Dear Parents/Carers,

We hope you've had a restful Easter break and welcome you to our remote start of Summer term.

We are all adapting to new ways of working and want to take this opportunity to say what an amazing job you are doing supporting your child's wellbeing and learning.

It has definitely been a strange and challenging time - it is OK if you or your child feel wobbly and worried at the moment. We are here for you every step of the way as we figure this out together. Remember, if you have any concerns about helping your child to learn or you need any other support, please let us know by either contacting the teacher on Class Dojo or ringing the school office. The school website and school Twitter page are updated regularly sharing information and guidance which may be helpful to you and your family.

We miss the children very much, but we must follow the Government's guidance to keep everyone in our community safe. The school remains open for some vulnerable children, children with an EHCP, and children of key workers. For everyone else, we continue to provide learning activities in line with the curriculum on Class Dojo. Just because we are not in the same building, does not mean we cannot have some fun together! Your child will have lots of activities they can access until we return to school. So keep an eye on Class Dojo for ideas and remember to log onto Times Table Rock Stars.

We enjoy seeing our pupils' fantastic learning at home, please keep sending their work in via Class Dojo or drop it off at the school office. We would like to display pupils' work in due course.

We cannot say when we will be able to open the school fully, but rest assured that we will continue doing our utmost to keep your child learning and our school community connected.

Doorstop Delivery Service

Morrisons Ilkeston are now offering a doorstep delivery service to elderly and vulnerable customers.

You are able to order from a list of selected items by calling their Customer Contact Centre (0345 611 6111, selecting option 5).

Your orders will be picked in store and delivered to your homes free of charge (within a 10 mile radius).

Aldi - Foodboxes

Aldi are now doing a £25 food parcel for delivery- although they have sold out at present.

https://www.aldi.co.uk/food-parcels

Teachers are communicating through Class Dojo. Here you will find activities and work for your child to complete at home. You can also message the class teacher directly.

The Government have produced a document containing a list of free learning materials and online resources. See link below...

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-online-education-resources-for-home-education

Erewash is co-ordinating a massive community response across the county to make sure vulnerable residents are supported through the coronavirus outbreak.

The Community Response Unit will help those in need by delivering services such as:

• food shopping and delivery
• checking up on people who are isolated with a phone call or online help to prevent loneliness and check whether there is anything they need
• collecting and delivering prescriptions
• preparing meals.

Residents who could be helped by the Community Response Unit include those who are self-isolating because they, or a member of their household, is at risk from coronavirus. Support will be offered to residents struggling to meet their basic needs because of financial, social and health restrictions – including pregnant women, people with some underlying health conditions and those aged 70 or over.

Click the link below for more information...

https://derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/health-protection/disease-control/coronavirus/community-response-unit/community-response-unit.aspx

Online Safety for children and message for parents

During school closures, pupils are likely to be spending more time online. As parents are trying to balance work deadlines with childcare and the unusual situation we find ourselves in, it is more important than ever that we remind you it is vital your child is kept safe online.

Traci Good, our Derbyshire Online Safety trainer, will be producing You Tube videos offering advice and support whilst the schools are closed. She will cover issues such as parental controls (and how to set them up), which apps have seen a surge in popularity since the pandemic, and age specific information aimed at 0-5s, 6-11s and over 11s.

If you have any questions or queries around online safety you can email Traci at good@safetytraining.co.uk

Please watch the below introductory video...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhLWwQ4Ay5s

The government have made it clear that where children can stay safely at home they should do to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response should read the government advice below...

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

If you feel you qualify as being employed in one of the critical sectors email

headteacher@cotmanhay-jun.derbyshire.sch.uk or phone 0115 932 2011 to discuss whether your child will be able to attend school next week.