Latest News

Days and Times for children to return to school

Sun 28 Jun 2020

Monday	Year 5 and Year 1
Tuesday	Year 6 & Reception
Wednesday	Deep Clean & Training
Thursday	Year 4 & Year 2
Friday	Year 3 /4 & Year 3
We have had to organise school to be safe for staff and children, so these days are non-negotiable

Year Groups FP & KS2	Start time/Arrival	Finish Time/Departure
Pod 1	8.55 - 9.05	2.50 – 3.00
Pod 2	9.05 – 9.15	3.00 – 3.10
Pod 3	9.15 – 9.25	3.10 – 3.20
Pod 4	9.25 – 9.35	3.20 – 3.30

PRESS RELEASE AND PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE ON ALN PROVISION IN POWYS
Fri 26 Jun 2020
June 26, 2020

For Immediate Release

Views wanted on draft ALN / SEN vision

Parents, learners, governors, headteachers and the wider public are being urged to have their say on a draft vision which could strengthen special educational needs (SEN) / additional learning needs (ALN) provision in Powys.

Powys County Council has been developing the new vision which will guide the transformation of provision for learners with SEN / ALN. Improving this provision is one of the strategic aims in the council’s Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys 2020-2030, which was approved in April.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “Over the last eight months, we have had significant engagement with parents, learners, school leaders, teachers and others to help inform the re-shaping and transformation of the educational provision for children and young people in Powys.

“During our engagement sessions, a number of issues were raised about our current ALN / SEN provision. This included that pupils had different quality and type of provision depending on where they lived, some had to travel long distances to reach provision that meets their needs while the access to provision through the medium of Welsh is inconsistent.

“Our ambition is for our schools to be fully inclusive, educating pupils with a wide range of special educational needs / additional learning needs. For our learners with more complex needs, we want to develop on the strengths of our special schools, and have a network that will allow learners to have access to a range of specialist provision and support as close to home as is possible.

“Not only do we want the views from our key education partners on our SEN / ALN vision, we also want the views of parents, child and young people as well the wider public.

“By working together, we can then give the best possible start to learners with special educational needs / additional learning needs.”

The discussion document can be viewed at https://haveyoursay.powys.gov.uk/ along with a link to a survey. Paper copies of the document and survey are available from the council by telephoning 01597 826277.

To respond to the consultation, people can:
- Respond to the questionnaire online at https://haveyoursay.powys.gov.uk/
- Send a written response via email or post to school.organisation@powys.gov.uk / School Transformation Team, Schools Service, County Hall, Spa Road East, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG
The consultation will close on Wednesday, July 22.

ENDS
URGENT - POWYS LETTER REGARDING EMERGENCY CHILDCARE HUBS
Wed 24 Jun 2020
Cyngor Sir Powys / Powys County Council Neuadd Y Sir / County Hall Llandrindod Wells Powys LD1 5LG

24 June 2020

Dear Parents,
Emergency childcare hubs will operate from five of the county’s leisure centres from next week. The centres will operate from Monday, June 29. The hubs will only be open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4:30pm up until the end of the school summer term.
We have been working with leisure partners Freedom Leisure, as well as other council services, to open up centres in Brecon, Newtown, Rhayader, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais.
The leisure centre-based hubs will provide childcare for school-aged children to support emergency workers, NHS staff and social care workers who had not previously registered their children with the emergency childcare hubs. Schoolaged children who attend the emergency childcare hubs at the leisure centres will not be able to attend their school during the last four weeks of the summer term as Welsh Government advises that children should attend just one setting. This is to reduce the likelihood of the Covid-19 virus spreading between different groups.
Parents who want to use the leisure centre-based hubs will have to make their own arrangement to drop off and pick up their child and also provide their child with enough food and drink for the day.
If you wish to register for the child-care please send an email by 3pm on Thursday 25th June to the following address where you will be given a link to book a place: covid19.hubs@powys.gov.uk

Cllr Phyl Davies Cabinet Portfolio for Education and Property
PRESS RELEASE
Wed 24 Jun 2020

24 June, 2020

For Immediate Release

Council thanks emergency childcare hub staff

School leaders, teachers and council staff involved in the running of the emergency childcare and emergency special childcare hubs have been thanked by Powys County Council for the dedication and commitment they have shown over the last three months.

