Information re: Kepier Opening to all Learners in September 2020

27th August 2020Nicola Ashton

Dear Parent/Carer

I hope that you and your family are well and continue to keep safe during these difficult and unprecedented times. I know that all the staff are looking forward to welcoming the learners back to school in September.

As you may be aware, the Government published guidance on 2nd July stating all learners will return to school in September, full time. The information in this letter outlines how Kepier intends for this to happen encompassing the following principles.

  1. The safety of all learners and staff is our priority.
  2. We will implement all of the system controls specified in the DfE guidance and will actively consider all other aspects of the guidance.
  3. We will continue to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, expertly delivered by well trained and qualified specialist teachers.
  4. All subjects will continue to be taught to all year groups. Some subject level adaptations may be required, to ensure adherence with safety guidelines.

It is important to note that the plans outlined below are subject to change, should the Government change their guidelines before September. If this should happen, we will communicate any changes with you as soon as possible.

Year Group Arrangements

  • The Government recommends that schools reduce the contact between staff and learners; to facilitate this learners will be placed in ‘year group bubbles’.
  • Learners are expected to keep their distance from learners in other year groups and outside their family home.
  • Learners’ coaching groups in years 8 and 9 will be regrouped to facilitate reduced movement.
  • Learners will be taught in zoned areas for the majority of their subjects. For some subjects, including PE, ICT and KS4 options, learners will be guided to specialist teaching spaces.
  • All learners will be advised of the safety measures in place on their first day in school. 
  • To ensure learners are taught by subject specialist teachers, staff will teach in multiple classrooms. In line with guidance, staff are required to keep their distance from learners and other staff as much as possible.
  • Learners will be provided with all equipment they require except a scientific calculator which we are unable to supply.
  • Where movement is required, senior leaders and pastoral staff will oversee this.

Access to the Site including Transport Arrangements

  • Learners are encouraged where possible not to use public transport; they should consider walking or cycling (the bike shed will be relocated to the front of the school site).
  • If learners use public transport they must adhere to the Government guidelines on wearing face coverings.
  • Learners should not walk to and from school with learners from other year groups unless they reside in the same household.
  • If learners from the same household or year group bubble meet on the way to or from school, they need to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • Learners who are travelling by car should be dropped off at the main gates. 
  • Learners who travel by a local authority taxi or have a medical condition requiring them to be dropped closer to the school entrance are allowed to do so but need to have prior permission from Mr Van-Lindon, Senior Leader – Pastoral.
  • Learners should follow the guidance on social distancing when entering the site. 
  • Signage will be displayed around the site directing learners of their entry points.
  • Learners will be able to pick up a grab and go breakfast on the way to their zone, water can be purchased.  
  • Learners will be dismissed from the building by members of the leadership team from 2.50pm.

Below is a table for when learners should arrive on site and where to go:

Wednesday 2/9/20 Thursday 3/9/20 Friday 4/9/20 W/C 7/9/20 onward
Y7 8.30 – Main Entrance 8.10 – Main Entrance 8.10 – Main Entrance 8.10 – Main Entrance
Y8
9.30 – Main Entrance 8.15 – Community Sports Gate 8.15 – Community Sports Gate
Y9 11.00 – Main Entrance 8.15 – Canteen Side Gate (at front of School) 8.15 – Canteen Side Gate
Y10
9.30 – Main Entrance 8.25 – Main Entrance
Y11 11.00 – Main Entrance 8.25 – Community Sports Gate

Moving Around School

  • Learners must enter the school building via their designated entry points. They must wait outside in their designated area until they are instructed to enter the building.
  • Learners may be held outside for a period of time and will need to be clothed appropriately for the weather conditions. 
  • Movement around the school will be limited. 
  • Learners should follow staff instructions and only leave the classroom when directed. 
  • Learners should follow social distancing guidelines at all times.

