July
Dear parents and families,
I hope that you are all well.
This week saw the return of Year 2 to Falconbrook. There were some very enthusiastic and happy faces at the gate on Wednesday morning, including Miss Steer and Miss Little. We now have children back in school from six different year groups; nursery, reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 5 and Year 6. On Monday Years 3 and 4 will also be returning. The children have come up with some innovative ways to remember the new safety rules – McAlpine class even made up a 2 metre song. I continue to be immensely proud of all our children, and the staff who are supporting them.
All returning groups have a different start time and home time. They come into school via different gates. We do this to make sure the different Bubble Groups do not meet or make physical contact with each other, including the adults. The children remain with their ‘bubble’ all day including lunchtime and playtimes. It is important that children arrive at the correct time as the rest of their group, so that we can keep the whole group safe. As we have more children on site, to continue to ensure their safety we will not allow children to join their group if they are late to school and they will need to return home to work for that day. Please ensure that you arrive outside your child’s gate 5 minutes before opening as they close once all waiting children have entered.
If you child has returned but they are unexpectedly absent please contact us to let us know before their start time.
A few reminders:
Work packs and reading books may be collected from the school office, for children working at home.
Children should not bring bags (or coats) or packed lunches to school. This is to prevent the possible spread of the virus between home and school.
Lunch will be provided for all children.
Children should bring a water bottle to keep at school.
In the hot weather please apply sun cream before your child comes to school, they should also wear a hat.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact us by phone or email and we will do what we can to help.
Best wishes to you all
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 26th June
Dear parents and families,
I hope that you are all well, and that you have managed to enjoy this week’s heatwave.
This week saw the return of Year 5 to Falconbrook. It was wonderful to see them and how tall many have grown! As with all our returning groups, Year 5 have settled back into school life very quickly. We now have children back in school from six different year groups; nursery, reception, Year 1, Year 5 and Year 6. Next Wednesday Year 2 will also be returning. I have been impressed with how quickly the children have adapted to life back at school and how well they are following the new safety rules that have been put in place. I am immensely proud of all our children, and the staff who are supporting them.
All returning groups have a different start time and home time. They come into school via different gates. We do this to make sure the different Bubble Groups do not meet or make physical contact with each other, including the adults. The children remain with their ‘bubble’ all day including lunchtime and playtimes. It is important that children arrive at the correct time as the rest of their group, so that we can keep the whole group safe. If a child arrives late, they may not be able to join their group and would then need to return home to work.
If your child is from one of the returning groups but you have not wanted them to come back yet please let me know if you change your mind. We will then make an arrangement for them to join their class back at school. We also have some spaces in our Hub group, (including children of key workers, or with EHCP).
If you child has returned but they are unexpectedly absent please contact us to let us know.
We are still hoping to invite more children back before the end of term and will telephone parents when we are able to arrange this.
A few reminders:
* Work packs and reading books may be collected from the school office, for children working at home.
* Children should not bring bags (or coats) or packed lunches to school. This is to prevent the possible spread of the virus between home and school.
* Lunch will be provided for all children.
* Children may bring a water bottle to keep at school.
* In the hot weather please apply sun cream before your child comes to school, they should also wear a hat.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact us by phone or email and we will do what we can to help.
Best wishes to you all
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Thursday 18th June
Dear parents and families,
I hope you are all well and keeping safe.
This week Falconbrook has started to feel like a school once again! In addition to Year 6 and our Hub groups we also welcomed Year 1 children back to school. It has been wonderful to see our children returning, as well as their families.
Next week we are looking forward to seeing our Nursey and Reception children on Monday. On Wednesday we welcome back Year 5.
If you have a child from one of the year groups who have returned, but you have decided to keep them at home we will continue to provide home learning packs. However, if you change your mind and would like your child to return please telephone me, and we will make arrangements for them to re-join their class.
We hope to be able to invite other year groups back soon too, and we will continue to keep parents informed of our plans in advance.
Summer sports school update:
Thank you to all parents who completed the survey we sent out last week. As a result of the positive responses we are now able to move forward with plans to arrange a summer sports school at Falconbrook for one week. This will be run by Shaw Sports who currently run our after school Multi-Sports clubs.
Priority for places will be given to families who have already responded. However, we have a small number of places left, please let us know if you would like one of these.
A few reminders:
• Children coming to school must not bring any items into school, including a packed lunch. This is to avoid spreading the virus between school and home. We will provide lunch at this time.
