Here you will find the highlights from our 'latest news.'

Day to day, 'Valewood Way' updates can be found on our school Twitter & Instagram pages @ValewoodPrimary.

• Multi Academy Trust Proposal

  Wed 14 Jun 2023

  Consultation on proposed academy conversion and forming a Multi Academy Trust (MAT)

   

  The school’s governing body has decided that they wish to explore converting to an academy and form a Multi Academy Trust (MAT).  The academy consultation letter and feedback form can be found under the 'Key Information' tab.

• 20th to 31st March 2023 - Walk and Wheel Weeks - High-Vis Jackets Donated by Barratt Homes

  Fri 24 Mar 2023 Press Release

  Valewood Primary School’s New High-Vis Jackets from Barratt Homes

   

  Pupils at Valewood Primary School in Crosby recently received a donation of hi-vis vests from Barratt Homes to help them shine bright ahead of the Big Walk and Wheel Weeks.

   

  The Merseyside housebuilder gave the school 35 of the hi-vis reflective vests for its pupils to wear whilst walking or cycling to and from school and out on trips, to ensure they can be easily seen on the roads during darker mornings and nights.

   

  Led by Sustrans, the Big Walk and Wheel takes place from 20^th to 31^st March and encourages pupils to ditch the car or bus in favour of walking, cycling or scooting to school. This is with the aim of promoting active journeys and being more environmentally friendly.

   

  According to figures from the 2021 National Travel Survey (NTS) and 2020-2021 Active Lives Survey (ALS), the number of children walking or cycling to school is falling. In 2021, 46% of children aged between five and 16 walked or cycled to school, a decrease from 50% in 2020.

   

  The government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy features a target to increase the percentage of children that usually walk to school to 55% in 2025.

   

  Helen Tantouri, Headeacher at Valewood Primary School, said: “We were thrilled to be approached by Barratt Homes and said, ‘Yes please!’ to the offer of high-vis jackets, straight away! Our children love learning outdoors and the high-vis jackets will prove very handy when the children are walking to and from their Forest School sessions, off-site.  Many of our children, and indeed their parents and carers, cycle to school.  We always encourage families to do so, whenever possible, to minimise congestion outside the school at busy drop-off and pick-up times. Thanks to Barratt Homes for donating these excellent quality, high-vis jackets which we will wear with pride.’
   

  Valewood Primary School is located nearby Barratt Homes’ Sundial Place development in Thornton and the donation of hi-vis vests is another part of Barratt Homes’ outreach to the local community.

   

  School trips are a valuable part of the primary school curriculum as well and the reflective vests will give teachers, parents and pupils alike the extra peace of mind that they are visible to motorists.

    

  Philippa Stewart, Sales Director at Barratt Homes North West, said: “We want to ensure the pupils in the local communities remain visible whilst walking and cycling to and from school, and our donation will hopefully encourage them to safely practice the Big Walk and Wheel Weeks.''

   

  “Our development is located close to Valewood Primary School, so as families move into their new homes it is important for us to support campaigns such as this and encourage young children to stay safe whilst travelling to and from school.”

   

  Barratt Homes’ hi-vis vests will be particularly useful for Big Walk and Wheel Weeks, whilst being certain to benefit the pupils in their future excursions throughout the school year.

  

• We Are a UNICEF GOLD Rights Respecting School!

  Mon 17 May 2021 Ms Tantouri

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  It gives me great pleasure to share our good news with you all…

   

  VALEWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL IS OFFICIALLY… AN UNICEF ‘GOLD’ RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOL!

   

  On 23rd February, our Rights Respecting School Ambassadors and a selection of children (chosen randomly from each year group) joined me; Mrs Parr; a number of staff; parents and a governor, so that the UNICEF assessors could interview us all for our GOLD RRSA accreditation. Mrs Parr, having led the RRS Ambassadors through our Silver accreditation, back in 2018, increased our expectations (over subsequent years) and enabled our community to be conversant with the United Nations Charter on the Rights of the Child, to the highest standard.

   

  The UNCRC is at the heart of all that we do at Valewood and this has been our vision, since I became the Headteacher. We are all so proud, 10 years after the Charter was introduced to the staff and children in school, that we are now one of only 350 schools who have this GOLD accreditation in the UK. What an amazing achievement for our special, school community.

