Return to School Autumn 2020
28 August 2020
The power point below explains how PE lessons are going to work within the separate year groups.
How PE will look at Ibstock Community College
Home group tutors have taken students through this information on their induction days. This will be effective from Wednesday 2 September.
Welcome (back) to Ibstock Community College Autumn 2020
26 August 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope that this finds you all safe and well and looking forward to the start of the new term.
All staff have been busy in school this week preparing to welcome Yr 7 on Thursday 27 August, Yr 8 on Friday 28 August and Yr 9 on Tuesday 1 September 2020.
We have reviewed the guidance relating to the wearing of face coverings and have decided that:
- Students MUST bring at least one face covering every day, this should be stored in a container when not being worn.
- Students MUST wear face coverings when moving around the college in corridors and communal areas including outdoor spaces when they are unable to social distance.
For all PE lessons students must come to college in their PE kit and must bring a change of footwear (in a kit/carrier bag).
Please note that PE lessons will start from Wednesday 2 September 2020 with no PE Lessons taking place on the orientation days. When the students come in to school they will receive their planner and timetable. Please make a note of the days when PE kit will need to be worn. Please note due to current restrictions we are unable to lend out any spare kit.
Parents / visitors must not attend without an agreed appointment.
All appointments for parents to see staff should be made in advance so that an appropriate room can be arranged.
Where possibe, appointments should be made for a time after school has finished and pupils have left the premises.
Enjoy the long weekend.
With best wishes
Sophie Williams
Head of School
Preparations for the return to school
We have been busy over the summer holidays preparing the campus for the start of the Autumn Winter 2020 term.
A thorough risk assessment has been completed and will be reviewed weekly and updated following any changes to government guidance.
Here are just a few of the measures that we have implemented:
- We now have 3 “schools within the school”; Yr 7 Oak, Yr 8 Elm and Yr 9 Rowan. All three have a team of subject specialist teachers and staff attached to them. They have their individual break and lunch times, social areas and toilets. See map and arrival instructions below.
- We have increased the daily cleaning before and after school to throughout the school day. In addition, the whole campus has been sanitised for the start of term.
- Each Home Base Room/Classroom has hand sanitiser, sanitiser spray and paper towels to be used regularly throughout the day and particularly before eating.
- Students travelling by bus to school must wear face masks for the duration of the journey.
- During the school day, clear visors will be available to staff if they choose to wear it.
- We have a new system for pre ordering lunch – please see the section on Lunchtime Updates and ParentPay.
- We will engage with to the government “Test and Trace” programme.
Yr 7 Arrival at Ibstock Thursday 27 August
Yr 8 Arrival at Ibstock Friday 28 August
Yr 9 Arrival at Ibstock Tuesday 1 September
Campus developments
Work is being done to ensure that the whole campus is a secure site. This involves new perimeter fencing, and secure gates that can only be accessed using the intercom system. This will help to safeguard all students during the school day.
In addition, we have replaced the roof on The Hive which is our SEND base.
Parking
The car park at the front of the school is for school staff use and should not be used to drop off /collect students unless in case of emergency. Could I please ask that for drop offs and collections you park off site and your child/children walk into school. Staff will be on duty before and after school.
Uniform Updates
As school reopens we expect all students to be wearing full school uniform – please see the college website for further details. Our supplier, Liss Sport have been keeping us up to date with information regarding orders and delivery dates. We are aware that due to the pandemic there have been delays on some items, in particular our school blazers. If this effects your child/children they can wear their previous school uniform or other appropriate clothing in the interim. We will be able to monitor your order and contact you as soon as it is available for collection. Please reassure your children that they will not be alone and that other students will be affected in the same way. We understand that this is a temporary and no sanctions will be given if the delay is due to supplier issues.
Essential Equipment
From the start of the new term all students must bring with them:
Essential
- a refillable water bottle – filled with water
- a pencil case to include minimum of 2 pens (black or blue, a pencil, ruler, eraser, coloured pencils, pencil sharpener and a highlighter
- 2 face masks – inoffensive designs (one spare in a small container or bag (eg sandwich bag)
- An age appropriate reading book.