• If your child has returned to school, but is unable to attend please telephone know to let us know.
• School remains closed to children on Friday.
• Food boxes are no longer available at Falconbrook, but we can refer families to the new collection point. Please let us know if you would like this information.
Best wishes
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Thursday 11th June
Dear parents and families,
I hope that you are all well and safe.
This week we were delighted to welcome children back to school. It was wonderful to see some of our Year 6 pupils, as well as other children who joined our hub groups, which include the children of key workers.
Next week we are looking forward to seeing some of our Year 1 children, who will be coming back to school on Tuesday 16th June.
Some parents have decided not to bring their children back to school yet, I have let them know that I will continue to respect and support their decision, and that we will provide work for all children who remain at home. However, if any parent changes their mind, they also know that they can phone me (0207 228 7706) and we can arrange for their child to return to
school the following week.
Next week we will be telephoning our EYFS parents to discuss arrangements for their children to return to school from 22nd June.
As you will know the government said that children form Year 6, Year 1 and the EYFS should return to school first, and the rest of the school would follow. Many parents will know that the government has now dropped their plans for all primary children to return to school by the end of this term. However, at Falconbrook we are still thinking about how we could invite children from other year groups to return to school safely, even if only for a short period, before the summer holidays begin. We will contact parents to discuss this further.
We are also considering sports and arts provision for some children during the summer holiday. Before making any arrangements, we will need to know if parents would be interested in this for their child. We will be sending out a survey next week to ask you all more about this.
Safety reminders:
• Children coming to school must not bring their school bag or any items from home, including a packed lunch. On warm days please leave coats at home too. This is to prevent the spread of the virus from home to school and vice versa.
• (NOTE: A cold lunch will be provided for all children)
• Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell, or if they or any member of the household has COVID-19 symptoms including a new or persistent cough, a high temperature or a change or loss of their sense of taste of smell.
• If you have arranged for your child to return to school, but then they are absent please telephone school to let us know.
Other reminders:
• Children’s work packs are updated every Monday.
• Work packs and reading books can be collected from the school office.
• Work packs are still available on the school website and are also sent out to all parents by email.
• If you have any questions, concerns or worries please contact us by phone or email.
Regards
Mrs. Stella Smith
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 5th June
Dear parents and families,
Next week we look forward welcoming some of our children back into school.
The groups of children will start and finish school at different times, and will use a different entry gate. This is to make sure they do not mix with anyone outside of their group.
It is important that parents bring their children to school and wait with them to make sure they are socially distancing. Places have been painted on the pavement to help you with this.
Children (& adults) must not bring anything into school (including a coat if it is warm weather). This is to prevent the possible transfer of the virus. School will provide a cold lunch for children at this time.
Arrangements for Monday 8th June
Key workers children + EHCP group
Ms McGivern & Ms Barros
Enter through large gate next to school house – Kambala Street
Start time 9.15am
Home time 3pm
Year 6 group
Ms Schooley & Ms Marlow
Enter through main entrance gate – Wye Street
Start time 9.30am
Home time 2.45pm
Checking temperatures:
From Monday 8th June we will be using a non-contact thermometer to check children’s temperature as they come in. If a child’s temperature is too high we will ask you to take them home for at least 7 days.
Year 1 and EYFS returning:
Following consultation we have changed the order of return for Year 1 and EYFS.
• Year 1: invited to return from Monday 15th June.
• EYFS: Invited to return from Monday 22nd June
We will telephone all Year 1 parents next week to discuss arrangements for the following week.
NOTE: At this time school will be open to children on Monday-Thursday only.
Children who are not yet returning to school:
• Work will still be provided for all children who are not at school.
• These work-packs can be collected from school or accessed online and via school website.
• Teachers will continue to keep in contact with children (phone, emails, message)
NOTE: If your child is eligible to return but you have decided against this your decision will be respected. However, if you change your mind please contact me and we will make plans for your child to return the following week.
PPE at Falconbrook:
As we move slowly and cautiously towards opening Falconbrook more widely it is important that we do all we can to keep the children, the community and our staff as safe as possible. With this in mind we have decided that our staff will use PPE at school, including wearing a face mask.
Children may also wear a face mask to school, if you want them to. Please make sure they know how to wear their mask safely.
Any parents (or visitor) coming into school will also need to wear a face mask.
