Dear Parents / Carers,

I hope that you all had a good half term. From the conversations I have had with children, it certainly sounds like a more exciting half term and the weather undoubtedly helped. With this in mind, children will need to have water bottles and sun hats in school with them and please can sun cream be applied before the school day. Thank you for keeping going with the face masks at drop off, we would like to continue this until the end of the summer term.

September Teacher Changes

Miss Pooley will be leaving us at the end of the academic year as she is taking a year travelling around the world. We are truly grateful for everything that Miss Pooley has done for the school and would like to wish her all the best for the coming year. Over this term, we will be gradually introducing children to their new teacher through a range of transition activities building up over the coming weeks. We are deliberately taking our time this year to try to ensure a smooth transition.

Teachers are as follows:
Nursery – Jo Draper
Reception – Mrs Pratt
Year 1 – Mrs Pontefract
Year 2 – Mrs Hollings (née Miss Fair)
Year 3 – Mrs Phillips & Mrs Hill
Year 4 – Mrs May
Year 5 – Mrs Morrall
Year 6 – Miss Knott

Class names will be again picked by the children (around a new theme) in September as part of their first few days. This helps children to take ownership of being part of a new class.

Sports Day

We have taken the decision that sports day this year will be run without parents coming to watch. This has been a difficult decision to make, however, we feel that we would need to avoid mixing all the age groups as in previous years. It is most important to us that the children take part in this and therefore we will work on how we can share this experience with you. Our provisional date for this is Friday 9th July.

Summer plans

In Key Stage 2 classrooms we have arranged for the large built in cupboards to be removed this summer. This will create bigger classrooms and more opportunities for teachers to become more flexible in setting up their classrooms. In Years 3 and 4, the classroom main door will be replaced from the damaged concertina doors to a new large entrance door with a filled in pane. In Years 1 and 2, the large concertina doors between the classroom and the shared area will be replaced with a new partition and large door. This will allow a quieter work space in the shared area and in the classroom. The County Council have agreed to pay for the continuation of the blue fence at the front of school to replace the damaged and broken fence and gates which lead around to the driveway.

In some respects, it feels like the school is back to normal and it is important to ensure that we don’t become complacent with the measures we still have in place. We are really pleased to announce that Mrs Woolgar has joined the staff team at Harlands and will be mainly working in the Year 5 classroom. We are planning on re-starting school clubs after Easter as further restrictions are lifted. We will let you know when we have contacted our providers.

New Trim Trail

Over the last few weeks the school has had installed a new trim trail for the children. This will replace the old one and has been placed on the edge of the field which will give the children more usable space at breaktimes. We are obviously having to stagger usage at the moment to ensure sufficient times between groups.

Parents’ Evenings

There are a few appointments left for Parents’ evenings which will take place Monday 29th March to Wednesday 31st March. If you haven’t managed to book these yet it will be an important opportunity to discuss how your child has settled back into school. These can be booked online through the link on the school website www.harlandsprimary.org and after booking, you will receive a Microsoft teams link for the meeting via email.

A reminder about Harlands Book Day

Nursery

The Nursery will be celebrating World Book Day on their last two days of this term which will be Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th March as they have INSET days planned for the Wednesday and Thursday. Children in the Nursery will not be dressing up but will be having lots of fun in many different ways.

Year Reception to Year 6

The rest of the school will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 1st April. Children can come to school on that day dressed as their favourite book character if they wish and will also be taking part in lots of other exciting book-based activities.

Reading Miles

The weekly emails will continue now that the children are back, so please keep filling in the forms from now on so we know which certificates to award the children. You no longer need to complete the bookmarks as the form replaces these. More information about the scheme can be found here.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Parents / Carers,

Welcome Back

Thank you for the way that you have all returned to school. It is lovely to hear the classrooms and corridors full of children’s laughter again.

Parents’ Evenings

Parents’ evenings will take place Monday 29^th March to Wednesday 31^st March. These can be booked online through the link on the school website www.harlandsprimary.org and after booking, you will receive a Microsoft teams link for the meeting via email.

World Book Day

Nursery

The Nursery will be celebrating World Book Day on their last two days of this term which will be Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th March as they have INSET days planned for the Wednesday and Thursday. Children in the Nursery will not be dressing up but will be having lots of fun in many different ways.

Year Reception to Year 6

The rest of the school will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 1^st April. Children can come to school on that day dressed as their favourite book character if they wish and will also be taking part in lots of other exciting book-based activities.

Reading Miles

The weekly emails will continue now that the children are back, so please keep filling in the forms from now on so we know which certificates to award the children.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Parents / Carers,

I hope you are as delighted as we are about the children returning to school following the start of the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions from 8th March. We know that the pandemic has had an impact on many children in a variety of ways and cannot wait for them to be back in school having fun, learning and interacting with each other.

When the children do return to school it will not just be a case of picking up from where we left off in December. Our primary focus will be on the children’s wellbeing, making adaptations for them as needed whilst they adjust back into school life.

Reopening on 8^th March

Please see attached our plans for reopening school. The school will look and feel like it did back in September with staggered starts and staggered pickups. Breakfast Club will start again from the 8^th March at 7:30am please use the online form to book this.

Whole School Trip

Thank you to all the teachers who worked really hard on the trip. We were so pleased to see how many children enjoyed the day. All the trips will stay on the website, so if you missed out on one, or just couldn’t choose between them, you can enjoy them at your own leisure.

Reading Miles

Since lockdown started many parents have been asking where their children are on the Reading Miles Scheme and how far they have to go to the next certificate.

We have now added 4 classes to the scheme and hope to add the other three by the end of next week.

If you can continue to record through the link on the website or the google classroom how many times your child has read each week, we will collate these miles into a grand total and email them in a weekly email to you on a Friday.

We will continue this when the children return to school.

The email will include:

· Grand total of miles

· Which certificate your child has achieved

· How many miles to the next certificate

· A link to the form to submit results for the week.

We believe that if the children know where they are in the scheme this will motivate them to read more! Which, after all, is the main point. If, like me, you have a lot going on then a weekly reminder will help to remind you to fill out the form.

