Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Monday 20th April 2020
Date: 20th Apr 2020 @ 9:31am
My blogs certainly feel very different to write in these unusual circumstances. I am really missing being able to share all the wonderful things that our children have been up to in school, but I know that they will just be carrying out those wonderful things at home instead and it gives me something to really look forward to – hearing all about it when it is safe for schools to fully reopen again.
School Spider, our website provider, had some significant issues with the administration area of their websites last week. Whilst you wouldn’t have noticed this as the website was up and running as normal, it meant that we were unable to use the area where we upload blogs etc for you to see, hence things were a little quiet from school last week. They very kindly put my blog on for me from last week, but other staff were unable to access it. Everything is now back to normal so please do keep checking the class pages and blogs for more information during this time.
Government Guidance and Home Learning
You may find the following useful, which has been provided by the government as it has some frequently asked questions about school closures.
Last week, I shared the DfE’s link to resources that they have provided for parents for use at home with their children, this was updated on 16th April and the new information can also be found in this document in Section 8.
Furthermore, two national initiatives to support with Home Learning have launched today. The first one is from the BBC and comprises of live lessons in a variety of subjects that you can dip in and out of and is suitable for all age groups. Here is the link.
Secondly, a government backed online academy – Oak National Academy - has opened today. Please check the 'Home Learning' page of your child's class page and any blogs added by class teachers for more details.
Wake Up Wednesday
Disney+ is the latest big player in the TV streaming market. The global brand has released its own subscription-based streaming service to rival that of competitors such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV. As the name might suggest, it’s designed to be family friendly, with content restricted to PG and PG-13 (UK equivalent 12a). It can be streamed on pretty much any device – mobile phones, tablets, PC’s, TVs and games consoles – and features a huge library of classic Disney titles. In this guide, National Online Safety have highlighted a few tips for parents to consider to ensure that their children get the most enjoyable experience out of the service.
Meals, Food Shopping and Other Practical Support
The Live Well Cheshire website has support available for families for meals, shopping and other practical support during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes information on:
• telephone order and food home delivery from local small businesses;
• online food delivery;
• practical support for the vulnerable and isolated;
• foodbanks for those with little or no income.
The website is updated regularly and includes information and services for across the borough.
Advice and Support for Parents and Carers from the NSPCC
The NSPCC has created an online Hub providing advice and support for parents and carers during the coronavirus outbreak. Content includes: information on keeping children safe from abuse; tips and advice to help parents working from home; and ways to talk to a child who is anxious or worried about coronavirus.
Domestic Abuse Support
Some children and adults could be facing increased risks as we are all asked to stay at home due to COVID-19. Social distancing and self-isolation could be used as a tool of coercive and controlling behaviour by people with abusing behaviours, and will shut down routes to safety and support.
Open the Door is a local campaign aiming to bring domestic abuse out into the open and encourage people to start a conversation about domestic abuse. Since launching the campaign a couple of years ago, they have seen a big increase in self-referrals to their Domestic Abuse Intervention and Prevention Service.
A new Open the Door poster has been produced specifically with COVID-19 in mind to direct people with domestic abuse concerns to local and national support available.
Colleagues in Local Policing Units are currently distributing posters to supermarkets, retail outlets (such as Spar, Costco, The Range, Marks and Spencer), petrol stations and any other areas officers believe a person affected by domestic abuse may have access. Store managers are being asked to display the posters in strategic locations where anyone affected by domestic abuse may be alone and have the opportunity to read it. A covering letter is also being shared asking retail staff to be mindful and compassionate if they see a member of the public engaging with the poster or needing an opportunity to make a call.
The posters have been added to the resources section of the Open the Door website (the West Cheshire poster is the second in the file) and will also be accessible from the Council, Live Well Cheshire West, Community Safety Partnership and the Safeguarding Children Partnership websites.
Lots of information to support around domestic abuse is accessible on the domestic abuse webpages of the Council website.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 999.
Please do safe stay and stay well at home and don’t forget our dedicated e mail address - help@overstjohns.cheshire.sch.uk should you need it.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon