Monday 9th August 2021

Dear Parents / Carers,
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you all back to school on Friday 3rd September. This letter
is intended to outline key information in preparation for your return. We have based our decisions around information provided by the government and public health advice as well as our updated risk assessment. As we know things can change in terms of expectations around protecting ourselves against COVID-19 very quickly and with that in mind I will write again to you on Tuesday 31st August to confirm final arrangements.
Start and End of the Day arrangements
Based on the success of the one-way entry and exit system via the Top gate via Lyvedon Way, which has reduced traffic congestion and safety concerns of pedestrians, we are continuing to use this system when we return in September. See the attached map.
The school gate will be open at 8:30am, all children must be in their classrooms by 8:50am ready for registration. In the Summer Term, many children enjoyed coming into school independently and we are happy for them to continue this if you wish.
The school gates will be open for the end of the day at 3:30pm, children can then be collected from their classes. If you wish your child to be able to walk up to the gate or walk home independently you must confirm this with school via email (admin@oakleyvaleprimary.org) even if you have done so previously.
Classes
The children will work mainly in their classes but there will be much more flexibility for the children to work with their peers in other classes.
PE
The children will need to come to school in their PE kits on the days they have PE. The days will be confirmed by class teachers at the start of term.
Children will be expected to wear school PE kit as follows:
- Black Shorts
- Green T-shirt with school logo
- Dark coloured tracksuit bottoms and jumper (outdoor PE only)
- Black plimsolls for KS1
- Trainers for KS2
Oakley Vale Primary School, Cheltenham Road, Oakley Vale, Corby NN18 8RH
Telephone: 01536 461199 Fax: 01536 746267 Principal: Miss E Goodwin
Lunches
The children will be having their lunches in the school hall. Lunches will continue to be ordered via Parent Pay by Thursday midnight. Reception parents will need to provide their children with packed lunch for the week beginning the 6th September and then will be able to order food for the next week during that week.
Playtimes
The children will all have a morning and lunchtime playtime. Children in KS1 may have an additional afternoon break as teachers see fit. The children will have set places to play on the playground but they will be able to mix with other children across their phase.
Extra-curricular clubs
We are hoping to offer a range of extra-curricular clubs after school including external sports clubs as well as in house clubs including a school choir. Details of these will be available at the beginning of September.
Wraparound Provision
We are very pleased to announce that we are in a position offer breakfast and afterschool provision from Monday 13th September please see the accompanying letter.
Attendance
At Oakley Vale we expect all pupils to attend school, on time, every day, aiming for 100% attendance. Attendance below 97% is a concern. Since September 2013 schools are not allowed to grant leave of absence for holidays and the Principal will grant leave of absence only in exceptional circumstances. Parents and carers should write to the Principal if they are requesting leave for this reason. If the absence is not agreed then Penalty Notices will be issued.
At Oakley Vale we are ambitious for our pupils and have high expectations. Pupils need to be in school to learn. Together, with excellent support, we will help our children and young people attend school every day so they are ready to succeed.
Cleaning and Hygiene
While COVID-19 continues to pose a threat, it is very important that we keep the school environment as clean as possible. We will be maintaining a range of measures to help keep our school clean and ask that you support us in our efforts by carrying out several measures too.
- Cleaners will be in school throughout the day to continually clean classrooms, toilets, and corridors
- Cleaning materials will be available in each classroom so that staff can maintain standards of hygiene throughout the day
- All children and colleagues must thoroughly wash their hands as well as sanitise upon arrival and frequently throughout the day, particularly before and after going to the toilet, eating, and handling of resources