   

  THANK YOU, to you all: children, parents, carers, staff, governors, external agency partners, for contributing to what makes Valewood shine. This report is exemplary. The assessors were highly impressed and very vocal in their praise, when they gave us feedback. It was quite emotional hearing what they had to say. What is not a surprise is that the voice of the children is loud and clear within the report and this only exemplifies how much we value their contributions on a daily basis. Please make the time to read the report and take credit for your contribution in making our children the global citizens they are becoming. We could not ask for better, working partnerships with our families and I am so thankful for each and every one of you. Thank you.

   

  On Friday, much to all of our excitement, Mr Kelly (Ben’s dad in Team 4) came to school on a surprise mission with his licensed drone to take footage of us all celebrating this wonderful achievement. It was another landmark moment at Valewood and one I know we will all remember for years to come. (Lucky neighbours who got to enjoy the squeals of joy!) The sun was shining on us and we all had the best time. It’s been so long since I have been able to speak to all the classes at once. It felt marvellous!

   

  With all best wishes, #ProudHT…Helen Tantouri

• School Virtual Tour

  Fri 18 Dec 2020

  Please find a link to our School virtual tour - 

   

  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wMpKh2hHglLKcsS2AJTu6Cu4IdiUHSEd/view?usp=drivesdk

• Latest News Ahead of Local Changes on Tuesday 22nd September 2020

  Mon 21 Sep 2020 Ms Tantouri

  Dear Parents and Carers,  
   
  These are certainly challenging days we find ourselves living in.  I am writing to you on Monday, this week, to give you the latest news, as expectations have already changed since my last newsletter.  
   
  Updated Expectations at Drop-Off & Pick-Up Times

  Thank you to you all for following the Sefton Council guidance shared with you late on Thursday.  All visitors must now wear a face covering when entering the school grounds.  School staff will also be wearing a face covering when out on the playground at drop-off and pick-up times.  The more the children see us wearing our face shields/ face masks, the more accustomed they will become with the changes.  I know, especially for the little ones, it can be a little distressing (at first) to see their teachers with a face covering, but after the initial surprise, I know that the children will get used to this new way of working.  On Friday, in my attempt to normalise this new expectation, I asked all the children (whilst wearing my new visor) if they thought I ‘was rocking the new style?!’  This made the children (and some of the staff!) smile/ laugh, I even got a sign language ‘fantastic/ thumbs-up’ from Team 4!  On a serious note though, I do thank you all for your continued support and co-operation.  
   
  Play Equipment Before & After School

  Signs have been put up around school to ask you all kindly not to allow your children to play on the outdoor play equipment, before and after school.  This is because the play spaces are designated for named bubbles during the school playtimes and we cannot have children from other bubbles playing on there- for obvious reasons.  Again, I thank you for your understanding.  
   
  Keep Your Distance  

  To minimise the number of adults coming on site, only one adult should be coming into school to drop-off and collect any child/ren from one family.  Please adhere to your designated drop-off and pick-up times.  Furthermore, we kindly ask you all not to congregate together/ to stop and chat on the playground and moreover to observe the social distancing expectations set out in our Back to School Plan.  Once you have handed over your child/ren and collected them, please make your way out of school, following the one-way system, keeping your distance from families in front of you.   
   
  Updates on After School Club Provision

  Unfortunately, there will be no After School Club provision for at least the remainder of Autumn 1.  Please know that, unfortunately, we have failed to recruit appropriate staff (due to a lack of applications) to ensure we can resume this important provision any sooner.  We are advertising the position of After School Manager and playworkers again and, in the interim, the governors have agreed that we seek out tenders from privately run organisations in the hope that we may have some provision sooner than we can safely recruit staff for our own provision.  It has not been for a want of trying, believe me.  I know that, for some of you, this will not be welcome news and I apologise for the inconvenience this is causing some families.  As soon as I have more information, I will let you all know.  Breakfast Club continues to run, with bookings made in advance.  N.B. From w/b 5th October, if you have booked a place and your child does not attend, you will still be charged.  
   
  COVID-19 Testing: N.B. If someone in your household has had a test, all members of the household must isolate until the test result returns.

  As we have moved further into Autumn 1, we have had a few children tested for COVID-19.  Thankfully, all tests have come back negative, so far.  Please email Mrs Kearney at admin.valewood@schools.sefton.gov.uk following a test being administered, sharing the test result via this email address too.  Thank you.  

