Westcountry Schools Trust
Westcountry Schools Trust
Latest News
Coronavirus Information - Main Reception is not currently manned. For any non-emergency queries please email enquiries@callingtoncc.net .
Read MorePlease note that due to only a small number of staff being in College at any one time, Main Reception is not currently manned.
For any non-emergency queries please email enquiries@callingtoncc.net .
If you have an emergency, please call 07935 935489.
Dear Parents and Carers
Updated Information and guidance we receive from the Government, NHS and Public Health England will show here and be issued to Parents/Carers via School Comms. We have included previously issued communication on this page.
Best Wishes
Wendy Ainsworth
Principal
Distance Learning
Read MoreIn the event of a school closure, it is important that progress in learning doesn’t just stop.
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NCS Experience
Read MoreDesigned specially for 16 and 17 year olds, the NCS experience will give you a clearer idea of what you want from your future.
Outdoor Learning Idea #2
Read MoreEach week, we'll provide you with an outdoor learning idea that could be done from your back garden! Click the link to find out idea number 2...
Outdoor Learning During Lockdown
Read MoreEach week, we'll provide you with an outdoor learning idea that could be done from your back garden! Click the link to find out this week's.
Weekly Student Bulletins for all Year Groups
Read MoreAs you can see from our website homepage we have some wonderful images of the Years 11 and 13 students on their last day at College.
Please follow this link to view more images in the Gallery.
Please also follow this link to download images taken on the day - www.clairetregaskis.co.uk and use the password: iccmarch2020 in the client login area.
Covid-19- ParentPay visit and trip information updates
Read More
**Update 03.04.20**
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Please see tabs at the bottom of this page for Ofqual letter to students, parents and carers re - Summer 2020 grading.
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The Key Worker registration form has been updated to include bookings until Friday, 24 April 2020
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College Trips and visits 2020
3 April 2020
Dear Parents and Carers
College Trips and Visits 2020
Thank you for your patience and understanding with regards to the recent and developing Covid-19 outbreak in the UK and its impact on future planned trips and visits at
Ivybridge Community College.We are constantly monitoring government advice and applying this across our College risk assessments and procedures and understand that parents may have concerns with the uncertainty around travel restrictions, self-isolation and social distancing advice.
We are working closely with our insurance providers and tour operators and receiving regular updates and advice.
The College will be communicating and posting our own directives as and when we receive them. To assist with this process may we politely request you observe the following points:
- Please do not make any further payments via ParentPay.
- Please do not request individual refunds via ParentPay.
- Please do not email the College requesting individual refunds.
- Refunds will be organised through ParentPay. Please rest assured that you will receive refunds but it may take slightly longer to organise given the volume of refunds we are dealing with. If your financial need is very urgent, please contact us and we will try to help you.
Please be assured the College is doing its utmost to ensure the safety of our students and to protect payments that have already been made. We thank you in advance for your support through this difficult time.
Yours sincerely
Amy Pearce
Assistant Principal
**Update 02.04.20**
- Please follow the link here for offers from Amazon regarding free Kindle A Level CGP Head Start resources and other useful support information for parents and students.
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The Key Worker registration form has been updated to include bookings until Friday, 17 April 2020
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Transport requirements for Educare - please read the **Update 24.03.20** information below regarding contacting the relevant transport providers. Do you need the bus to run? If YES, then please contact your bus company directly to arrange pick up times.
**Update 27.03.20**
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The Key Worker registration form has been updated to include bookings until Friday, 17 April 2020
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Transport requirements for Educare - please read the **Update 24.03.20** information below regarding contacting the relevant transport providers. Do you need the bus to run? If YES, then please contact your bus company directly to arrange pick up times.
Dear Parents and Carers
Stay at home. Save lives. Anyone can spread coronavirus
We ask all our parents and carers to remind and re-enforce the U.K. government’s message with our students at home.
#StayHomeSaveLives
We must all do our bit to fight coronavirus. Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.
Do not meet up with people you do not live with. This is for everyone's safety.
Do not meet up with family members from outside of your household. This is for everyone's safety.
We know they will want to go out and meet their friends and this is incredibly hard for all of us, especially with the spring weather.
This is what we can all say at this time:
- We are staying in so we can go back out
- We’re staying apart so we can get back together
Don't put lives at risk. Follow the rules. Stay at home.
