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• September 2020 Update Letter from Guy Chappell (Director of SPT)

  Fri 04 Sep 2020 Guy Chappell

  Dear Parent/Carer

   

  THE SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP TRUST COVID-19 AUTUMN TERM UPDATE

   

  I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the Trust’s current position preparing for the Autumn Term 2020.  We are very much looking forward to welcoming back all pupils and staff this term.  By working together we can create a safe learning environment.  School staff will continue to keep in contact with you during the next few weeks.  Headteachers will have also written to you outlining the plans for the start of term.  Schools have planned based on the assumption that pupils and staff will be returning to school in the Autumn Term.  

   

  During the summer holiday period, each School and Area Resource Base (ARB) across the Trust received a thorough deep clean.  There is Personal Protection Equipment available at each school and Area Resource Base.

   

  The Trust is following Government advice with regards to implementing Covid-19 protective measures and the use of face coverings/masks in schools and ARBs.  Where there is ‘local lockdown’ or high transmission rates the use of face coverings in school will become mandatory.  Currently, the use of face coverings in Trust Schools and ARBs for staff and pupils is optional.  Schools have been asked to put in a system of controls which are shown to be effective in reducing the risk of transmission:

   

  • keeping unwell children (and staff) away from school
  • social distancing (1m +) and consistent contact bubbles (quite often a year group now for secondary schools)
  • good, effective and regular hand hygiene (washing for 20 seconds)
  • respiratory hygiene – what to do if coughing or sneezing, and the disposal of tissues
  • cleaning all frequently touched surfaces regularly

   

  Our focus is on the measures outlined above.  Should parents want their children to wear face coverings in communal areas this is permissible under the current guidance but we need to point out that it does not negate application of the other control measures and that there are additional hand hygiene measures that we would want pupils to undertake when taking off and storing their face coverings.  However, I would like to highlight that:

   

  • data suggests low transmission rates at the moment, in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly.
  • there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of the use of face coverings with children
  • all children would need to have access to a face covering and be competent in its application and use should the conditions change.  However, for many of our pupils this may not be possible and guidance regarding exemption may be followed.  Some individuals are exempt from wearing face coverings - this applies to those who ‘cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability’.
  • additional risks such as increased transmission due to contamination when putting on and taking  off the face covering.

   

  The Trust will continue to monitor the position closely and update protective measures, policy and practice should it be required.  I would encourage you to contact your school if you have questions, queries or concerns about pupil health , safety, well-being or if you would like further advice and guidance. 

   

  I have provided some useful information about Covid-19 symptoms and what to do. Traditionally, we experience an increase in cold, flu type symptoms during the Autumn Term and the Trust will always act with caution given the current Covid-19 context and follow national guidance on symptoms.  If, for example, a pupil has a temperature of 38 or above, regardless of the possible cause, we would have to follow guidance, send them home immediately and request a test.  Therefore, we ask that you are particularly vigilant to any symptoms which your child has and air on the side of caution before sending your child into school.  If in doubt, please contact the school to discuss in the first instance.  School staff will contact you with clear instructions should a pupil or member of staff test positive.

   

  Open and honest communication is critical as we work together over the next few weeks.  By working together, we can develop a carefully considered and planned approach that will ensure we keep the risk of transmission to a minimum.

   

  Yours sincerely

   

   

   

  Guy Chappell

  Director

  Special Partnership Trust

• SCHOOL ARRANGEMENTS FROM SEPTEMBER 2020 RE COVID-19

  Wed 08 Jul 2020 Caroline Jewell

  Dear Parents/Carers,

  As you will know, the Government has now released detailed guidance to schools to support a full re-opening in September.

   

  Curnow school staff and governors are preparing to welcome all children back in September to support our pupils’ academic progress and wellbeing. Government research has shown that the risk to children and young people themselves of becoming severely ill from coronavirus is very low and there are negative health impacts of being out of school; a child or young person’s time spent in education is key to their preparation for adulthood. 