The school-based emergency childcare hubs will close at 6pm today (Wednesday, June 24) to allow those schools to prepare for re-opening next week. The hubs have provided childcare provision seven days a week for the last three months to support key workers and also supported vulnerable learners.

In a joint statement, Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, and Lynette Lovell, the council’s Interim Chief Education Officer, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the running of the emergency childcare and special childcare hubs since March.

“It is only right that we pay tribute to dedication of all those who have made this provision a success in difficult circumstances. Due to the diligence and courage of all those involved, there has not been a single breakout of Covid-19 in any of these hubs over the last three months.

“Our staff have shown true commitment and dedication to all children in Powys by providing this provision seven days a week, from 8am to 6pm. This is something to be proud of.

“We especially want to thank the hub leaders for the role that they have played over the last three months. We realise the hours they have spent making sure the hubs operated smoothly. They have reassured children and parents, staff members and made sure that the hubs were safe for everyone every single day – their leadership has been second to none.

“This has been a huge achievement and we just want to thank those for all their efforts over the last three months. Thank you.”
Parent/carer Q&A
Tue 23 Jun 2020
Dear Parents/Carers,

We hope that the parent charter you have already received answers most of your questions, but to clarify we have put together the following FAQ.

Please remember that at the heart of ALL of these decisions is the safety of staff, pupils and their families.

Will I be able to drive my child/children onto the school grounds?

We will allow this to start with but request that you do NOT pull over randomly to let your child out of the car. Please use a designated car parking space and accompany your child to the waiting area of the gate. Also only use the car park to drop off and collect and the specified times in order to minimise the number of people on the grounds. We will have to review this to ensure it is safe so please work with us to get it right.

Can someone else bring my child to school or my child walk by themselves?

Whoever brings your child to school must have the knowledge of the household and whether anyone is symptomatic as they will be asked this question.

Your child must come to school with an appropriate person and not walk to school alone. They are able to walk home unaccompanied if they are an appropriate age to do so and you have given us permission in writing. Previous home school agreements do not count in this situation and you will need to let us know that you are happy for your child to walk home alone during the Covid19 restrictions.

Where do I drop off and collect my child?

All drop offs and collections will take place at the gate. Only the children in the pod of the allocated time will be permitted in during that time slot. We need to ensure children are socially distancing as they line up on the playground and are escorted into class by staff. No child will be able to come in early.

What if I am running late? Will they still be able to attend school that day?

If you arrive later than your allocated drop off time you will have to wait until all the time slots are completed. If you arrive when the gate is closed unfortunately, we will NOT be able to allow your child to access the school on that day. This is to make sure that all staff who are not teaching are available to support those who are in the classroom. Please also ensure you collect your child on time and during their allocated collection slot.

Will there be social distancing on the way into school?

The school has marked out 2m distances from the gate. We expect you to adhere to the social distancing rules whilst waiting to drop off and collect your child.

Will I be able to access the school office?

The school office, although manned will be closed to the public and only absolutely essential persons will be allowed access. If you need to contact the school urgently then please contact the school using the following email address office@cefnllys.powys.sch.uk or call the school on 01597 822297

Will there be any breakfast or after school clubs?

Following guidance there will be NO breakfast or after school clubs this term.

Will my child need to wear uniform?

Children will be NOT be expected to wear uniform to school. Children will need to wear clothes that are comfortable and clean.

What will my child need for school?

We must be very clear here about what the expectations are for the school.

Accepted items: -
- 1 suitable coat/sun cream
- 1 packed lunch box that can be wiped down
- One wipeable water bottle that has your child’s name on it
School is providing all the resources your child will need so do not bring in anything else from home.

Will my child be with their class teacher?

The plan will allow your child to spend one day with their child and another with their next teacher. This is dependent on staff availability.

Do I need to contact the school if my child is unable to attend school on their designated days?

Please phone the office

What happens if my child is upset and doesn’t want to enter the school building?

