COVID-19 - Information for parents

The school remains closed, until further notice, except for vulnerable children and the children of eligible Key Workers who have registered with us and who cannot be safely cared for at home, which is in line with the Government guidance:

• We have asked parents to keep their children at home wherever possible, and for schools to remain open only for children who are vulnerable and for those children of workers critical to the coronavirus (COVID-19) response who absolutely need to attend.
• But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, will protect the NHS and save lives by reducing the risks of spreading the virus.
• Schools, and all childcare providers, 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 coronavirus (COVID-19) response and cannot be safely cared for at home.
• Children with a parent or carer who is listed as a critical worker should be considered for a school place, so long as their job cannot be done from home.
• Many parents working in these sectors will be able to ensure their child is kept at home. Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

Childcare continues to be provided for the children of eligible Key Workers by prior arrangement only. This is so we are able confirm eligibility for Key Worker status and to provide the appropriate staffing levels. Please contact the office if you have a query: office@charlton.kent.sch.uk

 To ensure you receive important updates and letters via SchoolComms, please ensure the office has your most current contact details.

Safeguarding

In addition to our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, a separate safeguarding document has been produced which details our safeguarding procedures in response to COVID-19.  Please click on the following link:

https://primarysite-prod-sorted.s3.amazonaws.com/charlton/UploadedDocument/469201dc14ef47feb6ee7b681fa2d9f8/child-protection-addendum-in-response-to-covid-19final.pdf

Please click on the link below for Government guidance on staying safe online during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-staying-safe-online

Free School Meals (FSM)– vouchers

A separate letter has been sent to the parents of children eligible for FSM about the Government voucher scheme for all families in receipt of Free School Meals (for eligible children who are not attending school).  The vouchers are worth £15.00 per child, per week while the scheme is in place.

 Please note: Universal Infant Free School Meals is a nationwide government initiative. EVERY child of infant school age is in receipt of this. It is different from Free School Meals (FSM). An application must be completed for you to receive FSM.

If your circumstances have changed and you believe you are eligible for FSM please click on the link below for the application process:

https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/kent/

Support for families

The school continues to support our families during this difficult time.  Mrs Charlton is our Family Liaison Officer and is available to provide support and advice  (via telephone and email).  In certain circumstances, Mrs Charlton is able to issue Foodbank vouchers. If you feel you would benefit from some discreet support, please contact Mrs Charlton by email andrea.charlton@charlton.kent.sch.uk or on her school mobile number :07544834183 . Mrs Charlton is available during normal school hours (8.30am to 3.30pm). 

Communication

We will continue to update parents with any new information we receive via SchoolComms (as well as school website updates) so it is vital that the office has your most up to date contact details.

Unfortunately, we are unable to hold any face to face meetings with parents at this time.

If you have a query relating to home learning, please email your child’s class teacher:

Reception and Year 1 – Miss Broadley: lois.broadley@charlton.kent.sch.uk

Year 2- Miss Mitten: lynsey.mitten@charlton.kent.sch.uk

Year 3- Miss Wharton and Mrs Gething-Smith: Rebecca.wharton@charlton.kent.sch.uk and kate.gething-smith@charlton.kent.sch.uk

Year 4 – Miss Spain: Cassandra.spain@charlton.kent.sch.uk

Year 5 – Mrs Kuti: Nadine.kuti@charlton.kent.sch.uk

Year 6-Mrs Gardiner: helen.gardiner@charlton.kent.sch.uk

All other enquiries should be emailed to office@charlton.kent.sch.uk  and emails will be forwarded to the appropriate member of staff.

Well-being and mental health

Please click on the following link for advice on mental health from Public Health England:

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Please also the document below:

Government/NHS guidance on Coronavirus

Government guidance: Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

Please click on the following links for the latest information from Public Health England:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

Please click on the following link for the NHS Covid-19 advice:

https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19

BBC Newsround has some useful child appropriate articles you may wish to share with your child:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51698180