   

  With this in mind, we are preparing a detailed plan taking full account of the recent guidance issued. This plan includes a detailed risk assessment to ensure the safe management of the school building and environment to minimise the risks of COVID 19 transmission. Please can I take this opportunity to reassure you that the school will continue to follow all government guidance and that the health, safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff will remain the highest priority. Please find attached a guide to explain what school will look like and the measures we are taking to minimise risk. I also enclose a copy of an updated home/school agreement which we will need to have signed and returned to school by the first day of term (for those pupils already currently attending school we have these in place, this is only for those pupils returning for the first time in September).

  The government guidance is very clear in the expectation of all children returning to school in September. Attendance will therefore be mandatory again from the beginning of the autumn term with the exception of a small number of students who remain under the care of a specialist health professional and are unable to attend school because they are complying with clinical or public health advice. These pupils will continue to be supported with a remote learning programme of study. The school will regularly evaluate and review the school offer throughout the autumn term to assess health, safety and staff availability.

   

  If you have concerns about attendance due to your child’s medical condition, please can I ask that you contact your specialist health care professional and seek guidance. If this applies to your child, please contact the school prior to the end of term so that we can plan effectively for all pupils.

   

  In addition, if you have any anxieties about your child’s return in September or would like to discuss a transition plan to support your child back into school full time, please contact the school prior to the end of term. Class teachers will be discussing the return to school and collecting key information such as transport/lunch requirements etc. in their next contact with you so that we have a clear picture moving forwards and can inform transport/caterers of our requirements.

   

  School will close on Thursday 23 July at the end of the school day. For those parents who are in receipt of free school meals, a voucher will be issued at the start of the summer holidays; the voucher will cover the entire holiday period. The autumn term begins on the 03 September for all staff and open to pupils on Tuesday 08 September. This will provide three inset days at the start of term to support the missed mandatory compliance training for staff due to COVID 19 restrictions in the summer term.

   

  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support and positivity throughout this period; we are very much looking forward to welcoming our children and school community back in September. If the government position changes and new guidance is issued between now and September, we will keep you informed via the website and school messaging service.

   

  Kind regards,

   

   

  Caroline Jewell

  Head Teacher

   

   

  What does school look like?

  Below is a snapshot of the measures we have put in place in school to minimise risks associated with COVID 19.

  Arrival & Departure	All pupils will be collected by key staff from the carpark. Parents and escorts/ drivers will not be able to access the school building to limit risk. Vehicles will not be touched or entered by school staff. A member of staff will coordinate arrival and departure to ensure pupils are taken in one at a time or within their class bubble to limit contact with others.
  Hygiene	All staff and pupils will wash their hands on arrival in school. Hand washing will be regularly repeated throughout the school day. Staff will model good hygiene practices to pupils. Hand sanitiser will be available and all staff and pupils will need to use this regularly, in between hand washing. Disinfectant spray will be provided in each classroom to use throughout the day to spray surfaces, equipment and any other areas used by the class team. In addition, a member of staff will wipe key surfaces (door handles etc) around the main areas of the school twice a day. Schools will have a ‘deep clean’ over Summer and will continue to be cleaned thoroughly at the end of each school day.
  Class bubbles	Pupils will remain in their class group (bubble) throughout the day, they will not be accessing shared areas such as school hall/playground with other groups and will remain largely in their agreed classrooms.  We will be operating timetables to ensure pupils can access a variety of areas as required but without meeting other groups. Areas will be cleaned between uses (surfaces and equipment). The majority of pupils will eat their lunch in their classroom. We will not be able to have gatherings such as assemblies.
  Social Distancing	Areas in school will be marked to indicate direction of travel, no access areas and to distance pupils from staff where possible e.g. reception desk. Staff will support pupils in moving around school whilst maintaining as much distance as possible. We know that it is not possible for many of our pupils to socially distance but we will endeavour to distance where possible as often as possible.
  Learning Spaces	We have re organised classrooms to create safer environments, from separating desks to removing soft furnishings (any remaining will be covered and covers washed daily) removing soft toys and those difficult to clean (with intricate parts). We will not share main resources such as play dough/kinetic sand/stationery. Outdoor play equipment will also be cleaned more frequently. Pupils will be seated side by side and facing forward rather than face to face where possible.
  PPE	We are following the DFE guidance for the use of PPE in schools; The majority of staff in education settings will not require PPE beyond what they would normally require for their work, even if they are not always able to maintain a distance of 2 metres from others. PPE is only needed in a very small number of cases including: Children, young people and students whose care routinely already involves the use of PPE due to their intimate care needs and should continue to receive their care in the same way or where direct contact is for a prolonged period. If a child, young person or other learner becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus while in their setting and needs direct personal care until they can return home. A fluid resistant surgical mask should be worn by the supervising adult if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained. If contact with the child is necessary, then disposable gloves, apron should be worn. If a risk assessment determines a risk of splashing, then eye protection or visor should be worn. PPE is available for all staff to use. This includes: single use sterile face masks/re-usable face masks/aprons/gloves/plastic visors. All staff will receive guidance on the putting on/removal of PPE before use.