Last Online Class Meetings

These meetings are an opportunity for the children to engage with the class teacher and with each other and share learning and help to guide each other. These will continue to take place in Microsoft Teams and you will need to enter your child’s name when you join the meeting otherwise you won’t get past the lobby!

Reception Monday at 2:30 -3:00pm

Year 1 Tuesday at 2:30 – 3:00pm

Year 2 Thursday 2:30pm – 3:00pm

Year 3 Wednesday at 11:00 – 11:30am

Year 4 Wednesday at 1:30pm – 2:00pm

Year 5 Tuesday at 10:00am – 10:30am

Year 6 Thursday at 10:00am – 10:30am

Monday Assembly

The final assembly is on Monday 1^st March at 10:00am. At this assembly I will share some of the photos from last week’s trip, share certificates and play some games. This will be via Microsoft Teams so please add to your diary.

Thank you for your ongoing patience, support, respect and care.

One week to go!

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Friday 12^th February

Parents / Carers,

Well done you have made it to the end of the longest term ever!

Now we will need to start to look towards next term and we wait for an announcement from the Prime Minister about the return of children to the classroom which I think will be made on Monday 22nd February.

Reading Miles

Since lockdown started, many parents have been asking where their children are on the Reading Miles Scheme and how far they have to go to the next certificate. We have been piloting a scheme with Year 2 and Year 4 and after half term we will start to extend this out to other year groups.

If you can continue to record through the link on the website or the google classroom how many times your child has read each week we will collate these miles into a grand total and email them in a weekly email to you on a Friday.

We will continue this when the children return to school.

The email will include:

• Grand total of miles

• Which certificate your child has achieved

• How many miles to the next certificate

• A link to the form to submit results for the week.

We believe that if the children know where they are in the scheme this will motivate them to read more! Which after all is the main point. If, like me, you have a lot going on then a weekly reminder will help to remind you to fill out the form.

Whole School Trip

Teachers are busy planning exciting adventures for Wednesday 24th February. On this day, there will be a variety of different trips to choose from and children will be able to pick two from the list. Each trip will start with a MS Teams meeting to help to give direction and things to look out for. More information will be shared during the assembly on Monday 22nd February at 10:00am This will be via Microsoft Teams so please add to your diary.

Next Term Class Online Meetings

These meetings are an opportunity for the children to engage with the class teacher and with each other and share learning and help to guide each other. These will continue to take place in Microsoft Teams and you will need to enter your child’s name when you join the meeting otherwise you won’t get past the lobby!

Reception Mondays at 2:30 -3:00pm

Year 1 Tuesdays at 2:30 – 3:00pm

Year 2 Thursday 2:30pm – 3:00pm

School Trip Instead of Year 3 & 4 Class meeting this week

Year 5 Tuesday at 10:00am – 10:30am

Year 6 Thursday at 10:00am – 10:30am

Key Workers

For the two weeks after half term, we have created a form which we would like you to complete for each child if you have no alternative childcare provision.

For those of you who couldn't open the letter form the Chair of Governors, please see fixed version below.

I hope that you will all be able to find some rest and enjoyment spending time with your families over this half term.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Parents / Carers,

I know you are doing an amazing job although I understand that you may not feel it at times. We know that without your support the children wouldn’t be able to access the learning. We appreciate that many of you are also trying to hold down full-time jobs as well as supporting your children and we know it’s not easy. It’s not often that you get thanks for being a parent but by keeping children safe at home you are, quite literally, saving lives. Whatever your circumstance at home we think you are doing a great job. Well done and thank you.

Class Online Meetings

It was so lovely to see so many children attend the class get together online this week. We will continue with them at the same time next week.

For those struggling with Microsoft Teams it works best if you download the program on Mac’s and Windows computers. If you are using an iPad or an Android device, it also works better if you have downloaded the app first. Then when clicking on the link, open in the program rather than through the web browser. I have some instructions to force this change so please email the office if you require them.

These meetings are an opportunity for the children to engage with the class teacher and with each other and share learning and help to guide each other. These will continue to take place in Microsoft Teams and you will need to enter your child’s name when you join the meeting otherwise you won’t get past the lobby!

Reception Mondays at 2:30 -3:00pm

Year 1 Tuesdays at 2:30 – 3:00pm

Year 2 Thursday 2:30pm – 3:00pm

Year 3 Wednesdays at 11:00 – 11:30am

Year 4 Wednesdays ay 1:30pm – 2:00pm

Year 5 Tuesday at 10:00am – 10:30am

Year 6 Thursday at 10:00am – 10:30am

THRIVE

If you feel that you are struggling at home and would like to talk with someone please email our THRIVE practitioner jhiscox@harlands.e-sussex.sch.uk and she can arrange an online chat. Sometimes it’s just good to talk to someone else.

Key Workers

For the two weeks after half term, we have created a new form which we would like you to complete for each child if you have no alternative childcare provision.

Monday Assembly

The next assembly is on Monday 8^th February at 10:00am. At this assembly I will share some of the learning from last week that you have been doing at home, share messages and set the next week’s challenge. This will be via Microsoft Teams so please add to your diary.

Share your learning

We are really enjoying seeing all of the things that you have been up to at home. To share them with us please send them to share@harlandsprimary.org or see further details or use the hashtag #harlandsathome. Any work sent to this email address will also be shared on our social media which includes, twitter, facebook, youtube & instagram.

Hopefully with infection rates falling we will be back at school soon. Only one more week to go until half term and then hopefully just two weeks after. Hope you all have a good weekend.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Parents / Carers,

As another week passes, another Government announcement! Schools will not reopen to pupils until at least 8^th March. Of course, I don’t need to remind you we haven’t closed. In fact many staff are now working much harder than before whilst they struggle with providing work, marking work, teaching in schools and also joining with you in the daily struggle and frustrations in trying to teach their own children.

