Don't forget to keep checking back to see what we've been up to!

• Updates before the Bank Holiday

  Fri 22 May 2020

  Morning all,

  Ridiculously, we are entering another Bank Holiday weekend - but every day has felt (even though we have been working) like a Bank Holiday!

   

  As you know, the Prime Minister is announcing the results of the 5 tests next Friday. Until that announcement, any plans we made are on hold.

   

  We have been in discussions with school Unions, the DfE (Department for Education), PHE (Public Health England), the Borough (who released a statement on Twitter last night) and Heads both within the Greenwich Community Schools Partnership and beyond.

   

  We have submitted draft risk assessments to the Governing Board and to the Borough, who in turn are sharing them with unions.

   

  All our plans - and we shared our initial planning with you a few weeks ago, are still in draft - as every day new guidance comes along, and we have to alter, remove or completely re - write.

   

  As soon as the Prime Minister has made his announcement, the team will decide on our next steps forward and we will let you know asap.

   

  For your peace of mind, the Borough has created an joint INSET for Monday June 1st - so we would not return children on that day - as we would be preparing for whichever plan we are going to follow.

   

  Have a great weekend!

• Opening Updates

  Fri 15 May 2020

  Morning all!

   

  Hope you are all ok and finally the sunshine has returned just in time for the weekend.

   

  Wow! What a lot of changes have happened this week.

   

  As you know, we published our draft plan to you as parents (still available below). Please remember this is a DRAFT, and was constructed without all the new guidance etc.

   

  During this week, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) have been meeting to look at adjustments in light of the guidance being issued. We have scheduled another meeting on Monday to pick up on whatever changes have happened over the weekend.

   

  This has been challenging as the documentation and guidance seem to change hourly.

   

  You will have also seen how the Unions that look after everyone who works within schools, have raised lots of questions in regards to the safety of both children and staff, transport, social/healthy distancing/curriculum/ catering/ playtime etc.

   

  These are all valid points and there are a number of things we are doing to try and find solutions. Some we can try to do ourselves, but others, need the Government to move forward on - which is out of our control.

   

  We are working closely with our partners within the Greenwich Community Schools Partnership (GCSP), the Borough and all the Unions so that we have a common approach and pathway.

   

  We have a meeting with the GCSP on Wednesday morning and I have a meeting with the Director and other Borough officers again today (this will be my 5th with them this week).

   

  The only concrete information I have at present is that the Prime Minister has said schools MAY open FROM June 1st - not MUST, not WILL and it is reliant on the tests on the Friday before.

   

  Next week, we are hoping to 'meet' with you so we can answer any questions you may have ... and we are happy to do this individually or in group sessions.

  A link will be posted here for you to book a time slot shortly.

   

  If you are happy with what we've sent out so far and don't have questions - that's fine - you don't have to book a slot ... but also remember that if you change your mind - we will of course answer any questions you have!

  Have a good weekend all and keep safe!

• Reopening of King's Oak

  Fri 01 May 2020

  Morning everyone! 

   

  It has been brilliant seeing your work and smiley faces as we've gone around visiting and supporting. You are doing an amazing job - don't ever forget it!

   

  You may have seen on the news last night how chronic Edenred has been for a large number of schools. We have had our issues with it as you know – but due to sitting up at 2am at least 3 times per week and ordering the largest amount of ‘instant’ (which still take around 7-14 days to authorise) codes, we’ve ensured that those who need a voucher, have had a voucher.

  If it didn't arrive directly from Edenred today - you should have either had an email, Dojo or text from me with your code.

   

  You will have also seen Boris Johnson announce last night that we are ‘over the peak’ and that they will release their plan for opening schools, public transport and kick starting the economy next week. 

   

  As I am sure you can appreciate, we, as a Federation, haven’t been sitting around waiting for an announcement or holding our breath for a plan that will match SEN schools. 

   

  Over the past few weeks, we have been devising plans, re-writing plans, and then re-devising plans for a potential return to school.

   

  It is important that we do the following : 

   

  (a) remember that when we went into lockdown, the Governments guidance for SEN pupils was slow, patchy – we cannot rely on whatever plan is announced as it will be focussing on mainstream pupils not our children, and

   

  (b) know that the Borough & Chair of Governors are well aware of our plans – they called them robust and will support everyone in their steps to return.

   

  Our plan will differ from our mainstream colleagues but that's why we are a special school.

   

  We are prepared for a re-opening – both from a practical viewpoint i.e. how our super heroes will get to school, how they will enter the building, how they will get breaks/playtime, lunch, policies for non-visitors on site, bereavement policies, ensuring we have the worlds largest supply of hand sanitiser, anti bac wipes, gloves etc to the more wider implications of mental health support, trauma informed school practice, assessment for anxieties, counselling etc. 

   

  We are the only ones who had secured a ‘fogging’ of both schools (following my meetings with Heads this is now being taken up widely and I feel I have made a millionaire out of the owner) – which requires a team in haz-med suits to flood the building with an anti bac mist which certifies that the building is clean. It kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria and virus and we get a certificate to prove how clean we are. This will be done before anyone returns to the buildings.

  
  You can see what that sort of looks like by tapping/clicking here.

   

  We will be publishing the proposed plan for returning our children to school next week.

   

  This will include a digital help pack, FAQ's and videos of what the schools will look like on return.

   

  We will then hold individual meetings with everyone to discuss any anxieties you may have, how we can support you all and what we will do if you or your super hero find it all too difficult to manage.  

   

  This is about us working together. We will be really understanding and supportive (as I am sure you would expect us to be) and no one needs to panic, feel anxious or worry.

   

  Have a great weekend and look forward to seeing you all soon!