Year 10 and 11 pupils will receive their next set of LFT tests on Mon 26 Apr. This should provide sufficient tests (each pack contains 3 separate tests but only 2 tests are needed each week) for the next group issue to be on Mon 10 May. If these spare tests have already been used a further set can be collected from Reception.
Year 12 and 13 students are to continue to collect their test packs from Reception when required.
The instructions and LFT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are attached (English and Welsh).
Note the link to enable consent to be given will be provided today (Wednesday 17 March).
Please click on the link below to complete the Lateral Flow Test Consent Form for Ysgol Harri Tudur pupils in year 10,11,12 & 13.
The Ysgol Harri Tudor/Henry Tudor School Risk Assessment and School Covid Operating Instructions are subject to ongoing review. Please note in particular that;
Any staff member or pupil/student who has possible symptoms of COVID-19 must not attend school but must remain home and self-isolate, arrange a COVID-19 test and notify the school of this. The key symptoms are;
Additionally, any family/household member or any member of staff or pupil/student who displays possible symptoms of COVID-19 then the staff member or pupil/student must not attend school but must remain at home and commence a period of household isolation. Again the school should be notified of this.
All pupils, students and staff must wear face coverings at all times in all areas of the building. This includes in classrooms where social distancing will not be possible. The exceptions to this rule apply whilst eating and whilst outside. Pupils and students should make all attempts to socially distance whilst outside, unless all parties are wearing face coverings. Parents who wish to ask for medical exemption for their child, should do so here via our Google Form forms.gle/HNB8hWoL66KbANLi6
We will be issuing all pupils and students with the WG approved reusable and washable face covering on their return to school. We can only supply one of these to each pupil and student. Pupils and students will still be able to use their own face covering if they wish.
What is the latest position regarding learners returning to school during the 2020 to 2021 spring term?
The Minister for Education announced on 5 February that schools will begin a phased return for foundation phase learners, from 22 February. We have also announced that from 15 March, all remaining primary school children will be able to be back learning onsite. From that date, we will also enable learners in qualifications years, and more learners in colleges and training to return to onsite learning. There will also be flexibility for some learners in year 10 and 12 to return. This is of course, subject to Covid-19 evidence continuing to move in the right direction.
However, we are concerned about the amount of time learners have been away from school. This is why from 15 March secondary schools will now have the flexibility to provide learners in years 7, 8 and 9 with the opportunity of a check-in focused on support for wellbeing and readiness for a return to their onsite learning after Easter.
We have also signalled that it is our intention to enable all learners to be back learning on-site after Easter.
As has been the case, children of critical workers and vulnerable learners will continue to receive face to face learning on the school site, and Special schools and PRUs will continue to remain open where possible.
Can children mix in their school bubbles outside school?
No, out of school restrictions identical to those ‘stay at home’ requirements imposed on the general population, must be applied rigorously. Contact groups ('school bubbles') only apply within the school setting.
What measures are in place to ensure schools are safe for those learners and staff?
Following discussions with our union colleagues and local authority and further education partners, we are introducing a number of additional measures to provide staff with an added level of assurance for their safe return to face to face teaching.
In light of the latest TAG briefing, we will be introducing an additional mitigating measure which will advocate the use of face coverings by primary and secondary school staff, and secondary school learners, anywhere on the school site, including in the classroom where social distancing cannot be maintained.
To support this, we are providing an additional £5 million to schools, colleges and local authorities for new face coverings and to invest further in items they need to keep their premises safe.
As part of the preparations for foundation phase learners returning to school premises from 22 February, schools will need to review their risk assessments to ensure that appropriate mitigations are in place to ensure the school learning environment remains as COVID-safe as possible for the increased number of learners, in line with published guidance.
Will schools remain open to vulnerable learners?
Schools and colleges will remain open for vulnerable learners, as well as for learners who need to complete essential exams or assessments. Children of critical workers can also continue to attend school.
Should schools and colleges be holding parents’ evenings and open evenings?
