This Week's News

Friday 15th May 2020

A message from Mrs Mooney

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you and your families remain well. Following on from the Prime Minister’s announcement last Sunday, I am not yet in a position to give you any firm plans for reopening as so much is still changing in terms of guidance and there are a number of questions that need to be answered or clarified. The last thing I would want to do is to misinform you or to share plans, which then need to change. What I do know is that schools will only reopen on June 1st should the Government’s 5 key tests be met and that it is deemed safe to do so. I also know that it is clear that it will not initially be Oatlands as we know it. It is imperative that our staff have confidence that they are safe to return and that you trust that your children are safe.

Whilst I am excited at the prospect of our return and to reunite the Oatlands family, I was quite surprised to hear that the youngest of our children had been selected to return first and am sure you will appreciate the challenges that this presents. You will have heard that in Primary schools it is Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children who have been selected to return first. However the guidelines clearly state that classes need to be no larger than 15 therefore infant schools will initially only have the capacity (Maximum class sizes of 15) for ‘Vulnerable children’, children of critical workers and one other year group to attend. At the moment the Government have said that this should be Reception in infant schools, but we are still in negotiations about this decision. We feel that Year 2 would emotionally be far more understanding of any changes to their setting and more able to follow the safety guidelines that are put in place. In addition, we feel strongly that they need to come back ahead of moving on to their Junior schools. At the beginning of the week we contacted Reception parents to give us an idea of how many children will be returning should it be this year group who return.

When schools closed you will remember that vulnerable children and children of critical workers were identified as being able to remain in school but only if children were unable to be cared for safely at home.
This guidance has now changed slightly and states ‘Now that we have made progress in reducing the transmission of Coronavirus we are encouraging all eligible children to attend – it is no long necessary for parents of eligible children to keep them at home if they can’. As soon as we have further clarification we will be sending out a questionnaire so that we are able to see how many children fall into this category and intend to return.

I hope to be in a position to update you with a more definite plan next week following Union discussions with the Government’s scientific advisers today. I would ask that you hold off on emailing any questions until I provide further clarification next week. Obviously after that, ask away.

Thank you as always for your understanding and support.

Mrs Tanya Mooney

Head Teacher

Jellyfish Class Assembly

What can I say! It was just so wonderful to see you all this morning and all your wonderful work and achievements. What a talented lot you are. Well done!
A huge thank you for all taking part and to the amazing Mrs Wood and Mrs Taylor for putting on our first virtual class assembly.

Note: For safeguarding reasons, please do not share the link on social media.

To view Jellyfish Class Assembly please click here 

Thank a Teacher Day

As you know I am possibly the most fortunate Head Teacher in the country. I never forget how privileged I am to be a part of this very special community. All the staff here have been incredible over the past eight weeks in maintaining that important connection with the children. They never fail in going over and above in all that they do and are truly outstanding. Wednesday 20th May is ‘Thank a Teacher Day’. Please get involved by following this link. I know I will be.

PTA

The latest PTA Newsletter can be found on the Letters and Handouts page.  Please click here

Class Photographs

Watch out for information on Dojo regarding class photos! We are keen to have class photos despite not all being together and will be asking for your support to make this happen over the next few days.

ART Club Live

For the past few weeks Margarita, who runs an after school Art Club for Oatlands children, has been offering Art Club LIVE @home virtual sessions to her existing Art Clubbers.

Margarita will continue with sessions online after half term. Classes are £30 for 6 sessions via Zoom. If you would like your child to take part please e-mail Margarita ourartclub4fun@gmail.com.

TUESDAYS 4.00pm - 4.45pm (Years 1 and 2)
DATES: 09 JUNE / 16 JUNE / 23 JUNE / 30 JUNE / 07 JULY / 14 JULY
WEDNESDAYS 4.00pm - 4.45pm (Years 3 - 5)
DATES: 10 JUNE / 17 JUNE / 24 JUNE / 01 JULY / 08 JULY / 15 JULY