Latest News

Ashmount pupils and staff named as finalists and winner in Leicestershire Live Education Awards 2020

Fri 04 Dec 2020

We are pleased to announce that Ashmount School pupils and staff have been shortlisted for several categories in this year’s Leicestershire Live Education Awards 2020.

In its sixth year, Leicestershire Live Education Awards 2020 celebrates and honours the brilliant work and achievements of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s best schools and further education colleges.

This year’s award event was held virtually on YouTube to recognise the outstanding students, teachers and support staff from our region who have made a real difference or gone that extra mile to succeed.

Two of our secondary aged students were named runners up in the ‘Beating the Odds’ award, which recognises students who have overcome adversity or shown outstanding bravery and maturity for their years.

Teacher Aimee Merison was named runner up in the ‘Inspirational Teacher of the Year’ award, which recognises teachers who have shown constant dedication, kindness and understanding, inspiring young people every day and who go the extra mile to give the best opportunities to the children they teach.

Our school cook Julie Waltham was named overall winner of the ‘Support Staff of the Year’ award, which recognises members of non-teaching school staff who have played a vital role in the running of the school and the happiness and security of the children.

Julie is a particularly deserving winner having volunteered to cook all of our pupils’ dinners singlehandedly throughout the national school closures period and most of the school holidays.

COVID-19 Information Update - 15th November 2020

Sun 15 Nov 2020

Dear Parents,

We have been advised that there has been confirmed cases of COVID-19 in two separate class bubbles within the school.

We know that you may find this concerning but are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

The small number of children and staff who have been in direct contact with the confirmed case have been contacted directly already and will be staying at home for 14 days.

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

a new continuous cough
a high temperature
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child or anyone in the household does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do

wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
wash your hands as soon as you get home
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Yours sincerely

David Deacon

Headteacher

COVID-19 Information Update - 8th November 2020

Sun 08 Nov 2020

Dear Parents,

We have been advised that there has been a single confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

We know that you may find this concerning but are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

The small number of children and staff who have been in direct contact with the confirmed case have been contacted directly already and will be staying at home for 14 days.

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

a new continuous cough
a high temperature
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child or anyone in the household does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do

wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
wash your hands as soon as you get home
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Yours sincerely

David Deacon

Headteacher

COVID-19 Information Update - 10th October 2020

Sat 10 Oct 2020

Dear Parents,

We have been advised that there has been a single confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

We know that you may find this concerning but are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

The small number of children and staff who have been in direct contact with the confirmed case have been contacted directly already and will be staying at home for 14 days.

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

a new continuous cough
a high temperature
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child or anyone in the household does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do

wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
wash your hands as soon as you get home
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Yours sincerely

David Deacon

Headteacher

Ashmount School Teaching Assistant wins Silver Award in The Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year

Wed 16 Sep 2020

Selected from thousands of nominations, Maria Gallagher is one of just 76 Silver Award winners across the country. Maria Gallagher was honoured with a Silver Award in The Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day.

Maria was the first recipient of the school’s Outstanding Colleague award due to her skill and dedication to her role. Maria is involved in all aspects of school life, acting as Family Support Worker, Deputy Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection, Emotional Literacy Support Assistant and staff governor. She was the driving force behind Ashmount becoming a Forest School and is now training other staff in these skills to help even more students benefit.

Maria Gallagher is now in the running for one of just 14 Gold Awards later in the year, in a programme which will be broadcast on the BBC. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the exceptional school staff who have worked wonders during an incredibly challenging time for educators across the country.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. This year marks its 22^nd year of celebrating, award-winning teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and lecturers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Maria said: "I am thrilled to have won the award. Working with the staff, children and young people and their families at Ashmount has always been reward enough, but it is lovely to have my efforts recognised in this way."

Headteacher David Deacon said: "We are so pleased that Maria has been recognised for all of her hard work and dedication. Maria's efforts have made a huge difference to the lives of the children and young people and their families that she supports on a daily basis."

Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

“Over the past year, we have, all of us, come to appreciate and respect the value of teachers. They have so often been taken for granted. Not any more. Parents know now what it takes to teach, and teach well, and how much commitment, dedication and enthusiasm and knowledge and understanding, yes – and patience.

“Children know it too, if they didn’t before. So many missed their teachers as well as their friends. We all honour them today. Let’s now praise them, wish them well and above all, thank them.”

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said:

“Congratulations to all of our Silver Award winners for their commitment, dedication and passion for their work. Despite the incredible challenges they have faced over the past few months, school staff have risen to the occasion time and again.

“It is so important to recognise and celebrate teachers, teaching assistants and lecturers for the impact they have on our young people every year, and that is why Pearson is delighted to support these Awards.”