Optional
- a small hand sanitiser (if possible).
- a healthy break time snack (optional)
All students will have their own tray to be kept in their Home Base Room. They may wish to leave their pencil case in the tray along with their school books. Students will bring their planner home at the end of the day.
Timings of the school day
In order to ensure that we are adhering to government guidance and being as Covid Safe as possible we have amended the timings of the day. Students need to be in school by 08.40 and the end of the day will be 3.00pm. There will be time spent with tutors at the beginning of the day and for 10 minutes before the end of the day. This time will be used to reflect on what the students have learned as well as reminders around the 20:20:20 homework.
Timetables
Here are some examples of timetables from Wednesday 2nd September 2020. Students will be taught in their Home Base Room by subject specialist teachers except for music which will be in the music room and PE which will be mainly outside.
Three “schools” within the school
In line with the government guidance we have divided the campus into 3 schools/bubbles:
Year 7 – Oak
Year 8 – Elm
Year 9 – Rowan
Each school/bubble will comprise of a team of specialist subject teachers, a pastoral manager and support staff. They will have their own home bases with toilets and outdoor areas. These measures have been implemented to ensure that we are able to mitigate any risks to students and staff as best we can. Students will be based in their home room and the specialist teachers will move from class to class. This will mean that movement of groups is limited whilst a broad curriculum continues.
In order to facilitate the plan and to ensure that all of our students are taught by specialist staff and allowing for high quality education we have had to make some changes to the tutor roles.
Oak – Yr 7
|
Form |
Home Base |
Tutor |
|
7DW |
Oak 1 |
Mr Wright |
|
7EW |
Oak 2 |
Miss Woolnough |
|
7CS |
Oak 3 |
Miss Smith |
|
7NW |
Oak 4 |
Mrs Ward |
|
7DB |
Oak 5 |
Mr Ball |
|
7LC |
Oak 6 |
Miss Clarke |
|
7JM |
Oak 7 |
Mrs Mouncer |
Elm – Yr 8
|
Form |
Home Base |
Tutor |
|
8JLP |
Elm 1 |
Mr Le Play |
|
8GW/JB |
Elm 2 |
Mrs Wright |
|
8BH |
Elm 3 |
Mr Hemmerman |
|
8RS |
Elm 4 |
Mrs Sharma |
|
8KG |
Elm 5 |
Mrs Goddard |
|
8MH |
Elm 6 |
Mrs Hayles |
|
8RM |
Elm 7 |
Miss Moore |
Rowan – Yr 9
|
Form |
Home Base |
Tutor |
|
9SI |
Rowan 1 |
Miss Imzi/Miss Grimadell |
|
9KT |
Rowan 2 |
Mrs Tang |
|
9SMc |
Rowan 3 |
Mrs McMahon/Mrs Sykes |
|
9TL |
Rowan 4 |
Mr Lane |
|
9RR |
Rowan 5 |
Miss Rhodes |
|
9LH/MLC |
Rowan 6 |
Mrs Higginson/Miss Clements |
Lunchtime Updates and ParentPay
Following the release of the government guidance regarding the reopening of schools we will be asking parents to pre order lunchtime meals via parent pay. This will assist us in maintaining the year group bubbles during lunchtime and also with social distancing measures we have put in place.
We appreciate that this will be new to you and so we have produced a guide to help you through the process which you will see below.
This is all new for us as a school as well so for the present time we have decided to have a simple menu consisting of three hot meal choices and three cold meal choices each day. They will be meal deals which will consist of the main meal choice, a juice or flavoured water and a cake e.g. Flapjack. These will be in bags already labelled with your child’s name which they will collect during their designated lunchtime from the main hall. All meals will cost £2.45 each.
We do hope in the future to be in a position to extend the menu and we will be reviewing the process throughout.