#StayHomeSaveLives
Weekly Bulletin
The relevant Academic Performance Leader for your child will be sending them a weekly bulletin via their College email, commencing on Monday, 30 March 2020, and will then send it weekly (at the end of the week) during term time.
The purpose of the weekly bulletin is to keep our students updated during the COVID 19 closure period; any advice updates from the government, their home learning,
well-being and any relevant information for their specific year group.Thank you for your ongoing messages of support and best wishes to our staff for the work they are doing supporting children with work at home and supervising the children of key workers in College.
It is times like these that working together is imperative. Like you we want the best for your child and it really makes the difference to know we are working together so all our hardships now are for a better and happier tomorrow.
Many thanks for your understanding during these challenging times.
Please stay safe and take care.
Best wishes
Rachel Hutchinson
Principal
**Update 26.03.20**
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Please can all parents/carers ensure that their child/ren bring a packed lunch and drink with them if they are attending Educare at Ivybridge Community College. Unfortunately, after today we will not have any provision to provide meals.
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From Monday, 30 March can all students attending Educare at Ivybridge Community College please register in the Haring Building by 9.00am.
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The Key Worker registration form has been updated to include bookings for w/c 30 March 2020
**Update 25.03.20**
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Due to exceptionally high demand causing issues with students being able to access their work the College now uses Foldr https://foldr.ivybridge.devon.sch.uk/ . We had 1200 students log in yesterday using Foldr, keep up the good work!
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Department for Education’s information about a Free School Meals scam. The text as reported by The Guardian is below.
We have been informed some parents have received an email stating: ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported’. This is a scam email - do not respond, and delete immediately.
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Transport requests - please see the information in the Update 24.03.20 below regarding important bus request requirements.
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The Key Worker registration form has been updated to include bookings for w/c 30 March 2020
**Update 24.03.20**
Following the government’s most recent announcement, all Ivybridge Community College, Plymouth and Devon buses are running only if required. If your child requires transport to and from Educare and usually uses a Devon, Plymouth or Ivybridge Community College bus please ensure that you email the appropriate contact below before midday on the day before transport is required. Please indicate which route and stop your child needs to be collected from:
Ivybridge Community College minibus (Diptford, Totnes and Wembury): indicate here which route and stop you require. Also, a contact telephone number.
Tallyho: please email leemill@tallyhocoaches.co.uk by 12.00 noon, the day before transport is required letting them know the route and stop that your child needs to be collected from. Tallyho will then let you know what time your child will be collected.
Devon: schooltransportservicequeries-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Any other transport issues please let us know.
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The Key Worker registration form has been updated to include bookings for w/c 30 March 2020
**Update 23.03.20**
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Coronovirus - Support Information and resources for parents and students
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The Key Worker registration form has been updated to include bookings for w/c 30 March 2020
**Update 20.03.20**
Please read the Principal's letter to Key Worker Parents
Please read the letter 'COVID-19 - Parent Carer Update - 20 March 2020' - Re: Coronavirus update
Please follow the link here to access the registration form for ‘Edu-care’ for the children of ‘key workers and (those who are) vulnerable’.
Please be advised that we have been informed that the College buses will run as normal next week.
**Update 19.03.20**
Please read the letter 'COVID-19 - Parent Carer Update - 19 March 2020' - Re: Coronavirus update – school closure to most pupils
Please see below a letter from Rachel Hutchinson, Principal -
Dear Parents/Carers
I am writing to let you know that I have met with all Year 11 and Year 13 students in order to keep them informed and offer support. The College’s priority is to work closely with professionals to ensure the best outcomes for our students. The College is in the process of setting up a direct contact email address which Year 11 and Year 13 students will be able to use if they require advice and guidance during this unprecedented time.
In the meantime, there are several meetings taking place today and I will keep you updated accordingly.
Best wishes
Rachel Hutchinson
Principal
**Update 18.03.20**
Dear Parents/Carers
Following another successful day at the College, the decision has been made with the approval of the Governing Board, to have a partial closure on Thursday, 19 March 2020. This decision has not been taken lightly and reflects current staffing and capacity across the College to ensure we maintain the quality of Teaching and Learning.
