This letter was emailed to all parents on Wednesday 24th March and is also attached in a link below.

 

Dear Parents and Carers

Ms Keohane, Assistant Headteacher of Vaughan Primary School, will be leaving the school at the end of July 2021, after being a well-respected and established member of the Vaughan Leadership Team for 6 years.

The Senior Leadership Team, with the support of the Governing Body are currently planning for the appointment of a new Assistant Headteacher with responsibilities for Inclusion and Safeguarding. The recruitment process will take some time and we will keep you informed. We look forward to a rigorous, recruitment process to appoint the right person for our school.

Although it has been a difficult decision for her to make, Ms Keohane is leaving to take up new challenges in her career in education.

Parents may want to show their appreciation for Ms Keohane towards the end of the Summer Term. However, at this point we are unable to receive or handle any gifts, but if you would like to give her a card, then we will arrange a collection point nearer to the time in July.

Even though we still have a whole term left of her support, I would like to take this opportunity in advance, on behalf of the whole school community to thank Ms Keohane for her dedicated service to Vaughan Primary School, and wish her the very best for the future.

Yours sincerely

MRS KAREN JONES
Headteacher

This letter was emailed to all Junior school parents on Wednesday 24th March and is also attached in a link below.

 

Dear Parents and Carers

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDING MESSAGE FOR PUPILS IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

The school has received the following communication from our local Primary Schools Police Officer:

 

You may or may not be aware of a number of incidents in recent weeks where school children have been approached by strangers.  For older age groups (Year 5 and 6) when travelling to and from school without their parents, it is important that they:

• Travel in groups where possible and stick to busy roads.
• Inform family/friends when leaving school so that they will have an idea of when to expect them when they get home.
• Do not engage with strangers who approach them.  They should run away and call 999 immediately if they fear for their safety.
• Police should be contacted as soon as possible so that the circumstances can be investigated at the earliest opportunity.

We would encourage you to make yourselves aware of your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT). SNTs can be contacted and information can be reported to them via the Metropolitan Police website via email if parents have concerns of activities in their local area.  SNTs have a thorough local knowledge of the neighbourhood and direct patrols appropriately. https://www.met.police.uk/a/your-area/

Further information and learning resources can be accessed through this link:-

https://clevernevergoes.org/parents-2/

Police are actively investigating these incidents and police patrols will be increased before and after school in the coming days.

It is important to note that there have been no reported cases from Year 5 and 6 pupils, and this information is purely for information purposes at this point, to ensure that parents are aware of potential issues in the local area.  Year 5 and 6 pupils are the only pupils allowed to walk to school and home unsupervised, in line with the school’s Collection of Children Policy, but as a school we are also aware that parents of younger pupils in Year 3 and 4 need this information, particularly at weekends.  Pupils in Year 5 and 6 have been briefed by myself, that if on leaving school premises they feel uncomfortable, or are unsure of a situation, then they can return to me at the front gate.

Yours sincerely

MRS KAREN JONES
Headteacher

This letter was emailed to all parents on Tuesday 23rd March and is also attached in a link below.

 

Dear Parents / Carers

END OF SPRING TERM ARRANGEMENTS

Wednesday 31^st March 2021

As we come to the end of the Spring Term I would like to share the arrangements for collection for all pupils who are currently attending school. These arrangements are in line with the current staggered pick up procedures for all year groups, so we ask that parents adhere to the timings below:

• Reception pupils will finish school promptly at 1.00 pm
• Year 1 pupils will finish school promptly at 1.10 pm
• Year 2 pupils will finish school promptly at 1.10 pm
• Year 3 pupils will finish school promptly at 1.20 pm
• Year 4 pupils will finish school promptly at 1.30 pm
• Year 5 pupils will finish school promptly at 1.35 pm
• Year 6 pupils will finish school promptly at 1.35 pm

Morning Nursery timings will be as normal (8.40 am to 11.40 am).  There is no Afternoon Nursery on this day.  After School Club finishes at 4.00 pm.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY:

The DFE have just released the following information regarding members of the school community who test positive AFTER THE END OF TERM.

• Where a student tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) after being in school on Tuesday 30^th March and Wednesday 31^st March, parents will need to contact the school via email at: office@vaughan.harrow.sch.uk.  DO NOT CONTACT THE SCHOOL VIA PHONE AS NO MEMBERS OF STAFF WILL BE ON SITE DURING THE HOLIDAYS.  Parents should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace in accordance to self-isolation.
• In accordance with DFE directives, school staff will only be available for the first 6 days after the end of term from Thursday 1^st April until Tuesday 6^th April, for parents to report any positive result so that we can report to the appropriate authorities and inform the school community.  When contacting the school it is important in your email to include the following:
  • Child’s name
  • Child’s class
  • When the child started showing symptoms and the nature of the symptoms
  • When the test was taken
  • When the result was received.