There is a cut off deadline by which you will be required to have placed your order for the following weeks meals and this will be by midnight the proceeding Thursday. For example all meals for week commencing 31st August will need to have been placed by Thursday 27th August. After this deadline you will no longer be able to select the following week and so will not be able to place an order so it is important that all orders are placed before this deadline.
You can place an order for more than one week at a time if you should wish to. All orders need to be paid for at the time of ordering or within two hours of the order or the order will automatically cancel.
You can pay by keeping your dinner money balance topped up in the way you always have and then the order amount will be taken from your balance. Should your order exceed any balance of money already on your account you will then be given the option to make a payment by alternative means including by debit card.
If your child receives free school meals you will still need to pre-order in the same way as detailed below. The only difference will be that your summary balance will show as zero and you will not be required to make payment. However it is important that you still complete the final process and ensure you click on ‘Confirm Booking’.
As we have a staggered return to school Year 8’s must place their order for their first day back, Friday 28th August by this Thursday the 20th August 2020. As you are able to place an order for more than one week it is suggested that you also place your order for the following week (week commencing 31/08/20).
Year 9’s first day back is 1st September and so your order for that week must be placed by Thursday 27th August 2020.
As Year 7’s did not have their induction days and the chance to try any of our meal selections we would like to offer your child a complimentary meal on their first day at Ibstock Community College on Thursday 27th August. This will be a Pasta and Quorn mince Bolognese pot, a fruit juice and a cake. This does not need to be pre-ordered however we will ask the children in their registration period if they would like a complimentary meal so that we can cater accordingly. Would you please discuss with your child whether they wish to try the meal. For meals week commencing 31 August 2020 you will need to pre ordered by Thursday 27 August 2020.
All children do have the option to bring a packed lunch but please be aware that there will be no extras available to purchase in the dinner hall.
If you have any difficulties or require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact Alexandra Gamble, Finance Officer by email finance@ibstockcollege.co.uk. Please include your child’s name and year group in your query.
We do appreciate your assistance in making the return to school as easy as possible and look forward to welcoming all our students back.
Guide to using the meal booking system on parentpay
If you have had a change in your personal circumstances and feel you may qualify for free school meals please find further information on our Pupil Premium page.
Walking and cycling
Following unprecedented levels of walking and cycling across the UK during the pandemic, the UK Government have announced plans will help encourage more people to choose alternatives to public transport when they need to travel, making healthier habits easier and helping make sure the road, bus and rail networks are ready to respond to future increases in demand.
To support this we encourage student to travel to and from school on their bike or scooters. We will provide a place for them to be stored during the day within the school grounds. You must provide a bike lock / chain to ensure the bike / scooter is secure during the school day.
Covid guidance
Please do not send your child to school if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms. If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Stay at home until you get the result.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
- Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
- Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result.
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Return to School Autumn 2020
17 August 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope that you have all been enjoying the weather this summer. No doubt many of you will have also chosen a “staycation” rather than venturing further afield. Whatever you have been doing, I hope that you are all safe and looking forward to the start of the new academic year.
Following the release in July of the government guidance around the reopening of schools, we have been working hard to ensure that we have a plan which allows us to welcome students back to Ibstock safely, whilst continuing to offer the broad and balanced curriculum we are so proud of, taught by subject specialist staff with a focus on delivering high quality education for all.
I appreciate that for many of you and in particular our new Yr 7 families this has been a stressful period therefore I would like to reassure you with the following updates and on behalf of the Senior Leadership team and the whole staff at Ibstock, we welcome you into our “family” and look forward to meeting your children on Thursday 27th August 2020.
For those with students coming back to Yr 8 and Yr 9 we look forward to seeing our students again, we have missed them.
Enjoy the remainder of the summer, take care.
Sophie Williams
Head of School
Preparations for the return to school
We have been busy over the summer holidays preparing the campus for the start of the Autumn Winter 2020 term.
A thorough risk assessment has been completed and will be reviewed weekly and updated following any changes to government guidance.
