School opening information

September Opening Information

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are very much looking forward to the coming academic year and know that you and your child will be pleased to be getting back to some level of normality as they enter a new year group and have exciting lessons with their new teacher.

We will be working hard to support your child and ensure their return to school is a seamless and pleasant learning experience.

Communication is important and we ask that you regularly check the school website over the summer for information and updates relevant to your child’s return. Please also read texts or emails from school, as this will be important and require your immediate attention.

Class Start/End Times

Children return on Wednesday, 2^nd September. Nursery children return on Thursday, 3^rd September. Government guidance advises staggering when children arrive and leave school. It is important that parents and children do not arrive at school too early, a couple of minutes before is adequate; school gates will not be opened until 8.50 am. This will avoid large gatherings, minimise risk and children/parents waiting too long in the rain. If the weather is unpleasant, please ensure that children are wearing appropriate clothing in case of delays when entering school. The new drop-off and collection times are as follows:

• Nursery: 8.30-11.30 am
• Reception: 9.15am-3.15pm
• Year 1, Years 1/2 and Year 2: 8.55 am – 3.00 pm
• Year 3, Year 3/4 and Year 4: 9.15am-3.15pm
• Year 5 and Year 6: 8.55 am – 3.00 pm

We appreciate some parents may have children with different drop-off and collection times but this is unfortunately unavoidable. Please ensure other family members dropping-off or collecting children are aware of the changes in timings for your child’s class. Parents will not be able to collect their child early from school without evidence of an appointment.

Under the current circumstances, parents will not be allowed to gather on the playground as usual or to wait in line for their children to enter the classroom. Teachers will be at the classroom doors in order for children to enter school immediately. Because of this, please ensure that children arrive promptly and you exit the school site quickly.

Below are some FAQ and answers:

• Where do I drop off and collect my child/ren?

Key stage 2 aged children – parents to use the main entrance of the school and drop off/collect children on the junior yard.  Parents are to wait at the small gate to the junior playground until called then leave via the playground gate leading onto Munro St.

Key stage 1, Reception and Nursery children – parents to use the staff car park entrance and collect/drop off children from the classroom door (please wait on the path) then leave the premises via the nursery entrance gate.

Parents with children in both key stages – choose one entrance then walk across the Infant yard to the other entrance.

• Should my child wear school uniform?

Children are to wear school uniform from September, which should be washed as often as possible. This will reduce the possibility of contamination for children, staff and the family home. We do have pre-loved uniforms (donated by parents) available by appointment if anyone needs additional uniforms.

• Can they bring in their own belongings?

Unfortunately, we must ask that children must not bring any belongings into school, eg, toys or equipment. We will provide what is required. Children will have their own equipment, which will not be shared with any other pupil. It is preferable for children to have a labelled water bottle.

• What activities will take place?

There will be a full, broad and balanced curriculum with a consideration for mental health and well-being. Learning will focus on reading, writing and maths in order to support missed learning which will be reinforced in all subjects taught.

• Where will the children eat?

Lunches and break times will be staggered to ensure that children from different classes do not mix during the day as much as possible. Packed lunches brought into school must be clearly marked with your child’s name. Please see additional information from Dolce in regards to the changes to ordering meals and payment.

• Does my child need to attend every day?

Yes, your child must now attend every day; the usual steps will be taken for non-attendance. The DfE have made it clear that non –attendance could result in a fine. Please contact Mrs Pinnington as usual if your child is ill. If your child has suspected symptoms of Covid-19, then you must inform school immediately so that we can take appropriate measures. School can advise on matters pertaining to Covid-19 and family members – just get in touch and we will were we can.

• What measures are in place to keep children safe?
• There are anti-bacterial dispensers placed outside each classroom for children and staff to use before they enter the classroom.
• Every classroom has a sink so that children can wash their hands regularly.
• The school has been deep cleaned and will be disinfected with a fog machine twice a week. Toilets and regularly used equipment will also be cleaned more frequently.
• Staff will wear PPE equipment when dealing with any injury from a fall on the playground.
• Social distancing measures will be put in place for all children and staff to adhere to as best they can.
• A one-way system is in place in the corridors and dinner hall. There are posters to remind children and adults about hand hygiene.

• Can I enter the school to discuss any queries with staff?

Unfortunately, you will not be able to enter the school building without a prior appointment. However, if you have a query then you can call school on 0151 727 1725 or email  info@stcleopas.com.

Parents, children and staff will be asked to read and sign the Covid-19 Home-School Agreement. This is in place so that everyone is informed and plays their part in keeping us all as safe as possible.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club begins on the 8^th September and there is now a charge of £1.00 a day except for those children who are entitled to Free School Meals. For the moment, there is limit of 30 children so attendance will be first come first served. Please email info@stcleopas.com to pre-book a place for you child. Children not booked in will not be admitted. As restrictions are eased, the numbers will be allowed to increase. Opening is 8am prompt. No child will be admitted after 8.15 am.

