During the lockdown period, Westbury Leigh Primary School has reported on what’s going in the school.
They report, “Our school has been open throughout the lockdown, initially for keyworkers and some of our vulnerable children and more recently we have increased this to welcome back more children within these categories, as well as R, Y1 and Y6.
“At the beginning of June we began ‘Podlife’ and it has been great to see so many excited and happy faces return to school. Children have really enjoyed being back on school and there have been some great comments like, “Mum, I am so pleased you sent me back – definitely the right thing,” to, “ I have had a great day today!”
“The farm has been a positive feature in encouraging children back into school and special farm visits to see the goats, chickens and ducks have supported even the most reluctant returner with great success; many thanks to the hard work of our family support team who have been in contact with families throughout.
“Our Pods have been doing some fabulous activities, working on key skills and exploring topics such as the water cycle, how we grow and what will we become? A favourite has been the ‘seed heads’, Sophie said ‘I have watched them grow and it has been amazing,” and, Alfie who said, “we’ve made kinetic sand … I am going to make this at home.”
“Teachers have been setting work through Google Classrooms and this has enabled children to work in different ways both at home and in school, some have been uploading their work and getting feedback from the staff, others have worked on paper sharing this through Dojo and getting feedback on their learning this way.
“Staff have been dressing up and reading stories, as well as setting clear teaching instructions on “how to …” to support learning through videos on line, there has also been a weekly assembly from the headteacher and members of the senior team, which is helping to bring the community back together whether in school or at home.”
Mrs Grimsey explained, “The mixed age pods have been a particular success in supporting and nurturing children in their return to school and the children have really benefited from working with mixed ages and a more individualised approach to their learning.
“We have been truly inspired by the way children and families are also working at home on their learning and we are looking forward to seeing everybody back in September.”
“The school has received positive feedback on all its work since the school officially closed; in particular with regard to the smooth speed with which transitions were made and home learning was supported. A great team in a great school – lots to be proud of!”
