Italian Links
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

For those who saw the letter published on the school website on Wednesday, can all parents please be aware, that we will be publishing full details regarding school reopening (15^th June 2020) to those children who have asked for a space on our school website, Monday 8^th June 2020 instead of today (Friday 5^th June 2020).  If your child is on the list, you will also receive a letter via email.  Thank you for all your continued support and we wish you a happy weekend.

1^st June 2020

Good morning,                                                                                                                              

At the end of last week, I consulted with the Chair of Governors, David Napier, the Governing Body and staff to discuss the challenges of reopening and how we can provide the safest environment for children, staff and families. Views expressed in the parental survey have also been considered and shared with everyone involved.

We already felt the Government’s initial date to reopen today (1^st June) was too early and felt that, after in-depth discussions, our initial and provisional date of 8^th June is also too soon. We are now working towards June 15^th, for a wider, phased reopening.

The reasons behind this difficult decision are as follows:

• Gateshead has one of the highest transmissions and infection rates in the country for COVID-19 and as it stands, we are still very unsure the R number (the reproduction number) for Gateshead. It was felt that more information regarding this is required when considering future reopening.
• Give the Government more time for test, track and trace and isolate to bed in, and for the number of cases in our locality to reduce.

Please be aware that 15th June is the earliest date we are working towards and this will remain under constant review as we monitor and respond to an ever-changing situation.

Parents of children in Reception, Year 1 and 6 should have received (via email – PS Connect) a more in-depth letter regarding this decision. Please contact school if you have not received this.

As a staff, we have been stunned by the kind and supportive messages we have received from parents and carers. Staff have been working incredibly hard to ensure that our children can continue to learn at home – we applaud them all for their hard work and dedication. We know this isn’t easy and all appreciate the incredible effort and positivity parents, carers and children have shown during these tough times.

Finally, thank you for your continued patience in this matter. I will keep you updated as much as possible.

Stay safe, stay sunny, stay smiling!

Kind and warm regards,

Mrs R Farren

Acting Head Teacher

DIGITAL SAFETY DURING COVID-19: SAFEGUARDING FROM HARMFUL INFLUENCES ONLINE

- The impact of COVID-19 means that most of us will be at home for an extended period and are likely to be spending increasing amounts of time online.

- The online world is a necessity for many children in accessing school work and it delivers huge benefits, not least in enabling us to stay connected to family and friends during this period. However, many parents may feel concerned about the content their children are accessing.

- Although rare, there is a risk that increased online activity and feelings of stress and isolation may be exploited by negative influences and online groomers of all kinds to target vulnerable children and young people directly.

- An understanding of digital safety will help parents and carers safeguard loved ones from a range of harms, whether that’s child sexual exploitation, fraud, or extremist influences seeking to radicalise vulnerable people.

- Extremists may use the COVID-19 outbreak to promote hateful views, for example through conspiracy theories blaming a particular group for the virus, or through spreading misinformation regarding these groups’ responses to it.

Please click on the link below to read the entire document:

Digital safety during COVID-19 Gateshead v3

The NSPCC has launched a nationwide campaign to help children exposed to harm during lock down due to a number of factors, one of which includes parental mental health. £1.6m from the Government has enabled the charity to expand and raise awareness of its helpline service to protect more young people and it now includes advice and support for parents. Some of this includes help and advice for parents and families dealing with mental health problems in everyday life and during the coronavirus pandemic, parenting tips for all stages of your child's life, supporting children with special education needs and disabilities, online safety, coping with family arguments and  conflict, managing co-parenting and child arrangements during lockdown, as well as advice on how to deal with difficult situations and much more.

Good morning.

Many of you will have no doubt seen the PM’s announcement yesterday. We are waiting to receive more information from the Government and Local Authority and at this stage, have few answers to questions you may have. In the short-term, nothing has changed. I will continue to provide further information in the coming days and weeks once I am able to do so.

Stay safe everyone.

Mrs Farren

Mental Health Awareness Week - 18th - 24th May 

For the upcoming Mental Health Awareness week (18^th -24^th of May), the Rise team plan to release daily videos and activities around this year’s theme of Kindness.  These will be uploaded to their website: www.rise-ne.co.uk/.