Due to the current social distancing measures, we recommend that traditional parents’ evenings (that is where parents come into school to meet their child’s teachers and discuss progress, with or without the child present) and face to face open evenings do not take place for the time being. Schools and colleges should still ensure they are available to discuss any concerns parents may have, and engage with parents via other means, such as by email, on the telephone or through school apps, where appropriate. Where a discussion with a parent cannot take place via these routes and face to face contact is considered necessary then appropriate measures would need to be put in place, including social distancing of 2 metres.
In relation to open evening schools and colleges may wish to consider holding such events virtually.
Is social distancing in classrooms required?
There are no limits set on the number of children per classroom.
The overarching principle set out in our operational guidance still stands, which is to reduce the number of contacts between learners and staff and to social distance as far as practicable.
Provision of drinking water in schools
Section 5 of the Healthy Eating in Schools (Wales) Measure 2009 places a duty on local authorities to ensure that drinking water is available, free of charge, on the premises of any maintained school. This duty still applies. Pupils should be encouraged to bring their own refillable bottles of drinking water with them but, water should still be provided for those who have not done so or who require a re-fill. If pupils cannot access water coolers or drinking fountains, jugs of water can be provided, with a nominated member of staff pouring water for pupils who require it.
What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in my child’s school or setting?
A positive test on site does not require closure of that site. The process of testing and contact tracing is part of the ‘new normal’ and where schools and settings follow these guidelines carefully, there is no cause for alarm.
If there are multiple cases of COVID-19 in a school then experts from across the NHS and local government will work together to prevent ongoing transmission within the school. This will involve identifying those exposed any child or staff member who is at increased risk and provide tailored infection control advice. Advice based on the assessment of each individual situation will be provided to support the school in preventing further spread.
The process will be handled sensitively and in confidence.
Further information and questions and answers about Test, Trace, Protect can be found on the Welsh Government website.
What is the current policy on face coverings?
If during this time of limited attendance social distancing cannot be maintained, particularly with the youngest learners, face coverings should be worn anywhere on the school estate, including in the classroom by staff at primary and secondary schools and secondary school learners.
The exception is at mealtimes and when they are outside, unless the school risk assessment indicates that additional measures are needed, for example on a school yard where there are a large number of learners in a relatively small space without separation of contact groups (such as when waiting to enter school).
Face coverings should also be worn by pupils in year 7 and above on dedicated school transport.
Visitors to the school or setting should use a face covering, including parents when dropping off and picking up learners.
Mrs Amanda Griffiths – School-Based Counsellor
What?
Everyday life can sometimes be difficult and challenging for all of us. Counselling can offer a safe space to talk and think about things that are important to you, or that may be worrying you.
You can talk to the counsellor about anything – nothing is off limits and you won’t be judged. Whatever is talked about will not be passed on to anybody else, unless you or another person is at serious risk. Counselling sessions are available throughout the day and the counsellor is in school three days a week.
And…
If you decide to use the service, don’t worry, this service is free. You can use it more than once, and no mention of it will appear on your school record.
How?
Pupils can refer themselves to the counselling service by calling into the councillor in her room or requesting a referral from Mrs Newton in FB06. If unsure of the councillors location please call into pupil support in FB06 to ask. Alternatively, you could ask your mentor or your parent/guardian to contact the counsellor for you.
All school counsellors in Pembrokeshire are professionally qualified, and bound by the ethical code of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
Education Minister Kirsty Williams provides further clarity on system to replace exams for general qualifications in 2021
Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today (Wednesday, December 16) provided further details of how the system put in place to replace examinations for general qualifications in 2021 will work.
In November, when confirming there would be no end of year exams for learners taking GCSEs, AS levels or A levels next year, the Minister said she would establish a Design and Delivery Advisory group that would support ‘wellbeing, fairness and progression’ for learners in 2021.
