Dear Parents and Carers
RE: Proposed new starting and finishing times – September 2019
Following the announcement in the newsletter a few weeks ago informing you that we are considering staggered start and finish times next year, I wanted to write to you to let you know what we are planning to implement. However, it is still at the proposal stage and I would very much welcome your feedback, positive or negative.
The rationale behind this proposed change is mainly due to parking and traffic, helping parents get to and from school easier and to see children in to school safely. Staggered start and finished times happen in lots of large schools and it was always something we were looking to implement. RFPS school day is currently longer than nearly all local primary schools so shortening it by 10 minutes is appropriate.
The proposed new times would be:
Reception and Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2)
8.40am – 3.10pm (lunchtime would be 11.45am – 12.45pm)
Key Stage 2 (years 3, 4, 5 and 6)
8.50am – 3.20pm (lunchtime would be 12.15pm – 1.15pm)
The turning circle would still open at 8.30am (as it currently is) but wouldn’t close until 8.50am therefore parents of KS2 children can still drop them off at the same time (as long as parents are confident that their child is fine to be left in the playground with minimal adult supervision, as parents are responsible for their child until actual school start times, for 20 minutes).
After school clubs would still run from the end of school time till 4.30pm. Reception and Key Stage 1 children would have 10 minutes to have a rest, drink and snack between end of school and club and supervised by a teacher/teaching assistant.
I am aware that this may not be ideal for some of you but it is suggested with the very best of intentions to help ease congestion around our school and make it safer for everyone concerned.
If you would like to make any suggestions or comments about these proposals before they are finalised, please e-mail the school office.
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Miss Butters