Parents coming into school:
Parents (& visitors) are not able to come into the school during this time. The school office remains officially closed to visitors unless there is an emergency. However, you can still contact us by email or by phone.
Please do not bring your child to school, if they or any member of the household are showing symptoms of COVID-09. These include:
• Temperature
• Cough
• Loss of taste and smell
• Sore throat
COVID-19 test can be arranged via the link https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk
The long and difficult journey back to normality begins here. At Falconbrook we will continue to do this cautiously and carefully. We will check along the way that we are doing all we can to keep everyone as safe as possible, and will make changes to our arrangements as necessary.
We will also be depending on you to make sure your children socially distance, and follow the government’s safety rules at home as well as at school.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact us and we will do all we can to help.
My very best wishes to you all.
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 29th May
Dear parents and families,
I hope you are all well and safe.
Thank you to all of our parents who completed our survey on re-opening Falconbrook school . If you haven’t done this yet please do, if you can.
Next week we will be telephoning Year 6 parents to talk about your children returning to school on either Monday 8th or Tuesday 9th June. Please remember that we want to support you in this, and should you decide that you do not want your child to return yet we will respect your decision.
We will continue to provide home learning for children from all year groups who are not able to return to school.
Reminders:
• Work packs and reading books can be collected from school on Monday.
• Food boxes will be available for families to collect from school on Thursday.
• Please continue to contact us if you have any questions or concerns – we will do all we are able to help.
• Please see planned return dates for all groups in last week’s message to parents (copy on website below).
Best wishes to you all.
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Falconbrook Primary School
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 22nd May
Dear parents and families,
This is an important message -please share with other Falconbrook families as far as you are able.
I hope you are all staying well and safe, and that you have managed to enjoy some of the sunshine this week. I also want to congratulate you all on the wonderful work your children have been doing at home. I have seen the photos that you have been sending in of your children’s work, what you have achieved is astonishing.
Following last week’s message when I told you more about the governments plans for school to re-open for some classes, this letter is to update you on our plans so far.
The government have said they would like school to re-open for some children from the beginning of June at the earliest. The final decision to do this will be made by the government on 28th May.
If the re-opening happens the government want the following year groups to return first: Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. The children will not be expected to all return at the same time, the classes will return in stages.
Will our school be the same when the children come back?
• The same staff will be at school ready to welcome the children.
• School will be very different when we go back, however we will do all that we can to make the changes comfortable and fun for your children. We want your children to feel confident and happy when they return to school.
Here are some of the changes that will be made in school, which are in line with government advice:
• Children will be put into small groups (no more than 15) and will have at least one adult with them. Some of these groups will not be with their usual teacher, but they will be with someone they know.
• Bubble groups will start school and finish school at different times. This is to make sure the groups are kept away from each other.
• Children will stay with this ‘bubble group’ all day. They will not mix with other children or adults.
• When they are in their bubble group the children and adults will need to follow social distancing rules, and keep 2 metres away from other children and the adults in their group.
• The classrooms will look different. Tables will be separated so that the children sit 2 metres apart. Some equipment and toys, soft furnishings and games that we will not be able to wash each day will be packed away and not used.
• Break time will be shorter. Children will have a playtime partner they can play with. They will not play games that involve touching each other, like football.
• Teachers will arrange outdoor PE sessions where the children will play non-contact sports (e.g running and skipping). Teachers will also arrange to have some other lessons outside too.
• We won’t have assemblies together in the big hall – but we work out a way to do these together using the technology we have.
What changes will there be for parents?
• We will not be inviting parents (or any visitors) into the school, including the playground, unless an important meeting needs to take place, or there is an emergency.
• We will ask parents to bring their child to school and wait outside the gate following social distancing rules. The teachers will come and collect the children from the gates.
• Parents must make sure that school can get in contact with them at all times, in case we need to phone you in an emergency.
• We will still keep in contact with you all by phone and email, and you may phone or email when you need to.
• If you decide not to send your child back to school you will not be fined – and your decision will be respected.
If schools re-open which children may return and when?
• If we re-open it will be the week beginning 8th June. This is so we have the time to compete a deep clean the school, rearrange classrooms and finalise our new safety arrangements.
• Children with EHCP, or who work with a social worker or who have parents who are keyworkers will be invited to return. These children will be in their own separate bubble group, until their class also returns.
