Dear Parents/ Carers,

 

I hope you are all well and that you are all managing to cope with the restrictions that are in place. There is no doubt that this is a very challenging time but we have to remember why we are doing it and that it is keeping us and our loved ones safe.

 

Gilbert’s @ Home has resumed this morning for the Summer Term and staff have added new work to their class pages as ‘normal’. As the weeks go on, staff will be utilising new resources available including BBC Bitesize Daily and the new National Academy resources.  It is important to remember that although the children need some structure in relation to how and when they complete work, it is very difficult to replicate a school day when you are at home. If there is anything we can do to support your individual circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to help you.  

 

Free School Meal Lunches

We are continuing to provide our FSM children with packed lunches and this will continue for the forthcoming weeks.  We are looking into the Government voucher scheme but there have been some issues with the system and at this stage we would rather ensure children have lunches rather than nothing at all. This is an issue we are reviewing weekly in consultation with our catering provider and the Academy Trust.

 

Assessments and Reports

As a staff we are currently reviewing how we will share our end of year information and what that will look like now we have no statutory information to share. Rest assured, however, your child will receive a school report from Gilbert’s this year, even if it is not in the usual format.

 

PPE Request

The secondary school in our Academy Trust, Netherthorpe School is currently making items of PPE for the NHS with the equipment they have in school. However, they are running short of material in order to make these. If any parent has access to either A4 Acetate Sheets or Polypropylene Sheets (0.5mm - 0.8mm thickness), can you please email Mr R Green on rgreen4@netherthorpe.derbyshire.sch.uk, he will then contact you to discuss this.

 

Contact details

Please use the info@gilbertheathcote.derbyshire.sch.uk email to keep us informed of any concerns, worries or questions. You can also contact the school office each morning and if needed you can leave a message, someone will get back to you.

 

There is also a new link on the school website under the PARENT section called SUPPORT DURING COVID-19. Under this page is a range of information and local services you can contact for support. Please take a look at this.

 

Don’t forget the school twitter @gilbertinfant page to share pictures and work to keep our spirits up. We will get through this and be together again very soon.

 

Look after each other,

 

Joanne Mappin