The group, chaired by Geraint Rees and made up of head teachers and college leaders nominated by regional consortia, ColegauCymru and local authorities, has now presented its proposals to the Minister after working closely with both Qualifications Wales and WJEC.
The group agreed that the system needed to be fair for all learners and flexible so that learners who have had more disruption than others are not unfairly affected.
The approach will ensure that teachers can design and plan teaching, learning around assessments in a flexible way to promote learners’ wellbeing and support their needs.
The Minister has confirmed her intention is for general qualifications in Wales to be supported by a three pillar approach made up of:
non-examination assessments,
internal assessments
assessments that are externally set and marked.
The decision has been supported by the news that the Welsh Government is investing an additional £1.9m in education resources to support learners in years 12 and 13 in preparing for their A Level assessments.
The revision tools, available on the WJEC website, include ‘knowledge organisers’ to help with learning key facts and information, exam walk-throughs and revision guides.
The resources are in addition to £7m being provided for schools and colleges to deliver mentoring and revision support programmes for learners in exam years.
Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “I would like to thank Geraint Rees and the group of head teachers and college leaders for working at pace to develop these recommendations and for putting equity for learners at the centre of thinking.
“What I am providing details of today is a transparent and rigorous approach to support learners as they progress to their next steps
“It ensures that universities can be confident of the abilities of students from Wales through their qualifications, and it also promotes teaching, learning and consistent assessment across Wales as we all struggle to recover in different ways from the impact coronavirus has had on education.
“I was clear that any solution must be mindful of our learners’ well-being.I am satisfied we have an approach that is fair for all learners whilst minimising disruption to learning and maintaining confidence and trust in the integrity of qualifications in Wales.”
“Alternative options would have required centres to design assessment materials, develop and test marking schemes, and then be responsible for appeals in relation to these.
“This would take time away from teaching and learning and could also lead to inconsistency for learner experiences across Wales.
“I am also confident these plans minimise the impact on teacher workload - teachers and lecturers are already under a great deal of pressure and we do not want to add to this.”
This approach confirms that the internal assessments will not begin until after the spring half term, so schools can focus entirely on teaching until then. WJEC will provide further guidance and information in January.
The Minister also confirmed that the group has agreed to continue to work together in 2021 on more detailed issues, including support for teachers and lecturers, consider how differences in disrupted learning might be recognised drawing on existing special consideration process, the appeal process and the grade outcomes process and how to engage learners throughout the year.
The Minister continued: “The Welsh Government will now work with our stakeholders to ensure as much information is shared as soon as possible.
“It’s been a long term and I hope all learners, teachers, lecturers, school and college staff take a well-deserved break over the Christmas period.
“I have said many times that I am extremely proud of the way the education family has come together in Wales to face the challenges coronavirus has presented.
“We all need to be ready to come together once again next year to deliver for our learners who have already suffered so much.”
More details on the three pillar approach
1. Non-examination assessments
These are currently managed within schools and colleges for many but not all subjects, and WJEC has already made adaptations to these. This will not change.
2. Internal assessments
There will be a broad window for internal assessment from February 22 to April 23.
Teachers and lecturers will be able to decide when and how to deliver assessments within this window, to embed it within their teaching plans, support the needs and well-being of learners and provide flexibility in case of disruption.
To ensure consistency of assessment experience and to reduce any additional demand on teachers and lecturers – assessment material will be provided from WJEC that schools/ colleges will be able to choose from.
The marking of these assessments will be undertaken by the schools and colleges, supported by guidance from WJEC and shared with WJEC to inform grade outcomes.
3. Externally set and marked assessments
The extended window for externally set and marked assessment will start on May 17 and end on June 29.
This will provide broad flexibility to enable teachers and lecturers to embed the assessments into teaching time, to be responsive to any disruption, and to support wellbeing.
Teachers and lecturers will decide how and when to deliver these assessments within the classroom so they do not create the pressure and anxiety of exams.