Break and Lunch Arrangements

  • Learners will remain in their designated classrooms at break time.
  • Learners can pre-order their lunch. In the initial weeks we will only be able to offer a cold menu. Learners can bring a packed lunch.
  • Learners are encouraged to bring healthy snacks, including a full water bottle. Fizzy drinks are not permitted on site and will be disposed of.  
  • Kepier will operate the split lunchtime outlined below:
    • Years 7, 11 and 9H will have their lunch between 11.40am and 12.20pm;
    • Year 11 will be allowed to leave the site if we have received prior permission from a parent or carer. Learners who demonstrate poor behaviour either in school or in the community will not be able to go out for their lunch.
    • Years 8, 10 and 9K will have their lunch from 12.30 -1.10pm. 
  • At lunchtime, learners must remain within a specific area for their year group bubble. All learners will have access to internal and external areas during this time.
  • In the event of adverse weather conditions, all learners will be directed to stay indoors.
  • Payment for pre-ordered lunches will be processed by the catering team. Parents and carers should ensure appropriate funds are available on ParentPay.
  • The allowance for learners who are eligible for Free School Meals will be credited automatically

Uniform

  • All learners will be expected to wear full school uniform. On days when they have Core PE they must wear their PE kit.
  • PE staff will ensure contact is made to remind learners that they have PE – message through Class Charts. 
  • Learners who follow the Football Academy programme should attend school in their full school uniform. They will be able to change into their training kit as part of the timetabled session. All FA learners will be expected to bring their own full drinks bottle with them.

Behaviour

  • Kepier continues to have high expectations of all learners at all times.
  • Behaviour which puts others at risk will not be tolerated. Amendments to the behaviour policy have been implemented and are available to view via the Class Charts Announcement.
  • Mobile phones need to be turned off once learners enter the site.
  • Kepier’s expectations on jewellery, makeup, headphones, chewing gum, etc. remain unchanged.

Attendance

  • Government guidance states that school attendance will be mandatory from September.
  • If your child is absent for any reason, please contact Kepier before 8.30am on the first day of their absence. We will require a reason for their absence.
  • We will follow normal procedures regarding non-attendance. 

Hygiene

  • Hand sanitising will be available for learners on entry to the building. There are additional hand sanitizer stations around the building.
  • We will promote the cleaning of hands regularly in the school environment.
  • We will be insisting that all staff and learners ensure that when sneezing and coughing they have tissues and dispose of them appropriately (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’) and avoid touching their mouth, nose and eyes with hands. 
  • Classrooms, toilets, corridors door handles and handrails alongside other high touch surfaces will be cleaned regularly. 
  • Toilets will be available for all learners to access with additional cleaning throughout  the school day. 

Displaying symptoms and First Aid

  • Kepier will continue to offer First Aid, although, wherever possible, social distancing will be maintained.
  • If a parent thinks that their child has symptoms of coronavirus, they MUST NOT attend school. Parents can ring 119 to request a test kit for their child.
  • If a learner in school thinks that they are experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, they must immediately tell a member of staff.
  • A learner with symptoms of the virus will be immediately isolated by a member of staff wearing appropriate PPE.
  • The parents / carers of a learner who has symptoms of coronavirus will be contacted and they must IMMEDIATELY attend the school to remove their child from the school premises.
  • Learners will be allowed to attend school again after either:
    • 14 days isolation or 
    • a negative test is shown.
  • Any siblings of a learner who is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus will be sent home with their sibling and be subject to Government guidance on self isolation.
  • If there is a positive test within a bubble, Kepier will follow the advice of Public Health England at that time.
  • There is a bespoke learning package available online for learners who are self isolating. This must be followed as soon as they are identified as being off school for this reason adhering to the following: 
    • be contactable during required times (taking into account that learners may not always be in front of a device the entire time);
    • complete work to the deadline set by teachers;
    • seek help if they need it, from teachers or teaching assistants;
    • alert teachers if they’re not able to complete work via Class Charts or Email;
    • use proper online conduct, such as using appropriate language in messages.
  • If you are self isolating, you should ensure that the Government guidelines are followed. 

I appreciate there is a lot of information outlined above and I hope it answers any queries you may have. If you have any further queries, please contact info@kepier.com 

Kepier, and the Coalfields Community has always been unique in its strength and unity. However in recent times this has been even more evident.

The staff has very much appreciated your kind messages, emails and thoughtful comments throughout these difficult times.

I would like to end by taking this opportunity once again to thank you for your continued support and look forward to welcoming the learners back to school in September.

Mrs N. Ashton 

Principal

 

GCSE Exam Appeals Process Summer 2020

26th August 2020Nicola Ashton

GENERAL INFORMATION

Learners were awarded Centre Assessed Grades (CAG) in GCSEs the Summer of 2020 due to the cancellation of exams. 

If you have concerns about your Centre Assessed Grades you should firstly speak to the School and we will look into the grounds for an appeal to the exam boards on your behalf. Please telephone: 0191 512 8960 and provide your name and telephone number.  You can also email: exams@kepier.com

There will be an opportunity for any learner to take the full suite of GCSE exams in the autumn.  These exams will take place from Monday, 2 November 2020 to Monday, 23 November 2020.

