Latest News | Hugh Sexey C of E Middle School

Pupil access to Hugh Sexey. Are you a ‘key worker’ as defined by the government advice?

Fri 20 Mar 2020 Mr Paul Tatterton

Friday 20 March 2020 Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you for your support in these unusual and testing times. Our advice as a Trust is to try and keep your child at home so that the spread of the virus is halted. This will help to keep them safe, your families safe and our communities safe. We must do more now to safeguard our futures.

Below is the advice that has just been released by government:

As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing

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.

It is important to underline that schools remain safe places for children. But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.

Schools are, therefore, being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children - children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.

Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

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 is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then we will try and make school provision available for them.

3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category

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.

Trust Advice:

Keep your child at home and adhere to the social distancing guidelines.

The following questions should also help to determine whether you really need to ask the school for your child to come in:

1. Are you a ‘key worker’ as defined by the government advice?

Please check the definitions in the government advice in Annex 1 below

2. If yes, have you confirmed with your employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, your specific role is necessary?

Not every role will be essential to continue. Please confirm this as a matter of urgency with your employer. There may be circumstances where individuals are essential only for certain days or parts of the week.

3. If you are still required to go to work, can your child be left safely at home?

For most of our older children, they will be in a position to take care of themselves and look after younger siblings. It is important that they are safe to do so. Checking in frequently with them is one way of managing this.

4. Is there someone else who can safely look after the children?

The starting point will be a partner who does not work in a key worker category. There may be others who can safely support your children.

5. If you still need your child to attend school, can this be limited to specific days or times?

Some parents have already confirmed that they only require their child to be looked after for a limited time/number of days. This is very helpful as it helps to reduce the amount of social contact.

6. If you still need your child to attend, are you able to transport your child to school?

Somerset County Council will aim to provide a bus service on Monday next week. After that, we should be telling them what transport we require so that we limit the number of bus drivers that need to come out.

Schools are operating an emergency service only and not a general child care service. We wish to fight the virus together and our aim is to stop the spread of the virus through self-isolation.

If you really think that your child fits the emergency service criteria in this letter please email your school with your child’s name, year group and your personal contact details in case we need to close that school in an emergency. Schools hold the right to make final decisions on their capacity and ability to take children in this emergency period.

Thank you for your support in these very difficult times. Keep safe

Gavin Ball

Chief Executive Wessex Learning Trust

Annex 1: Key Worker Definition as defined by UK Government

Health and social care This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.

Education and childcare This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and support staff and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach.

Key public services This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting.

Local and national government This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arm’s length bodies.

Food and other necessary goods This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines).

Public safety and national security This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.

Transport This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.

Utilities, communication and financial services This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.

If workers think they fall within the critical categories above they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.

Trust Statement to Parents 19 March 2020

Thu 19 Mar 2020 Mr Paul Tatterton

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time of uncertainty. Rest assured that staff in the Wessex Learning Trust are here to support as much as we can.

The government last night said that schools will close to learners on Friday evening (20th March 2020). However there are two groups of learners that may still continue to come to school:

1. Children of Key Workers – NHS staff, delivery staff, police drivers, (teachers/educational support workers) etc.

2. Vulnerable children – those who have an EHCP or have a social worker allocated to them

The first group we will not know who they are, the second we do already. We will contact all parents /carers asking them if they feel they work in a ‘key role’.

Once we know how many learners, we can expect in school each day we can then work out a staffing model to support those learners.

Each school will have set work for their learners to complete between now and the end of the usual Easter holiday. This will have been set either on virtual learning platforms or by paper packs of information. In the event of closure that extends beyond the Easter holiday, we will update you with how to access the next set of learning.

Families in our schools who are supported by external agencies or with whom we have worked very closely due to a variety of vulnerabilities will be contacted by school staff on a regular basis throughout the period of closure. Likewise, we are setting up procedures regarding the reporting of safeguarding concerns.