Normally we would try and comfort the child and encourage them to come in. We would normally put an arm around them and encourage them to come in. Due to social distancing rules we are unable to do this. If you child is upset and verbal encouragement does not work, then unfortunately you will have to take them home with you.

Will staff be wearing masks in school?

The guidance from Welsh Government is that there is no expectation from staff to wear masks in the education setting. Staff have the right to choose whether they wear a mask or not. Please be understanding that if a member of staff wants to wear one, that is their choice.

What if my child is showing COVID-19 symptoms in school?

We will follow NHS Wales and Powys County Council guidance. They will be isolated with a member of staff who will be wearing full PPE. They will then go into an isolation room until they can be collected. They will then need to be collected straight away from the school. There will then be a deep clean of the rooms that the child has been in to make sure that they are safe to use again. There is very clear guidance for the school to use.

Can I swap my child’s day so that they can go in with their siblings?

We have put a timetable together to make sure we are able to achieve the check in days with limited numbers of children on site, so no swaps can be made sorry.

What if I have siblings in on different days? Will I be able to bring my other children with me for drop offs and picks ups?

Yes, as long as you adhere to the social distancing rules.

What happens if they have different starting times? Will they be able to enter the school at the same time?

You will have to socially distance and wait for the correct time for your child to enter the school.

My child has asthma, what happens with their Asthma pump?

Where the child can administer the pump on their own, then they will continue to do so. If they need support, a member of staff will wear PPE and support them. It is important if your child needs an inhaler in school, that they have this with them. It is NOT the responsibility of the school to make sure of this. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure that the child has an up-to-date inhaler with them if they require it.

My child hasn’t needed their inhaler for ages, do I need to send one in with them?

There are enough worries with Covid-19 for staff without the added concerns of a child not having their asthma pump with them. Please do not take any risks and make sure your child has theirs with them. We are unable to check inhalers already held on site, therefore you will need to ensure that new/in date inhalers are sent in with pupils.

Behaviour

Obviously, these are difficult times, but the safety of staff and other pupils is our main priority, if any child does not follow the social distancing rules set by the school, parents will be contacted and asked to come and collect them straight away.

First Aid

There is a temporary First Aid Policy on the school website, please read carefully
PRESS RELEASE REOPENING OF SCHOOLS
Mon 22 Jun 2020

22 June, 2020

For Immediate Release

Preparation for schools’ re-opening continues

Efforts to prepare the county’s schools for re-opening next week are continuing, Powys County Council has said.

Schools will re-open on Monday, June 29 as part of ‘Check in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and September’ – the Welsh Government’s next phase for schools. This will involve reduced numbers of pupils in school each day and safe distancing for all learners and staff.

As part of this phase, the Welsh Government announced that the summer term would be extended by one week to Friday, July 24 with autumn half-term holiday being lengthened to two weeks.

The council is working with the schools’ community to prepare for the re-opening which includes making all efforts to keep Powys schools open for the fourth week.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “Since the Education Minister’s announcement at the beginning of June, we have worked extremely hard along with school leaders to get our schools ready for their re-opening.

“Our ambition is to keep Powys schools open the four weeks up until July 24, where possible. We believe the four weeks are important and will benefit our learners and their families, and our schools have been working on rotas and plans to make this possible and will support our school learners with the plans over the coming week.

“We will also ensure that our schools are safe for pupils and school staff for the last four weeks of the summer term. This position will be under constant review.

“We’re incredibly proud of our schools in Powys for what they have done over the last three months. This includes managing the emergency childcare hubs seven days a week; delivering and supporting learners and their parents with distance learning; and continuing with their re-opening plans while continuing to keep pupils their priority.

“We will continue to support our schools and make every effort to protect the wellbeing of our learners and our staff across Powys.”

ENDS
Return to School Charter for parents and pupils
Thu 18 Jun 2020
Llandrindod Wells C. P. School

Ysgol Gynradd y Sir Llandrindod

Return to School Charter

This School Charter contains a temporary behaviour policy to cover the period in which a phased re-opening of the school is in place, due to COVID-19 pandemic.

All contents of this Charter have one goal: the safety of children, parents/carers and staff.