Children’s Online Meetings

From next week we have created opportunities for children to join their class in a weekly online meeting. This will be an opportunity for the children to engage with each other in the class, share achievement and help to guide the children’s’ learning. These will take place of Microsoft Teams and to join you will need to enter your child’s name when you join the meeting otherwise you won’t get past the lobby!

Reception Mondays at 2:30pm - 3:00pm

Year 1 Tuesdays at 2:30pm - 3:00pm

Year 2 Thursday at 2:30pm - 3:00pm

Year 3 Wednesdays at 11:00am - 11:30am

Year 4 Wednesdays at 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Year 5 Tuesday at 10:00am - 10:30am

Year 6 Thursday at 10:00am - 10:30am

Feedback

Teachers will try to respond to work submitted however, teachers are now working in school two days a week and therefore on some days feedback may take longer.

THRIVE

If you feel that you are struggling at home and would like to talk with someone, please email our THRIVE practitioner jhiscox@harlands.e-sussex.sch.uk and she can arrange an online chat. Sometimes it’s just good to talk to someone!

Key Workers

Our booking form only went up until the end of next week and so for the following two weeks we will assume your usual weekly pattern. If you know that this essential cover isn’t necessary or your shifts change please email the office.

Monday Assembly

The next assembly is on Monday 1^st February at 10:00am. At this assembly I will share some of the learning from last week that you have been doing at home, share messages and set the next week’s challenge. This will be via Microsoft Teams so please add this to your diary.

Share your learning

We are really enjoying seeing all of the things that you have been up to at home. To share them with us please send them to share@harlandsprimary.org or see further details or use the hashtag #harlandsathome. Any work sent to this email address will also be shared on our social media which includes, twitter, facebook, youtube & instagram.

I wanted to finish by thanking you again for your support. The Harlands community is unlike any other I’ve ever worked in. You are an incredible group and we are really lucky to work with you and your families. Please keep in touch. If we can do anything more to support you let us know. Stay safe and rest assured you are doing a great job!

Mr Blakeley

Parents / Carers,

It’s been a busy week for us here in school with the BBC’s initiative to give old devices to schools. If you missed the article in the local news I have put a link on our website here. Thank you to Holly, Jake, Bethany and Lewis for helping with that.

Work for Reception

This is published on Tapestry and parents can upload any complete work so that teachers can guide and comment where necessary.

Work for Year 1 & 2

This work is available via the school website and work can be submitted via the teachers email. Details can be found on the webpage.

Work for Year 3, 4, 5 & 6

Teachers are using google classroom. All usernames and passwords have been sent out. If you need a password reset please email password@harlandsprimary.org If you require a paper pack please contact the office and we will see what we can arrange.

Some parents have asked me to set out work expectations for clarity

It is worth stressing that we know that you aren’t all teachers and that a stressful household isn’t conducive to learning so just do what you can. It is too difficult to set timings as all children learn at different paces.

Daily work expectations Year 1 & Year 2

Lessons build on previous learning so should be completed in order.

Teachers are setting

1 x English lesson including phonics / spelling

1 x Maths lesson

1 x Other curriculum area

Teachers aren’t setting but we would like children also to complete daily:

1 x Reading session (Reading Miles can be recorded on the form on the website – Coming Soon)

1 x Numbots session

Daily work expectations Year 3 to Year 6

Lessons build on previous learning so should be completed in order.

Teachers are setting

1 x English Lesson

1 x Spelling activity

1 x Maths lesson

1 x Foundation subject lesson

Teachers aren’t setting but we would like children also to complete daily:

1 x Reading session (Reading Miles can be recorded using the form in google classroom.)

1 x TT Rockstars / Numbots session

1 x Self directed learning task like Joe Wicks workouts, Weekly Challenge or other content on the website.

Feedback

Teachers will try to respond to work submitted however, teachers are now working in school two days a week and therefore on some days feedback make take longer.

Key Workers

The school is currently open for vulnerable pupils and those children whose parents’ work is critical to the coronavirus (Covid19) and EU transition response as defined by the Government. The educational provision for these pupils is conditional on the fact that these parents are unable to keep their children safe at home.

The safest place for your child is at home. School should only be used as a last resort, as the more children we have on site, the more staff are needed and therefore the greater the risk of contamination. We have had a 4-fold increase in numbers attending school and therefore the risks are already greater than they were last March. With more children in school staff have less time to support the online learning.

As the risks are greater we would need to send home the vast majority of the children should we get a positive case in the building.

Due to the increased numbers we have had to switch off our online booking form. If you need to book, or amend bookings, please contact the office directly via email or phone and we will then need to confirm we have capacity to look after your child safely.

Monday Assembly

I will continue to make this a regular time feature on Mondays at 10:00am. The next assembly is on Monday 18^th January at 10:00am. At this assembly I will share some of the learning from last week that you have been doing at home, share messages and set the next week’s challenge. This will be via Microsoft Teams so please add to your diary.

Share your learning

We are really enjoying seeing all of the things that you have been up to at home. To share them with us please send them to share@harlandsprimary.org or see further details or use the hashtag #harlandsathome. Any work sent to this email address will also be shared on our social media which includes, twitter, facebook, youtube & instagram.

Finally, if you need help with anything at all please don't hesitate to pick up the phone or email so that we can work together to help and support each other.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Parents / Carers,

What a week! I hope that this newsletter finds you all well or, at least as well as can be expected under the current circumstances.

Work for Nursery & Reception

This will be published on Tapestry and parents can upload any complete work so that teachers can guide and comment where necessary.

Work for Year 1 & 2

This work is available via the school website and work can be submitted via the teachers email. Details can be found on the webpage.

Work for Year 3, 4, 5 & 6

Teachers are using google classroom. All usernames and passwords have been sent out. If you need a password reset please email password@harlandsprimary.org If you require a paper pack please contact the office and we will see what we can arrange.

Key Workers

The school is currently open for vulnerable pupils and those children whose parents’ work is critical to the coronavirus (Covid19) and EU transition response as defined by the Government. The educational provision for these pupils is conditional on the fact that these parents are unable to keep their children safe at home.

