Guidelines and advice

Safer Cornwall - Domestic Abuse Campaign

Safer Cornwall has launched a campaign to raise awareness to mitigate the increased risks of domestic abuse in this period, and the challenges of providing adequate support.

The campaign aims to reassure communities that vital services are still available to support adults and children during this time and reiterates where and how to access help.

The campaign also includes information on staying safe in the house, on school places for children and how communities can support those affected.

Resources/help

Cornwall’s integrated domestic abuse and sexual violence service, Safer Futures, is still providing support, safety planning and information via their helpline, text service and online. Safer Futures will also direct you to any additional services that you may need and can liaise on your behalf if appropriate to do so, for example if you feel you want to access a refuge at this time. Further information about the campaign is available here:

https://safercornwall.co.uk/new-domestic-abuse-campaign-launched-as-cases-expected-to-increase/

• Make a referral online:  https://www.firstlight.org.uk/make-a-referral/
• Email:  saferfutures@firstlight.org.uk
• Tel:  0300 777 4777

Alternatively, you can also access refuge and support via:

• Cornwall Refuge Trust website:  https://www.cornwallrefugetrust.co.uk/  
• 24 hour Helpline:  (01872) 225629
• Tel:  01872 225629

If you feel unsafe and that you are in immediate danger, then you should still contact the emergency services via 999; Devon and Cornwall police work very closely with our local domestic abuse and sexual violence services and will ensure you get the follow-on support that you need.

Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app on Android and IOS, providing support and information for anyone impacted by an abusive relationship or for those concerned about someone they know. It can also be used by practitioners and other employers to learn more and provide support.

https://www.hestia.org/brightsky

If you are self-isolating or physically distancing and living with an abusive partner or family member there are a variety of tools you can use to cope emotionally and ensure you are staying safe, There is lots of useful advice to be found online about ways to help reduce your anxiety and ground yourself, and things to help entertain the children.  In addition, Safer Cornwall will be posting regular videos and information to help you and your family through this difficult time.

Message from Mrs Bowden 28.08.2020

Dear Parents and Carers

We are all looking forward to a new academic year starting on Thursday, 3^rd, September 2020.

I’m delighted to let you know that Miss Mee got married during the holiday and is now Mrs Jennings.  We wish Mr and Mrs Jennings a long and happy life together.

We have been very busy this summer holidays installing new toilets. These are situated just outside Treverbyn. This gives us access to an additional two toilets and two hand basins. Treverbyn Classroom has been repainted and the coat hangers have moved into the cupboard area.

Outside, the top climbing frame has had a makeover, thanks to the money the PTA have raised. The surface underneath the equipment has been renewed with a wet pour rubber safety flooring which is made from rubber crumb and is laid with a shock pad layer to absorb impact. Both the woodwork and the metal frame have been repainted.

Well done to Mrs Bennett who has secured Healthy Schools Status for 2020 – 2022 for the school. In the letter received the validator commented on the hard work and dedication that the staff have demonstrated in supporting the wellbeing of the school community.

The menu for September 2020 is; 

Thursday 3rd- Meat balls in tomato sauce,  Butternut squash bake, Jacket potato, Choc brownie. 

Friday 4th- Fish fingers and chips, tomato bean burger, vanilla ice-cream. 

The full menu will begin on Monday 7th September on week 3, and can be found under the Newsletter tab on the website.

Again, I would like to thank you for your support and understanding at this time. Please ensure that you have read the letter emailed to you on Monday, 24^th, August, 2020. Staff will be in school on Tuesday, 1^st, September 2020 and Wednesday, 2^nd, September, 2020, if you have any queries please phone. PE and Wild Tribe Kits need to be brought in on the first day back please, and all children need a healthy snack including Nursery, and  all clothing and personal belongings need to be labelled.

Take Care,

Sam Bowden

We only have a few days until the end of term, I would like to say a huge thank you to you all for your support and understanding through this unprecedented time.  This has been a very trying period for us all and decisions at times have been very difficult to make. We are sad that we haven’t been able to accommodate all pupils during the summer term. Well done to all those both in school and at home, and to parents who have continued to provide a stimulating education for all the children.

