Covid 19 School Closure Week 12 – Parents Information
Information Directly From Sheffield City Council
School Opening Update
Statement from Sheffield City Council on wider opening of schools and childcare settings from 1 June
Please find a statement from Councillor Abtisam Mohamed, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Sheffield City Council:
heffield City Council understands that this is an extremely challenging time for all living in our city. Following last night’s announcement, relating to the review of the current national lockdown arrangements, we have taken time to consider our position.
We stated previously that in order to support the increase of children in nurseries and school settings, as a Council we need to be confident of our position against the Government’s 5 tests outlined on the 19th April 2020. A critical element to those tests included an effective national test and trace system being in place.
We have been advised by the Sheffield Director of Public Health, Greg Fell who has reviewed the local position and he does not feel assured that the recently announced ‘Test and Trace’ programme will be sufficiently well established and robust enough to be in place for 1st June. He has advised that the Test and Trace system should be in place and working effectively for 14 days before schools and nurseries begin increasing their numbers.
Whilst nationally the Government is requesting that schools and nurseries start to increase the number of pupils attending over the coming weeks, in light of the Sheffield Public Health advice we do not yet feel assured that it is the right time and are advising our schools and nurseries to delay increasing numbers until the 15th June 2020.
We are acutely aware that many schools may have already put systems in place for increasing numbers of children prior to this date. However, our priority must always be ensuring the safety of our staff and the children is not compromised when the numbers are increased. All settings will continue to remain open for children of key workers and vulnerable children as they have been since the start of the national lock down.
For maintained schools, where the Council is the employer, we are instructing schools not to increase the number of children attending more widely. For all other schools, academies, and nurseries in Sheffield, we are strongly advising that they also delay their wider reopening to the 15th June.
Please find the attached two letters from Cllr Abtisam Mohamed, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills Sheffield City Council and also Samantha Gaymond, Headteacher, in response.
2020529 Letter regarding change to 15th June
Supporting your child back to school
A fantastic resource for supporting your child back to school has been provided by Sheffield attached
Sheffield Parent guide for supporting children to return to school (1)
New business grant scheme
A new Government scheme has launched to provide funding to businesses that have not previously been eligible for Coronavirus-related support.
The new scheme, which launches today (27th May) provides support to businesses and organisations that have suffered from a significant fall in income due to Covid-19 and have not been able to access other grants available. All applications for grants need to be submitted by 12th June to be considered.
Fines for queuing at Household Waste Recycling Centres
From Thursday 28 May 2020, drivers queuing on roads to access Household Waste Recycling Centres will face fines of up to £70 to protect all road users from the dangers associated with unsafe queuing traffic.
Social distancing space created in Broomhill
Planters in Broomhill Centre have been moved to help create more space for pedestrians to safely social distance as part of works to create safe active travel routes around the city.
Councillor Bob Johnson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability at Sheffield City Council, explains why the planters have been moved:
“As we move into the next phase of lockdown and people start to move around their communities more frequently, it is essential that we create the space needed to allow safe social distancing.
“Fulwood Road was identified as one location where extra space could be created to give people an alternative route to the row of shops, which could become congested. “In the first stage of works to create a footpath, planters blocking this pedestrian route have been temporarily moved to Division Street, where they will form part of the road closure in place to encourage active travel in the city centre. The parking meter and sign on the same footpath will also be moved so that the path is unobstructed.
“As the initial temporary road closure measures on Division Street are upgraded, the planters will be reinstated into Broomhill Centre ensuring that space for social distancing can be maintained.”
Car parks and bowls reopen in Sheffield park
Following the Government’s most recent update, Sheffield City Council has reviewed facilities across the city’s parks and is reopening car parks with immediate effect, and allowing the use of bowling greens.Eligible business owners urged to apply for Covid-19 support grants
Sheffield City Council is encouraging eligible businesses in Sheffield to apply for support grants, available to help them face the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic. Over the past six weeks, the Council has paid out grants to over 6,700 businesses, totalling £80m.
Read more : https://sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/news/apply-business-support-grants/?doing_wp_cron=1590738739.5664160251617431640625
Changes to funeral services in Sheffield
Following the latest Government update, which saw a slight ease of some restrictions, Sheffield City Council has today introduced changes to funeral services in the city.
This includes an increase in the number of mourners, a reduction in the length of service and a reduction in the total cost.
Read more at : https://sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/news/changes-to-funeral-services-in-sheffield/###
Help our hardworking waste collection crews
We are proud to be running a full waste and recycling service in Sheffield. However as we stay home and stay safe we are generating more waste than usual.