We have been told today that we can expect changes to be taking place to SATs, GCSEs, BTECs and A Level examinations. We do not have the full detail of this yet, other than learners will get the qualifications that they need and deserve.

Exam boards are working closely and tirelessly with Government to establish exactly how this will look. We absolutely appreciate what an incredibly difficult and anxious time this is for particularly Year 6, Year 11 and Year 13 learners and their families. We will do everything within our power to support you with the right information as it is released to us.

Gavin Ball

Chief Executive Wessex Learning Trust

Wedmore Parish - We’re here to help during the COVID 19 Crisis

Wed 18 Mar 2020 Mr Paul Tatterton

Wedmore Parish Council are delivering the attached contact card to all households in the Parish.

BBC clip - How do I know if I have Coronavirus ...

Wed 18 Mar 2020 Mr Paul Tatterton

As part of the Government response and social responsibility please find the very useful attached link to the BBC information

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-51934576/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-coronavirus

Eddie to play for Somerset

Tue 17 Mar 2020 Mr McGrath

Many congratulations to Eddie for being selected in the under 11s Somerset Cricket squad. Eddie is a promising all rounder who loves the game of cricket. Eddie was successful during the County trials and is now indoor training with the squad every 2 weeks. We are very happy for Eddie and wish him all the best.

Raising Money for Sports Relief

Tue 17 Mar 2020 Mrs Le Hunte

Thank you for all your support regarding Sport Relief last week. The house captains worked really hard to organise fun events to raise money for both the main appeal and our pool liner, including Zumba and a hula hooping competition, to add to our Break the Rules mufti.

We raised a grand total of £833.98, of which £506.99 will go to Sport Relief (including wristband money of £185.07) and £326.99 to the pool liner appeal.

The winners of the Hula Hooping contest were Amy Purcell and Lucy Davies.
The winners of the Design a Kit competition were Ferris Lovell and Rebecca Orchard
The winner of the staff sweepstake was Suzanne M.

Many thanks for your generosity.

Year 7 & 8 Football match vs Fairlands

Mon 16 Mar 2020 Mr McGrath

Well done to the boys football team who put in a spirited performance against Fairlands in a friendly fixture. The game was arranged as a chance to give some players game time as a reward for their hard work and commitment to training this year. The game was played in great spirit with Fairlands emerging as winners. All the boys played very well but Fairlands just proved to be a bit more clinical in front of goal. Coden had a good first game for the school and was a commanding presence at the back. Lewis had a strong game as part of a 3 man midfield and covered every blade of grass. Hugh Sexey started very brightly and looked to move the ball around. Unfortunately the conditions didn't lend themselves to this patient approach. Sam had a fine game in midfield and made some very clever touches and runs behind the defence. Captain George and vice Captain Riley were inspirational throughout and really helped the players along. It was great for boys like Dylan, Frank and Caleb to get an extended run in the team and was well deserved after all their hard work. Hugh Sexey's first goal came after a quick throw by Jamie in goal. Caleb then realised Will who turned the right back and scuttled down the left touchline. His drilled cross was meet by his dear friend Kayden at the back post for a fine team goal. Hugh Sexey scored again when Lewis played a neat decoy pass to Sam who burst into the box. He shaped to blast the ball but with the keeper anticipating such a shot he craftily placed it into the bottom corner.

It was very pleasing to see the boys have the chance to represent the school and I hope the all enjoyed the experience. Many thanks to Fairlands for a fine game.

Trust Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Fri 13 Mar 2020 Mr Paul Tatterton

13 March 2020

Dear Parents

RE: Trust Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

On Thursday 12 March the government released updated guidance to schools regarding Coronavirus. At present the risk to individuals still remains low. However, in line with the new advice, we have now begun to step up precautions and contingency planning so we are prepared to meet any escalation. This action is designed to contain the spread of the virus by risk assessing our activity and keep core education going for as long as we can without interruption. Non-essential exposure to those outside of the school community for staff and learners is our key aim.