The safest place for your child is at home. School should only be used as a last resort, as the more children we have on site, the more staff are needed and therefore the greater the risk of contamination. We have had a 4-fold increase in numbers attending school and therefore the risks are already greater than they were last March. With more children in school staff have less time to support the online learning.

As the risks are greater we would need to send home the vast majority of the children should we get a positive case in the building.

Due to the increased numbers we have had to switch off our online booking form. If you need to book, or amend bookings, please contact the office directly via email or phone and we will then need to confirm we have capacity to look after your child safely.

Monday Assembly

I will continue to make this a regular time feature on Mondays at 10:00am. The next assembly is on Monday 11^th January at 10:00am. At this assembly I will share some of the learning from last week that you have been doing at home, share messages and set the next week’s challenge. This will be via Microsoft Teams so please add to your diary. You may want to keep your cameras off unless you want to tidy your houses!

Share your learning

We are really enjoying seeing all of the things that you have been up to at home. To share them with us please send them to share@harlandsprimary.org or see further details or use the hashtag #harlandsathome. Any work sent to this email address will also be shared on our social media which includes, twitter, facebook, youtube & instagram.

Finally, if you need help with anything at all please don't hesitate to pick up the phone, email or use the online chat so that we can work together to help and support each other.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am sorry to email you again so soon since my last communication, however, following the announcement just now from the Prime Minister we now find ourselves in almost complete lockdown. You might think that we would hear this information before you hear it but we don't! I have been working with Governors, staff and all day and now have to change our approach.

As such Harlands Community Primary will be closed to all pupils except vulnerable and key worker children. The Breakfast Club will be closed to all pupils.

If you believe you are a parent of a vulnerable child or are a key worker and require cover please just come in to school tomorrow at your normal time but come to the main entrance where we will meet your child and we will amend our registers. Please bring a packed lunch to school to help us out on the first day.

During tomorrow we will create an online form that will need to be completed for further sessions.

Nursery

The Nursery will remain open tomorrow as previously planned. You may choose not to send your child in and we understand that fully. Please just email the nursery inbox nursery@harlands.e-sussex.sch.uk if you decide to stay at home.

Home Learning

Year 3, 4, 5 & 6

Learning for these year groups will move to Google Classroom and will be available for you to access tomorrow morning. Teachers will then be able to provide feedback on work that is submitted.

Years 1 & 2

Learning for Years 1 and 2 can be found through the links on the school website. Please email in any completed work.

Reception & Nursery

Learning will be shared via Tapestry. Work can then be shared directly back with the foundation team.

Share my Work

If you complete any great work please send in photos to share@harlandsprimary.org and we will share this on our school website and social media platforms.

Celebration Assembly

There will be a weekly celebration assembly on Monday 11th January at 10:00am where we will share any great work that has been sent in.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Monday 4^th January 2021

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please forgive the late notice of this but as I am sure you can appreciate the situation is changing very fast.

We have listened to advice from Government, East Sussex County Council, Unions and other Headteachers from local schools.

We plan to open tomorrow both the school and the Nursery as we were back in December. This will mean that staggered starts and pickups will still operate.

Staff are more anxious about returning than before Christmas as I am sure some of you may be and therefore feel that it is worth reminding you of our expectations.

• • If your child or anyone in your household is displaying COVID-19 symptoms they should not come into school but should seek medical advice. Please email covid@harlandsprimary.org to inform us so we can take the necessary action.

  • Parents / carers should continue to wear face masks and drop off and pick up.

  • Please keep to social distancing when dropping off and picking up children.

  • Please don’t hang around after drop off to talk to other parents.

  • School staff on the gate will be wearing masks.

  • Please send children into school with extra layers as classroom windows will be open to allow for ventilation.

  • Where appropriate desks will be facing forward and classes will be well ventilated using natural ventilation

  • Wherever possible children will be kept in their class groups.

  • Children will continue to play in their class groups and eat in the hall in their class groups.

  • Hot lunches will continue to be on offer and these now need to be booked and paid for via Parent Pay before 8:30 every day. They can be booked several weeks in advance. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 still need to book meals online but no payment will be taken.

  • Lunchtimes will be staggered.

  • Children attending school should wear school uniform and their school bag/book bag should only contain their water bottle, which should be cleaned daily, reading books and lunch box if necessary.

  • Class resources will be limited and will be wiped down regularly, along with key contact points (handrails, door handles, etc), following the COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings guidance.

  • Breakfast Club will restart on January 5^th please book this through the school website.

  • The usual self-isolation procedures are still in place with regard to Covid-19 symptoms. For example, if a child develops symptoms they will be moved to an isolation room, staff will use PPE equipment to protect themselves and parents will be required to pick up as soon as possible. Parents will then be encouraged to get their child tested. If a child or staff member tests positive then we would seek advice from Public Health England and follow the advice given.

  • We will be limiting all visitors to the school.

  • Assemblies will be delivered to classes via Microsoft Teams.

  • All after school clubs will remain on hold.

  • The school office will be open but we would prefer it if contact could be restricted to email and telephone conversations.

Thank you for your understanding at this tricky time.

Richard Blakeley

Dear Parents and Carers,

Well we have almost made it to the end of term. With just our final Christmas assembly to go. You can join us to watch this online on Friday at 10:00am via the following link.

Thank you to Staff

Thank you to all the staff who have been involved in putting together the nativities this year. It has been really tricky for them to adapt their usual way of working to include children from different bubbles. Many have had to learn new skills in filming, editing and recording children.

Staff Changes for January

Mrs Ripley will be leaving us for health reasons at the end of this term. Mrs Ripley has worked in our Nursery since 2016.

Mrs Willetts will also be leaving us at the end of this term she has worked across the school helping support many children in many different ways.

Mrs Lockyer will be re-joining the staff team in January to support the learning in Year 5.

As we welcome back Miss Fair after Christmas as deputy head and Year 4 class teacher we would also like to thank Mrs Rawlins who has stood in for her since September. Mrs Rawlins won’t be completely leaving us, as she will be working one day a week in Year 4 to provide Miss Fair with release time.

