Keep up to date with all the news happening in the school at the moment. Articles are added during the week. Parents are encouraged to check regularly. Our weekly bulletin, emailed directly to parents, summarises content for the week.

• PTFA: New activities to try at home

  Tue 31 Mar 2020 Nolan O'Connor

  Our world has changed in eight short days.  With children out of day-to-day schooling, many parents are still coming to terms with the best way forward.

   

  As mentioned last week, the PTFA are still here to help with extracurricular activities. We are passionate about maintaining the social side of Fielding that we know and love - even if we cannot meet face-to-face.

   

  First off, we have launched the 'Fielding 30 Day Lego Challenge' with a fantastic prize of a £180 Lego Pirate Ship.  There is a Facebook group specifically set up to share Lego images each day.  Don't worry, you can start anytime.

   

  Secondly, we are launching a new photographic competition, with the a star prize of an Apple iPad.  The theme for this year is 'Covid-19'.  This is an exercise that allows pupils to create a snapshot of how they feel about what is happening and explain it through imagery.  We'll be creating a gallery online which will hopefully be replicated in school once we all return.

   

  Thirdly, we are soon to announce that pupils can take part in the Fielding Sunflower Competition.  Ellie Lock (Garden Teaching Assistant) has been storing the sunflower seeds from last years crop.  The PTFA want to see how tall pupils can grow their sunflowers.  Measurements will be taken on July 11/12 so get planting. More details to follow this week on where to collect seeds and pot during your hour of exercise.

   

  Fourthly - we are actively promoting Online Home Learning Showcases.  Many classes have already set up their own Class Facebook accounts and are sharing images, videos of activities to maintain social cohesion amongst their classmates.

   

  If you have other ideas that will help us stay strong as a support community, please let us know at fieldingPTFA@gmail.com

   

  Fielding PTFA Chair

• Fielding's Always Active

  Sun 29 Mar 2020 Dan Thomas

  What is 'Fielding's Always Active'?

  Staying active is important for our physical health but also hugely beneficial for our mental health too. The 'Fielding's Always Active' Challenge has started in order to try to help us stay physically active while we are at home.  

   

  Every Monday a new fitness or skills based challenge will be uploaded to the website for you to try at home. You can attempt each challenge as many times as you like and once we have a few challenges on the page you can still go back and attempt previous challenges too. Each challenge will include a demonstration video, a description of the challenge and some ideas of how you could make the challenge easier or harder

   

  How you take part in each challenge will be completely up to you and the other people in your household. There doesn't need to be a competitive edge to it if you don't want there to be - you can do the challenges purely for the fun they provide. However if you are feeling competitive, you can enter into a competition against yourself where you keep track of your score every time you attempt a challenge and keep trying to beat your own personal best, or you can compete against the other people in your household to see who can get the best scores in each challenge.

   

  If you would like to share your attempts at each challenge you can ask the grown ups in your household to film you or take a photo of you doing the challenge and then send it in to Mr Thomas at dthomas88.307@lgflmail.org along with your score and possibly a write up about how the challenge went in your household.

   

  If you have your own idea for a fitness or skills challenge you could get it included in the Fielding's Always Active challenge. Just ask one of the grown ups in your household to film you doing a demonstration video and send that in to Mr Thomas along with a description of the challenge.

   

  The first challenge is the 'Agility Box'. Check out the Fielding's Always Active page for a demo and Mr Thomas' first attempt.

   

  Good luck and let us know how you are getting on!

   

• Coronavirus, Covid-19. A guide to home learning with links to resources

  Sun 29 Mar 2020 Clare Haines

  The London Grid for Learning (LGFL) have produced this blog with links to helpful suggestions and resources to use at home with your child during school closure.

  These ideas and tips  can be used alongside any links published on year group notice boards.

  • A parents’ guide to home learning 

   

• Keeping your child safe on-line during Coronavirus

  Sun 29 Mar 2020 Clare Haines

  Top tips from the London Grid for Learning (LGFL)

  • Keeping your child safe 

  

• PTFA: Our role during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

  Tue 24 Mar 2020 Nolan O'Connor

  Life is providing us with some very hard challenges at present and keeping our children at home is already proving tough for many

  With difficult weeks ahead, I am keen to see the PTFA continue to play a role in our children’s lives while Fielding is closed. We are not just about fundraising, we are here to support parents, carers, teachers within the school.
  