Here are just a few of the measures that we have implemented:
- We now have 3 “schools within the school”; Yr 7 Oak, Yr 8 Elm and Yr 9 Rowan. All three have a team of subject specialist teachers and staff attached to them. They have their individual break and lunch times, social areas and toilets. See map and arrival instructions below.
- We have increased the daily cleaning before and after school to throughout the school day. In addition, the whole campus has been sanitised for the start of term.
- Each Home Base Room/Classroom has hand sanitiser, sanitiser spray and paper towels to be used regularly throughout the day and particularly before eating.
- Students travelling by bus to school must wear face masks for the duration of the journey.
- During the school day, clear visors will be available to staff if they choose to wear it. Students may wear face masks during social time however this is not mandatory.
- We have a new system for pre ordering lunch – please see the section on Lunchtime Updates and ParentPay.
- We will engage with to the government “Test and Trace” programme.
Yr 7 Arrival at Ibstock Thursday 27 August
Yr 8 Arrival at Ibstock Friday 28 August
Yr 9 Arrival at Ibstock Tuesday 1 September
Campus developments
Work is being done to ensure that the whole campus is a secure site. This involves new perimeter fencing, and secure gates that can only be accessed using the intercom system. This will help to safeguard all students during the school day.
In addition, we have replaced the roof on The Hive which is our SEND base.
Parking
The car park at the front of the school is for school staff use and should not be used to drop off /collect students unless in case of emergency. Could I please ask that for drop offs and collections you park off site and your child/children walk into school. Staff will be on duty before and after school.
Uniform Updates
As school reopens we expect all students to be wearing full school uniform – please see the college website for further details. Our supplier, Liss Sport have been keeping us up to date with information regarding orders and delivery dates. We are aware that due to the pandemic there have been delays on some items. If this effects your child/children they can wear their previous school uniform or other appropriate clothing in the interim. We will be able to monitor your order and contact you as soon as it is available for collection.
Equipment
From the start of the new term all students must bring with them their own filled water bottle, pencil case, healthy break time snack (optional), face mask and small hand sanitiser (if possible).
All students will have their own tray to be kept in their Home Base Room. They may wish to leave their pencil case in the tray along with their school books.
Timings of the school day
In order to ensure that we are adhering to government guidance and being as Covid Safe as possible we have amended the timings of the day. Students need to be in school by 08.40 and the end of the day will be 3.00pm. There will be time spent with tutors at the beginning of the day and for 10 minutes before the end of the day. This time will be used to reflect on what the students have learned as well as reminders around the 20:20:20 homework.
Timetables
Here are some examples of timetables from Wednesday 2nd September 2020. Students will be taught in their Home Base Room by subject specialist teachers except for music which will be in the music room and PE which will be mainly outside.
Three “schools” within the school
In line with the government guidance we have divided the campus into 3 schools/bubbles:
Year 7 – Oak
Year 8 – Elm
Year 9 – Rowan
Each school/bubble will comprise of a team of specialist subject teachers, a pastoral manager and support staff. They will have their own home bases with toilets and outdoor areas. These measures have been implemented to ensure that we are able to mitigate any risks to students and staff as best we can. Students will be based in their home room and the specialist teachers will move from class to class. This will mean that movement of groups is limited whilst a broad curriculum continues.
In order to facilitate the plan and to ensure that all of our students are taught by specialist staff and allowing for high quality education we have had to make some changes to the tutor roles.