• The classes the government says should return first are: Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. We will not be inviting these classes to come back at the same time. We will invite each of these year group back in stages, over a period of some weeks. We are doing this to make sure that each class is supported to return safely.
• We will telephone all parents before your child’s class is due to return.
• Children must not return before parents have been telephoned to confirm the return arrangements for their child.
Possible dates for first group of classes to return (to be confirmed):
• 8th June – 12th June: Year 6 groups
• 15th June – 19th June: Nursey class groups and reception class groups
• June 22nd -June 26th: Year 1 groups.
• We will begin our phone calls to Year 6 parents during the week beginning June 1st.
When will the rest of the children return?
• We are not yet certain about how or when this will happen, but the return may be in stages between 29th June -17th July.
• When we know more we will telephone parents to let know about our plans for these classes too.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us in the usual ways and we will do what we can to help.
In the meantime take care and stay safe. Eid Mubarak to all of our families who will be celebrating this weekend.
My very best wishes to you all.
Mrs Stella Smith
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 15th May
Dear parents and families
This is a very important message, please share with other Falconbrook parents as widely as you can.
In last week’s letter I let you all know that we had heard at the same time as you that the Prime Minister was hoping to re-open schools for some year groups on June 1st at the earliest. The Department for Education (DfE) have said that the nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6 should be the first year groups to come back to school, along with vulnerable children and children of key workers. They would like the other year groups to come back to school later on in the term. However, the DfE say this will only happen if they believe it is safe to do so.
This letter is to tell you what advice we have been given by the DfE about how to re-open, as well as being honest with you about the questions I still have regarding the safety of any potential re-opening.
Should schools re-open the DfE have advised the following:
• Classes to be split into groups of no more than 15, with at least one adult.
• This will mean some children will not be in a group with their usual teacher.
• Children will need to follow social distancing “as far as possible”.
• This will mean they will be expected to work 2 metres away from each other and their teachers at all times.
• Children will stay with this group and adult all day, including break times.
• There will be no contact games played, including football.
• Strict hygiene rules will need to be put in place (hand washing, using tissues, keeping worktops clean).
• Groups will start and finish school at different times, to make sure they do not come in contact with other groups.
• This will mean that school may start later and finish earlier, and this will be different for different groups.
• Parents will be asked to follow strict social distancing rules too.
We miss your children tremendously, and want them back with us. Falconbrook is just an empty building with out them, we want it to become our school again. But, I only want to do this if it is safe for your children and the staff. In the interests of being honest with you all, I can say that I still have concerns about the current plans to return, and in particular around achieving social distancing with children, more so with the younger classes. I would also like to understand more about risks involved when putting groups of children and adults together in this current situation. I am hoping that we will be given clear information about this soon, and before we are required to re-open.
However, these are your children, and it will be your decision whether you send them back at this time. You will not be penalised or fined if you don’t. I will respect your decision.
Finally, before your child’s year group is due to return we will contact you to ask your opinion on this. In the meantime, school remains closed.
I will continue to update all parents each week.
My very best wishes to you all and of course to all of the Falconbrook children
Yours
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Monday 11th May
Dear parents and families,
As you will know last night the prime minister announced a possible phased re-opening of primary schools, starting with Year 6, Year 1 and reception classes from June.
Schools had not been informed of this decision prior to the government announcement. As you may imagine there are many questions we still need answered before we can move forward and make any plans to open the school for the named year groups. The most important of these will be around the safety and well-being of pupils and staff and their families.
Please know that all arrangements that are currently in place at school (collection of school work, food boxes for families, telephone calls and welfare checks from teachers and other members of the school team) will stay the same until further notice.
When we have the detailed information we require from the government plans can then begin to be put in place. I will stay in contact with you all and update you as soon as I am able.
In the meantime take care and stay safe.
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Falconbrook Primary School
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 8th May
Dear parents and families,
I hope that you are all well and staying safe.
I want to congratulate you all on the wonderful work you are doing at home with your children, under the most difficult of circumstances.
A number of you have sent in pictures of the work you and your children have been doing at home. This has ranged from imaginative role play to creative writing, and maths practise. Supporting your child to engage in their learning and do school work at home is a challenge for any parent – but you are all doing an impressive job – thank you.
You will also know that there are many rumours around about when school will re-open for pupils. Please know, that at the time of writing this I have not yet been informed of any date when this may happen. When I do know, I will contact you directly.
