Woodfield Newsletter
Friday 22nd May 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you and your families are all well. We have come to the close of a most challenging half term. We thank all the parents, carers and families who have worked with us to keep your children active and engaged over this time. Your efforts are appreciated by the staff.
For those of you who have not read the letter sent out May 16 from Kay Charles regarding the current situation and our future plans, you can do so here. As Kay stated in that letter, our overarching principle is to limit the spread of this virus, and with that in mind, we have worked to enable a limited on site provision while at the same time improving our virtual school offer. As such, from June 1st, we will only be opening for a limited number of pupils.
We began trialling on site activities two weeks ago with two pupils, and this week expanded this number to four. Pupils were selected after conducting both a needs assessment and risk assessment of all pupils and our facilities in line with DfE and other government guidance. We will be expanding the provision by having four more pupils attending after half term, prioritising those pupils moving on to other provisions at the end of the year. Parents with children that are on the priority list have been contacted individually.
Our teachers and support staff will be taking a break over the next week. If you have any issues relating to the schooling of your child, we ask you to contact your child's Key Stage Lead, not their form tutor. Key Stage Leads will be checking their email during business hours next week.
Tutor Groups and their Key Stage Leads:
DGO, SDE, SWE, MWD, CPA, RSI, JEM, ICR, contact Miss O'Donnell, jod@compasslp.co.uk.
LMU, SHU, SLO contact Mr Murray, lmu@compasslp.co.uk
MDM, SMA, DVE, JMO, THU contact Mr Prime, kpr@compasslp.co.uk
for sixth form contact Ms Wood, dwo@compasslp.co.uk
PTA virtual forum meeting - date tbc, week of 8th June
PTA meetings were being held every 6 weeks where parents were able to discuss as a group issues and concerns. Due to the current closure and restrictions on gatherings, we would like to arrange a virtual forum meeting the week commencing 8th June. Although this is a PTA meeting, everyone is welcome to join, so please contact Patsy if you would like to be included. There is no strict agenda so if there is something you would like to discuss, please let Patsy know in advance. Email her, phu@compasslp.co.uk
Brent Educational Psychology Service
The Educational Psychology Service parent drop-in line is available to any parent or carer who has a child in a Brent school and who would like to have some time to discuss any concerns with an Educational Psychologist. Download this flyer for more information. There is now an additional day for parent drop in on Tuesday 9th June 2020 – 9:30 – 12:30
FSM Vouchers
There have been some well documented problems reported across the country that some people have had problems with the government voucher scheme. When we had control of it at the beginning, it worked well. When the DfE took over, it became much more complicated. I think you should know that it takes in the region of 24 hours solid working to get those vouchers out and sorted every single week. That’s a massive task and we’re applying ourselves to it because it is very important for our families.
There is a DfE update regarding the situation, which you can view here. There are suggestions for how parents can access help, as well as a set of FAQ's.
Video chat & video meetings
We are aware that many pupils are using apps like Google Meet (which we use to conduct our virtual classes), Zoom or Houseparty to 'meet up' and socialise during their free time. We would encourage all parents and carers to monitor and be aware of what their child is doing on the internet. Seeing and speaking to friends is good for a child's mental health, but it's important to balance 'internet time' with other off line activities, such as exercise or family time. It's also important for young people to get plenty of sleep. The NHS recommends a minimum of 8 hrs on a 'school night'.
Parentzone and Net Aware have excellent guides for parents who are looking for advice regarding using video chat, or any aspect of the internet.
Turn2Us Covid 19 Emergency Fund
Please be aware that Turn2us charity has launched a COVID 19 Crisis Fund.
It’s a one off £500 grant.
As you can imagine the online application service is likely to be extremely busy and there is a high likelihood that applicants will have to wait for longer that the 10 days stated.
They can only help those who are in immediate financial difficulty due to the Coronavirus. You will need to satisfy all of the following criteria:
- You can clearly demonstrate a loss of income due to Covid-19 (evidence will be required showing at least a 50% reduction in earnings, we can accept bank statements, letter from employer outlining change in employment)
- You are a resident of the UK / Republic of Ireland
- You are not currently in Further or Higher Education
- You are over 18
- You have less than £1K savings (single person) or less than £2K savings (couple/family)
Please note that if you have received a Turn2us grant in the last 6 months we will be unable to assist you.
Click the here to find out more
Help from local councils
Local councils have set up guides for residents with regard to how to access a range of assistance over this time, be it medical, financial, business or even how to volunteer to assist others.
You can view these offerings from local councils by clicking the links below.
Brent
Barnet
Harrow
Ealing
Camden
Westminster
Coronavirus – Advice for all early years providers, schools and further education providers
The government is closely monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus and is taking action at home and abroad.
Public Health England has issued advice for educational institutions. Updates or changes to this can be found here.
Latest information and advice can also be found at the NHS Coronavirus updates page or https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
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