Therefore, all students will be given notification via their tutors this afternoon that Years 8, 9 and 10 will remain at home from Thursday, 19 March until further notice. All students will receive appropriate information to enable them to continue with their studies.
The expectation is that Years 7, 11, 12 and 13 will attend College as normal on Thursday, 19 March and Friday, 20 March. Year 11 students will continue with their mock examinations and normal lessons as planned.
Please may I ask you to refer to the College website for regular updates and I thank you for your continued support.
Best wishes
Rachel Hutchinson
PrincipalStudents have received information today (18.03.20) during Tutor time regarding preparations for a potential College closure.
Please see below for advice and guidance letters.
Please also find below information regarding guides for students and parents / carers to support Learning at Home.
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Key Worker Survey
Read MorePlease follow the link below to the Key Worker survey in order for the school to anticipate how many children will be attending from Monday 23rd March.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7PNBBJH
Coronavirus - Latest Updates
Read More
New domestic campaign launched as cases expected to increase
Partner agencies across Devon and Cornwall are launching a campaign to raise awareness around domestic abuse and have warned that it may increase in the coming weeks due to the impact of Covid-19.
However, they want to reassure communities that victims will still have access to vital support services despite the current uncertainty.
The campaign will highlight the fact that whatever type of abuse takes place, be it physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial, the abuser is trying to control the victim and uses abuse and/or violence to achieve that control. It will also tell victims how to access help and support.
Superintendent Sharon Donald of Devon & Cornwall Police said, “Sadly, as schools close and home working is encouraged, Covid-19 may cause a rise in domestic abuse. The cycle of violence may intensify with people having to isolate themselves and being unable to socialise in the normal ways. It is important that victims know how and where to get advice and support and that they know they can report by phone and online.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, is responsible for delivering victim care in the area and works closely with the Victim Care Network to ensure that help is on hand to those who need it including to victims of domestic abuse.
She said: “Unfortunately we have to prepare for a rise in incidents of crimes such as domestic abuse that might go hand in hand with a period of mass isolation. Sadly, some children are safer when they attend school regularly as it’s through them signs can be spotted that something might be wrong and picked up and reported.
“It is crucial that victims get straight to the services they need as quickly as possible and the launch of live chat means that they will be able to do exactly that. I would urge any victim of abuse to seek help even if you don’t want to report it to the police, there is a range of support available.
The campaign will be rolled out via digital media and will include mobile phone banner messaging. It aims both to raise awareness that domestic abuse may increase with people self-isolating, and to reassure people that help is available during these unprecedented times.
Anna MacGregor at Safer Futures, which provides support for victims in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Covid-19 will have a serious impact on the lives of those living with domestic abuse. For some people, home is not always a safe place, which might mean that the prospect of physical distancing or self-isolation may be causing some adults and children to feel additionally anxious, at an already difficult time.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that specialist support continues to be available to everyone that needs it. Some services are restricted to delivering non-face to face support, due to current health concerns. However, the support is still here for you and your family, refuges are still running, and specialist domestic abuse workers are still working to respond to your needs and help you to stay safe.”
Chrissy Stower of Splitz, which provides support to victims across Devon, said:
“We see too often that at times of heightened anxiety a rise in the number of incidents of domestic and sexual violence, just as we are hearing now from reports in China.
“The restrictions on people’s movement, financial concerns as employment sees a downturn, the temporary closure of schools to some children, the fear of this virus and the uncertainty about the future – these are all factors that increase the risk of domestic abuse within the home.
“Right now, our message to people across the region, is that there is no excuse for domestic abuse. There is no part for it in our society. To victims, I say that while you may feel alone, you are not alone. There is help. There is support. There is safety to be found for you and your children. We are here to support you.”
Resources/help
Live Chat is a web-based support service that will be available to victims in Devon and Cornwall 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is anonymous, confidential and free to use. To access it please visit victimsupport.org.uk or visit the Victim Care website – www.victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk. Victim Support will still offer telephone support on 0808 031 8178.
In addition to the web chat facility, other channels for victim support are still available. The Victim Care Unit can be contacted on 01392 475900 from 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm at the weekend. Information on the practical and emotional support on offer is available at victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk.
