Dear Parents/Carers, Lockdown During the lockdown, we don’t anticipate that any changes will happen at school.  We remain open and our Breakfast and After School Clubs are still running.  Children continue to stay in their bubbles, and we are still doing increased cleaning and enhanced personal hygiene. We appreciate the efforts parents have made to be transparent with us with Covid-19 related absences.  Information you share with the school helps us to make informed decisions to keep everyone safe.  Please continue to follow the advice and guidance issued by the government and, if you are unsure, get in touch. Parent’s Evening: Almost all of our parents have had their meeting by phone call.  Teachers expressed how positive the meetings were and I hope you found them just as informative as face to face meetings. Remote Learning: Should one of the bubbles need to be sent home, we would start remote learning the following day.  This can take many forms – online work, videos, workbooks, worksheets, etc. We have set up Google Classroom and will be setting homework on it (so the teachers and children can practise using it) over the coming weeks. Children in Need: A Dojo has been sent out saying that children can wear fancy dress for Children in Need next Friday (13th November).  Please do not go out and buy outfits, if you don’t have fancy dress costumes children can come in their best clothes or party clothes.  Please make your contributions on ParentPay. It has been suggested by one of our children that we do a remote ‘Pudsey’s Got Talent’.  If children want to take part, they need to make a video showing their talent (singing, dancing, magic, comedy, etc.) send it to the teacher and it will be shown in the child’s classroom on Friday. Spelling Scheme: The new spelling scheme got off to a flying start in September.  Each week the children have a different spelling pattern to learn.  They also have words to practice, they choose ones they are unsure of and they learn them during the week.  More information will be sent home to explain how it all works. Message from New Mills Youth and Community Project: We have a Clothes Bank to support residents of New Mills and surrounding areas. No judgement and no questions asked – all we need to know is what it is you require and where you are so we can deliver to you. There is no strict referral process, no form filling, etc. If you need any assistance then please send us a private message via Facebook Messenger (message button on top of our Facebook page) or send us an email at info@nmycp.co.uk and one of us will respond as soon as possible.  Commando Joe: The principles behind Commando Joe’s forms the basis of our curriculum.  It is a curriculum based on character development, in particular the strands of: Resilience, Excellence, Self-awareness, Positivity, Empathy, Communication and Teamwork (RESPECT).  Children have been completing character building ‘missions’ each week.  These images show the children completing the task of carrying somebody over an assault course!! Outside Agencies Involvement:
  • Swimming will not start until January – we will be in touch nearer the time to let you know what is happening.
  • Little Learners and Dave Best, our sports coaches, are still coming into school each week to do sports with the children.
  • Julie Bland, our SSSEN worker, is now working with her group of children either face to face or remotely.
  • Sophie Sully, music specialist, is still teaching musical instruments.
  • Music services are also still coming into school to work with Class B.
Working in a small school definitely has its advantages: we get to know the children really well and we take the time to make sure they are happy and settled.  Our parents are incredibly supportive of the school, the management and the procedures we have in place.  We are a proactive school and always do our utmost to support our families.  Whilst we’re under the pressures related to Covid-19 of furlough, lockdowns, remote learning, isolation, etc., we are seeing less of our families and we would like to remind you that you can approach us if there’s anything we can help with.  Basic things like food boxes are being provided each holiday – let us know if you need one.  Our Family Support Worker is available to talk to if you need any advice or signposting to different services.  If you have any concerns about your child, please get in touch.  We will always do what we can to support you and it will always be confidential. Wishing you all the best and hoping you keep safe and well, Carol Taylor Headteacher