Careful consideration has been given to provision for after school club. At parents request we will resume normal hours from 3:10 until 5:30pm in September for Riverside and 8.00-8:45 am for Breakfast Club.  If you would like to book your child’s place for September please email secretary@st-neot.cornwall.sch.uk by Wednesday, 2nd, September. 

I would like to say how extremely proud I am of the year 6’s this year, Jack, Kerenza, Evie, Alex, Jessica, Emily, Dottie, Hudson, Ben, Morgan, Harry, Ellie and Joseph. They have missed out on many experiences, but have done this with maturity, tolerance and understanding. I wish every one of them good luck in their new schools.  I am sure that their future will hold opportunities for them to become well rounded and successful adults. A huge well done from all at St Neot School.

The cross country team have been very successful this year. William J was to run in the County Championship but unfortunately this was cancelled. Each of them have received medals for their outstanding performance, a very well done to Kerenza, Neave, Summer, George, Oscar, William, Ben, Imogen and Samuel who all won medals.

Mr Jewell and the children have secured the Unicef Bronze Award for Rights Respecting School for St Neot School. Unicef works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. Our Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens. Well done. 

Thank you for the kind donation from Xander’s and Mack’s grand parents and from Samuel's parents. The money will go towards toys for Riverside. Thank you to Alyce for the kind donation of toys which will also be used in Riverside and Breakfast Club.

Tom is able to resume drum lessons in the autumn term. Please contact info@cornwallmusictuition.com for further information. All outside agencies will follow the procedures we have in place. 

The staff and governors of St Neot have been exceptional this year. They have shown such dedication and commitment to the school and the community. I personally can’t thank them enough for their support, generosity and care during this unforeseen time.  Each person has been a team player and has shown that even through some difficult times, by working together we can still ensure a stable environment for the children.

I would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday. We all look forward to welcoming the children back in September.

Take care and best wishes to you all.

Mrs Bowden

Yesterday, the Government outlined the changes for schools in the autumn term. Please visit

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-in-the-autumn-term

for more information. The Government is constantly updating guidance and we will let you know of any changes.  At present, the autumn term will start on Thursday, 3^rd, September, 2020. 

Next week, you will receive your child’s report and 2002/2021 class structures. The reports will reflect your child's progress between September 2019 and March 2020.  Once we return to school for the next academic year, assessments and monitoring will be carried out to assess your child’s current ability.  This will give us a better understanding of their progress during this unprecedented time.

On the school web page under Covid-19 information is available on mental well-being, on line safety and links to other helpful websites.

I would like to thank the staff who are working continuously to develop learning through setting appropriate home learning tasks and class teaching, as well as many other tasks that are being carried out selflessly and without hesitation. A huge thank you to Dee who continues to ensure that the office is running smoothly on a daily basis and during the weekends.

I wish you all a pleasant weekend and thank you for your continued support.

Best Wishes.

Sam Bowden

As you are all aware the staff at St Neot School are continuing their outstanding work.  They are working extremely hard to accommodate the needs of all pupils. The home learning activities are in line with the EYFS framework and the National Curriculum to ensure you child continues to receive educational activities. Please continue to also use Spelling Shed and TT Rockstars as these are also an important part of your child’s continued education.

We are taking part in the Cornwall Virtual School Games.  This is open to all children, even those at home.  As part of our participation, we invite you to complete a different activity, and send your results to Mrs Bunt, every day. For details of each day’s activity, please go to http://activecornwall.org/cornwallschoolgames/the-virtual-games.  Details are on the Home Learning page of the school website.

On Wednesday, I had a Zoom meeting with the Parish Council regarding traffic calming measures through the village, especially at school drop off and pick up times. This included: reducing the speed limit to 20mph, flashing lights, and the consideration of speed bumps. Recommendations will be passed onto Cornwall Highways.

Thank you for your continued support.

