Events/News

The Anti-Baddies – Resilience Toolkit

We have been notified of scams surrounding Free School Meals that have been circulating on social media.  We have not received any reports of scams in Knowsley, but at this current challenging time, we would urge everyone to apply caution. With regards to Free School Meals, as per the Government guidance, we are in the process of arranging a voucher scheme which will not involve transferring money or requesting bank account details. Residents are reminded to not give any personal or financial information to someone you do not know, however plausible they may sound.

Genuine organisations would not telephone you to ask for such information. If you receive a letter, email or phone call that you suspect to be bogus, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 for advice. Don’t feel pressured to reveal any information.

‘Little Sunshine’ Mindfulness Pack

Dear Parents / Carers

As you will be aware, Coronavirus is a rapidly changing situation and we have been working with the Department for Education, Public Health England and Knowsley Council to plan for such a pandemic.

As per the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday we have been directed to close schools for most children. We are prepared and ready to respond to this challenge.

We are writing to inform you that Westvale Primary school will close on Friday 20^th March  at normal times and remain closed until further notice. Parents should check our school website for any  new updates.

If pupils are currently absent from school, work will be available for collection at the school office between 2-3pm Friday 20^th March  / or if they are in school, will be sent home with work packs today . The work pack and links provided are for a fortnight and then updates will be provided on class pages on our website.

As advised by the government, we will do all we can to stay open from Monday 23^rd March for the children of key workers (e.g. NHS staff, police, others in frontline services) and children with an EHCP or a social worker who we  will contact  separately. We ask that you contact school if you are a keyworker and require this provision. School will ask you for further information about your role. School will ask you for further details about your requirements –eg. if you need the place all week for example.

We encourage you and your children to continue to follow Public Health England advice on keeping yourselves safe.  Updated information can be found here :

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

Pupils who are eligible for free school meals will have their lunches provided for them.  Further information about this will be communicated to these families in due course.

If you have energy difficulties, the Government has announced that energy suppliers won’t shut people off and families should contact their supplier in the first instance.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and understanding in this matter. Take care.

Angela Afflick

Headteacher

Westvale Primary

Headteacher

Click here for further information and support

Click here for School closure resource packs

Key workers letter – 20 March 2020

Whilst the response to covid-19 is requiring us all to reduce social contact, we are aware that some pupils or parents may still have other concerns which they would like to speak to a School Nurse about. The School Nurses are still available and their area contact details can be found on their website www.nwbh.nhs.uk/school-nurses-knowsley

School Closure – resource packs

FOOD BANKS

The Local Food Banks would like to make parents/ carers aware that families will still be able to access food without the paper vouchers.  Please find a link to the local food banks and opening times below.

https://knowsley.foodbank.org.uk/locations/

SAFEGUARDING ADVICE

As school closes tomorrow, Friday 20^th March 2020, for most pupils please be aware of some helpful hints:

•  Childline, Samaritans, Mind, domestic abuse helplines and other support services that can help children and families. The Knowsley safeguarding website has a range of services listed in one place for both children and parents – www.knowsleyscp.org.uk
• Be aware that children may spend more time online, look on our school web site for online safety advice and resources such as Thinkuknow, SaferInternetCentre and Netaware
• Children are hearing about the Coronavirus too and naturally, may be feeling scared and anxious. Talking with your child about their worries may help. Child Mind Institute and Mindheart have resources that might support you.
• Be aware of  resources that support children and families with their emotional wellbeing e.g. Go Noodle, Calmzone, Headspace
• Try to enjoy time together, maybe ‘digital 5 a day’, enjoy books ,  arts and crafts, encourage play and interaction e.g. Family board games, BBC ‘Tiny Happy People’ .

Take care and keep safe in these challenging circumstances we all face .

Mrs A Afflick and Westvale Staff.