COVID over Christmas

Please remember that if you, your child or anyone you live with, has a COVID test please contact the school via covid@harlandsprimary.org so that we are aware and can take the necessary swift action. This includes any time over the holiday period. It maybe that no action is necessary but it could also mean that other children / staff at the school would need to isolate over the Christmas holiday. It is essential that you let us know so that we can do our best to keep our school community safe.

Thank you to Parents

Thank you to all of you parents for your very kind generosity to the staff this term. This has been a welcome addition to the staff room this week and will keep us going well into the new year. It is so lovely to know how much we are appreciated at what has been an incredibly difficult and frustrating time.

INSET Day

Just a reminder that our next INSET day is on January 4^th so the children will return on Tuesday January 5^th 2021

Finally

I do hope that you all are able to have a break over Christmas and that you are able to stay safe and enjoy the time together as a family. Thank you as always for your support.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Dear Parents / Carers

You may have heard in the news that the Government has informed schools that they can break up early by moving an INSET day to Friday 18^th December. We have decided not to do this as we do not believe it gives parents sufficient time to organise childcare or the school sufficient time to organise effective training activities for the INSET day. We have also planned events to take place on this last day.

We believe that the Government has suggested this as we in schools have become the more effective part of the ‘Track & Trace’ system. During the holidays we will continue to check the covid@harlandsprimary.org inbox and will let parents know if any positive cases are reported with our children and consequently take any action that may be necessary. We realise that while quaffing your favoured tipple and tucking into your turkey on Christmas Day this is probably not what you would want to hear, but we feel that we have a moral duty to make parents aware so that you can make informed decisions.

Christmas Performances

We realise that it is difficult for working parents to take out time to watch the nativities and although they are usually performed in the daytime, I appreciate the late notice has meant it is harder to organise. Therefore, I am pleased to let you know we will have an extra video performance at 6:00pm for Early Years and 6:30pm for Key Stage 1. The links are added below.

This will work better if you have already downloaded the Microsoft Teams App in the same way you did for the parents evening. Here is a link to download the app.

The links to all these events can be found below. For the daytime performances, you will be watching with the children in class at the same time as they see them back for the first time.

Foundation Stage Nativity – Ducklings and Rabbits

Thursday 17^th December

Link to the 9:30am Video Performance

Link to the 2:00pm Video Performance

Link to the 6:00pm Video Performance

Key Stage 1 Nativity – Squirrels and Hedgehogs

Thursday 17^th December

Link to the 10:00am Video Performance

Link to the 2:30pm Video Performance

Link to the 6.30pm Video Performance

Special Christmas Whole School Assembly

This assembly will feature performances from all classes across the school.

Friday 18^th December 10:00am

Link to the Christmas Assembly

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Richard Blakeley

Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas… here is a list of useful reminders that may help as things get busy over the last two weeks of term.

Christmas Lunch

Christmas lunches will need to be booked by Monday 7^th December. If you have any problems, please speak to the office staff. Children can bring in Christmas hats to wear during their Christmas lunch day.

Christmas Cards

We are only allowing Christmas cards to be shared within your child’s class to lessen the risk of contamination. Please don’t put any food items in the cards this year as this can cause problems in the class.

Christmas Jumpers

We will have an optional Christmas Jumper day on Friday 18^th December, the last day of term, where children can choose to wear a Christmas jumper in place of their school sweatshirt.

Nativities

Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are working on their Nativities, which we hope we will be able to share with you online before the end of term.

Key Stage 2

Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 are also planning a little Christmas something, which we hope to be able to share with you all at our final live assembly at the end of term.

Christmas Assembly

We are hoping to be able to share with you all a special Christmas Assembly this year, which will take place on Friday 18^th December at 10:00am

COVID

Please remember that if you, your child or anyone you live with, has a COVID test please contact the school via covid@harlandsprimary.org so that we are aware and can take the necessary swift action.

INSET Day

Just a reminder that our next INSET day is on January 4^th so the children will return on Tuesday January 5^th 2021

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Dear Parents / Carers

I am writing to let you know that this morning a positive Covid-19 test result has been confirmed from a nursery staff member at Harlands. I have spoken with the member of staff and they have mild symptoms and are doing well.

I have this morning spoken with Public Health England (PHE) and the Department for Education to confirm the steps that we need to take as a school.

The member of staff started showing symptoms on Thursday 29th October and their result came through as positive on Saturday 31st October.

The infectious period is 48 Hours before first sign of symptoms (Tuesday 27th). The member of staff has not been in school since Friday 23rd October and has not been in physical contact with any other staff or children since then.

Therefore, school will be open as usual on Monday 2nd November for staff training and we will welcome back all children on Tuesday 3rd November.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID-19.

If your child develops any of the following symptoms, they should remain at home and arrange for a COVID test. All other household members also need to self-isolate as per the guidance.

1. New and continuous cough (coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

2. High temperature (hot to touch on chest or back)

3. Loss of, or change to sense of smell or taste

The NHS website gives details about how to check for the main coronavirus symptoms. You can use NHS 111 online if you or your child feels ill and you want to know what to do next.

If your child receives a positive test result, please notify covid@harlandsprimary.org immediately.

I hope that you are all well and have had an enjoyable half term.

Richard Blakeley

Headteacher

Dear Parents / Carers

I would like to say a huge thank you to all parents (and teachers) who have fully embraced technology this term with the use of Microsoft Teams for our Parents' evening. The vast majority of these meetings took place without any technical difficulties. If you were unable to make an appointment please liaise with the school office to arrange this after the half term.

Fundraising

Special well done to Neeva in Year 3 for her amazing fundraising efforts. Neeva has currently raised £2776.00 for the Little Princess Trust by having her hair cut short to give to children who have lost hair through cancer treatment. If you would like to support Neeva in her efforts you can donate via this link. Her hair cut is on Tuesday 27th October so she will be coming into school with a very different look!

