Beecroft Primary School

In the light of school closure, we wanted to provide a range of advice and resources for parents/carers. We are keen to signpost you to resources that start valuable conversations with your children and young people, providing tested tools to maintain wellbeing at a time of concern and anxiety for many families. At the end of this document we have included some resources that will allow children to continue learning at home.

Wellbeing Resources for Parents/Carers

Responsible use of technology to learn, communicate with friends and family and access support will be really important as the opportunities for face to face communication are restricted.

We want to ensure that pupils and parents/carers understand how to ensure young people stay safe online. Please read our April 2020 Online Safety Briefing Sheet.

Safeguarding concerns have been raised about an APP called House Party in respect to live streaming. The House Party is taking social media by storm. It’s from the same company that created Fortnite. Over the last 48 hours there has been lots of misinformation over social media about it. As with all live-streaming platforms it can put young people at risk.

If an uninvited guest joins a room they can easily ‘friend’ others taking part in the live stream.

It appears that when a friend is invited, their friends can also join a ‘room’ without the invitation and therefore potentially increase the opportunity to cyber-bully and troll others.

Please follow the link to read the published guidance for parents.

Your Questions Answered

I am a keyworker

Government Guidance For Schools Link

“The government has asked parents to keep their children at home wherever possible, this is the safest option.”

At present information is lacking and we do not know of the central hubs – please check-Leeds City Council website during the next week.

I have passed all details and addresses to Leeds City Council of those requesting care – but there are no promises or assurances that child-care will be available. You will be contacted directly and told where the care is happening. Please note it is child care and not education.

It will be all five days only and not part-time or pick and choose if it becomes available

Free School Meals

Sandwich, fruit and cake – available at Hollybush Primary Hub (Hollybush School closed)

Will school be open on 20th April 2020

Check Beecroft Primary School website and Leeds Education Hub as the situation unfolds. As soon as we can resume normal education we will be the first to do so.

Will anyone be in school

No – not until further notice (20^th April if possible) No emails or phone calls – see below.

Leeds Education Hub

Work for pupils

Packs sent home today. Reading is vital to pupils and with you.

Dear Parents, Carers

CORONOVIRUS (COVID-19)

In these uncertain times and unprecedented times, I am writing to confirm that Beecroft will be closing for all pupils from Friday 20^th March – Monday 20^th April 2020.

The closure information is on the school website and on the Leeds City Council website.

Unfortunately, too many staff are self-isolating for medical reasons and it is not possible to maintain the school services.

As you know, we at Beecroft, pride ourselves on being open whatever the circumstances and I would love to be able to continue normal school education despite the virus. Following our governors’ meeting of Chair and Vice Chair today, the decision was clearly made to close the school from Monday given our personal school circumstances.

I hope, although this is considerably inconvenient, that you will be able to support us with the difficult decision that we have not made lightly.

Pupils’ will bring packs of work, websites and challenges that they can use during the extended break.

Thank you for your support and your understanding.

Yours sincerely

J Turner

Headteacher

Dear Parents,

Thank you for the continuing support from the vast majority of our parents.

An area of concern, with a significant number of families, is that of holidays taken in term time. We have written separately to the 40 families who have taken their children out of school for periods up to 15 school days (30 sessions) between September 2019 and 1^st March 2020 but the following is important for all families to note.

Download Coronavirus newsletter update

Dear Parent/ Guardian,

In school this week we have been celebrating Safer Internet Day. The theme this year has been “Together for a better internet”, where children have watched videos and discussed ways to use the internet more responsibly. They have also had a visit from PC Browne who gave an assembly on the key messages. The theme encourages young people to work together to be positive, safe and respectful online. Children have also thought about ways that they can take control of their digital lives, by creating a positive digital footprint and making the right choices about what they share. Year 6 have even designed and created their own apps to educate other children about online safety covering: cyberbullying, online gaming addiction, creating a positive digital footprint and even how to look after your mental health online.

Download pdf newsletter

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your continued support in supporting your child(ren) in getting to school on time, good attendance and reading at home. Please keep up the good work.

• Reading Workshop For Parents:To understand how to support your child in the enjoyment of books and in gaining competency with the skills expected by the end of Y2 and Y6.

Friday 28^th February: Reading Workshops

9-10am: Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2)

2-3pm: Key Stage 2 (years 3, 4, 5, and 6)

The sessions will be run by Miss Goode (reading consultant and former Headteacher). Please meet in the entrance of the school and you will be taken to the room.

Residential Visits: We have 2 residential visits after half-term (Year 6 have already been to Castleton)

25th – 26th February- Malham Trip – Year 4RP

2^nd – 4^th March – Herd Farm Residential Year 5

Music and The Arts: At Beecroft, we place high importance on music, art and theatre education. Year 6 will be widening their musical appreciation at the Schools’ Prom Music event on 3^rd March.

Safety and Safeguarding – NSPCC Visit to school

‘Speak out and stay safe’ – assembly and workshops

Fair Trade – Bar and Badge: For Fairtrade Fortnight starting 24^th February £1.50 for the bar and badge.

Money raised will go to St George’s Crypt – buy a bed (£30) for the homeless

Wellbeing Day: Friday 28^th February school council are collating a choice activity from each class in the school.

World Book Day: Thursday 5^th March

Dates for your diary

Friday 14^th February – Half-Term starts – Return to school Monday 24^th February

Friday 28^th February – Reading Workshops

Friday 6^th March 2020 – Family Assembly

Friday 13^th March 2020 – Visit of Design Technology – National Executor ‘Design Technology Association’

Wednesday 18^th March – Year 6 Skelton Grange

Friday 20^th March 2020 – Family Assembly

Family Assembly – 27^th March 2020

Friday 3^rd April 2020 – Family Assembly

EASTER HOLIDAY – 3^rd April – School re-starts Monday 20^th April

Thank you for your continuing support for our school.

Yours sincerely

J.Turner Headteacher