COVID-19 FAQs

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COVID-19 FAQs

FULL RE-OPENING OF SCHOOL FAQs

Published 19th August

If you have further questions, please email the school office and we will continue to publish responses for the whole school community to see. Thank you for your questions so far.

When does school re-open?

The Autumn Term starts on September 3rd but the first two days are inset days. We look forward to welcoming children back to school, and our new Year Rs, on Monday 7th September.

What are the drop-off and collection arrangements?

We are continuing with the previous one-way system but with a couple of small changes. The one-way system flows from the main car park, up Winchester Road, through the church and around the school (small) car park. From the church gate, this will include 2m markers but please follow the social distancing guidelines as much as possible. We ask that you all follow the one-way system to ensure that we can get children into school safely and as quickly as we are able. This system is subject to further change, and we have an alternative plan, should we feel it can be improved.

For more details and a copy of the map, please visit https://www.otterbourneprimaryschool.com/useful-information/

What will children be learning in school?

Children will engage in a broad and varied curriculum, and the initial week will very much be focused on transition, getting to know each other and well-being, so that we can ensure all children are comfortable being back in school.

What should children wear to school

All children returning to school need to be in full school uniform. PE kits should be in accordance with the uniform policy, and we ask that sports tops are not used for PE (white tops please).

With regards to children wearing face masks/PPE, we have been advised in the Government guidance that because of the nature of the working 'bubbles' and low contact, this is not required.

What should our children bring in to school with them?

Children should return to school with a PE kit (which will remain in school so can be in their regular PE bag). This should include their normal change of clothes/trainers for sports, long trousers and wellingtons for whenever they visit the meadow and a sunhat (ideally all of these items will remain in school until the end of term). Children should also bring a water bottle, which will come home each day, lunch in fully disposable packaging (unless they are having a school lunch (see menu in 'Useful Information')). Book bags can be used on book exchange days which are Friday (for taking books home) and Wednesday (for returning books to school).

Should children bring a water bottle in to school?

Yes. Please ensure that all children have a water bottle (named) as we will not be able to provide school cups. Children in some year groups will be able to keep their bottle with them on their table. In Early Years, there will be a designated safe space for bottles to be kept. Children will be bringing their water bottles home each night for cleaning ahead of the following day.

Should our children bring sun-cream in with them?

As per normal school rules, we are unable to apply sun-cream for the children and would prefer that they have this applied at home, to reduce the number of items being brought in to school.

Should children bring their book bag each day?

As these are fabric, we would ask that children don't come in to school with book bags each day. We are planning a timetabled, school-wide library day for Fridays. We will provide children with a week's work of reading books on Fridays (which will include books from the classroom and the library) and would ask that these be returned on the following Wednesday unless they are being kept for longer. Book bags can be brought to school for this reason and just for this reason please. For your information, all books that are returned to the school will be stored away from children for 5 days before being returned to classrooms or the library.

Will KS1 children still get their morning snack provided by school?

Yes. This will continue for KS1 children. However, please provide an additional healthy snack for your children if you wish. Please note that the school 'snack shop' will not be open during the phased re-opening period.

Should children be sent to school if they are 'ill'?

If is fine to send your child with a minor cough, cold or sniffle. But if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, (for example a fever) keep them at home. Try to get a test as soon as possible - if the test is negative, your child and any siblings can return to school. If you are unable to get a test, the child with symptoms will need to isolate for 10 days (even if they are now well and not showing any symptoms) and the rest of the family will need to isolate for 14 days.

The main symptoms in children are: -

* a high temperature

* a new continuous cough - that means coughing a lot for more than an hour or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.

* a loss or change of smell or taste - this means they cannot smell or taste anything , or things taste different to normal.

Finally, if your child would need Calpol 'to keep them going', or require medication to control their symptoms - please keep them home. If you are unsure please give us a call.

Where can I find the government guidance?

The following links will direct you to the different documents released by Government:

Test and Trace and how it works - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works

Testing and Tracing -

Stay at Home Guidance - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

Getting Tested - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Safe Working in Education - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care

Isolation re: education settings - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-isolation-for-residential-educational-settings

Cleaning of non-healthcare settings - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

Contacting PHE - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contacts-phe-regions-and-local-centres

Using public transport - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

Review of disparities in risks and outcomes - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-review-of-disparities-in-risks-and-outcomes