It would be great for our children to get involved and to complete the daily activities.  Completed activities can then be sent to the Rise team at ntawnt.NCTLGHDtrailblazers@nhs.net. Please include your name, age and school on anything you would like to send to this secure email address. Please note that by emailing your work you are consenting to it being shared on the Rise team website.

Also, don’t forget to keep visiting the Rise website to see your activities featured!

Thank you and good mental health. 

Virtual Health Information Flyers

Please take a look at the information flyers for Gateshead's Virtual Emotional Health Clinic and Virtual Health Visitor. 

Support Children and Young People - 5 Key Things

• Prioritise Love and Nurture: in times of uncertainty, the most important things for children are love, nurture and re-assurance.
• Re-assure about feelings: children will be experiencing a whole range of emotions. Re-assure them that this is normal It is okay to be scared, anxious, frustrated or angry. Everyone feels these things.
• Support well-being: we can do this by ensuring that they eat well, exercise, have some daily structure, do fun things and have safe social contact with friends and family.
• Talking about the virus: be honest, calm and accurate, but adapt information dependent on age of the child. Let children ask questions and correct misconceptions. Be as honest as you can but it is also okay to say that you don’t know. https://www.bps.org.uk/sites/www.bps.org.uk/files/Policy/Policy%20-%20Files/Talking%20to%20children%20about%20illness.pdf
• Limit time young people spend checking news and social media sites. Some information is helpful but too much can further raise anxiety. Encourage use of reputable sources such as WHO, BBC and NHS websites.

Help primary school children continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19).

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-primary-school-children-continue-their-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19?utm_source=b0838257-848b-4d77-b72f 37767d087fd1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-children-aged-2-to-4-to-learn-at-home-during-coronavirus-covid-19?utm_source=59550d3f-e5b5-424b-b66e-d353e6ac73a1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

Community Help to respond to COVID-19 FELLING AREA

- Worried about food or the risks surrounding leaving the house. 

- Medication needs picking up or the dog needs walking. 

- Feel lonely or worried about being on their own

If you or someone you know are worried and would like some help from the Community Help Team (Felling Group), please call 0191 477 3559 or post on their Facebook group: Felling Covid-19 Mutual Aid.

More support - numbers to call

Gateshead Council Community Support: 0191 433 7112

National Domestic Abuse helpline: 0890 820 00247

Local domestic abuse helpline: 0191 433 3333

Safeguarding (which could include domestic violence or any other harm e.g. physical, mental, sexual or financial abuse)

Adult -  0191 433 7033

Children - 0191 433 2653 (office hours) 

              - 0191 477 0844 (out of house/weekends)

https://www.rise-ne.co.uk/

The RISE team helps support young people in schools with their emotional and mental wellbeing. Have a look on the RISE website for links to online resources, including mental health support and advice for parents, carers and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

17^th April 2020 – Friday Letter

Happy Friday everyone.

I really hope you have been able to enjoy the sun and have been safe whilst doing so.

Facebook

For those who joined Mrs Cuthbertson and me for Bank Holiday Bingo, thank you and what an afternoon! So much fun! The next live bingo session will take place next Friday 24^th at 2pm so please, the more the merrier and remember that there are many ‘amazing’ prizes to be won – the toilet rolls and bag of pasta were the highlight on Monday.

I noticed that no one has had a go at the ‘Lip Sync Battle’ – I am sure, like Mrs C and me, you are able to muster the confidence to make a bit of a fool of yourselves (in the best possible way).  

Learning Packs

Next week, all the teachers will be uploading new packs onto the website; for those who are ready for the next set of activities, please take a look. We will also continue to post activities that perhaps are more interactive on Facebook.

Foodbank

As previously stated, we still have food available in school. We also have a box of sanitary products for anyone who is struggling to get such products in the supermarkets. If any families need our help, please call in or drop us a call and we will be very happy support you. We are a family and need to stick together!

Continue to enjoy the sunshine and remember, we are here if you need anything!

Keep Safe, Keep Sound, Keep Smiling

Mrs Farren

10th April - Friday Letter 

Happy Good Friday everyone! Hope you are all enjoying the lovely weather we have been having. 

It has been lovely to see all your likes and comments on Facebook over the past few days, please keep it up. We love to see photos and videos of the children and what they have been getting up to, we all miss them very much.  We would love to see children having a go at a lip sync battle this week and possibly some parents too!!!!