In a non-emergency, you can also report a crime 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 101 webchat or on the online crime reporting form - both on the force website – www.devon-cornwall.police.uk. There’s also a useful AskNed system that provides online advice on a range of issues and by signing up to Neighbourhood Alert regular updates and information can be received from the OPCC. This can be done via devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk.
Crime can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website – www.crimestoppers-uk.org
The situation continues to change rapidly so for up to date advice on the Covid-19 virus please visit the Force website – www.devon-cornwall.police.uk and www.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
Please contact Tamsin Boyde on 07525 406242 to arrange interviews.
Staying at home guidance
Yesterday, the Prime Minister addressed the nation on coronavirus (COVID-19) and asked people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes.
There is no change in guidance for education settings, which remain closed except for the children of critical workers and vulnerable children. We continue to ask that parents keep their children at home, wherever possible.
The full stay at home guidance is available at:
For children coming in to school as of Monday 23rd March 2020, the following measures/precautions must be taken:
Own clothes to be worn which are fresh on – we recommend putting clothes straight in the washing machine once returning home from school to minimise and control the spread of infection.
Up to date contact details for family members must be available within school and emergency contact details should your child become poorly/exhibit symptoms of contracting coronavirus.
We must register your child in and out of the premises by somebody who either has parental responsibility or has been nominated by yourselves, as long as you are all fit and well and not showing symptoms of coronavirus.
If you become unwell with coronavirus symptoms, you must immediately contact school and arrange for collection of your child.
Social distancing must be enforced whilst your child is not in school if we are to prevent/minimise the spread of infection.
School must be informed if you no longer fall within the critical worker list or you have been asked to self-isolate.
Thorough hand washing to take place at home just before leaving the home.
Lastly please keep yourselves and your children safe, for further updates please keeping checking the school website.
COVID 19
Update from the DfE:
From Friday 20 March schools, childcare and other educational settings are closed for everyone except:
- children of critical workers
- vulnerable children
We have published guidance for parents and carers:
Critical workers
If parents’ work is critical to the coronavirus response, their children will be prioritised for early years and education provision.
The Government has published a list of critical workers:
COVID 19
Earlier guidance for households with symptoms
Yesterday, the Government introduced new guidance on whole household isolation in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:
- if you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started
- if you live with others and you or another member of the household have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill. It is likely that people living within a household will infect each other or be infected already. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community
- for anyone in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14-day isolation period.
The symptoms are:
- A high temperature (37.8 degrees and above)
- A new, continuous cough
The full stay at home guidance for households with these symptoms can be found here:
The Prime Minister’s statement from Monday 16 March can be found here:
Temporary suspension of Ofsted inspections
Ofsted is to temporarily suspend routine inspections of schools, colleges, early years settings, children’s social care providers and local authorities to reduce the burden on staff who are providing vital services to the nation in response to coronavirus.
The current medical and scientific advice is for schools and other educational establishments to stay open. If this changes and the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser say closing schools, colleges, and early years settings is in the best interests of children and teachers the Department will take that step.
The full announcement made by Gavin Williamson can be viewed here:
CORONAVIRUS: The importance of hygiene
Personal hygiene is the most important way we can tackle COVID-19, especially washing hands more; and the catch it, bin it, kill it strategy for those with coughs and sneezes.
How to wash your hands properly
Wash your hands more often for 20 seconds with soap and hot water.
Watch this short NHS film for guidance:
Teach young children how to wash their hands with the NHS handwashing song:
Public Health England recommends that in addition to handwashing before eating, and after coughing and sneezing, everyone should also wash hands after using toilets and travelling on public transport.
Roman Day in Year 3 at Stowford School
Read MoreYear 3 Children have recently enjoyed a fantastic curriculum day focusing on their current topic about 'The Romans'.
Stowford School cares about climate change
Read MoreAll children at Stowford School have been focusing upon Climate Change and what they can do to help.
The School is Closed except for Emergency Care for Key Workers. For Coronavirus Information
Read More
(COVID-19) Letter from Rob Haring - CEO of WEST
Read MorePlease see attached information from the Trust regarding COVID-19
Online Safety Newsletter
Read MorePlease find attached the Online Safety Newsletter for April.
This may be particularly useful this month given that lots of you are now learning online.
Keep safe, keep in touch and we look forward to seeing you all soon!
The Team at Yealmpton Primary School!