   

  I have been advised, this morning, by Public Health England, to share with you the following information: From Tuesday 22 September, new local measures are being introduced across Merseyside to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  This means that from (tomorrow) Tuesday 22nd September 2020:                                                                                                                              

  1.Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes/ gardens.                                                                                                                          2.Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only.                                                        3.Late night operating hours will be restricted, with Leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm to 5am.                                                  4.Residents are also advised only to use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work and to avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators. 

   
  It is important that people follow the latest government guidance...  
  Cheshire and Merseyside’s Directors of Public Health are encouraging all residents to play their part by: 
  • washing your hands;

  • avoiding crowds;

  • keeping your distance;

  • using face coverings;

  • staying at home and getting tested if you have symptoms. 

  
  There are walk-through test sites in Bootle Town Hall and Southport Town Hall and mobile coronavirus testing units are at locations across the Borough most days.  
  If you have the COVID-19 symptoms of: 
  • a high temperature;

  • a persistent cough;

  • loss of taste or smell you should get a test.                                                                                                

  To make an appointment: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.  

  If you don't have symptoms, you don't need a test.          

                                                           
  Cheshire and Merseyside Test and Trace  

  Over the last few weeks we have seen an unprecedented demand for testing.  NHS Test and Trace figures show that between mid-June and the end of August the number of people getting tested for the first time rose by 63% - and this trend continues. The Testing Programme in Cheshire and Merseyside is experiencing continued exceptionally high demand.  As such, at this time of high demand it is crucial that:  
   
  • People only get tested if they develop one or more of the main coronavirus symptoms:      

  a high temperature;      

  a new, continuous cough;      

  or the loss or change of their sense of taste or smell;      

  or they are recommended to get tested by a healthcare provider (e.g. GP or nurse).
   
  • Pupils and students who feel unwell with other symptoms for example with a sore throat, stomach upset or a headache, do not need to book a test. They may need to stay off school or college and seek medical advice through their GP or pharmacist as they would usually do.  
   
  • There is no need for household members of those who are symptomatic to have a test, unless they are also symptomatic.  
   
  • Parents and carers should not take children to A&E departments for a test. Most hospitals will only test people who they admit to hospital. 
   
  Thank You & Let’s Keep Up the Great Work!  

  I know there is a lot of information to take in and that guidance is ever-changing, given our ever-evolving, local situation.  I will endeavour to share with you the headlines, as and when it is appropriate to do so.  Links to our Sefton, local context can be found here:  

  https://mysefton.co.uk/2020/09/18/new-coronavirus-measures-for-seftons-schools/ https://www.sefton.gov.uk/coronavirus

   

  With very best wishes,

  Helen Tantouri,  

  Headteacher

  ******************************************************************************************************************** 

  PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE REGARDING CHILDREN RETURNING TO SCHOOL HANDWASHING IS STILL THE BEST THING WE CAN ALL DO TO MINIMISE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19.  WEARING A FACE COVERING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS, IN SHOPS AND WHILST TRAVELLING VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS ESSENTIAL. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-yearsproviders-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-knowabout-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-in-the-autumn-term 

   

• IMPORTANT NOTICE Re: AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

  Wed 05 Aug 2020 Helen Tantouri

  Dear Families, 
   
  UNFORTUNATELY, NO AFTER SCHOOL CLUB PROVISION FROM SEPTEMBER

   

  Firstly, apologies for interrupting your summer holiday but I wanted to give you all as much notice as I possibly could.   
   
  I am sorry to inform you that we can no longer offer After School Club sessions from Thursday 3rd September.  
   
  Due to the recently received resignation of Mrs Deegan (After School Club Manager) and Mrs Morris (playworker) we do not have a full complement of staff to enable us to offer this service from the start of the Autumn term.  
   
  Please know that we are prioritising the safe recruitment of staff and we hope to be able to offer this service as soon as we possibly can.  
   
  I apologise for the inconvenience this will cause families who have already booked a place.  Please be advised that we will not be confirming any new requests for bookings until we are able to safely do so.  
   
  Please know that Breakfast Club will still be operational for those families who have already booked a place.  Mrs Morris will still be working in Breakfast Club.  (Bookings were accepted up to 17.07.20 at 12 noon- as was required.)  
   
  There are a number of private, wrap-around providers in our local community. Until we are able to be operational again, I hope that you will all find alternative provision.  I kindly ask that you bear with us at this time.  I thank you for your anticipated understanding and patience.  I will keep you updated.  
   