   

   

   

   

  Home School Agreement – COVID 19 Supplement

   

  As a parent or carer,  I agree to:

   

  • Send my child to school as long as they are fully fit and well
  • I will keep my child at home if I am less certain about their health telephoning the school to discuss such concerns in the first instance before sending them in
  • I will not give them medication,  such as Calpol, ahead of the school day so they can go to school despite being unwell
  • I will ensure that my child’s hands are washed before they leave the family home each day
  • I will ensure that I have a working telephone number that can be accessed at any time by the school during the school day in the event I am required to collect my child
  • I will ensure that I collect my child,  if required,  in a prompt manner
  • I will ensure that I communicate with the school over any absence my child has on the first day they are unable to attend school
  • I will alert the school to any illness in the family home that requires a period of self-isolation
  • Where possible,  I will engage in health testing for my child should they have symptoms of Covid -19
  • I agree to keep my child home if anyone of the people in my child’s hub become unwell with Covid-19 symptoms until we can establish their health status

   

  As a school,  we agree to:

   

  • Promote social distancing as far as we are able to
  • Support your child’s’ emotional health by providing educational and emotional support tools as required
  • Provide PPE to our staff so that they can protect your child when they require medical,  intimate or personal care activities as outlined within any guidance received from the Local Authority/ Government
  • Provide a system of limited contacts which will offer protection for your child from having too many contacts whenever possible
  • When able, offer outside a designated place for your child  to play and exercise during the school day
  • Offer suitable levels of staffing,  where possible with staff who know your child’s needs well
  • Continue to provide multi-agency support on site for all your child’s needs when such staff are available
  • Work closely with you and other professionals to share any concerns for your child’s health and wellbeing should these arise

   

  Together,  we agree to:

   

  • Behave positively towards one another,  even in difficult or worrying situations
  • Plan for the future of your child’s education by continuing to hold and attend meetings for Annual reviews,  Personal Education Plan meetings etc virtually
  • Communicate with each other when ever a problem or issue arises and seek to resolve it together

   

  Pupil name:
  Signed (parent/ guardian/ Carer):
  Date:
  Signed (Head Teacher):
  Date:

   

  All copy of this signed home/ school agreement will be retained by the school

   

   

   

• COVID-19 UPDATE LETTER FROM GUY CHAPPELL - 26/06/2020

  Fri 26 Jun 2020

  26 June 2020

   

  Dear Parents/Carers

   

  The Special Partnerhsip Trust Covid -19 update

   

  I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the Trust’s current positon, and outline our intentions for the rest of the Summer term 2020 and the next steps for preparing for the Autumn term 2020.  As I write this letter I am aware that we are on day 95 of ‘lockdown’ and I understand that there have been some significant challenges for us all.  Thank you for being such a supportive, patient and understanding school community.