The current Appeals Process is outlined by Ofqual here: 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/911286/6671_Student_guide_to_post-16_qualifications_results_-_summer_2020.pdf

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/910603/6672_-_What_to_do_if_you_have_concerns_or_questions_about_your_grades.pdf

The criteria for the grounds to appeal may change and if this is the case, we will inform you as soon as any updates are available.

INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS

The APPEALS Process

  • Initial contact should be made with the school via exams@kepier.com
  • Your concern will be passed to the Assistant Principal with oversight for exams.  Contact will be made |(within 2 working days) with you to discuss your concerns. 
  • The Assistant Principal will look into the grounds for appeal taking into account the following appeal criteria laid out by Ofqual: 
    • The school will check to establish if a mistake has been made when data was submitted to the exam board and an appeal will be made on your behalf.
    • The school will appeal to the exam board on your behalf if it believes that the exam board made a mistake when communicating your grade.
    • The exam board appeals process cannot be used to challenge your Centre Assessed Grade of Rank Order position. You must follow the School’s complaints process here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/18RfwU9CUrD-dd68alqGBC4HSiSunB8ly/view 
    • You cannot appeal because your mock result was higher than your grade.  
  • In the first instance the Assistant Principal with oversight for exams will make an assessment of any grounds to appeal and will check the clerical processes.  If the Assistant Principal (Exams)  is confident that no error has been made a decision will be made that there are no grounds for appeal. 
  • If the learner still wishes to make an appeal they can ask for this decision to be reviewed.  In this case the review will be passed to the Principal . The Principal will make the final decision on whether to support an appeal.  The Principal’s decision is final.
  • Those learners who would like to improve their grade can enter the Autumn Series of exams. 
  • Ofqual will have accessible information about the procedure for learners and families to follow and set up a helpline where appeals can be discussed.

AUTUMN EXAMS

  • Will take place Monday, 2 November 2020 – Monday, 23 November 2020.
  • Exam dates and times for each subject are to be confirmed.
  • If you wish to be entered for an exam in the Autumn series, please contact the School by  25th September for English and/or  Maths and 10th September 2020 for all other subjects.
  • All results will be based on performance in exams alone and not on any Non-Exam Assessment (NEA). The exception to this will be Art & Design/Graphics.
  • Normal arrangements for reviews of marking and appeals will be used. 
  • Learners can only be entered for these exams if they would have taken them in summer 2020. 

NOTE: FOR SUMMER 2020 EXAM SERIES ONLY, THESE ARRANGEMENTS SUPERSEDE KEPIER’S POLICY FOR ‘POST-RESULTS SERVICES, APPEALS, ENQUIRIES ABOUT RESULTS’.

Arrangements for Results Day – Thursday 20th August 2020

17th August 2020Nicola Ashton

We would like to invite you to receive your exam results on Thursday 20th August.  Please attend at the time stated in the table below.  Results will be issued outside, in the area next to The Pod.  In the event of bad weather, results will be issued in the canteen, and you will enter the canteen via the side entrance, near The Pod.  It is important that you attend at your allocated coaching group time to ensure that we can facilitate issuing results as safely as possible.  Please follow the social distancing measure that will be in place.

Coaching Group No. of Learners Time Slot
11.1 18 9am
11.3 20 9.15
11.4 18 9.30
11.5 20 9.45
11.6 17 10.00
11.7 19 10.15
11.8 15 10.30
11.9 18 10.45
11.11 19 11.00
SEMH 5 By appointment with Mrs Read or Mr Lawson 

If you cannot attend at your given time, results will be emailed to your school email address.  Please ensure that you save any documents from the email, so that you do not lose access to them when your email account is deactivated at the end of August.  If you do not have access to your school email account, can you please contact the school in advance, either by telephone to 0191 5128960, or by email to exams@kepier.com;  we will then contact ICT Support, on your behalf.

Information on Kepier Opening to all Learners in September 2020

16th July 2020Nicola Ashton

Dear Parent/Carer

I hope that you and your family are well and continue to keep safe during these difficult and unprecedented times. I know that all the staff are looking forward to welcoming the learners back to school in September.

As you may be aware, the Government published guidance on 2nd July stating all learners will return to school in September, full time. The information in this letter outlines how Kepier intends for this to happen encomposining the following principles.