This Easter Weekend will be very different for a lot of us, not being able to see our friends and family.  Please remember to stay safe and not be tempted to break social distancing guidelines over the Easter Weekend.  We must all do it together to get through it!

Please remember we are open over the holidays including Bank Holiday Monday, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call if you need any support or even just a chat!!

Stay safe.

Mrs Cuthbertson

3rd April 2020 - Friday Letter 

Happy Friday everyone.

Facebook

I would like to start by saying how great all the pictures and comments have been on our new Facebook page. We love how many of you have created rainbow pictures celebrating our amazing NHS workers and those of you who have shared the work they have been doing at home.

Mrs Graham is also very grateful for all her birthday wishes yesterday – we had a fab day in school and loved sharing cake with the children.

Mrs Cuthbertson will be posting a few challenges on Facebook and I know Mr Heron will also be posting his weekly PE challenge so watch this space; I know I am looking forward to it.

Foodbank

We still have food available in school if any of our families need a bit of a helping hand. These times are hard enough without the pressure of food shopping and perhaps even the lack of it. Please call us if you require anything and we will do our best to help.

A BIG THANK YOU!

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the staff for their hard work and dedication. I have not been shocked by their kindness and generously at this time. On behalf of all the children, parents/carers we thank you!

As always, we are here if you need us so please phone, email or leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We are also quite happy if you are just wanting to call for a chat!

Stay safe and remember, you’re not alone!

Have a happy weekend.

Mrs Farren

Link to our new Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/TheDriveCommunityPrimarySchool/

Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.

Explore one of the six Thinkuknow websites for advice about staying safe when you're on a phone, tablet or computer.

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Also, if you or anyone in your household is worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you or your child online, make a report to one of CEOP's Child Protection advisors.

https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/

Please feel free to call or drop school an email if you're worried about anything online related. Remember, we are here to help! 

27th March 2020 - Friday Letter (sort of)

Good afternoon everyone, 

Usually this would be in the form of a Friday letter; I don't have much to report but I will try my best.

I have had a very bizarre week: it has been too quiet in school. Thank you to those people who emailed us pictures of their children engaged in home-schooling and the positive messages surrounding the work being done. It was uplifting and amazing to see people making the most of a less than ideal situation.

While we know this is an anxious time for you and your child, please try not to get stressed if your child is struggling with their work or reluctant to do it. Give them and you a break, tell them it's alright, do something fun or relaxing, go out for your daily exercise and get back to it when everyone is in a better frame of mind. We must ensure our emotional wellbeing and mental health is looked after as well as our physical health - children and adults alike. 

As always, we are here if you need us so please phone, email or leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. 

Remember, even though we are limited to the confines of our houses, we are never alone!

Stay safe everyone and have a happy weekend! 

Mrs Farren

Quote of the day - 26th March 
Stay safe everyone, we're thinking of you!

Digital Parenting 

https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/digital-parenting

Above is a great online help desk community that parents/carers can access, giving guidance about a variety of issues - I encourage you all to have a look. 

Keep safe - we're thinking of you all!

Mrs Farren 

Online Safety and Behaviour Tips

Keeping your child/children safe online is critical, especially when they're spending more time at home. Please read the documents that have been posted for tips that may help: 

• Online Safety Leaflet 
• Behaviour Commands - 'My child won't come of their tablet what should I say/do?'

Also if you're concerned that online bullying might be happening or your child has reported that someone else in school may be a victim, please use the link below or contact school for further advice. 

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/our-helplines

Lexia Technical Support
Click on the link below for Lexia Technical Support.

http://www.lexialearningresources.com/files/support/C5SysReq.pdf

School Closure Daily Timetable

Home Learning Packs
On Thursday 19th March, each child received a Home Learning Pack in preparation for school closure. Inside each pack the teachers have prepared work for the children to complete over the next 2 weeks. Depending on how long the schools are closed for, the teachers will upload any additional work in a class folder below.