You can help to make sure that your bins continue to be emptied during this difficult time by making sure that:
- Your bin lids are closed
- Your bins are presented on the pavement by 7am on your collection day
- You don’t put extra extra waste next to you black and brown bins – this won’t be taken
Read more at : https://sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/news/help-our-hardworking-waste-collection-crews-by-following-these-simple-steps/
Other Updates
Launch of the NHS Test and Trace service
The new NHS Test and Trace service has launched today and will form a central part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy.
Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions.
People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.
Further information on the NHS Test and Trace service can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/
news/government-launches-nhs- test-and-trace-service Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/
nhs-test-and-trace-workplace- guidance Guidance on how the NHS Test and Trace works can be found here:
Public Health England has published guidance that explains what you should do if the NHS Test and Trace service notifies you that you are a contact of a person who has tested positive for coronavirus and you do not live with that person.
The guidance can be found here:
Schools and nurseries on track to open to more children from 1 JuneThe Prime Minister has confirmed that schools and nurseries across England remain on track to open to more children from 1 June, subject to the Government’s five tests being met. Primary schools will welcome back children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, while nurseries and other early years providers will begin welcoming back children of all ages. Full details of this announcement can be found here: |
Parent Guidance
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Guidance for parents and carers as schools and other education settings in England open to more children and young people can be found here: |
Online educational resources to support children to continue learning at homeThe Government have updated their list of online resources that schools and parents can consider to support children’s continued learning at home. Schools have already been drawing on existing resources and tools they are familiar with to support children to continue learning at home and should continue to do so. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/ |
Department for Transport travelling advice for parents and pupilsThe Department for Transport has issued advice on how parents and pupils can travel to school safely as part of the #TravelSafely campaign. Resources have been developed to ensure that parents, pupils and staff have the information they need to stay safe on the public transport network. This includes information developed in collaboration with respected partners on how to cycle and walk safely, where possible. Resources can be found here: https://extranet.dft.gov.uk/ |
Awarding qualifications in summer 2020The consultation outcomes for exceptional arrangements for exam grading and assessment in 2020 can be found here: The consultation outcomes and response documents on the assessment and grading of vocational, technical and other general qualifications can also be found here: Ofqual has published guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020. The guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/ |
Arrangements for additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series in autumn 2020
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The exceptional exam series was announced by the government when it cancelled the summer 2020 exam series as part of its response to the coronavirus outbreak. Ofqual has published a consultation on the proposed arrangements for an additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series to take place in autumn 2020. The deadline for responses is 8 June. Further information on this consultation can be found here: |
Updated Student Loans Company guidance for current and prospective studentsThe Student Loans Company has updated their guidance for current and prospective students to include information on applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances. The guidance for current students can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ The guidance for prospective students can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ |
Home Learning Weekly Supplement
The supplements are available on the Learn Sheffield website as a PDF for schools and parents to access – https://learnsheffield.co.uk/Covid-19
Covid 19 School Closure Week 11 – Parents Information
Information Directly From Sheffield City Council
Letter to parents
Attached below is a letter for parents from Sheffield’s Director of Public Health. The letter sets out a range of useful information about the current position on COVID-19 as well as linking this to the wider opening of schools.
Draft Communication to parents (3) gf AJ (2) (6) final (1)
Parent/Carer Survey – Your View Is Vital
Sheffield City Council is working with childcare providers to plan for the future and your input as parents or carers is vital.
Please help by completing the survey in the link below:
https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=158990661164
Sheffield schools
Most Sheffield schools have been open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
We are not preparing for reopening but for increasing the number of children who are in school.
Our first priority is to make sure that children and staff are as safe as possible at all times, and we will work with schools and settings to support them to make the best decisions for them.
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A day in the life of a social worker
Our social workers have found their daily job dramatically changed during the pandemic, as they’ve had to get creative about how they can support their young people during this time.
From Whatsapp chats and doorstep visits to delivering pizzas as a treat, Cath and Charlotte, who both work with young people at risk of exploitation in Sheffield, tell us how they’re carrying on in lockdown.
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Thank You Sheffield
Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, and Greg Fell, Director of Public Health give thanks and praise to the people of Sheffield for their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Sign up to health services updates
How you access health services in Sheffield is changing – stay up to date with the Health and Wellbeing newsletter. Most services, such as vaccinations, sexual health services and help dealing with anxiety or stress, are still available, but you may access them in slightly different ways. All the updates will be sent out on Fridays. Sign up here.
Other Updates
For our Year 6 pupils and Parents/Carers
It is unfortunate that, for our Year 6 pupils, transition to high school will be impacted by Covid 19 this year.
If your child has secured a place at Stocksbridge High School, you will already have started to get communications from school regarding how transition will look.