  1. The safety of all learners and staff is our priority.
  2. We will implement all of the system controls specified in the DfE guidance and will actively consider all other aspects of the guidance.
  3. We will continue to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, expertly delivered by well trained and qualified specialist teachers.
  4. All subjects will continue to be taught to all year groups. Some subject level adaptations may be required, to ensure adherence with safety guidelines.

It is important to note that the plans outlined below are subject to change, should the Government change their guidelines before September. If this should happen, we will communicate any changes with you as soon as possible.

Year Group Arrangements

  • The Government recommends that schools reduce the contact between staff and learners; to facilitate this learners will be placed in ‘year group bubbles’.
  • Learners are expected to keep their distance from learners in other year groups and outside their family home.
  • Learners’ coaching groups in years 8 and 9 will be regrouped to facilitate reduced movement.
  • Learners will be taught in zoned areas for the majority of their subjects. For some subjects, including PE, ICT and KS4 options, learners will be guided to specialist teaching spaces.
  • All learners will be advised of the safety measures in place on their first day in school. 
  • To ensure learners are taught by subject specialist teachers, staff will teach in multiple classrooms. In line with guidance, staff are required to keep their distance from learners and other staff as much as possible.
  • Learners will be provided with all equipment they require except a scientific calculator which we are unable to supply.
  • Where movement is required, senior leaders and pastoral staff will oversee this.

Access to the Site including Transport Arrangements

  • Learners are encouraged where possible not to use public transport; they should consider walking or cycling (the bike shed will be relocated to the front of the school site).
  • If learners use public transport they must adhere to the Government guidelines on wearing face coverings.
  • Learners should not walk to and from school with learners from other year groups unless they reside in the same household.
  • If learners from the same household or year group bubble meet on the way to or from school, they need to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • Learners who are travelling by car should be dropped off at the main gates. 
  • Learners who travel by a local authority taxi or have a medical condition requiring them to be dropped closer to the school entrance are allowed to do so but need to have prior permission from Mr Van-Lindon, Senior Leader – Pastoral.
  • Learners should follow the guidance on social distancing when entering the site. 
  • Signage will be displayed around the site directing learners of their entry points.
  • Learners will be able to pick up a grab and go breakfast on the way to their zone, water can be purchased.  
  • Learners will be dismissed from the building by members of the leadership team from 2.50pm.

Below is a table for when learners should arrive on site and where to go:

Tuesday 1/9/20 Wednesday 2/9/20 Thursday 3/9/20 Friday 4/9/20 W/C 7/9/20 onwards
Y7
INSET DAY
 8.30 – Main Entrance 8.10 – Main Entrance 8.10 – Main Entrance 8.10 – Main Entrance
Y8
9.30 – Main Entrance 8.15 – Community Sports Gate 8.15 – Community Sports Gate
Y9 11.00 – Main Entrance 8.15 – Canteen Side Gate (at front of School) 8.15 – Canteen Side Gate (at front of School)
Y10
9.30 – Main Entrance 8.25 – Main Entrance
Y11 11.00 – Main Entrance 8.25 – Community Sports Gate

Moving Around School

  • Learners must enter the school building via their designated entry points. They must wait outside in their designated area until they are instructed to enter the building.
  • Learners may be held outside for a period of time and will need to be clothed appropriately for the weather conditions. 
  • Movement around the school will be limited. 
  • Learners should follow staff instructions and only leave the classroom when directed. 
  • Learners should follow social distancing guidelines at all times.

Break and Lunch Arrangements

  • Learners will remain in their designated classrooms at break time.
  • Learners can pre-order their lunch. In the initial weeks we will only be able to offer a cold menu. Learners can bring a packed lunch.
  • Learners are encouraged to bring healthy snacks, including a full water bottle. Fizzy drinks are not permitted on site and will be disposed of.  
  • Kepier will operate the split lunchtime outlined below:
    • Years 7, 11 and 9H will have their lunch between 11.40am and 12.20pm;
    • Year 11 will be allowed to leave the site if we have received prior permission from a parent or carer. Learners who demonstrate poor behaviour either in school or in the community will not be able to go out for their lunch.
    • Years 8, 10 and 9K will have their lunch from 12.30 -1.10pm. 
  • At lunchtime, learners must remain within a specific area for their year group bubble. All learners will have access to internal and external areas during this time.
  • In the event of adverse weather conditions, all learners will be directed to stay indoors.
  • Payment for pre-ordered lunches will be processed by the catering team. Parents and carers should ensure appropriate funds are available on ParentPay.
  • The allowance for learners who are eligible for Free School Meals will be credited automatically

Uniform

  • All learners will be expected to wear full school uniform. On days when they have Core PE they must wear their PE kit.
  • PE staff will ensure contact is made to remind learners that they have PE – message through Class Charts. 
  • Learners who follow the Football Academy programme should attend school in their full school uniform. They will be able to change into their training kit as part of the timetabled session. All FA learners will be expected to bring their own full drinks bottle with them.