Take Care

Mrs Bowden

As you are aware the Government have backtracked on their decision to open primary schools to all children in July. In response to the latest Government guidelines, it is our intention to attempt to welcome more children back to school.  We are only able to accommodate a limited amount of children per classroom in order to maintain distancing and current procedures. Therefore, we are only able to continue to open the school to children in Foundation, Year 1, Year 6, key worker/vulnerable children and three and four year old nursery children. This may be very frustrating for many parents and carers. At this time, we very much appreciate your support and understanding.  If this does change we will let you know. 

The school will be closed from Thursday 23^rd July until Wednesday 2^nd  September.  During this period we will keep you updated with our intention of opening on Thursday 3^rd, September, please check the school website regularly during this time https://www.st-neot.cornwall.sch.uk.

All staff are working extremely hard at this present time, both teaching and creating home learning activities. We are sure that you are all doing all you can to ensure that the home learning activities are being completed, as well as guiding your child in accessing TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed regularly. If your child hasn’t got or remembered their password or log in details, please contact us at info@st-neot.cornwall.sch. Extra activities are available under home learning resources.

The library Summer Reading Challenge is online this year.  To take part please visit https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

Please be aware that there have been incidents locally of children being groomed through snapchat and an online platform called Omegle. There have been three cases reported and they appear to have connections to others in their school and other schools. Police and social services are involved.

There has been a local incident with a hack on the game Roadblox.  It appears that players are invited to open a gift which is a camera.  This then takes a photo and is then shared with other users. This has also involved a child potentially being groomed. Police are involved. Information from Together for Families Cornwall Council. 

Take care.

Mrs Bowden

Thank you to all those that responded to the email regarding children attending school on Monday 1^st June 2020. I was taken back by the responses that were sent and the kindness, consideration and support shown to all the staff. If you haven’t replied please do not turn up on Monday 1^st June as we will not have planned for your child to return on this date.  Some parents have requested that their child may return on the Monday 15^th June 2020. If this is required confirmation must be sent to secretary@st-neot.cornwall.sch no later than 11am on Wednesday 10^th June.  When we receive information regarding children in Years 2, 3, 4 an 5 we will inform you of our intention for their return.

A huge thank you to all those keyworker and vulnerable children who have made these last few weeks so memorable and pleasurable, you have been incredible and a joy to have in school.  Also thank you to the parents for their kind words and appreciation of the support that the staff have been able to give. Thank you to Harry and his mum for getting up early to make flapjacks and to Anna and Faith for delivering pasties and sausage rolls.  I feel walking to school compensates for these treats. 

I would also like to thank all those parents, relatives and friends who voted for the school to win a Charlie Bear with such incredible comments … I can declare that we did win! We now have an amazing lion cub called Nuala who will take pride of place in Dee’s office. 

To all those children who have sent in their home school learning to share with us on the website we are really proud of you. Some of you will be continuing with home learning, we do understand that this may be tough at times but it is essential that reading, writing and maths skills are still being taught alongside creative activities. This week under ‘Home Learning’ booklets are available for each year group. There are also plenty of websites on the resources pages to help. From Monday 8^th June teachers will be posting learning activities to be completed at home, please share these at secretary@st-neot.cornwall.sch.uk, so we can plan the next steps to learning.  

Congratulations to Mrs Martin whose beautiful baby grand-daughter was born Wednesday 27^th May at 7:15am weighing 6lb 7oz.

Take care.

Kind regards

Mrs Bowden

As you are all aware the Government have set out guidelines to welcome children back to school in June. In line with this Dee has sent out letters to all parents through email. If you haven’t already read the information provided please take the time to do so. We will be awaiting your reply by 11am on Wednesday 27^th, May to inform us of your decision on whether your child will be returning in June; this is for parents of Nursery children who will be attending school in September, Foundation, Year 1 and Year 6 parents.  Thank you to those parents who have already informed us.  We are still waiting for guidance for those in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5.