In addition please take a look at the video below with your child :
Handwashing advice
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It is essential that everyone washes their hands more often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand washing with soap employs mechanical action that loosens bacteria and viruses from the skin, rinsing them into the drain. Drying hands afterwards makes the skin less hospitable to the virus. Hand sanitiser can be effective if soap is not available or the situation makes using soap less feasible (i.e. when outside) but using hand sanitiser provides none of the virus-destroying friction that rubbing your hands together and rinsing with water provides. The latest guidance and video on hand washing can be found at: The e-Bug project is led by Public Health England and has a dedicated webpage for learning resources on hand washing and respiratory hygiene. Resources are currently available for KS1, KS2 and KS3 and can be used in various settings including schools and at home: |
Covid 19 School Closure Week 10 – Parents Information
Information Directly From Sheffield City Council
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Other updates
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategyThe government has published its roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the coronavirus outbreak. This document describes the progress the UK has made to date in tackling the coronavirus outbreak and sets out the plans for moving to the next phase of its response to the virus. The roadmap can be found here: Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak have also been published. Those relating to schools and childcare can be found at section 6: |
Guidance for parents and carers as schools and other education settings in England open to more children and young people
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We have published guidance for parents and carers on the opening of schools and other education settings to more children. This guidance provides information on when and how we will open education settings to more children. The guidance can be found here: |
Safer travel guidance for passengers during the coronavirus outbreak
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The Department for Transport has published guidance on travelling safely during the coronavirus outbreak, providing information on walking, cycling, using private vehicles, travelling in taxis and on public transport. Information on children travelling on public transport is also provided in this guidance. The guidance can be found here: |
Working safely during the coronavirus outbreak
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The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has published guidance on working safely during the coronavirus outbreak. This guidance is to help employers and employees understand how to work safely and covers offices, labs and research facilities, construction and factories which may be relevant to some education settings. The guidance can be found here: |
Coronavirus testing eligibility and how test and testing kits work
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Anyone in England showing symptoms of coronavirus who has to leave the home to go to work, or is aged 65 and over, is eligible for testing along with members of their households with symptoms. This is in addition to all essential workers with symptoms. Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test, how to get tested and the different types of test available can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has published guidance for members of the public and patients about coronavirus tests and testing kits, including information on the different types of tests available and how they work. The guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/ |
Handwashing advice
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It is essential that everyone washes their hands more often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand washing with soap employs mechanical action that loosens bacteria and viruses from the skin, rinsing them into the drain. Drying hands afterwards makes the skin less hospitable to the virus. Hand sanitiser can be effective if soap is not available or the situation makes using soap less feasible (i.e. when outside) but using hand sanitiser provides none of the virus-destroying friction that rubbing your hands together and rinsing with water provides. The latest guidance and video on hand washing can be found at: The e-Bug project is led by Public Health England and has a dedicated webpage for learning resources on hand washing and respiratory hygiene. Resources are currently available for KS1, KS2 and KS3 and can be used in various settings including schools and at home: |
Updated guidance from the Student Loans Company
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Deputy CEO of the Student Loans Company, David Wallace, is advising students thinking about going to university for the first time this autumn to complete their funding applications online as soon as possible. New students are being asked to submit their applications before 22 May 2020. The deadline for returning student applications is 19 June. Applications for student finance can be made here: https://www.gov.uk/student- The Student Loans Company has updated their guidance for prospective students to include guidance for those whose academic year is extended because of the coronavirus outbreak and for migrant worker student applicants. The guidance can be found here: |
Learning about online safety at home (ThinkUKnow)
ThinkUKnow have created a page to support parents and young people online. The site includes home activity packs with simple 15 minute activities support children’s understanding of online safety at a time.
There is also parent support information for primary and secondary age groups.
The resources can be found here: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Be SMART: Online Safety Video Lessons for 6 – 9 year olds (Childnet)
Childnet have released six new easy-to-follow videos for parents and children to work through together. The 10 – 15 minute videos offer simple, clear online safety advice using fun activities, games and discussion. There are optional follow-up activities to extend children’s learning.
The videos can be found here: https://www.childnet.com/
Phased opening of early years settings and schools to more pupils from 1 JuneYesterday, the Prime Minister addressed the nation on coronavirus. The Prime Minister announced that from 1 June at the earliest, primary pupils may be able to begin going back into school in stages, beginning with Reception, year 1 and year 6. Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get some time with their teachers before the summer holidays. We will also ask childcare settings to prepare to open for more children from 1 June.
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I hope you are keeping well in these difficult times. Our partner Sheffield Hallam University have been putting together some fantastic activities and links to activities that are suitable for three age groups under 5’s, 5-7’s (key stage 1) and 7-11’s (key stage 2). Please could you forward onto your contacts who I hope will find something to enjoy doing during lockdown.
https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?e=&u=27fe2f031eccb03515afa7c80&id=083ebd2c8e
https://mailchi.mp/7e5cbcf9ed07/easy-easter-activities-to-do-at-home?e=3a152c2cc2
https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?e=&u=27fe2f031eccb03515afa7c80&id=df8c80adc1