This document should be read, mindful of our existing behaviour code, which we keep the heart of everything we do.

We will continue to expect the same high standards of behaviour during our phased re-opening of Llandrindod Wells CP School – Cefnllys.

If a child needs to reflect on their behaviour choice our usual “Time-Out” or “Reflection” time will not be possible. Staff will contact parents/carers, requesting that they support the school by enabling this reflection to happen at home.

We will follow a 3 strike rule regarding the procedures during this period of restriction and where a child is unable to comply then they will be unable to access the provision.

To keep everyone as safe as possible, we ask that children follow these rules, in addition to our existing expectations:

School arrival and departures
- Follow precisely the guidance of staff entering/exiting the school site in a staggered fashion, as per set timetable, taking the routes exactly prescribed. Timings will have been given and need to be adhered to.
- Enter/exit the school via the gate as directed and without rushing/running or getting close to others (2m rule!)
Social Distancing
- Always be alert and try to be mindful of where others are positioned – 2m rule!
- Walk sensibly when moving around the school – both inside and outside. We do not want you to run into others, so take care in corridors and when going around corners.
- Follow the directions explained to you – One way system.
- However challenging, follow the advice of staff and only socialise with pupils within your Pod. Do not go running up to greet friends – a friendly wave from afar will show your friend that you are thinking of them and they will understand: all groups will be told the same messages.
Hand washing and hygiene requirements
- Carry out all thorough handwashing and sanitising that is asked of you and do so as frequently as requested, without complaint.
- Be mindful that if you go to the toilet, you may have to wait for another child to return first - it will be one in/one out.
- As before, if you need to sneeze or cough, use a tissue to dispose of it immediately in a classroom or playground bin (“catch it, bin it, kill it”)
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with your hands.
- Avoid touching anybody else. You need to remain 2m apart – your assigned adult will ensure you follow these rules.
- You never cough towards another person.
- Any pupil deliberately coughing or spitting at other pupils or staff will be sent home.
Classroom resources
- Use only your designated seating area.
- You must not get up from your place to collect anything or for any reason – put your hand up if you have a need and an adult will tell you how to manage the situation.
- Do not share your stationery or equipment with anyone. You will be provided with your own pencil case with basic equipment and a folder with paper etc.
- Never share a water bottle with anyone. Ensure yours is clearly labelled with your name and that it remains on your table.
- Do not bring any extra resources from home – a water bottle, sun protection and coat is all you require. No bags or any other belongings in school please.
- If you are in year 6 and you bring a mobile phone or keys etc. your class teacher will look after these for you.
- Place your coat on the back of your chair.
- You will not need to change your shoes at this time.
Feeling Unwell
- If you feel unwell, tell an adult about your symptoms as soon as you experience them.
Playtimes
1. Be patient about playtimes; these will be staggered and your Pod will have playtime together.
2. We aim to have one whole class outdoor activity every day weather permitting.
3. No hand to hand contact games or equipment allowed.
Uniform

Pupils attending school at this time do not need to wear school uniform.

Long hair should be tied back, as usual and jewellery, except for religious items and one pair of plain stud ear-rings is not permitted. We have clocks in all rooms, so you may prefer to leave your watch at home.

Parent/Carer information

Arrival:

Wherever possible only one person arriving at school gate with your child. Pupils need to enter the school as confidently as possible and go to their member of staff as we are unable to physically encourage in the same way as we would like eg: hand hold or little hug.

Car park and pick up/drop off time:

In order to maintain 2m distance please do not remain in car park after drop off and do not arrive too early.

Lunch: No lunches will be provided and therefore all pupils will need a packed lunch as well as a bottle of water – clearly labelled. Please ensure that your child can access their food unaided ie: open pots, unwrap or open packets as staff are unable to assist with this.

A Temporary First Aid/Medication Policy has been agreed for the period 29^th June 2020 to 24^th July 2020.( see website)

Now is the time that we need everyone working together to keep safe.

All the children need to show their “best self” – looking after others and themselves by following all these rules, maintaining our normal school behaviour expectations and by demonstrating our school values.

If your child’s behaviour and actions put others at risk, then you will be called and where a child is unable to comply then they will be unable to access the provision at this time.

