Coronavirus Update: FAQ for Parent & Carers
Is the school shut?
In line with government guidance, the default position is that all schools are now closed. We will continue to offer a provision for children that are classed as vulnerable or who are children of critical workers, however, the Secretary of State has made clear that “if a child can stay safely at home, then they should be at home”. Sending your child in unnecessarily places them and Trust staff at increased risk.
How long will it be closed for?
It is unclear how long we will be closed for; government advice states that ‘schools will be closed until further notice’. We hope to be functioning as ‘normal’ sooner rather than later, but the most important thing is that we take every measure we can to stay safe.
Can I send my child to school?
Only those children who have parents or carers who are on the publicised list of critical workers, or who are deemed vulnerable, can send their children into school. Those who meet the criteria should carefully consider whether alternative arrangements could be made as the Government’s advice is to stay at home unless absolutely essential.
For those children where no alternative safe arrangement can be made, we will be offering a provision at Folkestone Academy for schools from across the Trust. This will run at the following times:
Children of critical workers: 9.00am-3.00pm
Vulnerable children: 9.30am-3.00pm
No other children are able to come to school until further notice.
If you are a critical worker and need to register your child for a place during this time, please contact Folkestone Academy on 01303 842400 or visit the main reception between 9.00am-3.00pm. You will be required to complete a registration form and to show ID evidencing that you are a critical worker.
Easter Provision
We will be offering an Easter provision at Folkestone Primary Academy for the children of critical workers from all Trust schools. Further details will follow shortly.
Where can I get information about school?
We will continue to update our website and share information with you as soon as we have it using our website, Facebook, email and text message.
How can I receive my child’s Free School Meal?
At present we are handing out lunches from outside the school This will cease on Friday 27th March.
After this time Free School Meal vouchers will be distributed by email in the form of e-vouchers and can be used directly at Sainsbury’s on all smart phones (i.e. Apple / Android), they can also be printed and presented at the check out. The first voucher issued will be for £22.00 (£2.20 per day covering two weeks – from 23rd March 2020 – 3rd April 2020). Repeat vouchers will be allocated to the same contact information provided in this form unless you inform [email protected]
If you receive Free School Meals and have yet to apply for free school meal voucher support please complete the online form: https://forms.gle/GYVpGboTSC2B123v5. You will need to complete ONE form for EACH of your children who attends a Turner school.
If you think you would qualify for Free School Meals please email: [email protected] and our finance team will help you with the application.
What do I do if I have a worry or concern while my child is not in school?
If you are concerned about your child being unwell please follow the national guidance for the most recent advice on what to do next:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Use the 111 Coronavirus Service
If you are worried about a child protection, welfare or safeguarding concern please contact via our WORRY BUTTON and the relevant safeguarding lead from you school will contact you. Alternatively, the following agencies will be able to offer assistance:
- Childline 0800 1111 24/7 helpline
- NSPCC- 080 800 5000 [email protected]
- 17 plus age-group LiveWell 0800 57677699
- Chat health text 07520618850- aged 11 to 19 advice around exams stress / sexual health and general health (NHS)
- Salvation Army Folkestone 01303 251379
- Single point of access KMHT – 0300 222 0123
- Samaritans – 2417116123
- Mental health matters – 0800 107 0160
- Crisis text helpline – 85258
- LiveWell 0800 5677699
If I am bringing my child into school what will they be learning?
The school will have limited staff over the next few weeks and therefore are providing a childcare service to Critical families so they are able to go to work. The children who come into school will be doing activities and projects that are not part of the curriculum. Please send your child in their own clothes, not in their school uniform.
What can I do to help my child with learning while they are away from school?
Each school has arranged for children to receive both physical learning packs and have access to online learning materials. We will continue to update these throughout the closure period.
What is happening about exams in the summer term?
All exams and tests have been cancelled. There is limited information about this at this stage but we will endeavour to keep you updated as we receive further information.
Google Classroom Parent Guide
Please click on the link below to learn how to you Google Classroom, Drive and Gmail.
If you do not have log in details please email: [email protected] to request your username and/or reset your password.
How do I upload my work on Google Classroom?
If you need help or information concerning uploading work onto Google Classroom, please refer to the guide below.