Oak – Yr 7
|
Form |
Home Base |
Tutor |
|
7DW |
Oak 1 |
Mr Wright |
|
7EW |
Oak 2 |
Miss Woolnough |
|
7CS |
Oak 3 |
Miss Smith |
|
7NW |
Oak 4 |
Mrs Ward |
|
7DB |
Oak 5 |
Mr Ball |
|
7LC |
Oak 6 |
Miss Clarke |
|
7JM |
Oak 7 |
Mrs Mouncer |
Elm – Yr 8
|
Form |
Home Base |
Tutor |
|
8JLP |
Elm 1 |
Mr Le Play |
|
8GW/JB |
Elm 2 |
Mrs Wright/Miss Bennett |
|
8BH |
Elm 3 |
Mr Hemmerman |
|
8RS |
Elm 4 |
Mrs Sharma |
|
8KG |
Elm 5 |
Mrs Goddard |
|
8MH |
Elm 6 |
Mrs Hayles |
|
8RM |
Elm 7 |
Miss Moore |
Rowan – Yr 9
|
Form |
Home Base |
Tutor |
|
9SI |
Rowan 1 |
Miss Imzi |
|
9KT |
Rowan 2 |
Mrs Tang |
|
9SMc |
Rowan 3 |
Mrs McMahon |
|
9TL |
Rowan 4 |
Mr Lane |
|
9RR |
Rowan 5 |
Miss Rhodes |
|
9LH/MLC |
Rowan 6 |
Mrs Higginson/Miss Clements |
Lunchtime Updates and ParentPay
Following the release of the government guidance regarding the reopening of schools we will be asking parents to pre order lunchtime meals via parent pay. This will assist us in maintaining the year group bubbles during lunchtime and also with social distancing measures we have put in place.
We appreciate that this will be new to you and so we have produced a guide to help you through the process which you will see below.
This is all new for us as a school as well so for the present time we have decided to have a simple menu consisting of three hot meal choices and three cold meal choices each day. They will be meal deals which will consist of the main meal choice, a juice or flavoured water and a cake e.g. Flapjack. These will be in bags already labelled with your child’s name which they will collect during their designated lunchtime from the main hall. All meals will cost £2.45 each.
We do hope in the future to be in a position to extend the menu and we will be reviewing the process throughout.
There is a cut off deadline by which you will be required to have placed your order for the following weeks meals and this will be by midnight the proceeding Thursday. For example all meals for week commencing 31st August will need to have been placed by Thursday 27th August. After this deadline you will no longer be able to select the following week and so will not be able to place an order so it is important that all orders are placed before this deadline.
You can place an order for more than one week at a time if you should wish to. All orders need to be paid for at the time of ordering or within two hours of the order or the order will automatically cancel.
You can pay by keeping your dinner money balance topped up in the way you always have and then the order amount will be taken from your balance. Should your order exceed any balance of money already on your account you will then be given the option to make a payment by alternative means including by debit card.
If your child receives free school meals you will still need to pre-order in the same way as detailed below. The only difference will be that your summary balance will show as zero and you will not be required to make payment. However it is important that you still complete the final process and ensure you click on ‘Confirm Booking’.
As we have a staggered return to school Year 8’s must place their order for their first day back, Friday 28th August by this Thursday the 20th August 2020. As you are able to place an order for more than one week it is suggested that you also place your order for the following week (week commencing 31/08/20).
Year 9’s first day back is 1st September and so your order for that week must be placed by Thursday 27th August 2020.
As Year 7’s did not have their induction days and the chance to try any of our meal selections we would like to offer your child a complimentary meal on their first day at Ibstock Community College on Thursday 27th August. This will be a Pasta and Quorn mince Bolognese pot, a fruit juice and a cake. This does not need to be pre-ordered however we will ask the children in their registration period if they would like a complimentary meal so that we can cater accordingly. Would you please discuss with your child whether they wish to try the meal. For meals week commencing 31 August 2020 you will need to pre ordred by Thursday 27 August 2020.
All children do have the option to bring a packed lunch but please be aware that there will be no extras available to purchase in the dinner hall.
If you have any difficulties or require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact Alexandra Gamble, Finance Officer by email finance@ibstockcollege.co.uk. Please include your child’s name and year group in your query.
We do appreciate your assistance in making the return to school as easy as possible and look forward to welcoming all our students back.
Guide to using the meal booking system on parentpay
If you have had a change in your personal circumstances and feel you may qualify for free school meals please find further information on our Pupil Premium page.
