Questions from Parents
Q1. Do you know when schools will reopen?
No one knows the answer to this at the moment. The government review this every week and at this present time there is no indication as to when schools will open to all pupils. They have reassured us that this will only happen when it is safe to do so.
Q2. Which pupils are currently attending school?
Only pupils whose parents are critical workers and those who are vulnerable can attend school at present.
Q3. Is the learning provided by the school compulsory?
Teachers are working on providing learning packs for pupils – these are produced every fortnight. Along with the work packs, teachers have provided a suggested timetable if you would like guidance on a routine which might work for your child. These learning packs are not compulsory at all. The work provided is not new learning, but rather practice and consolidation of what pupils have already been taught. Please feel free to do as much or as little as you want to with your child.
You do not need to hand any work in. Pupils’ work on Purple Mash will be acknowledged by teachers.
Q4. I am worried about my child falling behind. What is the school’s plan for children to catch up on the learning they have missed?
Please try not to worry that your child may ‘fall behind’. Talking to your child and doing things together along with any reading, writing or maths that you can manage will help. The school has a number of different plans, depending on when pupils return, to ensure that all children have the opportunity to catch up with any learning that is missed. Teachers will adapt plans to make sure that all pupils are supported and challenged; as a result, progress for all is accelerated. We have highly skilled, non-classed based teachers who will pick up any individuals or groups of learners who need additional support to catch up.
Q5. If schools do not go back until September, how will the school manage my child’s transition into a new year group?
We are hoping that children return to school before the end of the academic year; this will give us a chance to get them used to the routines of school again and meet their teacher for next year. If this is not the case, then transition will be built into the plan for the September term. The autumn term in a new year group will be focussed on consolidating the learning from the previous year as well as challenging, age appropriate learning.
Q6. How will the school manage transition for our youngest pupils?
It is normal for schools to spend the first half term of year 1 transitioning reception pupils into their new year group. This transition period involves an appropriate balance of Early Year’s practice alongside some more formal teaching. This changes year to year according to the needs of the cohort. The Early Years team are planning with the teachers in Year 1 how transition will be organised for this cohort, knowing the children will get little, if any, of their summer term. It is likely that additional play based learning will be incorporated into year 1 Autumn Term where appropriate.
Q7. Will the school offer support for children who have struggled socially and emotionally during lockdown?
The school recognises the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on us all. This will impact on children in different ways. When we return to school, the curriculum will prioritise the social, health and emotional wellbeing of all pupils. Teachers will encourage pupils to discuss their concerns and talk about how they are feeling. Some children may be identified as needing more individualised support – this will be delivered in consultation with parents by school staff or outside providers where appropriate.
Q8. Can teachers do online lessons and hold zoom meetings with their classes?
No. In line with our values of inclusivity, Kelvin Grove’s offer to children has to be to everybody. We know that at least 30% of our pupils do not have a computer or a laptop at home. In times where children and families may feel isolated, it is the place of the school to ensure that everybody feels included and supported. If parents would like online lessons, then please go to this website: https://www.thenational.academy/ where there are daily lessons for all year groups. BBC Bitesize are also offering a range of daily lessons https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/dailylessons
Q9. I have heard that schools are giving pupils laptops to have at home. Is this true?
No. There is talk at the moment about disadvantaged pupils, particularly those preparing for exams next year, to be given laptops. There is no indication that this will be replicated in primary schools.
Q10. My child is due to start Kelvin Grove this September – will this go ahead as normal?
Assuming schools are open again, all children will be inducted for a September start as per our normal procedures. For reception children, we hope induction can begin late June/early July as it normally does. This will include Stay and Play and alternatives to our home visits. Parents will be contacted about this nearer the time.
For parents whose children are expecting to start nursery, including those who should have started in April this year, it is likely that the induction process will not begin until September. We will make sure that it is done as quickly as possible.
Q11. My child is in year 6. It is a shame that they may miss the chance to say goodbye to their friends and the school. What are the chances of a reunion before the academic year is over?
We are still hopeful that schools will open again before the end of July and this will give the children a chance to say goodbye. If schools do not reopen, then social distancing measures are likely to still be in place – this would make any kind of a reunion extremely unlikely. If this is the case, the school will invite all of its year 6 pupils back for a reunion as soon as it is safe to do so.
Q12. Is the Year 6 France trip going ahead – and if not, will parents be reimbursed for the Year 6 France trip?
The France trip is not going ahead due to travel restrictions and social distancing. It is not possible to reorganise it for any other time. The school will reimburse all payments as soon as is practically possible.
If you have any further questions that are not specific to your child, please pass them to your class reps or email admin. A few of you have asked questions that were specifically about your children’s learning – hopefully your child’s teacher has been able to answer these during wellbeing phone calls.