  Like many of you , I’m sure, Trust staff are still interpreting current Government guidance and seeking further clarity on revised social distancing measures from 4  July. Clearer guidance would also allay some concerns, fears and worries about the Autumn term.  I would highlight at this point that Trust Schools are planning based on the assumption that the majority of pupils and staff will be attending school in the Autumn term. However, all we can do at this stage is assume and plan until we receive clearer guidance in the following areas;

  • Are the medically vulnerable students expected to return? If so what provision will need to be made for them and how will it impact on staffing, space and equipment?
  • Further clarity on social distancing and personal protective measures.
  • Further information from the Local Authority on part-time , flexible timetabling, EHCPs, and transition.
  • Are the medically vulnerable staff expected to return? If not how will this impact on you?
  • Are we still expected to adhere to social distancing rules? And what will they be?
  • What are the expectations around those who are shielding others?
  • Will parents no longer have the option of opting out? The Trust will work with parents and carers to provide reassurance and answer queries or questions about any worries or concerns.

   

  We will undoubtedly have more questions and once again most of the guidance is focused on primary and secondary schools , with very little focus on SEN.  School staff will continue to keep in contact with you during the next few weeks and will write again to you all before the end of term outlining in detail our plans for the Autumn term, including the plans for the start of term. I am aware that the summer term is rapidly coming to an end and frustratingly the Trust can plan, prepare and mobilise only as quickly as we receive the guidance and therefore we may need to write to you again during August should the national or local guidance change.  

  With regard to the rest of the Summer term , if you would like to discuss school attendance, or have any questions please contact your school and Headteachers will, within the parameters of the latest guidance and keeping pupils and staff safe, work with you to extend the school offer for as many days and to as many pupils as possible.  I would ask for your patience as school staff are being as flexible as possible.

  By working together we can develop a carefully considered, planned approach and I am looking forward  to extending the Trust offer and welcoming pupils and staff back to school, we’ve missed them all.

  Yours sincerely .

  
  Guy Chappell
  Executive Director
  Special Partnership Trust
   

• COVID-19 UPDATE LETTER FROM GUY CHAPPELL

  Thu 21 May 2020 Guy Chappell

  21 May 2020

   

   

  Dear Parents/ Carers

   

  I hope you are all well, and that the ​general confusion in the media about the next steps for schools is not causing you additional concern.  I am going to outline the position for Trust Schools which will hopefully make things clearer for you.   As we all know, this is a new situation ​and one which we anticipate will continue to develop over time;  therefore it is essential to continue to work together and ​continue to communicate well while we move through the next steps.    

  The most important things are that we keep the pupils and the staff safe by using and following the guidance based on Government information ​which includes the factors that have been considered ​through school ​based risk assessments.  ​In summary our planning must include the following:   

   

  • Controlling the transmission of the virus.
  • Promoting thorough personal hygiene.
  • Ensuring good respiratory hygiene: promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.
  • Enhanced cleaning regimes.
  • Minimising contact and mixing through applying social distancing.
  • The availability of staff, and school support services; catering , cleaning , transport, etc. ​to enable us to operate effectively.
     

  As you will be aware from the media, the ​Government focus ​appears at the moment ​to be on primary schools and Year 10s but for special schools we are being encouraged to take a more needs lead approach without specific reference to year groups.   Trust Schools will continue to provide the current offer whilst beginning to consult with parents/ carers about ​any potential  extension of the offer ​in full consideration of the  requirements ​of our pupils. 

   

  The consultation ​regarding any changes to our current offer will begin immediately with a view to being ​potentially extended from the 8 June ​whilst ensuring the offer is ​both safe and sustainable.  As I am sure you will appreciate if you are following some of the media reports and government announcements, the process we need to go through in order to plan for any extension to opening is very complicated.  I can assure you we are all working very hard to unpick ever changing guidance and risk assess our position.  

   

  We know that at this stage we will not be in a position to offer full time placement at school for any pupil for the foreseeable future (unless in exceptional circumstances) due to the limit on places;  we need to keep numbers attending school to a minimum in our attempt to support social distancing.  I would also highlight this approach could at any time be affected by the latest Government guidance, scientific or health advice.

