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Regents Park Community Primary School
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Dear Parents & Carers,
As you will know, our school day starts at 8.40am every day. This is when we open the doors and children come into classes for “Start of the Day” activities. These activities include:
Extra reading, either individually or in groups
Support to improve pupils’ phonics, writing or maths
Targeted support for pupils with SEND or for pupils who need support to make accelerated progress
Catch up time for pupils who may have been absent and need support to catch up on work that has been missed
Time for pupils to complete work or to respond to marking from teachers
Extension – activities to challenge and stretch pupils further
Some children do not arrive at 8.40am and often miss this important period of the day. In fact, I have had conversations with some parents recently who have told me that “the children don’t do anything anyway” so it doesn’t matter if they get to school at 8.40am or 9.00am.
I believe it is a shame for the teaching staff who are working so hard with your children to help and support them with their education, and who use as much of the day as possible to do this, that some parents believe that the Start of the Day isn’t important.
In addition, some parents often bring their children into school late. Children arrive at 9.00am or even later and miss the start of the first teaching session as a result. For EYFS and KS1, this often means missing part or all of their phonics lesson which is an important part of teaching your child to read. In KS2, children that arrive after 9.00am may miss their guided reading session or the start of their English or maths lessons.
In an ideal world, all parents would aim to get their children to our school by 8.40am ready for the Start of the Day activities. However, all parents should get their children to school on time so that teaching staff can begin their first teaching session promptly at 9.00am.
As such, from Tuesday 6th November when we return after half term, I will be asking staff to close their doors and the school gates at 8.55am instead of 9.00am. This will give staff enough time to finish registration and start their lessons promptly at 9.00am.
Any children who arrive after 8.55am will have to be taken by parents to the school office to be signed in and marked as late. These children will be given an “L” code on the register. Children who are continually late after lessons have begun at 9.00am will be given a “U” code which means that they are late after the registers have closed. This is treated as an unauthorised absence and will count against their attendance. Twenty or more “U” codes will trigger the school Fast Track process and may lead to both parents being served with penalty notices by the local authority.
It goes without saying that my main concern is that children have the best start to their school day every day and that they come to school on time and ready to learn. I hope parents will appreciate why I have made the decision to close the school gates at 8.55am and why I am encouraging all parents to get their children into class by 8.40am.
If you wish to speak to me about the change to the start of the day, please feel free to contact me as always.
We look forward to seeing all the children at 8.40am after the half term holiday.
Mr A Beale
Head Teacher
Dear Parents & Carers,
We have been made aware that a child in UKS2 has been confirmed as having the Hepatitis A virus and consequently some staff and pupils within the school may have been exposed to the virus. Hepatitis A infection can lead to an inflammation of the liver and can be passed between individuals who share close contact with each other. Good hand hygiene is a key measure in preventing spread as it is spread via faecal contamination.
Public Health England have advised us that their risk assessment is that the likelihood of any further pupils or staff being diagnosed with this virus is minimal and, as a result, it does not indicate that vaccination of staff and pupils in the school is required at this time but should this change we will keep you informed.
Hepatitis A is usually a self-limiting condition but it is important to seek medical attention if you think your child may have the infection. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools and jaundice. Should your child exhibit any of these symptoms you should seek medical advice and inform the clinician you have received this letter.
Please see the information below from Public Health England for further information regarding Hepatitis A.
Thank you
Mr Beale
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
People with Hepatitis A can feel quite unwell. Symptoms may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). However there may not be any signs and symptoms, especially in children.
Who can get hepatitis A?
Anyone who is not immune is susceptible to infection. More cases occur as a result of infection acquired during travel abroad.
How long does it take to show signs of illness after coming in close contact with a person who has Hepatitis A?
It can take 15-50 days to develop symptoms (average 28 days). People with Hepatitis A infection might not have any signs or symptoms of the disease. Children are less likely to have symptoms than adults. Symptoms usually last less than 2 months.
How do you catch Hepatitis A?
Infections can result from close contact with someone who has Hepatitis A. The virus is present in the infected person’s faeces (stool). Transfer of the infection occurs when the virus is taken in by mouth from contact with objects, food or drinks that have been contaminated, even in microscopic amounts, by the stool of an infected person. Contamination can happen in a variety of ways, such as when an infected person who prepares or handles food does not wash his or her hands thoroughly after using the toilet and then touches other people’s food. A person can also be infected by drinking water contaminated with Hepatitis A virus or drinking beverages chilled with contaminated ice. Contaminated food, water, and ice can be significant sources of infection for travellers to many areas of the world.
How do I know if I have got Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A can only be confirmed from a laboratory (blood) test.
What is the treatment for Hepatitis A?
There is no medicine that will treat or cure Hepatitis A. Most people will feel sick for a few weeks to a couple of months before they begin to feel better. During this time, doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. People with Hepatitis A should check with a health professional before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, which can potentially damage the liver.
Can Hepatitis A be prevented?
Yes. Hepatitis A can be prevented by observing the following simple steps:
What is the Hepatitis A vaccine?
The Hepatitis A vaccine is a jab given to stimulate the body's natural immune system. After the vaccine is given, the body makes antibodies that protect a person against the virus. An antibody is a substance found in the blood that is produced in response to a virus invading the body. These antibodies are then stored in the body and will fight off the infection if a person is exposed to the virus in the future.
Is the Hepatitis A vaccine effective?
Yes, the Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective in preventing Hepatitis A virus infection. Protection begins approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the first injection. A second injection results in long-term protection. However, if a person is already incubating the infection (i.e. process of infection has started but symptoms of illness not yet appeared) the vaccine will not prevent the development of infection.
Is the Hepatitis A vaccine safe?
Yes, the Hepatitis A vaccine is safe. No serious side effects have resulted from the Hepatitis A vaccine. Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect reported. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that a serious problem could occur after someone gets the vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with Hepatitis A are much greater than the potential risks associated with the Hepatitis A vaccine.
What about going to work or school?
People with certain jobs are more likely to spread infection. These are:
Where can I get further help?
Information can also be obtained by ringing NHS 111 or via the internet at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hepatitis-A/Pages/Introduction.aspx
School closes on Friday 26th October at 3.00pm for the start of the half term holiday.
There will be a staff INSET day on Monday 5th November so school will reopen for ALL children on Tuesday 6th November at 8.40am.
Dear Parents,
In previous years we have held Parents’ Evenings for parents to visit their child’s new teacher, to get to know them, find out how their child has been settling in and how parents can support their child at home.
This year we are going to hold a Parents’ Afternoon instead on Wednesday 10th October 2018. As before, parents will be able to book a 10 minute slot with the class teacher between 1.00pm and 6.00pm.
Because of the large number of children we have across the school we are going to CLOSE school at 12.45pm after the children have had lunch. You will be able to take your child home and bring them back if you have a later appointment.
Nursery will close for the day and appointments will be throughout the day.
Staff will be asking you, on a first come, first served basis, to sign up for appointments with class teachers from tomorrow Wedsnesday 3rd October.
Please make sure you are able to pick up your child at 12.45pm on Wednesday 10th October.
If you have any queries, please come and speak to me.
We look forward to seeing you,
Mr A Beale
Head Teacher