Keep up to date with all the news happening in school at the moment.

• School staff lateral flow testing

  Fri 29 Jan 2021

  Staff testing for COVID-19 is planned to begin on 1st February 2021.

   

  Below is some key information about the initiative:

   

  •     Training and delivery took place last week and we will start giving staff their kits from Tuesday January 26th.

  •     Staff who are not shielding and working on site will test at home twice a week with a Lateral Flow Device.

  •     If they have a negative test they will come into work as normal.

  •     If they take two tests (one after the other) and get ‘void’ results they will go and get a PCR (test at a centre) and they will have to self-isolate alongside their household until the result is known. We will then risk assess bubbles that may be affected and communicate any instructions.

  •     If they get a positive result, they will need to self-isolate alongside their household immediately and have the result confirmed by a PCR (test at a centre). We will risk assess bubbles that may be affected and communicate any instructions.

   

  We really welcome this testing program as another way to keep us all safer on site. Our catering staff and teaching students will also be participating in this testing program alongside us, to ensure consistency across our team.

   

• Click and collect book borrowing service from Stevenage library

  Fri 22 Jan 2021

  Parents can order books for their child and themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic using an online form and then collect from a selected library. The books are collected at the library entrance and you are expected to provide your own bag. Staff will remain socially distant and will be wearing face coverings during the collection process. https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/other-library-services/ready-reads.aspx

   

  If families are unable to access online services, please encourage them to contact us on 0300 123 4049 and a member of our team will be able to help fill out the form.

• Book allocations on Bug Club

  Fri 15 Jan 2021

  It has been brought to our attention that some children are not able to access the books that their teachers have allocated to them on Bug Club. They may have some older books in their 'library', but these may not be at the correct level for their reading ability. The problem does not seem to be affecting all users.

   

  We have logged a case with Pearson Support, who run the Bug Club system, and are waiting for an update. We will let you know as soon as the issue is resolved.

   

  In the meantime, your child can read the books they have in their 'library'. Additionally, you may wish to create an account on the Oxford Owl website - www.oxfordowl.co.uk. The site has a wealth of free ebooks that your child can enjoy. We would really appreciate it if you can continue to note down any books that they read in their home reading record, so we have a record of their reading during the current lockdown.

   

  Thank you for your understanding. We are working hard to find a solution to a problem that is beyond our control.

• The application deadline for Reception and Junior school places is Friday 15th January 2021

  Mon 11 Jan 2021

  If your child will be commencing Reception in September 2021, you must apply for your place NOW. The deadline is Friday 15th January. To apply, visit https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/school-admissions/school-admissions-and-transport.aspx

   

  If your child is due to start Year 3 in September 2021, don't forget to apply for your child's place. The deadline is also Friday 15th January. Please be aware that as long as you apply before the deadline given, your child will be guaranteed a place at the Giles Junior School as the two schools are 'linked'. To apply, visit https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/school-admissions/school-admissions-and-transport.aspx.