It is half term next week, therefore the teachers won’t be sending out home learning tasks today. As we are preparing for opening the school in June, it is our intention to set home learning tasks from Monday, 8th, June. These will be updated each Monday until the 29^th June, when this will be reviewed.  There are links to home learning resources at https://www.st-neot.cornwall.sch.uk/web/home_learning

Children should be reading on a daily basis. Please access Spelling Shed. Those in Year 1 and above can access TT Rockstars, these should both be completed at least three times a week.  This will help with continuity. Teachers are able to access information regarding progress and then add new and appropriate activities. The learning activities produced for the children by teachers are age appropriate and should be accessible to all children, with adult support for the younger children.  Again this week we have been amazed by the standard of work that has been sent to us through secretary@st-neot.cornwall.sch.uk.

A huge thank you to Kara, Daisy and Elowen for the delicious chocolate cookies, they didn’t last long! Also to Olivia H for the beautiful card and the very thoughtful message inside. These were very gratefully received.

I hope you have an enjoyable week and you are able to enjoy the beautiful weather. We have had an encounter with a hedgehog this week, it wasn’t well and had to be taken to Paws and Prickles for antibiotics. We wish it a full recovery.

Take care

Sam Bowden

15.5.2020

Dear All, 

I hope you are all well.

This is an unprecedented time for us all.

At present we are open to keyworker and vulnerable children. You may be aware the Government have proposed that primary schools will welcome back children in Nursery, Foundation, Year 1 and Year 6, alongside priority groups from the week commencing 1 June. As a school, we are still awaiting clarification on this information. In the meantime, we are working on plans of the feasibility of opening at the beginning of June. It’s a very unsettling time for us all, but rest assured that we’re going to be doing our utmost to ensure that conditions and guidelines set out by the Government are followed.  

We are not going to be pressuring anyone to send their children to school, since you know your children and personal situation best. We will keep you updated with our preparations for making sure that we follow the guidance set out by the Government, so you can make an informed decision.  

We know some employers will be encouraging you to return to work, but we are not in a position right now to extend places to other children until we receive further Government guidance.

Many children continue to work on the activities set by teachers, we are really pleased with the result. In this difficult time we urge you to continue to work with your children on different curriculum areas. Reading is paramount at this time on a daily basis, continue with math strategies and writing. Physical Education and mental health are just as important so please make sure that we don’t lose sight of the importance of these areas too. Please share their work with us, it really makes us proud of their achievements.   

Thank you once again for your support. 

 Take care and keep safe,

Sam Bowden

Message from Mrs Bowden  8.5.20

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you are all well and keeping safe.  At this present time we have been given no indication of when St Neot School will re-open, as soon as we know we will contact you.

Well done to all the children who have sent in their fabulous work, all the teachers are so pleased with the learning that you have been doing at home. Thank you to all the parents and carers who are doing their very best to support their children, you are doing a magnificent job. Please keep it up, remember to read with your child as frequently as possible.

Congratulations to Morgan, Lillian and Harry who completed Mrs Martin’s Quiz, don’t forget to have a look at May’s quiz which is now on the website. Many of you have accessed Spelling Shed and TT RockStars, this is being monitored regularly and updates are made on a Friday, please keep up the good work. These learning resources provide opportunities to develop skills and extend vocabulary.

A big thank you to Ms Gilbert who has donated a bike and a ‘Little Tikes’ car to school. The bike is already being used by keyworker children and the car is ready for the Nursery children to use on their return. 

Year 6 children attending Liskeard School will have had an email which includes information from Wendy Birkbeck, please email Dee if you haven’t received this.

Free e-book – Everybody Worries. In this bright and friendly picture book, children learn that it’s okay to worry about coronavirus. Fun rhyming couplets keep the tone gentle and supportive, and you will find plenty of ideas for dealing with coronavirus in a positive way. https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/books/jon-burgerman-everybody-worries-free-ebook/

Again, I am sure you will join me is saying a huge thank you to all the NHS staff and keyworkers for the fabulous work they are carrying out.

Regards

Sam Bowden

Message from Mrs Bowden 01.05.2020

Dear All, 

I hope you are all well. 