Birthday Treats

I realise that children like to give out sweet treats when it is their birthday to other classmates but from next term we will no longer be allowing this. This has become a health and safety issue as parents aren’t always aware of the allergies of other children in the class and it also doesn’t help us endorse the healthy school image.

Children in Need

This year we will be taking part in the BBC Children in Need fundraising and the girls in Year 5 will be organising this. More information will follow.

Thank you

Thank you to all the parents who helped to tidy up the front of school last weekend it has made a real difference to how the school looks. Some of the children will now be involved in a planting project at the front of school to brighten up this area.

INSET Day

A reminder that the school is closed to pupils on Monday 2^nd November for a staff training day. We will welcome the children back on Tuesday 3^rd November continuing the staggered start and finish times that were in place this term.

Thank you to all the children, parents and staff this term. It hasn’t been an easy term for us as we learn to live with COVID but a real testament to the hard work of all involved that we have been able to keep the children safe from this. I hope that you are all able to have a relaxing half term and look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 3^rd November.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Dear Parents / Carers,

This seems to be the longest term on record! I realise it hasn’t been easy for all the children coming back to different rules and routines. We were hoping when we first came back that the changes we had put in place for staggered starts etc. would just be until this half term. Obviously this isn’t the case and we will need to continue them through now until Christmas. We have looked at changing them, however, they have such a knock on effect with lunches and going home time it’s just not going to be possible.

Harvest

Thank you to all of you who have donated food to help support the work of the Uckfield Foodbank this year. We had a very interesting assembly on Monday which helped the children to understand what the foodbank does and how we can help other people.

Children have been creating Harvest art work and a selection of this can be found on the school website under the Curriculum Tab

Science Day

The children had a very enjoyable Science Day on Tuesday this week where they carried out many investigations on fruit and discovered some amazing and interesting facts. There was a real buzz around the school with children asking lots of investigative questions.

Parent’s Evening

Next week our virtual parent’s evenings will take place via Microsoft Teams. If you have already booked your appointment you should have been sent a code in an email. There will be a reminder sent 24 hours before the meeting is due to take place. If you haven’t received an email with a link please contact the school office who will be able to arrange this for you.

If you haven’t used Microsoft Teams before you might find this video helpful Using Microsoft Teams There is also some helpful bits of information here as well.

Ideally these meetings are really useful for the teacher to talk just to adults, although we realise this may not always be possible. It may be a good idea for parents to use headphones to avoid children listening into conversations.

If you have no other option but for your child listen in to the conversation please could you make the staff member aware of this.

INSET Day

A reminder for your diaries of the INSET Day on Monday 2^nd November, with the school reopening to children after the half term break on Tuesday 3^rd November.

I hope that you all have a restful weekend

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Number #2020/01

Parents / Carers,

I do hope that you all had a good summer. We are so looking forward to welcoming you all back and to seeing our inspiring children again this term. We have missed seeing them greatly over the last few months and we are eagerly anticipating having them, their uniqueness and their energy back.

I thought that you would appreciate a few reminders of how the first few days will start.

Parent / Child / Teacher Meetings

We have set aside Thursday 3^rd September and Friday 4^th September for Parent / Child / Teacher meetings to take place from Nursery to Year 6. This will be a great opportunity to meet the class teacher / discuss class routines and raise any concerns that you or your child may have.

· For everyone’s safety we have created a one way system in the school.

· Reception to Year 6 enter through the main school entrance. (Nursery via Nursery Entrance)

· On arrival please can everyone use the hand sanitiser provided.

· Please can adults wear face masks to their appointments.

· Children do not need to wear school uniform or masks.

· On leaving you will be asked to leave via the classroom door. (Year 5 / 6 via Fire escape)

If you haven’t booked yet please make a booking via this link

INSET Day

The school will be closed to pupils on Monday 7^th September to allow staff training to take place.

Children return

All children return to school / breakfast club and Nursery on Tuesday 8^th September.

Breakfast Club

I am pleased to be able to let you know that Breakfast Club will restart on Tuesday September 8^th from 7:30am to make a booking please contact the school office or use the online form.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Parents / Carers,

I know that my ongoing thoughts about this being the most surreal academic year that I and we have ever faced will continue to resonate with you. The Year 2020 will go down in our school and life history.

Despite the aforementioned, I remain proud by the sheer resilience and tenacity our wonderful children, staff and parents over the last few months have shown. Thank you.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following pupils in Year 6 who have received the following awards. It has been a difficult year to decide on the awards this year as so many children could have received them.

Arts – Molly Rowland & Sam Jenner

Sport – Kieran Venus Smith

Academic – Ethan Jenner

Citizenship – Phoebe Kedwards

Transition

Details about the transition days on Monday 20^th & Tuesday 21^st July are attached for ease of reference. We would expect children to wear school uniform for these days if at all possible. We understand this may not be possible if things don’t fit anymore.

It will be really helpful if children could bring in a plastic bag so that they can bring home any work completed in the first half of the year.

Virtual Assembly

Whole school leavers assembly was broadcast this morning via our YouTube channel at 10:00am. This will be available to watch for a week if you missed it.

School Reports

School reports were emailed out on Monday 13^th July. If you didn’t receive them please get in touch with the office. If you could acknowledge receipt of them via the following email address that would be helpful. reports@harlandsprimary.org

September 2020

We have set aside Thursday 3^rd September and Friday 4^th September for Parent / Child / Teacher meetings to take place from Nursery to Year 6. We don’t expect children to wear uniform for these meetings.

Booking can be made for these appointments via this link

A reminder that to facilitate these meetings to take place, the staff training will now take place on Monday 7^th September, with all children returning to new classes on Tuesday 8^th September.

Breakfast Club

I am pleased to be able to let you know that Breakfast Club will restart on Tuesday September 8^th from 7:30am to make a booking please contact the school office.

Thank You

I’m sure that you would like to join with me in saying a huge thank you to Mrs Flint who has been working with many different children across the school and leaving us at the end of this term. We would like to wish her all the best for the next chapter. Thank you also to Beth Aldis who has helped us out in so many classes across the school and more recently in Year 6. We wish her all the best as she embarks on her journey to become a teacher.

