Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• When and where to get tested

  Thu 25 Mar 2021 Mr Youngman

  Reminder about when and where to get tested

  Regular testing for COVID-19 is essential in order to detect people who have the virus – with or without symptoms. Importantly, they can then self-isolate and stop passing on the virus to other people. Remember if you have symptoms or if you, anyone in your household or support bubble tests positive for COVID-19, you must self-isolate for 10 days to prevent the further spread of the virus. Over the last few months, there have been different testing options introduced, so here’s our guide

  to when and where to get tested depending on your circumstances.

  If you have COVID symptoms

  If you have any of the COVID symptoms (high temperature, new or persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell), stay at home and book a test through www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or ring 119. There are 3 testing sites in Knowsley for people displaying symptoms (in Huyton, Kirkby and Stockbridge Village) and you will be offered the first available appointment at a test centre. Please note, you need an appointment to attend these testing sites.

  If you don’t have symptoms and can’t work from home

  There are 7 SMART test sites operating across the Borough offering testing (through Lateral Flow Tests). You don’t need to make an appointment, but please only visit these sites if you do not display any symptoms. For the locations and opening times, click here.

   

  Remember a positive test means you have COVID-19 and you (and others in your household, support bubble and close contacts) need to self-isolate for 10 days.

  If you live or work with children

  If your household includes school children or people who work with school children, you can collect rapid (lateral) tests from Huyton, Kirkby and Stockbridge Village to carry out regular testing at home. These sites are open from 1pm until 8pm 7 days per week – no appointment is needed but please only attend during the specified times. You can find you nearest site here: https://find-covid-19-rapid-test-sites.maps.test-and- trace.nhs.uk/

   

  Secondary school testing

  From 8 March when all pupils started to return to the classroom, testing was offered to secondary school pupils. The first three tests would be undertaken on the school premises and then your school will issue home testing kits for you to continue with regular testing at home (twice weekly).

  Positive result from a test carried out at home

  If you receive a positive test result from a test you have carried out at home, you are required to book a confirmatory test through www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or ring 119. This is not required if you receive a positive test from either the SMART testing site, a test conducted on school premises or a test carried out at the symptomatic testing sites.

  Importance of testing

  COVID-19 is easily transmitted from person to person and many people can have COVID-19 without having any symptoms. That’s why regular testing is essential – it will identify people who have the virus so that they can self-isolate and stop passing it on to others.

• Be Internet legends - 3D Internaut challenge

  Thu 18 Mar 2021 Mr Youngman

  Is your child spending more time on tech at the moment? The Legends Family Adventure from Google and Parent Zone will help you all become Internet Legends – and have fun along the way!
  
  The Legends Family Adventure – Google and Parent Zone's new animated series – is perfect for families to watch together. It's part of the Be Internet Legends programme — helping children to be safer and more confident online.
  
  When Lumen’s bear goes missing, the whole family must brave Interland to get it back. Along the way, the family learns lessons from the Legends Code — including helpful tips on what to do with cyberbullies, how to spot scams and set strong passwords, as well as important lessons on kindness. And, Lumen discovers they're stronger and braver than they ever thought they could be.
  
  Embark on this adventure as a family by visiting g.co/legendsfamilyadventure

   

  We will be sending out a pack to build a 3D Internaut Trophy which children can build together with parent(s)/carer(s) by completing an exciting online safety quiz.

  

• Comic Relief 2021

  Tue 16 Mar 2021 Mr Youngman

  Dear Parent/Carer
  Red Nose Day is back on Friday 19th March and this year it’s never felt more important to have some fun and raise money to support people living incredibly tough lives. We need the power of funny to turn laughs into lasting change.

  
  This year’s theme is Stand Up and tell a joke, your child’s class teacher will organise activities throughout the day and the children will also be baking cakes. Your child can wear anything red on Friday and we would like to ask for a £1 donation per child.

   

  There is a poster on the back of this letter if you wish to take part by writing your favourite joke and putting it on show in your window for the whole community to see.
  You can also find extra activities on the Comic relief website 2021
  https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/

   

  Thank you for your ongoing support

   

  Miss Withey
  Headteacher

   

  The letter & sheet can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/3lj7mxZ

  

• Acceptable use of social media for parents

  Sun 14 Mar 2021 Mr Youngman

  Dear Parents/Carers,

   

   

  At Eastcroft Park we want our pupils to grow into respectful young people, who understand how to settle differences in a respectful and constructive manner, both online and offline. We believe that the modelling of appropriate behavior both online and offline is vital to this.

   

  Our ICT and internet acceptable use agreements set clear expectations for pupils and parents about online conduct.

   

  We expect parents to abide by these guidelines so that you can help us model safe, responsible and appropriate social media use for our pupils.