Many of you have been very creative with the learning activities, which is a joy to see. Thank you all for your hard work, especially parents/carers who continue to support, educate and care for their children. It is with your love, generosity, patience and kindness that we will all get through this pandemic.  

At this time many children are using computers and are on line. The guide lines for online safety NSPCC state:  It can be a difficult to know how to start talking to your child about what they’re doing online or who they might be speaking to. But talking regularly, like you would about their day at school, will help your child feel relaxed and mean that when they do have any worries, they’re more likely to come to speak to you. Please visit the website for extra advice:  https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/  

I am very proud of the staff of St Neot and how everyone has pulled together to do their best for the school and community.  Each member of the staff have their own proud moment they would like to share with you, please click on ‘Home Learning’ ‘Proud moments’ to see us all.  I am sure you all have a proud moment that you would like to share with us. Please send these to: secretary@st-neot.cornwall.sch.uk.

If you wish to communicate with any of the teaching staff regarding home learning you can contact them on info@st-neot.cornwall.sch.uk.  Please continue to read on a regular basis, to write using your imagination, be active, enjoy the stunning environment we live in and stay safe.

 Take care and keep safe,

 Best wishes,

 Sam Bowden 

Message from Mrs Bowden 24.04.2020

Dear All, 

I am sure we are all thankful for the beautiful weather we have been experiencing.  It is wonderful to see so many children using their time to create such stunning collages from items that have been collected from their gardens or on walks.

Mrs Martin’s monthly quiz is available on the ‘Home Learning’ page, certificates will be emailed to those who complete the quiz and a prize for those who complete the quiz and send in photo evidence of at least three of the recommendations at the bottom.

Physical exercise is so important, especially at this time. Many of you have been out walking, riding bikes and participating in PE sessions with Joe Wicks.  At school we do this every morning, some of the exercises are really tough!

‘Emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience with whatever life throws at them’ (mentalhealth.org.uk), therefore we must keep talking and take time to look after one another.

Spelling Shed is updated regularly and teachers are monitoring your amazing efforts. TT rockstars is available for Year 1-6, we already have many Rock Stars, well done to all of you.  Posted today on the ‘Home Learning’ page are new learning activities. Please keep reading, the importance of reading for children cannot be underestimated. Reading for pleasure can benefit a child’s education, social and cognitive development, their wellbeing, and their mental health. Therefore, continue to read on a daily basis, Oxford Owl is free at present and has many ebooks available.

Working together, the staff at St Neot School and Nursery continue to strive to make sure that learning activities are regularly provided, pupils are cared for and in addition to this they are ensuring that the school is being prepared for our return, I can’t thank them enough for their hard work.  I would also like to say a huge thank you to parents/carers for their continued support and words of kindness during this unprecedented time.  

 Take care and keep safe,

 Best wishes,

 Sam Bowden 

Message from Mrs Bowden 17.04.20

Firstly, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our keyworkers amongst our school community and our extended families, especially those on the frontline.  It is a time to show our appreciation for all those working for the NHS, care workers, keyworkers and those who support us in this time of need. They are kind, considerate and courageous in their selflessness.  I am sure you were all out last night applauding the NHS and the magnificent work that they are doing at this time of uncertainty.  Well done to Ray and Edward Clarke for playing the trumpet and drums respectively, an amazing effort. I am sure you could be heard for miles!  

We have received some excellent learning that has been accomplished at home, please see the ‘Home Learning’ tab ‘Children’s Work’. Well done to all those that have been able to complete the challenges being set by the teachers and those that are extending opportunities when they arise.  I believe that we have many talented chefs among our pupils, Donna you will need to beware!

Spelling Shed is updated regularly and teachers are monitoring your amazing efforts. TT rockstars is available for Year 1-6, we already have many Rock Stars, well done to all of you.  Posted today on the ‘Home Learning’ page are new learning activities. Please continue to read on a daily basis Oxford Owl is free and has many ebooks available. I am looking into other websites that provide ebooks, we will trial these next week at school.