Remember we are all working together at this difficult time and we need to follow guidelines to keep everyone safe and provide the best opportunities possible.

This charter, containing additional references to behaviour, should be read in conjunction with the school’s existing behaviour policy, as published on our website. This document may be updated considering any further Government guidance.
Important Information on the reopening of our school
Thu 18 Jun 2020

As I am sure you are aware it has been a challenging time to get the school ready for reopening. We have had guidance from the Welsh Government and Local Authority to consider in planning the reopening, in order for it to be as safe as it possibly can be for all our pupils and staff.

This safety is at the heart of all the decisions we have made.

The school will look very different to our children, and we are planning on producing a short video and photographs so that you can share this with your child before they return. This will be next week as school is still running as a cluster childcare Hub and will be put on the school website.

The Minister for Education has called these return to school days 'check-ins'. They are planned to be an opportunity for us to do just that...to 'check-in' with your children...to talk together, play games, have fun, explore home learning and any issues which may have occurred...they will not be a normal National Curriculum delivery day.

It will be a joy to see all the children back in school, albeit for a reduced time. We have organised it so that all children have the opportunity to come in for a day each week for the 4 weeks. They will be in at the same time as their class, and they will have the chance to ‘catch up’ with their current teacher and meet their next. We will attempt (weather/space permitting) for each class to all be together in some form of a circle game each day that they are in, obviously taking into account social distancing rules.

With safety in mind, there are set and staggered start & finish times and we ask that these are respected.

There will be NO non-essential visitors in school so if you need to get in touch please do so by emailing office@cefnllys.powys.sch.uk

Home learning will continue in the same format – on your child’s Google classroom and on the website. Staff will feedback on this learning on a Wednesday only as they are in school full time on other days.

Attached is a charter for parents and pupils, which we request that you share with your child before they return to school, so that we are all working together to stay safe.

All the staff are looking forward to the children returning, and I can assure you we will do everything in our power to make your child’s return to school as ‘normal’ as is possible and be here to support your child.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support
Statement from Powys re School Lunches
Tue 16 Jun 2020

STATEMENT FROM POWYS

School Meals for the Remainder of the Summer Term 2020

Dear Parents/carers,

As you know schools are planning to reopen from the 29^th June 2020 with a phased approach for all pupils to check in and catch up. Following discussions with head teachers and the education service it has been decided that during the last 4 weeks of the summer term school meals will not be provided to pupils in schools to minimise risk to both pupils and staff. Therefore, it is requested that parents/carers make a packed lunch for their children whenever they attend their schools.

This will be effective from the 25^th June 2020 when the Hub schools will close, and key worker children attend their normal schools.

Pupils who are entitled to free school meals will also need to bring in a packed lunch from home as these pupils will continue to receive the free school meal allowance through vouchers or BACS payment.

Diolch / Thanks,

Return to school for Reception children

Sun 14 Jun 2020

Good morning parents/carers of Reception children

We are all aware that the younger the child the more difficult it is for them to understand the social distancing rules that need to be applied in school in order to keep all our children and staff safe.

There fore in Week 1 of our return, week beginning 29 June, Reception children can return to school on a reduced day timetable - see table below for staggered start and finish times. We will review this once we have the children back in their small groups and observe how they are managing with the very different school experience.

However the safety of all the children and the staff is the priority for the four weeks we are back in school, and as per Welsh Government guidance, if a child can not adhere to the social distancing and hygiene rules, with our support and encouragement, then they may be unable to access the provision at this time. We will do everything in our power to support your child, however if they cannot follow the new rules you may be called and asked to collect them for their own safety. Can I also remind you that if you or anyone in your household is shielding due to a health condition, your child should NOT return to school at this time.

Kind Regards

Ms Jenkins

	Start time/Arrival	Finish Time/Departure
Pod 1	8.55 - 9.05	12.30-12.40
Pod 2	9.05 – 9.15	12.40-12.50
Pod 3	9.15 – 9.25	12.50-13.00
Pod 4	9.25 – 9.35	13.00-13.10

Page 1 of 2 Next »

Interactive Bar

Google Services

Search

Translate

Log In