  Many of you will know the PTFA for running events that create enjoyment for pupils/ parents/carers alike – be that school disco, photo competitions, quizzes, or sing-a-long movies.  We want to continue to run activities but run them digitally and provide a welcome distraction from self-isolation. 
  
  Some of you may have already tried Zoom online chats with other classmates. Yesterday, at least five classes ran group Treasure Hunts and Singing Sessions - but understand that not all families have access to this type of technology.  We are also very aware that WhatApp group chats are starting to get overwhelmed with conversation.
  
  Online Fielding events being investigated include an online disco, online photo competition & quizzes. We will be launching a Lego challenge group on Facebook shortly to share/comment on creations. 
  
  If you have any ideas or want to help us set up any online events, then please message us on fieldingPTFA@gmail.com. As ever, help in organising will be vital as each of us juggle priorities. 
  
  In the meantime, stay safe and support each other where you can....it's a wonderful community and I personally feel privileged to be part of it.
  
  PTFA Chair

• Coronavirus, COVID-19: Learning at home

  Mon 23 Mar 2020 Peter Dunmall

  School opened on Monday to welcome pupils of key-workers and vulnerable pupils. All bookings are by Laser so that we can match staff to the number of pupils.

   

  The government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and for schools to remain open only for those pupils who absolutely need to attend:

  • Guidance for schools about temporarily closing, 22 March 2020

   

  The school is operating with a skeleton staff, working weekly shifts, to minimise infection and cut the number of people travelling to work. Pupils attending school are unlikely to be taught by their class teacher. Emphasis is on a childcare approach, like after-school or holiday club, rather than a usual school day. Teachers are not teaching any lessons to pupils.

   

  Learning at home

  We are following guidance published by the government and Ealing Council about keeping in touch with pupils who are at home. For primary education, sharing some links to on-line resources is appropriate:

  • Today, the DfE says it is working with the BBC and other partners to provide access and support directly to parents, including online resources to be accessed at home.
  • We are publishing links to carefully chosen material each week on Year Group Noticeboards.
  • We have considered use of technology, for example Skype or Webex, to teach pupils.
    • This is not practical because we do not teach in this way. In class, hearing pupils' feedback is a big part of teaching so that we tackle misconceptions and improve understanding.
    • We are worried about pupils having equal access, especially where there is more than one child at home, competing demands for devices and the need for High school age siblings to learn in this way. Our pupils come from a wide range of different backgrounds, including some who are disadvantaged.

  We know that our parents and pupils care about learning and education. So do we. We can catch-up on any missed learning over a key-stage and life of a child's primary education. 

   

• Coronavirus, COVID-19: Ends and beginnings

  Fri 20 Mar 2020 Peter Dunmall

  Fielding Primary & Nursery School closed (temporarily) to most pupils today. We look forward to opening on Monday for COVID-19 Childcare to pupils of key workers and pupils who are vulnerable. The staff team and I have been overwhelmed by your thanks and support. I have shared all of your words to me with the school team. Thank you.

   

  The government told us to close abruptly. This was a shock to all of us. The usual milestones at the end of the school year are bypassed, hitting Year 6 pupils hardest. If there is any opportunity to re-open before September we will. The Year 6 graduation will then be a priority. We would like the feeling of closure at the end of a school year for all pupils, if at all possible.

   

  We open on Monday, providing a childcare service to pupils of key workers and pupils who are vulnerable. The government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

   

  Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined below. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be. The government has asked parents to follow key principles:

  • If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
  • If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
  • Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
  • Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.

   

  We have offered places to around 120 pupils from all age-groups. All of these pupils are welcome. We have written by email to these parents, offering pupils a place.  Flexible booking to match the childcare needs of these pupils is by Laser only.

   

  If you have not received an offer email from us, your child should not try to attend. School is closed unless you have an offer letter.  Stay at home and avoid mixing socially in a way that can spread the virus.

   

  A skeleton staff is operating on a weekly rotating pattern. This is to reduce the risk of infection and cut the number of staff travelling to work. Pupils will be looked after by a different group of adults each week. Pupils may or may not see their class teacher. Pupils and parents should expect an Early Years or 'childcare' feel rather than a 'school' approach until we re-open.

