Covid-19
Dear Parent / Carers,
I hope that you are all keeping safe and well during these difficult times that we find ourselves in.
We are aware that many families are facing new and difficult challenges during this period of ‘lockdown’ and social distancing measures, which have been implemented to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
Therefore, we thought it would be useful to share with you some information on services that may be beneficial to you and your families during the coming weeks or months.
If you and your family are struggling and in danger of not coping, then please do not hesitate to seek support or ask for help.
Planning for the wider opening of school from 1st June 2020
Following the government announcement on 28th June, we can confirm that school will be opening to additional children from 2nd June. We are able to accommodate all the children that have requested places within the priority year groups, continue the flexible provision for the children of key workers and vulnerable children and provide before and after school provision for those children that need it. Please contact the school office to book a place.
When completing the risk assessment school used the following documents:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-the-wider-opening-of-schools-from-1-june
The full risk assessment is currently under review and will be shared over the weekend.
Updated guidance for parents and carers on the closure of education settings
Updated 1.5.20
Updated guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Updated 29.4.20
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Department for Education coronavirus helpline
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Opening hours:
8am to 6pm – Monday to Friday
10am to 4pm – Saturday and Sunday
Coronavirus (COVID 19) advice and information
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Handwashing advice
It is essential that everyone washes their hands more often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand washing with soap employs mechanical action that loosens bacteria and viruses from the skin, rinsing them into the drain. Drying hands afterwards makes the skin less hospitable to the virus. Hand sanitiser can be effective if soap is not available or the situation makes using soap less feasible (i.e. when outside) but using hand sanitiser provides none of the virus-destroying friction that rubbing your hands together and rinsing with water provides.
Advice and Support
Financial
Self-employment and Universal Credit
https://www.gov.uk/self-employment-and-universal-credit
Housing / Rent
https://www.gov.uk/housing-and-universal-credit
Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/leeds/
0113 2234400
Money Information Centre / Better Leeds Communities Advice
Provides support for debt, housing and benefit issues.
https://www.betterleeds.org.uk
0113 275 4142
Food
Free School Meals
If you think your child may now be eligible for free school meals, please use the online https://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/Benefitclaimform.pdf
Local Welfare Support Team
Food provision across Leeds
0113 3760330
Otley Food Bank
Based out of Otley Parish Church
07464 974993 and 07881 876696
Email – fbotley@outlook.com
Wellbeing
Leeds Children Social Work Services
Access to social services for support with any significant safeguarding or well-being issues.
0113 2224403
Leeds Domestic Violence Service
Support for anyone suffering or witnessing domestic violence
https://ldvs.uk/
0113 2460401
NHS Silvercloud
An online support programme for parents and carers that is free to sign up to and has been developed in partnership between the clinical experts from within the NHS and other mental health support services.
They offer specific support programmes around:
• Stress management
• Emotional health and building resilience
• Overcoming sleep difficulties
https://nhs.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
Safer Leeds - Domestic Violence campaign and messages
Safer Leeds have updated their website to include useful information for victims of Domestic Violence and people delivering services. The link below is for parents and carers to access to access support.
Twitter on @saferleeds and @LCCnews.
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/domesticviolence/Pages/default.aspx
Home Learning
Early Years
The Department for Education’s Hungry Little Minds campaign features tips and practical activities that parents can do at home with children to support their early learning. There are many simple ways to help children learn and it does not have to feel like ‘learning’. Having everyday conversations, make-believe play and reading together all make a big difference to children’s development. Parents may also find the BBC’s Tiny Happy People useful. Please use the links below.
Online Daily Phonics Lessons
Starting on Monday 27th April........
Guidance on helping children aged 2 to 4 learn at home can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-children-aged-2-to-4-to-learn-at-home-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Guidance on helping primary school aged children learn at home can be found here:
Guidance on helping children with special educational needs and disabilities learn at home can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-children-with-send-continue-their-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/dailylessons
Child Friendly Leeds has a page aimed at parents with guidance, activities and creative ideas for families.
https://childfriendlyleeds.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/coronavirusguide/
Websites of interest
50 virtual days out (of interest to adults and families)