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Internet Safety

28th February 2019

Internet Safety- MOMO challenge warning

Dear Parents/Carers

I am forwarding you some information about an Internet craze called MOMO Challenge which has recently resurfaced. I have attached some guidance for parents on this issue which you may find useful.
I am bringing this to your attention because I know some of our children have mentioned this in school.

Please take some time to read the attached guidance. I would urge you to consider the level of detail you might share with your child and ensure it is both age-appropriate and doesn’t cause undue worry and upset. For Primary aged pupils, it would be appropriate to reinforce the importance of your child speaking to you or an adult in school should they come across anything that makes them feel worried or distressed whilst using the Internet or when playing online games. I would strongly advise against sharing the image of the Momo character as this could be very distressing and upsetting for our children.

This link is on our Twitter page.

https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/momo-online-safety-guide-for-parents/

Kind regards

Sarah Hurwood
Head Teacher

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Severe Weather Closures

16th January 2019

Dear Parents/Carers

Procedures for Severe Weather School Closures

Whilst we really hope that we do not have to follow any procedures to close the school due to severe weather conditions, it seems prudent, with rumours of a cold snap, to send out a reminder about our procedures.

The decision to close school is never one that is taken lightly. The overriding consideration always has to be the safety of pupils and staff. Whatever decision is taken, we know that it will not suit everyone. Some parents prefer us to close as it means it takes the decision away from them as to whether to make the journey or not, other parents prefer us to stay open regardless of the implications. Whenever possible, we will endeavour to stay open, but sometimes contributing factors prevent this.

A compromise that appears to have been reached over the past couple of years, that parents appear to prefer, is to open slightly later as this means the roads have started to thaw and are slightly less busy, making the journey easier – and to close slightly earlier before the snow starts to freeze again. But even arriving at this as a decision, is not always possible.

Should the weather suggest that there is a question as to whether school will be open as usual, the following should be noted:
• We will endeavour to post a tweet on our Twitter page
• We will endeavour to post up to date information on our own school website www.eppinguplandcofeschool.co.uk
• We will endeavour to make sure that the school phone is manned to answer your queries
• We will endeavour to post a notification on the Essex County Council website

Past experience tells us that sometimes some of these methods fail, but not all have failed at the same time! Therefore if one method is unhelpful, there is hopefully a back-up one to notify you as to what is happening.

Our main aim will be to notify through our own school website and Twitter to keep you updated as to the situation. It is also helpful if parents are able to pass on information they receive to each other as not all parents choose to access these methods.

Once the school does reopen, please ensure that the children have appropriate footwear and clothing so that they are comfortable and dry when they are in lessons.

Yours sincerely
Sarah Hurwood

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Christmas and End of Term

17th December 2018

Dear Parents and Carers

Just a couple of reminders:

Carol Service –Tonight

Our Carol Service is tonight at 6:00pm at All Saints Church, Epping Upland. This is a lovely service and for many, it heralds the start of the Christmas period. Children do not have to wear uniform and they sit with you, their family. We really look forward to seeing you there.

Christmas Lunch – Tomorrow

The children may wear their own clothes to school tomorrow. However, the playground, no matter how hard we try otherwise, is very muddy, so please do not send your child in clothes that are important or matter if they get a little dirty.

Last Day of Term – Wednesday

Term finishes at 12:00 noon on Wednesday.

Streets2 Home

If you have any donations for this very worthwhile charity, please could you bring them in no later than 9:00 am tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

Start of the Spring Term

We return to school for the start of the Spring Term on Thursday 3rd January 2019 at the usual time.

Snow and Extreme Weather Conditions

In case of extreme weather conditions, please check Twitter and the school website for information as to whether the school is open. We will endeavour wherever possible to stay open but staff and pupil safety have to form the basis for our decision making. Regrettably, it is one of those times when we are unable to please all of the people, but try our hardest to inconvenience people as little as possible.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful Christmas and New Year, with hopes that they will be kind to you and those you love.

 

Sarah Hurwood

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