My exciting news, on Wednesday morning whilst walking to school at 07:42, I heard a cuckoo for the first time this year.  The cuckoo was on Goonzion Moors, it was clear as daylight ‘cuckooing’ continuously for several minutes, it did make me smile, as it wasn’t going to give up!  This is like our children, determined in what they do, successful and full of hope, admirable.  

I wish you all the best at this unpredictable time.

Take care.

Mrs Bowden

Message from Mrs Bowden 03.04.2020

Dear All, 

I hope you are all well and keeping safe. I am sure I speak for all of us by saying a heartfelt thank you to all our keyworkers in this peculiar and unsettled time.

Well done to all the parents/carers who are educating from home as I know already that many of you are finding this challenging, please see our letter of intent on the website. We are all doing our very best at this time, so well done. Congratulations to all the children who are working hard and keeping physically fit. We all need to be aware of our mental health at this current time, keep talking. There are links on the website if you need help.

This week I have seen deer, wagtails, sparrows and finches on my walk to school. The flowers and trees are beginning to bloom. The roads seem to be quiet. The weather has been good to us over the last couple of weeks, which has enabled us to go outside, enjoying the sunshine.

I also applaud those shop assistants that I have seen on their way to work, especially Malcolm and his staff for opening the local shop. With everyone’s support and understanding we will get through this.

 Best wishes to you and your families,

 Sam Bowden 

Good Morning to you all,

I would like to say a huge thank you to you all for your support and understanding through this very difficult time. As you are aware the school is now closed, except for looking after the children of keyworkers and vulnerable children.

The government advice changes on a daily basis, we will endeavour to keep you updated through the website.  On a Friday the information previously posted on the home page will be moved to the tab headed ‘Covid19’. The up-to-date information will then be displayed on the front page. From Friday 10^th April 2020, activities will be posted weekly for each class under the heading ‘Home Learning’. I hope you are enjoying this week’s activities. Please let us know how you are getting on with a short note that you don’t mind us posting on the website, to secretary@st-neot.cornwall.sch.  For any queries with activities enquire at info@st-neot.cornwall.sch.uk.

Walking to school this morning I could hear the birds singing, saw a squirrel scurrying across the moors and the cows happily chewing the grass. Then to my delight I saw a rainbow picture in the Saunders window, a note and picture from Harry and also one from Seb on the notice board outside school wishing everyone well, this really did make me smile, thank you. 

Keep safe and take care,

Sam Bowden

There is now a link on the Home Learning tab to online resources. 

Parents please ensure you check these websites under the guidance from the NSPCC.

These are for parents use.

None of these websites are endorsed by St Neot School.

Message from St Neot Church

Dear all,

 We pray that you are well and safe with support around you at these times.

 A moment of calm

 A little before 6.00pm each day, consider accessing our church website and using the video on our front page to take a moment to be still.

 On the website you find a short video which includes the Church clock striking 6.00pm followed by familiar images and a prayer for you to share.

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 to Sunday)

Please note, we are currently experiencing high volumes of calls. We appreciate your patience at this time and apologise for any wait that you may experience. To ensure that we answer your calls as quickly as possible, we have now extended our opening hours to cover weekends and are increasing the number of call handlers available to answer your calls.

This week has been another busy week. We have plans in place for September, which will be emailed to you on Tuesday, 14^th, July 2020.  These are subject to change if further DfE guidance is received before September.

During the week beginning Monday 22^nd May, the children in school and many of the children at home, took part in the Cornwall School Games 2020. Mrs Bunt led this event in the school setting with challenges in athletics, bowls and ball sports. Over 53 pupils took part and will receive certificates. Mrs Bunt would like to say a huge well done to everyone who took part. The school games are normally held at Poltair School with many other schools participating.   

Olivia H received a 2020 Blue Peter Sport’s badge. She had to try a new sport in her back garden for 10 minutes five times. Olivia received her badge for skipping, well done on earning your new badge, a great way of getting active.

Next week will be the last week for ‘Home Learning’. Well done to all those children who have completed the activities. Oscar is our top Rock Legend – well done.

Take care and best wishes to you all.

Mrs Bowden