I hope that you all have a restful weekend and that you all enjoy some time together as a family.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Parents / Carers,

I hope that you are all managing to stay cool in this warm weather. We are expecting further advice from the government next week about the reopening of schools to all year groups in September so will hopefully know more then.

Transition

Just a reminder that we will be having transition days for pupils Reception to Year 6 on Monday 20^th July and Tuesday 21^st July. To allow us to do this the school will close to all pupils currently in on Friday 17^th July at 1:00pm. This will mean that our final leavers’ assembly for year 6 will take place that morning and will also be premiered on YouTube so that parents can watch from home. We will send out more details about which children can attend which transition session next week.

September 2020

I am still working from the assumption that all year groups will return in September and therefore plans may need to change in light of new guidance, however, we felt it is important to have plans in place, even if we later have to postpone them.

We have set aside Thursday 3^rd September and Friday 4^th September for Parent / Child / Teacher meetings to take place from Nursery to Year 6. Information about how to book a slot will also be sent out next week.

A reminder that to facilitate these meetings to take place the staff training will now take place on Monday 7^th September with all children returning to new classes on Tuesday 8^th September.

Drop off’s and Pickups

A reminder about timings for pickups and drop offs.

See Below...

Key Worker Children

Thank you to all the parents who have booked in via the online form. We have now switched this form off and should you wish to make a change a booking this will need to be made through the school office.

Many thanks as always for your continued support.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Parents / Carers,

Well done to everyone who took part in this year’s sports day week we had over 2300 submissions of results to add up and add to the totals. The winning house team this year is Tigers. Fantastic effort for all who took part. Final Results

Moving Forward

Now we have been given the green light to bring back other year groups before the summer from the government we have been thinking about how we can do this. Unfortunately, we have used up most of the space around the school as we have split each returning class into two classrooms. Our Key Worker group continues to expand and so allowing other year groups to return isn’t currently possible with out sending home children who have already returned.

Transition

Our thoughts have then turned to transition. We wanted all children to benefit from some transition experience before the end of the summer term and, to allow us to achieve this, we will be moving the end of term for all children currently in school to Friday 17^th July at 1:00pm. This will mean that our final leavers’ assembly for year 6 will take place that morning and will also be premiered on YouTube so that parents can watch from home.

This will allow us two days the following week to facilitate the return of children from all year groups for a two hour session to say goodbye to their current class teacher and also meet their new class teacher. Children will be invited in groups of 15 and this will be organised in alphabetical order of the child’s surname. More detail to follow nearer the time. Please see attached a plan of which day classes will be in. This has been organised to allow cleaning in between groups in line with the government guidelines.

September 2020

I am working from the assumption that all year groups will return in September and therefore plans may need to change in light of new guidance, however, we felt it is important to have plans in place, even if we later have to postpone them.

We are aware that in September there will be many anxious parents and children and therefore we would like to offer all parents and children the opportunity to come and meet with their new class teacher. To allow us time to organise this successfully we have set aside Thursday 3^rd September and Friday 4^th September for this to happen. We will create a booking system similar to parents evening to sign up for a slot. This will be an important opportunity to share concerns and pass on valuable information. In September we traditionally have an INSET day on the first day back. We will therefore move this so that the staff training will take place on Monday 7^th September with all children returning to new classes on Tuesday 8^th September.

Children in Nursery in September

I am working from the assumption that we will be open in September for all pupils but realise that this might need to change. In September, we would then like all parents of children who have confirmed places to attend a parent / child / teacher meeting. These meetings will be held on Thursday 3^rd and Friday 4^th of September and booking information will follow.

The Nursery will be closed to children on Monday 7^th to allow for whole school staff training. There will then be a two-week period of settling in sessions starting Tuesday 8^th (at the child’s pace) to allow children to become familiar with the environment and to ensure staff can meet the needs of all the children. This can be discussed further at the September meetings. All children that have confirmed places should be back by week of 21^st September.

At the end of this term a scrapbook will be sent out to your child. In this book it would be great if you can include photos of family and important people in your child’s life, toys they like to play with and things they like to do. We can then look at these together at the first meeting planned. If you have any queries about your child's booking for September please e-mail nursery@harlands.e-sussex.sch.uk

Year 6, Year 1 and Reception

I have continued to be impressed with the way these children have come back to school and have followed the guidance and advice of teachers. As the arriving at school procedures have become increasingly efficient, we are changing the arrival time for Reception slightly, with gates closing at 9.20am from Monday 22^nd June.

Key Worker Children

Thank you to all the parents who have booked in via the online form. It is really important to make sure you let us know when your children will be in school. This booking form will be turned off on Friday 26^th June and further changes will need to be made through the school office.

Many thanks as always for your continued support.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Number #10

Parents / Carers,

This week has been another interesting week in the life of Harlands and in education as a whole! It has been great to see more families and children at the school. There are obviously various things to update you on this week.

Phased return of Year 6

It has been great to welcome back Year 6 children this week. We have had around 18 children return and so have been able to teach the children in two different bubbles with 9 in each. The children have been great in the way they have adapted, listening and responded to new ways of working. Miss Knott will now need to adapt the online learning as we begin to focus on more transitional learning projects and leavers’ projects, which will be available both online and in school. They will be working towards a virtual leavers’ celebration, which we are very excited about. This is all part of the important process for preparing children for their next steps.

Phased return of Year 1

It has been great to welcome back Year 1 children this Wednesday. We have had around 18 children return and so have been able to teach the children in two different bubbles with 9 in each. We are really proud of the way the children have been so mature in the way that they have returned to school and want to thank parents who have clearly explained and prepared their children for this as, it makes the transition back so much more successful. We will continue to provide online learning for those unable to return.

Phased Return of Reception Class

Staff have been extremely busy this week preparing the environment and making this as safe as possible for the children. We emailed out yesterday to Reception parents all the details and we look forward to welcoming back those who are able to return on Monday 8^th June. If you didn’t receive these, all letters relating to school can be found under the COVID tab on the website. Work to support home learning will continue to be published on the school website.