FSM: We have received notification that a number of parents have not yet redeemed their FSM supermarket vouchers. Entitled families should have received one voucher per child. Please check your emails, including the junk mail box. If you are having difficulty in doing this let us know, and we will help.
Reminder: weekly arrangements that are now in place at school for all parents:
• Mondays 12pm-2pm: Collection of work packs and reading books.
• Thursday 1pm-3pm: Collection of food boxes.
If any of the above times change we will let you know.
Remember any of you can contact us at admin@falconbrook.net. We are more than happy to help in any way we can.
My very best wishes to you all and to our children
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Falconbrook Primary School
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 1st May
Dear parents and families,
It was good to see so many of you yesterday when you came to school to collect your community food boxes. These food box collections will now take place every Thursdays from 1pm-3.30pm.
Parents can also collect a paper copy of their child’s weekly work pack from school on Mondays from 11.30pm-2.30pm.
We would love to see some of the work you and your children are doing at home. If you are able to, please email us at admin@falconbrook.net with pictures of children and their work.
Please also continue to contact us by email with any questions or concerns at admin@falconbrook.net. We will get back in touch as soon as possible.
Take care and stay safe.
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Falconbrook Primary School
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 24th April 2020
Dear parents and families,
I hope that you are all managing to stay safe and well. This message has important information about food boxes, Free School Meal vouchers and children’s work packs. Please share the information in this message on my behalf with any parent you may know who could need help with accessing it or with translation. Thank you.
Food Boxes:
Arrangements are now in place, and I hope to have more information about when these boxes will be available by the end of next week.
FSM Vouchers:
We know that there has still been a delay in receiving the new FSM vouchers for many of our families. So we have made a special arrangement to purchase Wonde vouchers for all FSM families to help to see you through this delay. You should receive these by email very soon. These will be in addition to the delayed vouchers.
We have been informed by the DfE that the new vouchers from Endred were emailed to our FSM families on 17th April. Please check you emails, including your junk boxes to make sure you have not missed this email. If you have not received this please let us know by emailing us at admin.falconbrook.net. We will then re-send them to you.
Children’s Work Packs:
Some families have let us know they are having difficulties accessing the work packs online, or via the school website. So we are now offering paper copies to all families that would like these. Paper copies of work packs can be collected from school every Monday from 12pm starting this Monday 27th April.
If you are collecting a pack from school please remember to practice social distancing.
Reading – a message from Ms McAlpine to all parents and children:
This term, all children in Reception-Year 6 have access to Scholastic Reading Pro – a fantastic online resource that gives us access to 800+ e-books! Teachers will select books weekly that the children will enjoy, and children can choose their own e-books too, the choice is endless! Make sure you log on and get reading!
Coronaviris: A Book for Children from Nosy Crow (a free e-book)
This is an excellent book written by teachers and medical professionals. It explains the current COVID-19 situation, what is happening and why in a child friendly way. Please follow this link.
Finally, I would like to wish Ramadan Mubarak to all our families who will be celebrating this month.
Best Regards
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Falconbrook Primary School
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Friday 17th April 2020
Dear parents and families,
I hope at you are all well and managing in these continuing difficult circumstances. Yesterday we were all told that the government lock-down would remain in place for at least another three weeks. It is with this in mind that I am writing to you with this update on how we will continue to support our families as much as we can in the coming weeks. Please keep emailing us with any questions or worries that you think we can help you with. We are checking emails every day and responding to individuals and families as needed. You can contact us at admin@falconbrook.net .
We will continue to send out work packs for your children to do at home. As you know these packs are put together by your child’s class teacher. Your child may need support to get going with the work, especially younger children. However, once they have started they should be able to manage the work independently. We are not expecting children to work in the same way as they do at school. Getting school work done at home, and under these extraordinary circumstances, is going to be a challenge for any parent. If your child manages to do an hour or two of school work (according to their age) a day that would be impressive. There are other kinds of learning they can do at home – life skills for example. I may even present an award to children who have learned to cook, tidy or clean during this period of lock-down! We have also had pictures of the art work some children have done at home emailed to us, some has been put up on our twitter page. If you want to email us examples of the work you and your children have done at home (including non-school work) please do. We may be able to share these on our twitter page too. Please know that however you make things work for you at home, will be the right way for your family. The most important thing is that you are happy and safe.
If you are having any problems accessing the work for your child please let us know. If you are aware of any families that are struggling to access this work of their child please contact us on their behalf and we will do what we can to help.