• Residential Trips 2020 cancellations - Obtaining a refund or credit

  Fri 20 Mar 2020 Jane Peterson

  All residential school journey trips for the remainder of the school year have been cancelled. Refunds will be made in full for payments made to date. Full details on how to claim your refund have been emailed to the relevant year groups.

  Please note that all correspondence and queries regarding refunds/credits must be made to Jane, Finance Manager, via finance@fielding.ealing.sch.uk. The Admin team will be unable to respond to requests or queries regarding trip refunds.

  Please email Finance should you wish to transfer credits to either your Laser Clubs cashbook or a sibling account.

  We would like to thank you in advance for your patience during this difficult time whilst refunds and credits are issued.

• Coronavirus, Covid-19: Key Workers list - we need your response

  Fri 20 Mar 2020 Clare Haines

  As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

  That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing.

  And the most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

  That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

   

  Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined below. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

  Please, therefore, follow these key principles:

  1. If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
  2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
  3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
  4. Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults..

  If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed by the government and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be welcome at school on Monday.

  Please complete the short survey by clicking the clink below. This needs to be completed by 9.30am this morning so we can plan and be ready for your child on Monday morning.

  • Key Worker Survey

  Once we have your information and know how many pupils require this service we will be in touch to let you know what to do next.

  The government has provided extra information for parents, see the links below:

  • Guidance for schools
  • Guidance for parents

• Coronavirus, COVID-19: School closure plans

  Thu 19 Mar 2020 Peter Dunmall

  The government has decided to close all schools from Friday evening. Nursery, main school for pupils in Reception to Year 6, childcare and specialist clubs are all closed.

   

  The school will open on Monday to pupils who:

  • are the children of key-workers;
  • have special educational needs with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP);
  • have their own social worker as part of a Child Protection Plan or Child in Need plan.

   

  The school is closed to all other pupils from Monday. The government has not decided when schools will re-open.

   

  Key workers

  The government will tell us today which jobs are key workers:

  • we need parents to tell us that you are a key worker. We do not know who you are until you tell us.
  • we will publish a web-link on Latest News and Twitter for you to do this when the government has told us key worker roles
  • it is essential that you tell us today, using the web-link, that your child is coming to school so that we can plan and prepare for Monday onwards 

   

  Pupils who have special education needs with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP)

  We will send parents an email message and write to you by post. We are prepared and ready to welcome your child to school.

   

  Pupils who have their own social worker as part of a Child Protection or Child in Need Plan

  We will send parents an email message and write to you by post. We are prepared and ready to welcome your child to school.

   

  We will be open to these pupils from Monday onwards and through the Easter school holiday so that key-workers have access to childcare enabling them to do their vital jobs; while we also provide care for vulnerable pupils. Outline plans:

  • open from 7.30am to 6pm, weekdays
  • term-time and Easter holiday (not Bank Holiday weekend)
  • breakfast snack, hot lunchtime meal, afternoon tea / snack
  • free, no fees or cost (including for Nursery pupils and what was before, after-school or holiday childcare)

   

  These are working plans based on the Prime Minister's speech. We are waiting for more information and details from the government and/or local authority today. There is still some uncertainty so our plans may change.

   

  All other pupils

  Teachers will be publishing some links to learning content on-line while we are closed on Year Group Noticeboards. This will change each week. We know that this is a difficult time for families, access to devices might be restricted due to multiple needs within your family. Therefore we are not setting any work that needs to be completed and sent back into school.

   

  We encourage you to create a routine for your child. This could include time where your child continues to focus on practising and rehearsing their basic skills. We will publish some links to websites that you might find useful for this. In addition to this children will also get a lot out of the following activities:

  • Reading regularly
  • Lego or other construction kits
  • Practising multiplication tables and number bonds
  • Jigsaw puzzles
  • Board games

   

  Children may have lots of questions and worry about the coronavirus outbreak. Look out for a child-friendly leaflet on Year Group Noticeboards which may help you explain and reassure.

   

  Nursery and childcare for all pupils

  Nursery, breakfast club, after-school club and specialist clubs close on Friday evening. Easter holiday club is closed. These services are closed as a result of the government's plans. All future bookings are cancelled. We will:

  • hold advance payment made by childcare vouchers because these cannot be reversed
  • credit other payments to your account on Laser. If your family experiences financial hard-ship, we will make a refund on request.