Behaviour

  • Kepier continues to have high expectations of all learners at all times.
  • Behaviour which puts others at risk will not be tolerated. Amendments to the behaviour policy have been implemented and are available to view via the Class Charts Announcement.
  • Mobile phones need to be turned off once learners enter the site.
  • Kepier’s expectations on jewellery, makeup, headphones, chewing gum, etc. remain unchanged.

Attendance

  • Government guidance states that school attendance will be mandatory from September.
  • If your child is absent for any reason, please contact Kepier before 8.30am on the first day of their absence. We will require a reason for their absence.
  • We will follow normal procedures regarding non-attendance. 

Hygiene

  • Hand sanitising will be available for learners on entry to the building. There are additional hand sanitizer stations around the building.
  • We will promote the cleaning of hands regularly in the school environment.
  • We will be insisting that all staff and learners ensure that when sneezing and coughing they have tissues and dispose of them appropriately (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’) and avoid touching their mouth, nose and eyes with hands. 
  • Classrooms, toilets, corridors door handles and handrails alongside other high touch surfaces will be cleaned regularly. 
  • Toilets will be available for all learners to access with additional cleaning throughout  the school day. 

Displaying symptoms and First Aid

  • Kepier will continue to offer First Aid, although, wherever possible, social distancing will be maintained.
  • If a parent thinks that their child has symptoms of coronavirus, they MUST NOT attend school. Parents can ring 119 to request a test kit for their child.
  • If a learner in school thinks that they are experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, they must immediately tell a member of staff.
  • A learner with symptoms of the virus will be immediately isolated by a member of staff wearing appropriate PPE.
  • The parents / carers of a learner who has symptoms of coronavirus will be contacted and they must IMMEDIATELY attend the school to remove their child from the school premises.
  • Learners will be allowed to attend school again after either:
    • 14 days isolation or 
    • a negative test is shown.
  • Any siblings of a learner who is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus will be sent home with their sibling and be subject to Government guidance on self isolation.
  • If there is a positive test within a bubble, Kepier will follow the advice of Public Health England at that time.
  • There is a bespoke learning package available online for learners who are self isolating. This must be followed as soon as they are identified as being off school for this reason adhering to the following: 
    • be contactable during required times (taking into account that learners may not always be in front of a device the entire time);
    • complete work to the deadline set by teachers;
    • seek help if they need it, from teachers or teaching assistants;
    • alert teachers if they’re not able to complete work via Class Charts or Email;
    • use proper online conduct, such as using appropriate language in messages.
  • If you are self isolating, you should ensure that the Government guidelines are followed. 

I appreciate there is a lot of information outlined above and I hope it answers any queries you may have. If you have any further queries, please contact info@kepier.com 

Kepier, and the Coalfields Community has always been unique in its strength and unity. However in recent times this has been even more evident.

The staff has very much appreciated your kind messages, emails and thoughtful comments throughout these difficult times.

I would like to end by taking this opportunity once again to thank you for your continued support and look forward to welcoming the learners back to school in September.

Mrs N. Ashton 

Principal

 

Y10 Face to Face Sessions w/c Monday 22nd June

21st June 2020Nicola Ashton

The safety and wellbeing of our school Community is our main priority.  We have taken measures to ensure all Government guidelines have been followed. 

 