  We wish Mrs Deegan lots of luck in her new profession and we thank her for all of the love, care and support she has shared with our children, families and staff during her 14 years at Valewood.  Thank you and good luck Mrs Deegan!   
   
  All best wishes, Helen Tantouri ********************************************************************************************************************

  PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE re: COVID-19 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

   

• Back to School on Thursday 3rd September 2020

  Fri 17 Jul 2020 Ms Tantouri

  Enjoy the holidays everyone!  Take care and stay safe. 

  The children are back to school on Thursday 3rd September. 

   

  2^nd September     INSET Day – STAFF ONLY      

  3^rd September      Children return to School for Autumn 1, as per the Back to School Plan.

   

                      All other dates will be confirmed at the start of the new school year. 

• The End of Academic Year 2019-2020

  Fri 17 Jul 2020 Ms Tantouri

  Dear Families,

   

  Where do I start and where do I end with this, my correspondence of this academic year?  It’s true to say that no one has encountered a school year like this- ever!  And here’s hoping, that we won’t ever have to, again.  

   

  Summer Term 2

  We have all had an exceptionally busy term at school and at home, as you all well know!  I am sure that you join me in thanking all of our staff: cleaners, teachers, teaching assistants, parent support advisor, administration staff, site manager, kitchen staff, lunchtime supervisors and wrap-around care staff for all their hard work and commitment over the past year.  I wish them all plenty of rest and relaxation, before we come back in September. 

   

  Take Care & Stay Safe

  I am pleased (and also relieved) to report that we have succeeded in getting to the end of the school year, with no isolations recorded and no child COVID-19 cases and for that I am extremely thankful, as I know others have not been so fortunate.  I thank you all, for your careful consideration of our control measures and risk assessments and for your unrelenting commitment to ensuring the highest level of care and education for all the children- for those who have been patiently working from home and for those who have been able to return to school.  93 children returned to school with no children, eligible to return, on a waiting list.  That is remarkable, given the circumstances. 

   

  Thank YOU!

  I would like to thank YOU- all our parents and carers.  Your continued support of our work is very much appreciated.  Thank you for all your encouraging comments and emails which we receive throughout the year.  This year, more than ever, you have demonstrated your support by doing so many lessons/ activities and so much learning with your children at home- from jumping up and down with Joe Wicks; to dancing ‘dough disco’ with Shonette Bason-Wood; to writing with Jane Considine; to downloading all the White Rose Maths materials and completing them at home- WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL for everything that you were able to do in the most challenging of times.  Whether that was to go to work and drop the children off at school or stay at home and work/ learn from home, your contribution to keeping the teaching and learning going, whilst also helping to keep our local community as safe as possible, is recognised and is much appreciated by all of us at Valewood. 

   

  I have missed you all so much and I am very much looking forward to seeing you all in September for more Team Valewood fun and adventures!  On behalf of the team at Valewood, I wish you all a very happy and wholesome summer holiday time.  

   

  See you all on Thursday 3^rd September- ready to start the new school year, with a smile.

  I can’t wait to see you all!  Until then, take care and look after each other.

  With every good wish,

  Helen Tantouri

  Headteacher

• Back to School from Monday 15th June 2020 for Priority Children

  Fri 22 May 2020

  Thank you to our parents and carers who have contacted School opting for a full-time place from Monday 15th June. As previously explained, places are only currently available to priority 1: vulnerable children and priority 2: critical workers' children. 

   

  Parents/ carers can expect an email on Monday 8th June, outlining Valewood Primary's Back to School Plan for priority 1 and priority 2 children. 

   

  I kindly ask that parents and carers:

  1. Read the detailed information within the Plan.

  2. Share this information with your child/ children ahead of them returning to School. 

  3. Sign to acknowledge the changes to School (as outlined in the Plan).

  4. Return the reply slip via email to admin.valewood@schools.sefton.gov.uk before Wednesday 10th June 2020. 

   

  Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we plan to get children back to School.

  I will continue to keep families updated via Whole School Dojo.

  Best wishes,

  Helen Tantouri

   

   

   

   

• Post School Closure- Weekly Newsletter from Ms Tantouri

  Fri 27 Mar 2020

  Ms Tantouri will be sharing a weekly newsletter, post school closure, every Friday. 

  This can be found under 'Key Information' - 'COVID-19'. 

  #StayHome everyone and #StaySafe.