   

  This includes voicing opinions about the school in a way that respects the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our staff, and speaking to or about other parents and children in a way that is respectful and appropriate.

   

  Complaints and concerns

   

  There may be times where, as a parent, you don’t agree with something the school is doing, or where you may have specific concerns. We welcome your feedback, and the opportunity to address any concerns you may have.

   

  The most appropriate way to raise concerns is directly with the school. You can call or email the school to arrange to speak to myself or other members of staff.

   

  Please take the time to read the Acceptable Use of the Internet Agreement for parents below. Further information about safer internet use and acceptable use can be found on the school website.

   

   

  We appreciate your help in providing a supportive, respectful environment for all our pupils, parents and staff.

   

  Yours sincerely,

   

   

  Miss J A Withey

  

• Letter from the chair of governors 10/3/21

  Wed 10 Mar 2021 Mr Youngman

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  On behalf of all the Governors I wanted to welcome you and your children back to Eastcroft Park following the most recent lockdown.  Hopefully we can all move forward positively as we follow the roadmap out of the pandemic.

   

  We have had fantastic attendance this week – so well done with all those daily preparations for school, getting back into the swing of things.

   

  As you will be aware the most recent lockdown brought a number of changes to the way the school was working. The school provided an extended number of places to families of key workers and vulnerable children with over 20% of the Eastcroft Park population attending each day. In addition there was a greater level of sophistication to the remote learning offer. Staff worked tirelessly to provide imaginative education opportunities via a range of methods including traditional paper packs, learning via online platforms, live lessons, support with technical advice and the loan of IT equipment. School based provision and the remote learning offer have been a great success but could not have worked without your support. So thankyou and well done to staff, children, parents and carers – for creating a learning team to support all the children during lockdown.

   

  As we continue our journey out of lockdown safe organisation of the school is key. I look forward to seeing many of you at the school gates at the beginning and end of the school day. Can I remind you to continue to maintain social distancing and wear a mask when at the gate or on the school playground.

   

  Many thanks

  Steve Dixon - Chair of Governors – on behalf of Eastcroft Park Governing Body

   

  

• Arrangements for school opening 8/3/21

  Tue 02 Mar 2021 Mr Youngman

  Tuesday 2^nd March 2021

  Dear Parents/Carers

   

  Return to school 8^th March 2021 information for all pupils in Nursery-Year 6

   

  We are delighted to be able to welcome all children back to school on Monday. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone and getting back to a little normality.

   

  The arrangements for the return of all children are outlined below. Please read the information in this letter carefully. All actions have been considered using the latest government guidance.

   

  If you or your child have symptoms of Covid-19 please do not come into school. If children show signs of infection during the day they will be isolated and parents will be called to collect them immediately. Please make sure we have your most up to date contact details.

   

  When your child returns to school on Monday 8^th March, children will continue to be taught in class bubbles.

   

  The children will stay in their class bubbles for the day and they will not be able to mix with children from other bubbles. Lunchtimes and break times will be staggered to ensure that children do not mix with each other.

   

  Beginning of the school day

  • Due to the ‘bubble’ system we are unable to provide breakfast club in the traditional way. All children will be able to be dropped off at school between 8.40 and 9.00am. This means children can be dropped off at any time within this time window.
  • Years 1 and 2 are to be dropped off at the pedestrian gate next to the main driveway of the school.
  • All other year groups (Nursery, Reception, Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6) are to be dropped off at the Junior playground gates. Children should go directly to their classroom.
  • If you have children in multiple year groups, then the above time window will give parents/carers time to walk between the drop off points.

  • Parents and carers are reminded that they are not allowed to wait on the playground or to congregate by the school gate. With this is in mind parents of children in Years 3,4,5 and 6 will not be able to enter the playground and children must be dropped off at the gate. Reception children can be escorted to the Reception class gate.
  • Please wear a face mask when dropping off.

   

  End of the school day

  • At home time children will be picked up from the same playground they were dropped off at. Parents must wait at the designated area for their child’s class. A member of staff will then call the child from the classroom. Parents will be able to collect their child between 2.50pm and 3.10pm. Once your child/children have been collected then you must exit the school premises immediately.
  • Face masks must be worn by all adults during drop off and pick-up times. coverings/masks must be worn
  • CHILDREN MUST BE DROPPED OFF AND PICKED UP AT THE ABOVE ALLOCATED TIMES. Due to government guidance children will not be able to be dropped off at the office or collected at the office. Parents or carers cannot enter the school building or premises and the driveway gates will be closed at all times.
  • Children who are late will be asked to wait until there is a suitable time for the child to enter school.
  • Parents and carers must pick their children up on time as children are not allowed to wait at the school office.
  • All medical appointments must be made where possible outside of the school day. If a child must attend an appointment in school hours then proof of appointment must be provided.