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

“My warmest congratulations go to all this year’s silver award winners. They should be proud to receive this recognition of their commitment to the profession, and the outstanding education and guidance they provide for their students.

“Teachers and school staff up and down the country consistently go above and beyond for their students, and this is especially true over the past few months. It is down to their hard work that schools have been able to open their gates to all pupils again for the start of the new term, and I cannot say thank you enough for everything they have done.”

New Sensory Playground

Thu 03 Sep 2020

Over the last few months we have been able to complete our fabulous new sensory playground on the primary side of school. This has been funded from many generous donations into the Ashmount Appeal over the last few years. A big thank you to our recent fundraisers: Dominoes, Santa Fun Run, Dom's Cup, Maries Cafe, East Leake Bowls Club, Rose Memorial, Matt Steady and many more. THANK YOU!

Returning to school on 26th August 2020

Fri 21 Aug 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope you and your families have stayed safe and well over the summer.

Following national guidance, Ashmount School will open to pupils on Wednesday 26^th August 2020.

When we return to school, we will be following the latest government and NHS guidance to protect the health and wellbeing of our children and young people and our staff and their families, which will include:

robust hand and respiratory hygiene
enhanced cleaning arrangements
active engagement with NHS Test and Trace
formal consideration of how to reduce contacts and maximise distancing between those in school.

We will be taking the following steps:

Students and staff will remain in their class ‘bubbles’ to minimise contact between different groups of pupils;
Staff will be provided with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where they are required to work in close proximity to pupils to support them with personal care.
We have put increased cleaning in place, particularly around communal areas and classrooms, and staff and pupils will continue to be educated on how to minimise the risks to themselves;
All staff and visitors to the school have been made aware of the current guidelines published by the government;
We will be asking all parents and carers and local authority drivers and escorts to wait outside the main entrance when dropping off and picking up pupils at the start and end of the school day;
We have temporarily suspended visits out of school and will be postponing some activities, such as swimming, that require higher staffing levels and staff and pupils to work in close proximity;
We will be postponing whole school events and limiting the number of visitors who are allowed access to the school site;
Contingency plans have been put in place for a reduced workforce or the need for social isolation.

In line with the latest advice from the NHS, we will be asking all staff and pupils to stay at home if they have a new continuous cough and / or a high temperature or loss of taste and smell. If someone has serious symptoms they cannot manage at home they should contact NHS 111, and in the case of an emergency the public are advised to call 999 immediately.

In the event that we do have a confirmed case of the virus at Ashmount School we will follow government and NHS guidelines.

We will continue to constantly re-assess the situation and provide an update if anything changes, however, please don't hesitate to get in touch at the start of term if you have any further questions.

Yours sincerely,

David Deacon

Headteacher

Rainbows for NHS workers

Thu 09 Apr 2020

Ashmount pupils spent time making Rainbows at school - these were sent to the Leicester Royal Infirmary where they are being displayed in their staff well-being room. The staff sent the school this message: "RAINBOWS = HOPE"

Latest Government Guidance for Schools - 19/03/20

Fri 20 Mar 2020

The Department for Education have issued the latest guidance for schools:

'As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing.

And the most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

It is important to underline that schools, colleges and other educational establishments remain safe places for children. But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.

Schools are, therefore, being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children - children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.

Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined below. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

Please, therefore, follow these key principles:

If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings continue to care for children wherever possible.

If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision.'

Coronavirus Update - 19th March 2020

Thu 19 Mar 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for all of your help and support in keeping Ashmount School open.

We fully understand if parents choose to keep their child at home to reduce the risk of infection. There will be no penalties from school if you choose this course of action.

Staff have been fantastic in ensuring that our pupils continue to access the very highest standards of education and care during the current crisis.

The government have announced that all schools will close on Friday 20^th March 2020.

However, Ashmount School will continue to remain open from Monday 23^rd March 2020.

All of our students have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and the government has committed to continuing to provide education for these children and young people.

Our staffing levels have continued to fall in line with pupil absences due to families being required to self-isolate.

We will continue to add learning resources to the ‘Learning from Home’ section of our school website for those children and young people who are required to self-isolate at home.

We expect school transport services to remain in place.

We are waiting confirmation that our teachers and support staff will be named as key workers and that childcare plans will be put in place for their children so that they can continue to work at Ashmount.

We have plans to run a skeleton staff targeting our most vulnerable students and key worker families if staffing levels fall below what we would deem safe to keep the whole school open.

We will continue to re-assess the situation on a daily basis and provide an update if anything changes, however, please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions.

David Deacon

Headteacher

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