General expectations and learner conduct
  • Our staff have the highest possible expectations of our learners. When they return, we want them to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, whilst acknowledging this is not “normal”. We are very confident that as a community, everyone will pull together to ensure we all take responsibility for ourselves and each other. If this happens, we are confident the environment at school will be productive, positive and most importantly, safe.
  • A safety briefing will be given to all learners on their first time in the building. 
Curriculum offer 
  • Until the end of term, Kepier will offer some face to face teaching for year 10 learners. 
  • The table below outlines your child’s start and finish time each week:
W/B 22.06.20 W/B 29.06.20 W/B 06.06.20 W/B 13.07.20
Start 8.30am 8.50am  8.50am 8.50am 
Finish 12.30pm 11.50am  12.30pm 11.50am 
Social distancing
  • Learners will be expected to maintain a 2m social distance at all times. 
  • Signage has been installed both inside and outside of the building.
  • Class sizes have been reduced to a maximum of 9 learners.
  • No more than 25% of Year 10 will be on site at any one time.
Hand washing / sanitation
  • All Learners and staff will wash their hands or use hand sanitiser on entering the school.  
  • Additional Hand Sanitizer units have been installed around the building.
  • Learners will be reminded to use Hand Sanitizer throughout their time in the building.
Doors / handles
  • Where possible doors will be propped open in order to prevent handles being touched. 
Uniform
  • Learners are expected to wear their PE Uniform whilst on the premises. This is to ensure washing of clothes is as easy as possible for families. 
  • These should be cleaned before wearing to school the following session.
Equipment
  • Kepier will provide all equipment which is required for their sessions in school until the end of term apart from the scientific calculator.
Break and Lunch
  • Learners will be able to preorder from a limited menu.
  • Refreshments at break will be eaten in the classroom they are based in.
  • A packed lunch is available for collection when leaving the building.
  • Please ensure learners’ Parent Pay accounts are in credit.
Toilets
  • Toilets will be cleaned regularly during the day.
  • Learners will be able to use the toilets throughout the session to avoid any groups gathering.

 
Learners  displaying  symptoms of COVID-19
  • Any learner or member of their household displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should follow government guidelines on self-isolating.
  • Any learner displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should request a test by visiting the NHS website.
  • Learners who start to display symptoms of COVID-19 should report this immediately to their teacher. Learners will be placed in a designated COVID-19 First Aid room and parents / carers contacted to collect immediately. 
Transport
  • Learners should make their own way to the school site. Any Parent transporting their child in a car, can access the school site, but should leave immediately after dropping off. 
  • Learners who are travelling on public transport should check the transport provider’s timetable and follow government guideline for use of public transport. 
  • Please do not arrange to give lifts to children outside of your household.
Access to school buildings
  • There is no access for Parents / Carers whilst the Learners are in school. If you need to discuss anything urgently with a member of staff, please telephone the main school office on 0191 5128960, and they will do their best to assist you.
Leaving school
  • Learners will leave school at their identified time – at the end of each morning session. We will ask that strict social distancing rules are applied. Learners should not congregate or wait for their friends.
School closure
  • In the event that the school needs to be closed, Parents and Carers will be informed as soon as possible. Learner safety is our main priority.

 

 

Key Stage 3 update, June 2020

17th June 2020Nicola Ashton

Dear Parent / Carer, 

I hope you and your family continue to keep safe and well during these very difficult times. On Monday June 15th, the government amended its advice to secondary schools to include ‘face to face’ meetings for all learners to supplement their remote learning. 

Kepier will be holding the following consultation sessions:

Year Group  Session information 
7 Tuesday 14th July 2020 between 1pm and 3pm 

Wednesday 15th July 2020 between 9.30am and 4.30pm 

Thursday 16th July 2020 between 1pm and 3pm 
8 Tuesday 7th July 2020 between 1pm and 3pm 

Wednesday 8th July 2020 between 9.30am and 4.30pm 

Thursday 9th July 2020 between 1pm and 3pm 
9 Tuesday 23rd June 2020 between 1pm and 3pm 

Wednesday 24th June 2020 between 9.30am and 4.30pm 

Thursday 25th June 2020 between 1pm and 3pm 

You will receive a text message with a link to an online form, please complete this form expressing which session you are able to attend. Kepier will confirm a 20 minute appointment. During these sessions your child’s Coach will share feedback from all of your child’s teachers regarding the home learning which has taken place and offer further support as needed.

Best wishes

Nicola Ashton

Principal

Y10 Support

17th June 2020Nicola Ashton

Year 10 Parent Consultations have taken place over the last few days and I would like to thank all parents and learners who have attended. It has been great to see so many families and I know staff, learners and parents have really appreciated the contact.

The Government guidelines have been amended this week and we are pleased to confirm we can now offer some face to face contact with all year groups, as long as we ensure there are limited learners on site at any particular time.

We are now able to offer some face to face teaching and support to Y10  learners until the end of the academic year, to supplement the remote learning we will continue to provide.

From w/c 22nd June, we will be offering learners one session per week of face to face academic support, covering all subjects they study with subject specialists.  Further details on when your child is to attend School will be sent via text before the end of Thursday 18th June.  All activities will follow the Government safety guidelines and each group will be a maximum of nine learners. Learners will be placed in a specific group and due to timetabling complexities, we cannot accommodate any movement.