   

  I would like to be clear ​on the following ​guidance:

   

  • for pupils that have been advised to shield should continue to do so
  • ​and those pupils that are considered vulnerable, but wish to access school, should seek medical advice ​which confirms for the school that the pupil is able to return to school safely
  • Where parents have requested that their child remains at home and for those pupils whom we are not able to offer provision to at this time, schools will continue to provide remote support and learning resources as well as a minimum of weekly contact
     

  All schools will continue to provide remote support and online resources to pupils that cannot attend school.

   

  If you are feeling unsure​ of any information published or need support, ​please contact your school.

   

  I really appreciate the support you have shown ​our schools over the past few weeks.  I understand how difficult this has been for some.   We will continue to work closely with you and work towards getting as many pupils safely into school as possible over the second half of this summer term ​once all factors outlined have been fully considered.  

   

  If you have any questions, comments or wish to discuss any of this with myself or Headteachers,  please do not hesitate to contact us.

   

  Your sincerely

   

   

  
  Guy Chappell
  Executive Director
  Special Partnership Trust

  Email:  gchappell@specialpartnership.org

• COVID-19 UPDATE LETTER FROM GUY CHAPPELL

  Fri 15 May 2020 Guy Chappell

  Dear Parents / Carers

   

  As you will be aware, the scheduled half term holiday is fast approaching and I wanted to write to you to outline the Trust’s plans moving forward.  The Schools and Area Resource Bases within the Trust will be closed for the half term period (25th – 29th May). The Schools will be closed as there is a need to carry out essential health and safety maintenance, including a thorough cleaning of each site. The Schools also need to assess the daily Government announcements and then interpret the guidance as it is published. I hope you can appreciate that much of the Covid-19 guidance we receive from the Department for Education has a focus on mainstream primary and secondary education, and it does take some time for the Local Authority and ourselves to interpret the guidance for SEN Schools and seek clarity where necessary. 

   

  Staff from each School will be in touch as usual next week, if you need to discuss provision or have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to ask. 

   

  Trust Schools and Area Resource Bases will open after half term and we are currently in discussion with the Local Authority and the Department for Education to plan how the offer currently provided can be extended in a safe, sustainable way to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff.  Schools will communicate plans for provision after half term as soon as possible. 

   

  I would like to add that whilst the Department for Education is not providing funding for the free school meal voucher scheme during half term, the Trust has decided to continue to support the scheme for the half term week.

   

  It is clear that a return to normal school life for the majority of pupils is still a considerable way off.  This means that pupil support, remote learning and pastoral care will remain a very high priority in the weeks ahead.  I will write with an update about future plans that are noted above in due course.

   

  Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

   

  Yours sincerely

   

  
  Guy Chappell
  Executive Director
  Special Partnership Trust
   

• Sensory Play Video 2

  Thu 02 Apr 2020
  https://youtu.be/qmJ7dNQRn3w

• Sensory Play Video 1

  Thu 02 Apr 2020
  https://youtu.be/yGZ1eEDJ3tc

• GOVERNMENT CORONAVIRUS POSTER

  Mon 23 Mar 2020 Jan Rixon
  

• COVID-19 Information from South West Congenital Heart Disease Network

  Fri 20 Mar 2020

  Please follow link below to view COVID-19 information provided by South West & South Wales Congenital Heart Disease Network

   

  COVID-19 INFORMATION LINK

• Coronavirus Statement

  Thu 05 Mar 2020 The Special Partnership Trust

  Coronavirus Statement

  The Trust continues to gather advice daily of the developing national picture.  The Trust has been in contact with Public Health England and will be following all guidance provided by the Department of Education, NHS and Public Health.

  The Trust is very aware that the information being shared about the coronavirus may cause pupils, parents, staff and the wider community distress, therefore we will provide regular communications should the position change across the Trust Schools.

  In the meantime, if you have any questions, queries please contact the national helpline, details below.

  Department for Education Coronavirus helpline for Staff, parents and young people.

  Please contact:

  Phone: 0800 046 8687
  Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
  Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)