We look forward to welcoming all pupils back on Monday 19th April.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families a restful Easter Break.  Thank you for all your support this term and during this incredibly difficult time over the last term.  Stay safe, take care of yourselves and each other.

Yours sincerely

MRS KAREN JONES
Headteacher

This letter was emailed to all parents on Monday 22nd March and is also attached in a link below.

 

Dear Parents / Carers

IMPORTANT – COVID 19 UPDATE

I hope everyone remains safe and well. 

This update is to inform parents of the expectations and continued risks to the school community for failing to adhere to protocols around COVID 19 symptoms and pupil wellbeing.

It was inevitable with the large-scale reopening of schools this month that infection cases would begin to rise and affect school populations.  As pupils have been in school for two weeks, it was only a matter of time before we started to see confirmed cases among the school community.

However, the reason for this communication is not to advise parents of what is already known, but to voice my disappointment as the Headteacher, that a small minority of parents are choosing to put the school community at risk by sending their children in to school, unwell, and at its worst, with symptoms of COVID-19, having been told by their parents not to tell us.

This is now having an impact on the running of the school and unnecessary anxiety for the staff as it has become clear that parents are not adhering to government guidance.

If your child exhibits any symptoms related to COVID-19 or is unwell, do not send them to school. COVID-19 symptoms are also extended to headaches, upset stomachs and body pain.  If any family members in the household are exhibiting symptoms and waiting for PCR test results then pupils should not be at school.  If parents are not sure what to do then contact the school and ask.

If parents continue to dismiss government directives and put others at risk, the school will have no option but to report these individuals to Public Health.  I will not stand by and watch the school community and more specifically, staff, be put at risk by the actions of a few individuals.  I hope the content in this communication clarifies the school’s position.  As disappointing as it is, it is not something that I am prepared to ignore, as this school does not want to experience the scenes that many parents were aware of in the Autumn Term.

Thank you again, to all parents and carers who are doing everything they can to protect the school and local community.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

PARENTS SHOULD BE WEARING MASKS ON SITE FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

Yours sincerely

MRS KAREN JONES
Headteacher

This letter was emailed to Year 5 parents on Monday 8th March and is also attached in a link below.

 

Dear Parents and Carers

YEAR 5 USE OF WHATSAPP

We would like to remind parents/carers that the recommended age for WhatsApp is 16 years and although we appreciate you may give permission, it is important to be aware of the recommendations that have been set in order to protect the children from functions such as the group chat that they may not be able to manage at this age.

We would advise that parents monitor the contacts the children have on the phone and ensure that you know who they are.  We would also advise that you check your child’s mobile phone and discuss the content of information that they share and is being shared with them.  Please make them aware of who their audience or potential audience is.

We would like to remind parents that school has no authority over WhatsApp and children’s activities outside of school thus are unable to provide direct help with any incidents that happen outside of school.

If you have any concerns about messages received by your child, parents can report this to outside authorities such as the local police.  You can also report offensive content to WhatsApp by choosing Settings > Help then Contact Us.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, online safety is taught throughout the school curriculum.  Parents can also visit these excellent sites for more advice on how your children can use WhatsApp safely:

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/whatsapp/  

https://parentzone.org.uk/article/whatsapp  

https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/guidance/whatsapp-safety-a-how-to-guide-for-parents/

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

MRS KAREN JONES
Headteacher

 

This letter was emailed to Nursery parents on Wednesday 24th February and is also attached in a link below.

 

Dear Parents / Carers

VAUGHAN SCHOOL REOPENING – MONDAY 8^TH MARCH

NURSERY

I hope everyone remains safe and well. 

Nursery will return as normal on Monday 8^th March 2021.  The timings will remain the same. Morning Nursery will be from 8.40 am – 11.40 am and Afternoon Nursery will be from 12.40 pm to 3.40 pm.

All pupils are expected to return to school on this date as long as they are fit and well. Previous arrangements regarding drop off and pick up times will remain in place as they were before the end of the Autumn Term.

Pupils may start coming on to site from 8.30 am.

Parents and carers must adhere to these times, particularly the end of day times. Parents must ensure that they have clear drop off and pick up arrangements in place before allowing their child to return to school on Monday 8^th March 2021.

PARENTS SHOULD BE WEARING MASKS ON SITE FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

Parents must be prepared for changes if the opening of the school is deemed to be unsafe or classes need to be sent home due to COVID positive incidents.

Take care of yourselves and each other

Yours sincerely

MRS KAREN JONES
Headteacher

This letter was emailed to all parents on Tuesday 23rd February and is also attached in a link below.

 

Dear Parents / Carers

VAUGHAN SCHOOL REOPENING – MONDAY 8^TH MARCH

I hope everyone remains safe and well. 

You will have heard the Government’s plans for the reopening of schools yesterday.  This letter outlines the arrangements that will be in place for your child’s return from Monday 8^th March 2021.