Equipment will be provided and learners will need to attend wearing their school PE Kit.  If there are any concerns regarding PE kit, please contact info@kepier.com or Mrs Parker : (07513819429).

A limited food menu will be available on the day and therefore please ensure your Parentpay account has sufficient funds.

The offer, as outlined above, will be for all Y10 learners and if you do not wish your child to participate in the face to face sessions, please let us know by replying to the text sent.

Y10 Updated Information

26th May 2020Nicola Ashton

Year 10 Update for Parents

On Monday 25th May, the Government changed its advice and now wants the School to offer face-to-face support to supplement the remote education of year 10 learners and have stated that remote learning should remain the predominant mode of education during the summer term.

The advice states that ‘face to face support’ should not start until 15th June.  Therefore we still intend to provide a consultation session for parents and Y10 learners commencing the week beginning 15th June. Following the initial consultations we will look to offer some further ‘face to face’ support for learners. 

Many thanks to all parents who completed the online form, however due to the change of dates, please complete the amended version here:   https://forms.gle/LeZVpHw2nA3BQ5id7 

Further details on arrangements for any other sessions will be communicated nearer the time. Please note that your child will still be expected to complete the online work which is regularly being set by staff.

Update 14.05.2020

14th May 2020Nicola Ashton

Many of you will already be aware of the recent updates by the Prime Minister announcing a gradual re-opening of schools from 1st June 2020.  This proposal remains under regular review and will only take place if the infection rates remain low.

Currently, there is no change to the current guidance for us and we will continue to provide childcare for those already identified parents whose work is critical to the COVID – 19 response (critical and Key workers only) and those children who are identified as vulnerable.  We will also require evidence of employers’ work hours and contact details to support the current Government lockdown rules.

Key messages from the Government are raising lots of questions and scenarios which we must plan for effectively and we are now waiting to receive more detailed information from the Government, Department for Education about what this will mean for us here at Kepier.

I want to reassure you that I, and the senior leaders here at Kepier have been and will continue to work hard to ensure that the safety of all learners and all staff is paramount and always foremost in our minds.  ALL decisions made about returning, will be based upon the safest way possible to limit the risk of the virus spreading.

We will be using the next few weeks to ensure that we carefully and safely think about the process of re-opening, and that we have all the required measures in place, so that Kepier will be a safe place for your child to return to when the time is right.

I appreciate that many children and their families may be anxious about many things but hope that you continue to trust and support us in making decisions based upon the safety for your child. 

For parents and children in Year 10, part way through Key Stage 4 courses, we understand this is a particularly difficult time.  As soon as we can give you more specific information regarding our plans for what the Government stipulates as ‘some face to face contact with year 10 pupils’, which  ‘will… support to supplement pupils’ remote education.’ we will do so.

In the meantime, ‘home learning’ via our school website and online learning platforms will continue.  Thank you to all those parents who took the time to give us feedback on how we are currently working.  We are constantly reviewing all of our procedures and will inform you of any changes that we make which may improve how we are working. 

If you have any concerns regarding the progress of your son or daughter in any of their subjects please contact the relevant department leaders via email.  We have a fantastic team of staff who are happy to help you and your children at this difficult time.  Department emails can be found here: https://kepier.com/contact-us/

Kepier and the Coalfields Community has always been unique in its strength and unity and in recent times this has been even more evident.  Our weekly Thursday ‘social media’ updates, sharing the hard work and bravery of all of our ex learners is testament to the strength of Houghton as a community.  Please do send any pictures of key workers and care workers to info@kepier.com, with their name and role.

If we continue to work together, supporting each other where necessary, we will get through this period of uncertainty.  All of the staff at school have very much appreciated your kind messages, emails and thoughtful comments throughout these difficult weeks, thank you.

I would like to end by taking this opportunity once again to thank you for all of your courage and support over the past weeks. 

Best regards

Nicola Ashton

Principal

 

New Government Guidelines

21st April 2020Nicola Ashton

For the latest Government guidelines please see link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers#resources-and-support

We continue to remain open for children of critical workers.  However please protect you and your family and wherever possible stay away from School.  If the latest guidelines enables a responsible person including older children to remain at home, please do not send your child to school and contact us to let us know.

Tel: 01915128960

email: info@kepier.com

 

 

Sunday 22.03.2020 Update

22nd March 2020Nicola Ashton

This is important information for parents and carers following updated advice from the Government over the weekend.