School appreciates your patience and support in these difficult times. I realise that the information and FAQ are not exhaustive so if there is anything that you would like to ask then please contact school via email or phone. The measures that we have put in place are alien to our school and we know they can be off putting to yourselves and the children, especially if they are upset or hurt. I want to assure you that whilst we adhere to the measures put in place to keep us all as safe as possible, we will ensure that your children are cared for and make their experience as happy and enjoyable as we can.

As stated earlier, we very much appreciate your support in following the steps taken. However, as you are aware, things are changing quickly; we do not know for certain what will take place in September. If we are required to change how we operate school, then we will inform you via our school website so please keep checking throughout the holidays.

We wish you all a very happy summer break and will see you in September.

Take Care

Mrs L Gannon

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Hub Information

Matthew Arnold Primary School is now a Childcare Hub for key workers as defined by Liverpool City Council on the link below:

https://liverpool.gov.uk/childcarehubs

Please check the criteria carefully to ensure that you qualify as a key worker. If you have an adult at home even if you are a key worker your child must stay at home. 

If you qualify for a place in a hub we are open on Monday 23 March from 9am to 4pm prompt. 

If you are planning to bring your child/ren to us please understand and be prepared for the following:

- when you arrive at school for the first time you will be required to complete a registration form which includes contact details, emergency contacts, medical info, allergies, dietary info, SEND needs etc. If your child currently attends Matthew Arnold, you will still be required to complete a form.  BE AWARE THIS COULD TAKE TIME ON MONDAY.

- your child needs to come in their own clothes with suitable coats to go outside. 

- children are not permitted to bring any electronic equipment or mobile phones. 

- provide your child with a packed lunch but on Monday 23rd all children who attend will get a free meal. 

- your child will be in a childcare environment, they will be playing games, doing craft activities, being outside etc. This is not an educational environment. 

- your child needs to follow and respond to the Hub's behaviour guidance; as it would be in the school they are currently enrolled in. The setting has the right to refuse entry to any child who does not follow the expectations of the Hub. 

- parents will be asked to wait in a designated collection area when dropping off and collecting from the Hub to ensure the health of the staff.

- any child who is unwell will be sent home as quickly as possible.

WE HAVE A SET NUMBER OF CHILDREN WE CAN ACCEPT ON A DAILY BASIS. IF WE ARE FULL YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO THE NEAREST LOCAL HUB SCHOOL. 

We will be receiving an update from the Local Authority on a daily basis in response to local and national guidance. This will be updated on this page. 

There are 50 HUBS across the City, you can use the one which is best for you. 

Below are links to national guidance and advice: 

Closure of educational setting guidance for parents https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

You can  follow Liverpool's response to the Coronvirus on Twitter https://twitter.com/COVIDLiverpool and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/COVIDLiverpool/

Liverpool City Council website updates https://www.liverpool.gov.uk/communities-and-safety/emergency-planning/coronavirus/

Support for families who are entitled to free school meals https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plans-set-out-to-support-pupils-eligible-for-free-school-meals

If you feel unwell you are encouraged you use the following NHS website rather than ringing 111 straight away http://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Please be aware that we will not accept any unacceptable behaviour from any Parents or Carers. This is a national crisis and we have been requested to respond to this; remember we are all in this together!

Care for primary-aged children

Around 50 hubs to look after primary age children of key workers in Liverpool will open on Monday 23rd March.

The strategically located school sites are only for primary age pupils whose parents are key workers and have no other safe childcare available to them, and will initially be open from 9am until 4pm.

Parents of primary school children who are eligible are asked to take their child to the nearest site which is convenient for them on Monday, where there will be staff available to receive them.

There will be no provision for secondary school pupils, but secondary schools are identifying vulnerable children and will be proactively contacting those parents directly to see if they need any support.

Care for children in special schools

Some specials will be open - Palmerston School, Princes Primary School, Hope School, Sandfield Park School, Woolton High School, Redbridge, Milstead, Abbotts Lea and Bank View – and will be in touch with parents regarding their capacity to support children.

Who is eligible?