Support and activities for parents/carers and families of children with SEND

The facebook page is added to daily with activities, resources and links for parents and children with SEND.
You can find the page using the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/GatesheadLocalOffer/
 

Useful Links

School subscription services supporting school closures

• Twinkl
  Subscription service used by schools is offering a free premium service for educators, parents and children to use whilst schools are closed- enter the code UKTWINKLHELPS
  Worksheets, PowerPoints and interactive games to support all areas of learning
  https://www.twinkl.com/

• Read Write Inc
  Phonics lessons on Facebook and YouTube for children to watch at home; three short Speed Sound lessons with one of their trainers everyday for the first 2 weeks. Films will only be available at the times below:
  Set 1 Speed Sounds at 9.30am and again at 12.30pm
  Set 2 Speed Sounds at 10.00am and again at 1.00pm
  Set 3 Speed Sounds at 10.30am and again at 1.30pm
  Note: these films are streamed live and wont be available at other times.

• White Rose Maths
  Maths home learning packages for schools to use due to school closures.
  https://whiterosemaths.com/resources/schemes-of-learning/primary-sols/

• Phonics Play
  Offering a free service while schools are closed. 
  Username: march20
  Password: home
  https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/

• Get Epic
  Thousands of kids' books FREE
  https://www.getepic.com/

• Classroom Secrets
  Maths and reading home learning packages for schools to use due to school closures. Free access to child version of site.
  https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/home-online-learning/

• Master the Curriculum
  Maths subscription service has made resources free for educators and parents.
  https://masterthecurriculum.co.uk/

• Primary Stars
  Maths home learning packages for schools to use due to school closures (KS1)
  https://primarystarseducation.co.uk/

English

• Phonics play
  https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/freeIndex.htm
  Username: march20
  Password: home
• Phonics bloom
  https://www.phonicsbloom.com/
• Lexia
  https://auth.mylexia.com//mylexiaLogin
• Reading Plus
  https://student.readingplus.com/seereader/api/sec/login
• Letters and Sounds
  http://www.letters-and-sounds.com/
• Cbeebies- Alphablocks
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/alphablocks
• Teach Your Monster to Read
  Website is free.
  Paid app.
  https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/
• Oxford Owl
  https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/

• Literacy Shed Resources

  https://www.literacyshedplus.com/

Maths

• Numbots
  https://play.numbots.com/#/intro
• Times Table Rock Stars
  https://ttrockstars.com/
• Cbeebies- Numberblocks
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/numberblocks

Science 

• Explorify
  https://explorify.wellcome.ac.uk/
• BBC Bitesize
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary
• Kiwico
  https://www.kiwico.com/kids-at-home

E-Safety and Computing

• Beebot 
  https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bee-bot/id500131639
  Free app.
• Safety Net Kids
  https://www.safetynetkids.org.uk/
• NSPCC Keeping Children Safe
  https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
• Kodable
  https://www.kodable.com/
• Barefoot
  https://www.barefootcomputing.org/homelearning?mc_cid=b8b438bf50&mc_eid=b1501ecda3

PE

• Joe Wicks
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3LPrhI0v-w
• Just Dance
  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=just+dance
• Yoga
  https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
• GoNoodle
  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2YBT7HYqCbbvzu3kKZ3wnw

Music/ ART and Design/ Mindfulness

• Free comic related resources from the illustrator and writer Jarrett Learner.

      https://jarrettlerner.com/activities/

• BALTIC Home & School resources - link to first activity idea: Create your own sketchbook https://mailchi.mp/balticmill/home-school?e=%5bUNIQID
• YUMU
  https://charanga.com/yumu
• Smiling Mind
  https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
• BBC Supermovers
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers
• Newsround
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround

Geography

There is an app you can download called map quiz world tour. I’m finding it really good but maybe have and atlas or google earth ready beside you just incase you struggle.

History

If you go to BBC/teach you can find lots of information about different periods in history along with videos.

Enjoy

Coronavirus support
Note: as the situation and sources of information are developing, the above tips and links may be updated.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Talking to children about Coronavirus:

https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/bps-highlights-importance-talking-children-about-coronavirus

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19

https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/

Your wellbeing:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

https://www.mindkit.org.uk/5-ways-to-wellbeing/

https://www.annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/

https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-self-isolating/

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-you-and-your-kids-can-de-stress-during-coronavirus

https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2020/28-february-coronavirus-anxiety-how-to-cope-if-you-re-feeling-anxious-about-the-outbreak

https://www.rise-ne.co.uk/