Firstly, due to the school preparing to receive over 650 pupils back on site and the planning and logistics associated with this, there will be no further keyworker or vulnerable requests processed.

Attendance from 8^th March will be mandatory.  All pupils are expected to return to school on this date as long as they are fit and well.  Previous arrangements regarding drop off and pick up times will remain in place as they were before the end of the Autumn Term.  Please see details below as a reminder:

YEAR GROUP	OFFICIAL SCHOOL START TIME	SCHOOL END TIME
Reception	8.50 am	3.05pm
Year 1	8.50 am	3.15 pm
Year 2	9.00 am	3.25 pm
Year 3	8.45 am	3.15 pm
Year 4	8.40 am	3.05 pm
Year 5	8.40 am	3.05 pm
Year 6	8.30 am	3.05 pm

All pupils may start coming on to site from 8.30 am.

Parents and carers must adhere to these times, particularly the end of day times. Parents must ensure that they have clear drop off and pick up arrangements in place before allowing their child to return to school on Monday 8^th March 2021.  Staff will be directing parents to social distance whilst waiting for pupils to be released. Staff will remind parents about social distancing and protocols for waiting for classes, if necessary.

PARENTS SHOULD BE WEARING MASKS ON SITE FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

Parents must be prepared for changes if the opening of the school is deemed to be unsafe, or classes need to be sent home due to COVID positive incidents.

Pupils will spend the vast majority of their school day with their class group, as was the case in the Autumn term.

All the staff at Vaughan recognise that children, and parents, alike may be extremely anxious and need time to readjust to school return.  There are also a range of circumstances that families will have been dealing with during this most recent school closure.

All correspondence will have to be made via phone/email.  The home learning email address will still be available for parental use regarding technical queries (Homelearning@vaughan.harrow.sch.uk).  Class email addresses will still be in operation for queries regarding work set linked to self-isolation groups, and for homework set on remote platforms.  No parents will be permitted into the school building and parents will not be able to request face to face meetings with ANY staff member at this point.  

Welfare and Medication

If your child exhibits any symptoms related to COVID-19, then parents will be notified and must collect their child immediately.  The whole family must adhere to 10-day whole household self-isolation procedures, whether they have accessed a test or not. This is in line with Public Health and DFE guidance.

If your family has recently returned from a country outside of the Common Travel Area, you should self-isolate for 10 days and your child should not be attending school.  If your child discloses that there has been recent travel in the family (less than 10 days before school return), this will be followed up immediately with parents, and your child may be sent home.

If your child requires regular medication that has to be administered at school, parents will need to have this medication ready for the school on your child’s first day back, or your child will not be permitted to return.  

Lunches, Milk and Fruit Provision

Please book lunches in the usual way using the Schoolmoney website.  Free milk provision for pupils under 5 years old will commence from 8^th March 2021 for parents who have already subscribed to the offer.  If other parents want their children to receive milk, they will need to ensure that they have an up to date balance on their Coolmilk account or sign up to the provision on www.coolmilk.com.  Infant school fruit provision is currently continuing to be funded via the NHS, however, pupils will not be allowed to bring their own fruit on site at this point.  We encourage everyone to have a suitable breakfast before the start of the school day.  If guidance changes we will let parents know in due course.  

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club will be in operation from Monday 8^th March with normal operating times from
7.30 am.  Parents will need to book and pay for Breakfast Club online at the Schoolmoney website before their child attends.  There will be no casual, drop off service.  Pupils will be organised by year group and activities will need to be carefully planned to adhere to DFE guidance.

After School (Childcare) Provision

For those parents who already have an allocated place for their child at After School Club, the provision will continue from Monday 8^th March, and finish time will be promptly at 6.00 pm.  Parents must ensure they are prompt for collection, or have contacted the school with alternative arrangements, as we will not be in a position to keep pupils on site – in line with our Collection of Children Policy.  Pupils will be organised by year group and activities will be carefully planned to adhere to DFE guidance.  If you have relinquished your place at After School Club – you will have to re-register interest and you will be placed on a waiting list.  If you no longer require your After School Club place – you will need to adhere to the 4 week notice period as per the contract signed.

Other school activities

At this time, the school will not be offering any additional activities as pupils will need to exit school premises promptly, and groups of pupils should not be mixing from different classes and year groups.  Please do not contact the school office regarding traditional events, as the Leadership team will release information as and when it is available.

It is very important to note that the staff of the school have not been afforded the priority of being part of the government vaccination programme and therefore, I will be prioritising their health and safety in determining any school event for the rest of this academic term and academic year.

I hope the content in this communication supports you in putting some plans in place for your child’s return.

Thank you again, to all parents and carers for your amazing support to your children and the school during this latest lockdown.

To all our pupils…. we can’t wait to see you on the 8^th March!

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Yours sincerely

MRS KAREN JONES
Headteacher