We are aware that there has been a delay with the new free school meal (FSM) voucher system. In last week’s message I let you know that this was because the government changed arrangements for issuing FSM vouchers. Their new system became overwhelmed and unable to cope with the large numbers of voucher orders. However, we now have confirmation that voucher orders for 14th April have been received. They should be sent out on early next week. Vouchers for next week have also been ordered. Following yesterday’s announcement we are now ordering vouchers for the next three weeks too. If you have concerns or do not receive your vouchers please contact us at admin@falconbrook.net
We have had some queries from parents asking why their child in KS1 & EYFS who have been getting a free lunch at school is not being issued with vouchers. This is because all children in this age group receive a free school meal. This is called universal free school meals, and is separate from FSM. If a family receives certain benefits they are able to apply for FSM for their children. It is only the families who already receive FSM who are entitled to the vouchers at this time.
Best wishes to you all and to all of our Falconbrook children.
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Falconbrook Primary School
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Thursday 9th April 2020
Dear parents and families,
I hope that you and your families are well and keeping safe. We continue to be in direct contact with a number of our families, and should anyone want to contact us please remember that you can do so by emailing us at admin@falconbrook.net. We are checking these each day, and responding to all questions and queries. Please continue to keep in touch – we will always try to help where we can.
Free school meals (FSM) update:
As you may already know the government has changed the arrangements for FSM vouchers. Unfortunately, there have been problems with this changeover. This is as a result of the large numbers of school having to switch to the government’s new system. We are aware of these issues and are doing all that we can to sort this out. We now expect there to be a delay in the delivering of the vouchers, which we had been told would arrive early next week. Please know we will continue to do all we are able to sort this out on your behalf – and will do so until the problems are fixed. If you have any questions you can contact us by email.
I am thinking of you all – and send my very best wishes to your families and of course to all of the Falconbrook children.
Take care
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Falconbrook Primary School
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Message from the Head Teacher, Wednesday 1st April 2020
Dear parents, carers and Falconbrook families,
I hope that you are all managing to stay well and safe during these worrying times.
I am sure all of our children are following the government rules of social distancing and staying at home, however I do not underestimate what a challenge this must be for our families.
I hope our children are enjoying the messages from their class teachers as well as their school homework. I look forward to seeing the work you have done when we all get back to school.
Free school meals update.
If you usually get a free school meal you will hear very soon (if you haven’t already) from the Wonde voucher scheme. They will be contacting you to make the final arrangements to get super market vouchers sent to you. They will contact you by email and by text. This arrangement will be transferred to the government voucher scheme, we will update families when we know more.
School closure and keeping in touch:
As you know the school is now closed. Parents of children who are eligible to be considered for an emergency place at school were able to make alternative child care arrangements. Many also felt that their child would be safer staying at home. This is in line with government advice that only children “who absolutely need to attend” should do so.
We are keeping in regular contact with many of our families, including those with an EHCP and those who may be vulnerable. This is a good opportunity to talk about how children and their families are managing the current situation, as well as being an opportunity to share any concerns that families may have, including childcare.
If you have not heard from us and would like to please email admin@falconbrook.net with your name, your child’s name and your phone number. We will then phone you back as soon as we are able. If you prefer you can just leave an email message. Messages left on the answer machine may not be responded to for a while.
Please continue to check the school website for updated messages.
Sharing this message:
If you are in contact with a family who may not have seen this message, or may need parts of it explained or translated please may I ask you to get in touch with them to make sure they get this information. Thankyou.
In the meantime take care, stay well and keep in touch.
Best wishes to you all.
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – School closure update, Wednesday 25th March 2020
Dear parents, carers and children,
I hope you are all well and keeping yourselves healthy.
As you all know the school is now closed for children and parents have been able to pop in to collect work and lunches. From Friday the school will be completely shut.
Keeping in touch:
• If you need to contact us you can do so by email on admin@falconbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk. We will continue to check emails throughout this time and will respond as needed.
• Ms Mensah and Ms Tugwell will also continue with their welfare phone calls.
• The teachers are also sending emails to their classes to say hello to their children and to check they are all enjoying their work!
• I will keep posting these updates too, so that everyone is kept up to date.
Children’s work:
• We will continue to send out work via email. This will also be uploaded onto the website under the Curriculum Framework heading. Each year group has their own section.
School Lunches.
