This week’s message kicks off with a repeat of one we sent on Wednesday, in case you missed it.
With the government’s announcement about the ending of Plan B restrictions next Thursday, it might seem that things are getting back to normal, and it might seem like most people with Covid have a relatively mild illness compared to previous strains.
In our schools, we’re struggling.
We’ve far more cases across all three schools (and across Leeds, from what we hear) than ever before amongst our children and our staff.
For pupils, when the number of positive cases of Covid rises, we have to consider isolating the class (‘bubbling’), and even move to home learning.
For staff, we’re committed to keeping the classes open. This is starting to prove really difficult – the more staff we have absent, the harder it is to cover. (And it’s really difficult to find supply teachers right now.)
Either way, this means learning is disrupted.
You can help us:
- Please continue to test your child often.
- Please continue to keep your child away from school if they’re not well, and make sure you test them.
- Please make sure you’re up-to-date with guidance, including self-isolation periods.
- Please be patient – we’re working really hard right now to manage the disruptions as best we can.
If your child’s at home…
- Please use the home learning materials we publish each week on our website – go to the Learn More section, choose Home Learning, and then click on your child’s year group.
- If you’re entitled to free school meals, please let us know – we can arrange for some food to be prepared.
The things I wish my parents had known…
This might seem like something more useful for older children, but the advice here could really help avoid issues later on…
The Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza DBE, has recently published a guidance document for parents helping to support them to understand online sexual harassment. It’s a sensitive topic, and not one all parents feel comfortable discussing with their children.
The commissioner’s team brought together a group of 16 – 21 year olds and asked them to talk about what they think parents should know, and what they should say to their children when talking about sexualised bullying and the pressures of growing up online.
Key advice from the young adults in the focus groups included:
- Start conversations early, before your child gets a phone or social media account. Keep the conversation going over time, adapting to your child.
- Young people want their parents to learn about new technology and trends, including risky behaviours and dangerous spaces online.
- Create a safe and trusting home environment. Young people told us the home environment is key, they want to share things with their parents but don’t always feel able.
Needing help?
We all need a bit of help from time to time…
The Family Lives charity aims to offer all parents somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point. Crisis support, provided for over 40 years through their helpline, has always been at the heart of what they do. The parents’ helpline is available Monday to Friday, 1.30 – 9pm: 0808 800 2222
Their website also offers help parents with the ups and downs of family life.
…And now it’s the weekend! Have a happy and healthy one, whatever you get up to.