   

   

  Breakfast club/after school clubs

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to offer our traditional breakfast club. Instead, children will be provided with breakfast in their own classrooms between the times of 8.40am and 9.00am free of charge. Breakfast will only be provided within these times.
  • We can provide a limited number of breakfast club places for working parents. If you are a working parent and you would like your child to attend breakfast club, please contact the school by Friday 5^th March. As we have limited places, they will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Only request this offer if you really need breakfast club to enable you to go to your place of work.
  • We are unable to provide after school clubs currently.

   

   

   

  Equipment for School

  • Children must wear full school uniform.

  • Each child will be given a designated workspace that they will keep for their time in school. They will be provided with their own stationary to use for lessons.
  • Children are only allowed to use the schools reading bags. RUCKSACKS OR LUNCH BOXES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
  • Packed lunches must be in a disposable bag which will be kept under your child’s desk. All items will need to be disposed of after lunchtime so please bear this is mind. A named water bottle will need to be bought in each day and returned home at the end of each day.
  • On the days when children have PE, they should come to school in their PE kit.
  • Pupils should not wear flip flops or laces unless they can tie them themselves.
  • A waterproof jacket will be needed which will be kept on the back of their chairs.
  • Medication such as inhalers need to be labelled with your child’s name and the medication administering form completed.
  • On hot and sunny days please ensure your child has a sunhat and sun-cream is applied at home before arriving at school.
  • NO OTHER EQUIPMENT should be brought into school.

   

  Other Key Points

   

  • Parents should not come into the school building for any reason unless it is an emergency. If you have any concerns then please ring school. PARENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SCHOOL OFFICE. Office staff will no longer be taking late packed lunches or P.E kits to pupils-they must enter school with everything they need for the school day.
  • Year 6 pupils, only if you are happy for your child to walk home/leave school and meet you elsewhere then please notify us by email. Please speak to your child about the importance of not congregating with other pupils when outside of school.

   

   

  Due to the strict government guidance, we are unable to make changes to these arrangements. Please contact school through email at eastcroft.de@knowsley.gov.uk or by telephone 0151 477 8210 if you have any concerns.

   

  Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Monday.

   

  Miss J Withey

   

   

   

  Head teacher

  

• Online safety newsletter March 2021

  Mon 01 Mar 2021 Mr Youngman
  The latest edition of our online safety newsletter can be seen here https://bit.ly/3r30A1g or on the e-safety page of the website. It covers a very dangerous messaging app called 'Omegle', details about the use of Instagram and considerations for parents in allowing children to use Call of Duty & Fortnite.

  

• World book day letter 1/3/21

  Mon 01 Mar 2021 Mrs Hudson

   

  1^st March 2021       

   

   

  Dear Parent(s)/Carer,

   

  This year, World Book Day is on Thursday 4th March 2021 and to celebrate we will be running events throughout the week.

   

   

  This year, we can’t wait to see pictures of you sharing stories in celebration of reading together and World Book Day 2021. We know how precious time with your book is and we also know there are lots of brilliant ways you can enjoy books so we’re inviting everyone to join in with our SHOW YOUR SHARES competition. 

  A story share could be: reading at home with your family, reading in your favourite nook, reading in an unusual location, sharing a story with your pet, reading a book dressed as your favourite character, and more! 

  Books That Make You LOL – what makes you chuckle! Your favourite funny reads, or you sharing stories in a silly way. Are you reading dressed as your favourite funny book character or giggling over your favourite comic?

  Bringing Books To Life –  show us how you bring your favourite books to life. Are reading together with a potato or wooden spoon transformed into your favourite book character, or with your favourite book in a bottle or shoe box? Or, are you reading dressed up like someone from a book? Let your imagination run wild! To get you inspired, we have fun dress-up ideas that will let you embody your favourite character with costumes that you can easily make together at home.

  Books And The Real World – take your book on a journey and share where you got to! This could be when you’re out for a walk or out in your garden. Or, show us your favourite books that capture the real world for you from stories about far off lands to your favourite non-fiction reads. Remember game books and pop-ups, audiobooks and magazines too!

  Sharing Books Together – showcasing the people that make stories magical for you. This could be your grandma on a video call, your brother/sister at breaktime, your parents at the end of the day or even your pet! Show us your most special reading time with a loved one who brings your books to life with you.

   

  Spending just 10 minutes a day reading and sharing stories with children can make a crucial difference to their academic outcome and it’s fun for all involved. You can read together anywhere and everywhere, from breakfast to bedtime! In the park, on the train, on the sofa, on a plane – reading and sharing stories can happen anywhere at any time.

   

  Email your pictures to your child’s class teacher or upload them to twitter @EastcroftPark and use the hashtag #WorldBookDay.