Ducklings Nursery

We have only been able to open up our Nursery to very few children as we have to prioritise Key Worker children. This has been to ensure that we are following guidelines and not mixing children using all the space we have. If you haven’t been phoned then we haven’t found space for your child currently. If the situation changes then we will of course let you know. Work to support home learning will continue to be published on the school website.

Year Groups 2, 3, 4 & 5

Work for these year groups will continue online. As more staff are required in school now, there may be some changes to the work set and to the direct support given. Teachers will not be available as often to support online.

Key Worker Children

Now that we have welcomed back other year groups the Key Worker service is only for Years 2, 3, 4 & 5 children. Bookings can now only be completed via contacting the school office or nursery by telephone or via email. We really need to know by Friday lunchtime if you wish to add or change these so that we can organise staffing. All bookings made already still stand.

Virtual Sports Day - Week

Miss Pooley has been working hard on adapting sports day this year. We are hoping that we will be able to share more information with you next week about the activities and how to take part in the children’s and parent’s activities and earn house points for your house. You might want to dust of those running shoes!

Online Chat

Our online chat facility will be scaled back next week as well as more staff are in school. Office staff will now man this during office hours.

Share your learning

We are really enjoying seeing all of the things that you have been up to at home. To share them with us please send them to share@harlandsprimary.org or see further details or use the hashtag #harlandsathome. Any work sent to this email address will also be shared on our social media which includes, twitter, facebook, youtube & instagram.

Goodbye

It is with some sadness that I have to let you know Mrs Crawford will be leaving us at the end of next week. Mrs Crawford currently works as a Teaching Assistant in Year 5 and has helped many different aged children across the school for 16 years! I am sure you will join with me in wishing her all the best for the future.

Finally

I hope that you and your children can all have a relaxing weekend and that the weather remains good so that you can have those social distancing BBQ’s with your 6 friends.

Many thanks

Richard Blakeley

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you are all well.

I wanted to share with you the plans that we have in place for a phased return. It is worth pointing out that school will be a very different place for all of us and you can help our children by explaining some of this to them.

No parents will be fined if you decide to keep your children off and online learning will continue in the same way it has since Easter. No work will be set or marked over the half term week for any children and teachers won't be responding to emails.

No decision has been made to officially start the return process and we don't expect a final decision to be made until Thursday 28th May. If this is postponed our phased return plans will be rolled forward.

Reception, Year 1 & Year 6

I have attached individual plans for Year Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 but thought you would want to see them all to try and understand what, as a school, we are setting out. Each cohort is phased back gradually starting with Year 6 in the first phase; Year 1 in the second phase from Wednesday 3rd and Reception Class beginning the week after (Monday 8th June). This will allow us time to adapt to the needs of the children.

We have decided to close the school to all children except key workers at 1:00pm on Fridays to allow extra time for cleaning of the school and allow staff to plan and prepare for the following week.

I realise that these plans may help you to make up your mind or may confuse even more. Some of you may wish to change what you have already sent back and that is fine. We will always try our best to accommodate your needs and will take your last entry on the form. We would like all parents in Year 1, Reception and Year 6, who haven’t already done so (or may wish to change their entry), to complete this form by Thursday 21st May midday to allow us time to plan.

Reception

I am sure you will join with me in congratulating Mr and Mrs Pontefract on the exciting news that they are expecting a second child later this year. For that reason, Mrs Pontefract will continue to work from home providing online learning and tapestry support.

Ducklings Nursery

We still haven't had the guidance promised from the government about the mixing of groups of children. We expect that we will have to limit numbers and prioritise Key Workers and school leavers. Therefore at this stage we only feel that we can open the Nursery to Key Worker children from 1st June. We believe that is about 6 children. When we have more information about what spaces we can safely offer we will be in touch.

Key Workers

We are aware that there may be changes to Key Workers eligibility. We are asking all school and nursery parents who are existing keyworkers or newly eligible to please fill out the attached form to access a place from June 1^st. On the 1^st of June drop off for Key Worker children in Years 2,3,4,5 will be at the year 3/4 entrance gate to the right of the main path. Nursery Key worker children will need to enter the school via the Nursery side gate accessed through the staff car park.

Drop off and pick up

When dropping off and picking up your child you will need to follow the social distancing guidelines marked out at the various pick up points. Pickups should be limited to one parent to avoid unnecessary contact wherever possible. Please be quick to vacate the area to avoid any congestion.

School Office

Office staff will now be back in but please don't come to the office without making an appointment first. If you wish to speak with the office or pass on a message please phone, email or use the online chat.

I realise there is a lot of information here and if you would like to talk further please contact the school office via telephone, email or online chat.

I hope that you all can have some enjoyable time as a family over the half term.

Parents / Carers,

This week has been the most testing for us at the school so far. Following the announcement on Sunday evening we set about planning for children to return to school. Monday evening we received further information and as a consequence had to change and develop our plans further. I was hoping that we would be able to share these with you today however, last night we received further guidance on how schools should plan to reopen. We are still awaiting the government's specific plans and guidance for early years which are as yet to be published. Therefore, I don't feel able to share our plans with you until these have been aligned with age related guidance. That said, we have taken the decision to close the school completely to all children including key worker children during the May half term week from Monday 25th May until Friday 29th May.

Guidance we have received to date is linked below in case you are interested or concerned. The guidance outlines the approaches that we will be implementing.

Monday 11th May - Actions for education and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening on 1st June

Monday 11th May - What parents and carers need to know about schools colleges and other educational settings.

Monday 11th May - Opening schools and educational settings for more pupils from the 1st June

Tuesday 12th May - Implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings

Thursday 14th May - Planning Guide for Primary Schools

Most of you will be wondering if the school is safe to start sending children back. I do not have the scientific knowledge to answer this question and therefore have to rely on the knowledge of others who are providing us with advice. What I can tell you, is that as far as I am aware no one in our school community (staff or children) have tested positive for the coronavirus. Some