Ferncumbe Friday

Friday 22nd January 2021

With such a challenging start to the Spring Term, 2021 has certainly not begun as we had all hoped. It has, however, been so uplifting and a real joy to visit all of our classrooms and see the smiles (and the concentration!) of those children learning at home, together with the enthusiasm and positive energy of the children attending school. I can’t thank you, as parents, and the staff enough for working as a team and rising to the many challenges the current situation presents.

Thank you also for completing the survey this week regarding Ferncumbe’s Remote Learning offer, which we continue to refine and improve in response to feedback from the whole school community. The overwhelming majority of positive responses are much appreciated, but please be assured that all of your additional comments have been considered and well received.

A guide to what we are currently providing will be on the school website this coming Monday. I sympathise with the many pressures that this term is presenting for you all in a variety of ways, and do appreciate the support you are able to provide for your children with remote learning, often while working from home yourselves.

Ofsted has provided its own summary of what is working well in remote education. It offers a valuable insight and is worth a quick read… https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/whats-working-well-in-remote-education/whats-working-well-in-remote-education

Tracey Webb

Dear Families,

It certainly feels a long time since we were celebrating Christmas and I am sure we are all wishing away the grey days, looking forward to some Spring sunshine.

As we enter our third week of remote learning there has been much to brighten our spirits:

· Reading the encouraging and appreciative emails from many of you has been most welcomed by staff, who are working incredibly hard remotely and in school to give the children the best education possible.

· Enjoying seeing the children’s faces during live lessons and catching snapshots of their time at home.

· The incredible capacity you are showing as parents and carers, giving your children the support they need while trying to juggle all your other responsibilities.

· Having the whole school community come together to share worship on Fridays with Miss Morris.

Home learning looks very different to what it was in Lockdown 1 and we hope you appreciate the structure and input from teachers. Learning is very important, and we have a duty to provide it, but in doing so we all must not lose sight of our wellbeing. Without the balance of exercise, relaxation, and a healthy diet we can’t be at our best.

I would love to write you all a wellness prescription for welly walks, story times, cuddles, and laughter three times daily! In all seriousness, these are very challenging times for some families, and I include some links to support that might be helpful.

Remember we are always here to help so please get in touch. I look forward to when we are all together again.

Best wishes

Heather Reid, Pastoral Manager