Walking and cycling
Following unprecedented levels of walking and cycling across the UK during the pandemic, the UK Government have announced plans will help encourage more people to choose alternatives to public transport when they need to travel, making healthier habits easier and helping make sure the road, bus and rail networks are ready to respond to future increases in demand.
To support this we encourage student to travel to and from school on their bike or scooters. We will provide a place for them to be stored during the day within the school grounds. You will been to provide a bike lock / chain to ensure the bike / scooter is secure during the school day.
Covid guidance
Please do not send your child to school if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms. If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Stay at home until you get the result.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
- Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
- Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result.
10 July 2020
Dear Parent/Carer
Following the release of the government guidance regarding the reopening of schools for the AW term 2020-21 last week, the Senior Leadership Team have spent the past week in planning meetings to ensure a safe return to school for staff and students.
We are confident that we have a plan that will enable us to provide a safe and positive learning environment without compromising a broad and balanced curriculum.
In line with the government guidance we have divided the campus into 3 schools/bubbles
Year 7 – Oak
Year 8 – Elm
Year 9 – Rowan
Each school/bubble will comprise of a team of specialist subject teachers, a pastoral manager and support staff. They will have their own home bases with toilets and outdoor areas. These measures have been implemented to ensure that we are able to mitigate any risks to students and staff as best we can. Students will be based in their home room and the specialist teachers will move from class to class. This will mean that movement of groups is limited whilst a broad curriculum continues.
In order to facilitate the changes to the campus and college day we propose a phased return as follows:
|
Date |
Year Group |
|
Thursday 27 August 2020 |
Year 7 only |
|
Friday 28August 2020 |
Year 8 only |
|
Tuesday 1 September 2020 |
Year 9 only |
|
Wednesday 2 – 4 September 2020 |
All Year groups |
The phased return will allow all students some time to understand the new systems and expectations. These orientation days will be spent in their Year group school/bubbles where they will familiarise themselves with their new areas, teacher teams and participate in the learning camps.
Uniform
Our uniform suppliers, Liss Sport have been working tirelessly to ensure that all garments will be available for the beginning of the AW 2020 term. All students will be expected to wear full college uniform and PE kit. All details can be found on the college website. There are no requirements to wash the uniform daily.
Equipment
All students will be required to bring with them the following basic equipment to use during the school day: a pencil case, ruler, pencil 2 black ink pens, an eraser. Each student will be given the use of a plastic tray to hold all exercise books and knowledge organisers which will be kept in their home room.
Hand Sanitiser
Whilst it is vitally important that students wash their hands as often as possible during the day, we have also provided hand sanitiser in all classrooms and around the campus. We would also ask that wherever possible students should carry their own hand sanitiser.
Breakfast, break and Lunchtime refreshments
We plan to continue to run our breakfast club with complimentary toast available to all students every morning. Due to the staggering of break and lunchtime we will be unable to have any snack available to buy at break time. We would like to take this opportunity to encourage students to bring their own healthy snack. We are currently exploring our lunch time offer and will communicate the options available to you via our website. It is advised that you check the website throughout the summer for further information and updates.
Transport
We are currently awaiting guidance from the local authority around the school buses and again we will update the website as soon as we have any additional information.
Reporting
We realise that you haven’t received the usual end of term report that you would have got under normal circumstances. We took the decision at the start of the current academic year to remove subject report comments due to the fact that learning outcomes or experience of college life is not improved by providing such comments and our commitment is all about focusing our work to provide the best educational outcomes for your child.
All students received an attitude sweep in the first half term of the year and then a grade sweep at the end of January. Due to the enforced lockdown, our further grade sweep data entry schedule had to be cancelled, meaning the January grade sweep remains our most up to date and reliable data on your child.
Moving forward, our plan is that following our re-opening in August, we will provide reliable information on your child’s academic progress as a priority before the end of the first half term.
We are aware that guidance may change and we will continue to adhere to the government advice and update you accordingly.
Wishing you a safe and relaxing summer.
With kind regards
Sophie Williams
Head of School