The most important advice remains in that the best way to reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading is to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds; or to use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content, at regular intervals throughout the day. This includes before leaving home, on arrival at school, after using the toilet, after breaks and sporting activities, before food preparation, before eating any food - including snacks, and before leaving school. Within schools we are ensuring to keep bathrooms stocked up with suitable soap products to enable this and continue to reiterate to learners the importance of good hygiene.

Across our schools, site teams have now stepped up cleaning procedures to make sure shared surfaces such as door handles and desks are kept clean.

At this time, we are not closing schools as we have not yet been advised by the government to do so. However, as a Trust we have formed contingency plans if the advice or situation changes. The decision to close schools will only be made in response to government advice or exceptional circumstances and as a result we still expect staff and learners to continue to attend school unless there is concern that an individual may be infected.

We have taken the following steps:

• Postponed or cancelled all overseas school trips

• Postponed or cancelled trips in the UK or risked assessed them before allowing them to proceed

• Postponed or cancelled ‘large gatherings’ in school such as assemblies etc

• Postponed or cancelled attendance at external meetings where appropriate

• Postponed or cancelled swimming lessons

• Postponed or cancelled sport fixtures

• Reduced the use of the school building for external lettings

• Postponed or cancelled any employer visits

• Postponed or cancelled visiting speakers

• Postponed or cancelled any learner work experience

• Postponed or cancelled parental events, music concerts, church services and the like

• Postponed or cancelled Easter Church Services

• Have a designated Isolation Room in each school in case there is a case of a learner coming down with the symptoms or a learner who has entered the school after being in a contaminated region, with a clear , staged protocol to follow

Wessex Learning Trust, Station Road, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AQ 01934 745363 office@wessexlearningtrust.co.uk wessexlearningtrust.co.uk

For those expecting to take public examinations this year, exam board guidance remains to prepare as normal. However, we will be monitoring official advice and formulating contingency plans to enable us to react to changes should they occur.

The symptoms of Coronavirus are:

• a cough

• a high temperature

• shortness of breath

If any learner or member of staff is displaying symptoms of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) however mild, they must not come to school. Instead they should:

• stay at home, self-isolate and not leave the house for 7 days from when the symptoms started.

• Stay at least 2 metres away from other people in the home whenever possible

• Wash hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water

• Stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible

You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation.

• If the symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days, contact NHS 111.

The school should also be advised by telephone that the individual is self-isolating pending testing/further advise. Should any cases of the virus be confirmed within our schools, we will then liaise with Public Health England to discuss the case and the appropriate action which will need to be taken.

Advice for those traveling remains the same, in that anyone returning from a particularly affected area should self-isolate for 14 days regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms. All other returning travellers should only isolate if they develop symptoms of the virus. We would ask that anyone traveling to a particularly affected region considers whether their trip is necessary.

The Trust wishes to reassure learners, parents and staff that we are keeping abreast of the situation and taking all possible steps to minimise disruption and maximise the health and wellbeing of all those within our care. The safety of everyone within our school communities is our prime priority and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect them.

We will continue to publish statements with the latest advice and encourage everyone to take suitable precautions to protect themselves and those around them.

For the latest government advice please see: http://bit.ly/3aLFqMy

Year 7 Netball - Counry Cup Match

Wed 11 Mar 2020 Miss Palmer

Our Year 7 Girls Netball team travelled to Oakfield school in Frome to play in a County Cup Match.

The 10 girls representing Hugh Sexey worked really hard in the wet and windy conditions and were the loudest cheerleaders on the court.

They improved in their performance throughout the afternoon and came away with 5th.

Well done to all the girls!!

World Book Day

Tue 10 Mar 2020 Miss D'Auria

Thursday 5th March was another successful World Book Day. There were some fantastic costumes! KS2 enjoyed their book swap, while KS3 'Shared a Million Stories'. There were also competitions such as guess the 'shelfie' or 'selfie' - teachers took photos of their book shelves or themselves reading a book for pupils to guess. The Book Fair also arrived and pupils have been issued with £1 Book tokens which they can use against the purchase of a book.