   

   

  A brilliant way to encourage reading for pleasure and  celebrate World Book Day at the same time is the Reading Stars challenge. It’s super fun and easy for everyone to play! The game has been created to encourage children and young people to enjoy books and reading together at home and all the exciting ways you can share stories – not just at bedtime!

   

  From reading a book that makes you giggle to finding the most unusual place to share a story, children will have fun reaching all their stars! See the attached Reading Stars challenge attached to this letter.

  Return your completed sheet to school next week or email the completed sheet to your child’s teacher to be in with a chance of winning a prize. Don’t forget to email/upload photos to your child’s teacher or tweet us @EastcroftPark.

   

   

   

  This year there are some extra special FREE digital events. You can watch them LIVE at https://www.worldbookday.com/events/  or the WBD YouTube channel – and they’ll remain on YouTube for you to watch back time and time again!

   

  The exciting line-up includes:

  • Books that make you LOL
  • Words & pictures: bringing books to life
  • Books & the real world

  Each event will last approximately 30 minutes.

   

   

  This year your £1 book token will be digital and emailed to you by your class teacher. You can redeem them in the same way; you can print them out and take them to your chosen retailer or you can show the voucher on a device/smartphone at the time of purchase. For this month, vouchers will also be on Happy Meal boxes and in some children’s magazines.  This year’s £1 books are viewable in the images of the letter attached.

   

   

   

   

  Finally, for a bit of extra fun, staff at Eastcroft Park are taking part our own version of The Masked Singer....We proudly present

   

  "The Masked reader"

  Throughout World Book Week, videos of staff reading a book or poem or talking about their favourite book will be uploaded to Twitter and the school website. Children will be invited to guess who’s behind the mask! J

   

  We look forward to seeing the children participate in this annual event with their usual sense of fun and enthusiasm!

   

  As always, thanks for your continued support.

   

   

   

  Mrs G Hudson

  Deputy Head teacher/English Leader

  

• Return to school letter 1st March

  Mon 01 Mar 2021 Mr Youngman

  1^st March 2021

  Dear Parents / Carers,

   

  Following on from the Prime Minister’s announcement, I am delighted to be able to welcome back to school all children from Monday 8 March. The timing works well for Knowsley as we continue to see transmission rates reduce, good engagement with SMART testing centres and large amounts of our most vulnerable vaccinated. Together, our community has done really well, and we are all grateful for the contribution each and every one of you have made.

  The timing may also feel right for you as it brings to an end the long period of home education you have all been delivering! It has been great to see so many of you post your achievements on the school Twitter pages and I have very much enjoyed seeing such a variety of work posted and celebrated! I have been truly amazed at the wide range of activities provided, from cookery to art to PE to Maths – all of it has been brilliant – well done and thank you to you all!

  Thanks also goes to all of those working in our schools; Throughout this pandemic, they have worked hard to stay open in a COVID safe way. This means they have continually reviewed their risk assessments to provide safe learning environments, kept themselves up to date with a wealth of government and public health guidelines, and changed their roles and routines to keep children and young people accessing education safely. Many have also worked hard to keep in touch with you and check that you have what you need to keep home education going! I think they have done a remarkable job.

   

  As we get closer to the 8^th March your school is once again working hard to make sure all arrangements are in place for the safe return of students. Please make sure that you make yourself familiar with their COVID-secure arrangements and support them in the work to keep us all safe.

  Remember that the plans that your school has in place are designed to make the school environment as COVID secure as possible. Schools are well placed to make decisions about staggered start and pick up times, playground rules and lunchtime arrangements and bubbles. Each school will take a unique approach to these things, but all will make their decisions based on what they believe to be the best thing to do for you and your child. If you are concerned or anxious about the return to school, or uncertain about the arrangements in place, please contact your school directly. I am sure they will be happy to work with you to ease your anxiety.

   

  Our schools will also be encouraging your child to regularly hand wash and socially distance. They will be once again asking you to wear a face covering when on school premises, not to congregate when dropping off and picking up and reminding you to maintain social distancing at all times. I know you all understand the reasons for this request and trust that you will follow the advice carefully.

   

  You may have read about testing being introduced in schools for pupils – this does not include primary school children. Staff in primary schools will continue to have access to home testing kits to help keep them safe and well and remember that our community SMART testing sites are still available around the borough for many of you as well.

   

  Finally, please remember that even as we see an increase in the number of people accessing a vaccination, and our transmission rates decline, it remains vitally important that all of the public health measures outlined in this letter remain in place. It is only by all doing our bit that we can meet the government’s targets, exit the lock down and enjoy the summer holidays in the way we all hope to do.

   

  All school staff are very much looking forward to seeing everyone on 8 March. I wish you all well in your return and look forward to seeing the ‘back to school’ pictures online.

   

  Thank you once again for your continued support and co-operation it is very much appreciated.

   

  Yours faithfully

   

  J. Albertina

  Assistant Executive Director Education & Early Help