• We have registered with a company called Wonde to supply eligible families with supermarket vouchers. You will be contacted by email and then text to set this up. Do not expect to hear from them before next week.
• Please contact school today or tomorrow to update you contact detail if needed.
Take care and keep safe. I am thinking of you all.
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – School closure update, Friday 20th March 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you are all managing and things are not too difficult for you at this challenging time. Please telephone us if you have any concerns that you feel we could help you with. Below is an update on the arrangements we have now been able to put in place at Falconbrook.
Free School Meals for next week – Monday 23rd – Friday 27th March.
Our kitchen team will supply a packed lunch for children who currently receive free school meals (FSM).
Parents will need to order these in advance. Please let us know by 4pm today, Friday if you want this lunch for you child / children.
Packed lunches can be collected from the school reception between 10am-2pm each day next week.
Work packs for all children: Nursery – year 6.
Each child will have a work pack. This includes guidance on how to help your child do their work at home. The pack includes learning tasks and activities, a work book, pencils, reading books and online links for additional learning.
Children who are in school today will being their packs home with them.
If your child is not in school please collect their packs between 1pm and 4pm today, Friday 20th March.
School closure:
Falconbrook will be closed from Monday 23rd March to all children and until further notice.
The reason for the closure is to help prevent the further spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 and to keep our children, their families and the staff safe and well.
It is safer for children to remain at home and to be cared for by their family.
However, if absolutely necessary we are able to accommodate a limited number of children next week here at school.
If both parents, or the sole parent is a key worker, or your child has a social worker or an ECHP and you are unable to make a safe arrangement for them to be cared for at home please contact school today so we can discuss this with you.
We will update all parents weekly with our plans and with any changes.
You can contact us by email admin@falconbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk. Or by phone (answer machine). We will do our best to get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
Take care of yourselves and keep healthy.
Best wishes to you all
Stella Smith
Head teacher
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) update Thursday 19th March 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
As you will know the government has made the decision to close schools. Falconbrook will be closed for the majority of children from the end of the school day on Friday 20th March until further notice.
School will be open only for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
Key workers include NHS workers, care workers, police and delivery drivers.
Vulnerable children are those with and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or children who have a social worker.
All other children should remain at home with appropriate care.
I will be sending out another message soon asking you to reply if your child fits either of the above groups and you wish to confirm their place at school for the next week.
We have homework packs for all of our children and will be in touch soon to let you know how to access these.
We are arranging food for all children who are currently receiving free school meals (FSM) and will be in touch soon to let you know more about this.
These are worrying and unusual times for us all. Please know that we will do all that we can to continue support you and your children.
Please telephone us if you have any questions or concerns that you think we can help you with.
Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Coronavirus – update Wednesday 18th March 2020.
Dear parents and carers,
Thank you to all parents and families of Falconbrook for your continued support at this extraordinary time.
Further to the precautions we have already implemented I am now updating you on the additional actions that are being put in place.
• We are cancelling non-essential visits and visitors to the school.
• If you have a meeting booked at school this will still take place. If this changes we will contact you.
• All after school clubs will be cancelled from tomorrow (Thursday 19th March) for the rest of this term
• Reading café will be cancelled for the rest of this term.,
• The school book fair has been cancelled from today.
All of the decisions being made continue to be based on government and NHS advice. This advice is being added to on a daily basis and we are responding to this as it is published. This official advice will underpin all the actions we take.
We will inform parents of any changes as soon as we can. This information will be communicated directly by the school and will also be posted on the school website.
Yours faithfully
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher
Coronavirus – Falconbrook update 16th March 2020
Dear parents and carers,
I am writing to update you on the plans Falconbrook School is putting in place in response to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
As you will know we are all currently dealing with a complex and rapidly changing situation. My first priority will always be the health and safety of the pupils and staff in our school. Now, more than ever, this remains our primary focus.
Already at school we have introduced hand sanitisers and are ensuring that the children are washing their hands more frequently. As from Monday 16th March we have cancelled all trips and visits, including swimming for the rest of this term, when we will review the situation.
We will continue to follow the official advice given from the government and the NHS. This advice is being added to on a daily basis and we are responding to this as it is published. This official advice will underpin all the actions we take.
We will inform parents of any changes as soon as we can. This information will be communicated directly by the school and will also be posted on the school website.
Yours faithfully
Mrs Stella Smith
Head Teacher