WJEC will provide information about the topics for the internal and external assessment to support teachers in preparing their learners for assessments
The flexible assessment windows are intended to allow for assessments to be embedded within teaching plans and to minimise disruption to learning so learners develop the skills and knowledge they need to confidently progress.
Parents and pupils will be provided with further information about Centre Based Outcomes as soon as possible
"Every one of us has a responsibility to make the right choices and to follow the measures, which will keep us and our loved ones safe from this infectious and harmful virus:
Please see below links to the Symptomatic Pupil Action List for Parents.
Gweler isod y dolenni i'r Rhestr Gweithredu Disgyblion Symptomatig i Rieni.
Please ensure your pupil/student has a filled water bottle with them for individual use each day. Covid restrictions have limited how water can be provided at school.
This approach is proving to be a successful and highly useful coping strategy for young people and adults alike. More details about mindfulness are available as PDF's below. to get in touch email mindfulness@yht.wales
Ms R Dean has been doing some work with Jerome Flynn over the past few months, he's a patron of MiSP (Mindfulness in Schools Project) and a huge advocate of Mindfulness. Here's the link to a wellbeing webinar with Jerome that some parents might be interested in having a look at
Coronavirus is still with us and we are learning to live with it. At Ysgol Harri Tudur we are putting the safety of our Pupils, Students, Staff, Parents, Governors, Visitors and the wider school community at the forefront of everything that we do, as we move into the next phase.
To help with understanding the changes that have been made to the school and how we will be operating, we will be uploading a walk though video to show the Pupils, Students and Parents what to expect when they come to school.
What changes have been put in place?
Thank you for understanding why these measures are in place.
If you want to ask about any of the measures that that have been put in place, please contact the school via: contact@yht.wales
Thank you.
The School Counselling Service – Pembrokeshire is now able to offer online and telephone counselling sessions for young people aged 10 to 19. To book a session or find out more email: amanda.griffiths@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or phone 07879694943 during working hours.
Information for learners, parents and staff:
Please find attached latest resources to support parents with child development during Covid-19
We appreciate that during this difficult time pupils with additional needs and their parents may feel isolated and worried. The ALN team will continue to offer advice and support. If you wish to contact us please use the emails listed below.
Ann Andrews, ALNCO/Assistant Headteacher:
aandrews@yht.wales
Sue Beasley Assistant, ALNCO:
sbeasley@yht.wales
Neil Truman, Head of the LRC:
ntruman@yht.wales
Please see attached helpful booklet which was put together by colleagues in Community Family Psychology, Neurodevelopmental Team and Children’s Occupational Therapy (20th March 2020)
Supporting Children Through Key Adults.
All schools in Pembrokeshire currently take part in a project called Operation Encompass that runs jointly between schools and Dyfed-Powys Police as a county wide initiative.
Dyfed Powys Police are still offering support to people living with domestic abuse even in the midst of COVID19.
Please see the attached Help and Support document for those who are experiencing (or know someone experiencing) abuse and sexual violence during the coronavirus emergency.
Please find contact details of our School based youth worker on the attached PDF
Please note: This document has been compiled by Educational and Child Psychologist’s throughout the UK.
Advice Helpline for Parents
YoungMinds Parents Helpline
YoungMinds Parents Helpline is available to offer advice to parents and carers worried about a child or young person under 25.
You may have questions about a child’s behaviour, emotional wellbeing, or mental health condition. You may have a child who’s already been admitted to CAMHS and have questions about their treatment or want to know what to say to your GP when you visit them.
YoungMinds trained advisers are available to give parents help and advice, whatever the question.
Call the Parents Helpline its free Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm – available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Phone: 0808 802 5544
Calls may be recorded for monitoring or training purposes.
Outside of the Parents Helpline hours
Out of operating hours, you can contact the Parents Helpline via YoungMinds online contact form: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline/
Please see a useful document offering tips and advice to families during this pandemic.
Please note, additional resource information will be shared on the Local Authority Inclusion Service Facebook page.
The attached is a list of reading-related websites, which have activities, videos, reviews etc.