The list of key workers is:

• Social workers, care workers, health and social care staff and those required to maintain the sector

• Teachers, specialist education professionals and nursery staff

• Staff essential to the operation of the justice system

• Staff involved in the management of the deceased

• Administrative staff in local government essential to the delivery of the COVID-19 response

• Staff delivering essential public services such as payment of benefits

• Staff involved in the distribution of food or other key goods

• Police and police support staff

• Fire and rescue staff and support staff

• Transport workers

• Utilities workers

• Probation staff

• IT staff necessary to support COVID-19 response

• Payment providers

• Waste disposal service presumably including refuse collection

In addition, other workers described include:

• Armed forces personnel

• MoD civilian staff and contractors

• National Crime Agency

• Border security

• National security staff

• Religions and charity staff

• Journalists and broadcasters

The council has also added university staff working in a research role to help fight COVID-19 to the list of eligible workers.

Parents working in these sectors may be asked to provide proof from their employer that they are eligible.

Where are the hubs?

The list of hubs is:

• Arnot St Mary, Arnot Street, L4

• All Saint's Catholic Primary, Oakfield, Anfield

• Anfield Road Primary School, Anfield Road, Anfield

• Banks Road Primary, Banks Road, Garston

• Barlows Primary School, Barlows Lane, Fazakerley

• Belle Vale Primary, Besford Road, L25

• The Beacon Church of England Primary, Heyworth Street, Everton

• Blackmoor Park Infants, Leyfield Road, L12

• Dovedale Primary, Herondale Road, L18

• Fazakerley Primary, Formosa Drive, L10

• Faith Primary School, Prince Edwin Street, L5

• Florence Melly Primary, Bushey Road, L4

• Greenbank Primary School, Mossley Avenue , L18

• Holy Cross Primary, Fontenoy Street, L3

• Holy Name Catholic Primary, Mosspits Lane, Fazakerley

• Hunts Cross Primary School, Kingsthorne Road, L25

• Kensington Community Primary School, Brae Street

• Kingsley Community School, Eversley Street

• Liverpool College, Queens Drive, L18

• Matthew Arnold Primary School, Dingle Lane, Dingle

• Mosspits Lane Primary School, Mosspits Lane, Wavertree

• Middlefield Community Primary, Alder Wood Avenue, Speke

• Monksdown Primary School, Monksdown Road, Norris Green

• Norman Pannell School, Brownbill Bank, L27

• Northcote Community Primary, Cavendish Drive, Walton

• Our Lady & St Philomena's Catholic Primary School, Sparrowhall Road, L9

• Our Lady and St Swithin's Catholic Primary, Parkstile Lane, L11

• Phoenix Primary School, Birchfield Road, L7

• Pleasant Street Community Primary, Pleasant Street, L3

• Rice Lane Primary, Brockenhurst Road, L9

• Rudston Primary School, Rudston Road, L16

• Sacred Heart Catholic School, Hall Lane, Kensington

• Springwood Heath Primary, Danefield Road, Allerton

• Sudley Junior School, Aigburth Road, L17

• St Ambrose Primary School, Alderfield Road, L24

• St Christopher’s Catholic Primary, Tarbock Road, L24

• St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, Orthes Street, L3

• St Oswald's Catholic Primary School, Montague Road, Old Swan

• St Teresa of Lisieux Catholic Primary School, Uttington Avenue East, L11

• St John's Catholic Primary, Fountains Road, Kirkdale

• St Margaret's Anfield CE Primary, Lower Breck Road, Anfield

• St Paul & St. Timothy’s Infant School, South Parkside Drive, L12

• St Paul's Catholic Junior School, Spring Grove, L12

• St Sebastian's Catholic Primary School, Holly Road, Fairfield

• Stockton Wood Primary, All Saints Road, Speke

• Wavertree Church of England Primary, Rose Villas, L15

• Windsor Primary School, Upper Hill Street, L8

• Woolton Primary School, Out Lane L25

• Our Lady of Assumption, Hedgefield Road, Belle Vale

• St Hugh's Primary School, Earle Road, L7

• Our Lady Immaculate Primary School, Northumberland Terrace, L5

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Director of Education, Steve Reddy said: “These are unprecedented times and I would like to thank all schools for their support over the last couple of days in coming up with a list of hubs.

“It is really important that people understand that the Government has instructed all schools to close from Friday.

“Many were already struggling to continue to provide an education for children due to the number of staff in self-isolation.

“We simply can’t keep every school site open because that would not be sustainable, so what we have tried to do is come up with a list of strategically placed sites which we believe can be staffed, at least in the short term."

“My appeal to parents is to only take their child to a hub if they are on the list of key workers and they have no other childcare available to them."

“I want to be really honest with people: I know that the list of sites is not perfect, and that it will inconvenience some parents, but we are trying to do our very best in what are very exceptional circumstances."

“I promise that we will be reviewing the situation every single day and we will let people know if we are able to open more sites, or have to make other changes."

“Please keep checking our website regularly for updates and bear with us as we prioritise support for parents whose job is essential to keeping the city functioning and do not have any other available childcare.”