Dear Parents
You will no doubt find it as disappointing as me to be not only ending the first part of Term 2 without our children in school, but also to know that they will not be returning for the first two weeks after the Chinese New Year break. I know we share feelings of sadness, frustration and disappointment, wanting nothing more than for our children to be learning with us in school.
Whilst our lives have once again been interrupted by the impact of COVID-19, it would be remiss of me not to reflect upon the wonderful learning that has been happening throughout this first part of Term 2. Our children started 2022 with the energy and excitement we have come to expect from our Early Years learners. As practitioners we never fail to be amazed at how much the children grow both physically and in character over the Christmas holidays and have enjoyed joining them on their learning journeys which have included exploring the forest for native plants and flowers in Nursery, delving deeper into reading for pleasure in Reception, exploring structures in EY1 and learning about living things in EY2, but to name just a few of the experiences the children have enjoyed! We have been so impressed at how the children have maturely engaged with their home learning over the course of these last two weeks and have loved ensuring that our connections remain and the children’s learning continues.
I have to acknowledge the incredible work of the Early Years teaching team in providing our children with the most wonderful opportunities. As I say to them often, I am proud to lead a team of such talented, reflective practitioners who are always striving to ensure the children’s learning is facilitated in the most engaging and effective of ways, which is achieved by their determination to place the children at the heart of all that they do. Our school is a strange place to be when it is absent of children, however at times throughout the day it is hard to believe the children are not with us from the energy that is exuding from the learning environments. Our corridors are full of song, literature comes to life through story telling and the children’s voices echo through the classrooms, albeit from the speakers of our computers for now. I am sure you will join me in thanking our teachers and education assistants for pouring their love and energy into all that they do for the children both when they are in school and learning from a distance.
I also have to express my gratitude to our children’s first teachers, their parents. I am acutely aware of the added stress school closure places upon your family lives and want to thank you for working with us so positively to support your children’s growth. We truly appreciate the additional effort you put into supporting your children when they are at home and for working in partnership with us to achieve the best for them under such challenging circumstances. We value the positive relationships we have with you and thank you for the important role that you play in your child’s learning. It really is a privilege for us to learn with your children and thank you for entrusting us with their care. As always, please do reach out if you would like to offer feedback, have any questions or wish to talk about any aspect of your child’s learning.
Whilst we are aware that we will continue to be in a home learning environment for the first two weeks after the holidays, I know that the teachers have planned challenging, exciting and engaging opportunities for the children that will continue to have a positive impact on their progress, development and growth. Your child’s virtual classroom will be available from 5pm on Friday 4th February which will include adaptions to the timetable that are reflective of the progress the children have made and their learning needs in Term 2.2. Please do take time to check your child’s small group allocation and any changes to their timetable. A hard copy will be placed in their learning pack which will be available for collection at the usual time and in the usual place, depending on your child’s year group.
On behalf of the entire Early Years Team, I wish you and your families a very happy and prosperous Chinese New Year of the Tiger.
With best wishes
Hannah Cole
Head of Early Years