The Government’s advice about sending your child to school even if you are a key worker, or if your child is vulnerable, can be interpreted in different ways. Following communication with parents and carers on Friday, events have changed; we need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both learners and staff, so please familiarise yourself with the following information:

The default position is that the school is close

The Secretary of State has clarified his initial comments, and now says that ‘if a child can stay safely at home, then they should be at home’. Sending your child into school, places both them and the staff at greater risk.

Children in Care/EHCP/Social Worker attached

Parents of children with social workers or children with an EHCP do not have to send children into school, it is the parents’ or Carers’ choice.

Children of Key Workers

Again, a consensus has emerged which replaces previous advice. Even if you are a ‘Key Worker’ yourself, please ask whether your secondary school age child can remain at home. Is there another parent / carer who is not a ‘Key Worker’? Are they old enough to be left at home for periods of time during the day safely, as they would be during school holidays or weekends? We need to reduce the list of children who we are expecting to attend Kepier on Monday to an absolute minimum.   If you did not complete the online form on Friday, your child will be sent home as we have not planned for their provision.

 

We have received a number of enquiries regarding Covid 19. Outlined below are our responses to some frequently asked questions:

Attendance

We will only accept learners onto the school site who we know in advance will be at School.

Contacting Kepier 

We will  keep parents / carers updated through our website: https://kepier.com/category/school-closure-updates/ 

We will also use other platforms such as Facebook, Class Charts and MyEd. 

If you have any queries, please contact info@kepier.com  

Members of the senior leadership team are continually monitoring this email address and will be able to advise accordingly. 

Free School Meals

We are currently working with the Government  to ensure that parents and carers of learners who are eligible for Free School Meals will receive payment.  We are anticipating that this will be activated within the coming days.   If you are struggling, please get in touch.

Trips and Visits

During this period, we have  cancelled all trips, visits and events which were scheduled to take place until the end of this academic year. Parents and Carers will receive a full refund of any payments they have made. Parents and Carers will be contacted individually regarding refunds, please bear with us on this, we will refund as soon as possible.

Information from Parent Pay

Parent Pay has sent out a blanket message that they will not refund balances on accounts. This is not a school decision. However,  we are considering the best way to refund parents and carers of learners who have a significant amount of credit on their account.

Online Learning Platforms 

During this period, every learner has access to their learner homepage and the login details which are needed to access the system. Department Leaders have ensured there is work for learners to complete. Kepier uses a number of online learning platforms such as: GCSE Pod, Hegarty Maths and Educake. All learners have their usernames and passwords. 

If your child is unable to access the internet, we have produced paper based workpacks for them to complete.  Please email info@kepier.com if your child does not have access to the internet via their mobile phone whilst at home and we will send you a pack.

Period Poverty

During school closure, we will continue our support to tackle ‘period poverty’  by ensuring that free sanitary products are available to those learners in need. Please contact your child’s Year Manager via email if you need to access this service.

Virtual School Nurse service

The school nursing service is available via an online service, this can be accessed through our school website.

Mental Health Support 

Xen Zone (Kooth.com) are continuing to provide a free online counselling and support service. Kooth.com which is available to all young people between the ages of 11-18 years old and for care leavers up to 25 years old.

Xen Zone is accredited by the BACH and a trusted partner of the NHS. Kooth.com has been commissioned by Together for Children and Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group to provide a safe and confidential service for young people to receive advice and support. 

Year 11 GCSE Results 

On Friday, it was announced that the exam regulator, Ofqual as well as exam boards, will work with teachers to provide appropriate grades to learners whose exams have been cancelled this summer. Ofqual will develop and set out a process that will provide a calculated grade for each learner which reflects their performance as fairly as possible.  They will work with the exam boards to ensure this is consistently applied for all students. Information regarding how learners collect their GCSE results will be shared with year 11 parents and carers directly, once results have been confirmed by the government.

Year 11 Leavers arrangements 

During these unprecedented times and following the Government’s decision to close schools, our year 11 learners are no longer expected to attend Kepier. We want to ensure that the year 11 learners are able to celebrate their time with us like other year groups have. With this in mind, we will still be producing a yearbook and leavers hoodies will be available to purchase. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the Prom, however, we are looking to hold an event in September 2020 and details will follow shortly.

 

We would like to thank you for all your support during these very difficult and unprecedented times and please do contact us if you have any further queries:

info@kepier.com.