Newsletter - 2nd October 2020

Dear Chagford families,
 
Here in Chagford, it’s not just the children who are working hard!  This week we had a really exciting PTFA meeting on Wednesday evening – more details below. A huge thank you to the parents who attended. We are looking at ways to raise money to support the school vision, connect with the local community and to have fun. We agreed all three are equally important! Many thanks to the parents who attended, your enthusiasm and creativity is much appreciated. 
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The staff have been identifying each child’s learning needs and planning what we need to teach and which strategies to use to make sure all are progressing on their learning journey. In our parents meetings, teachers have been sharing what parents can do to support this.
We are embarking on a sequence of training after school to implement a phonics scheme called Read Write Inc. This programme will enable us to group children accordingly so no one is left behind in acquiring and developing their early reading skills.  There will be a session for parents later this term so that you know how you can support this at home.
 
Harvest
There will be Services this Sunday at the Church at 11.00am and 6.00pm.  Traditionally we collect food donations for the Okehampton Foodbank. If you would like to donate a tin or two, please either take them to the Church this weekend, or to School on Wednesday. Margret Jeffries has kindly offered to take all donations to the Foodbank for us. We will be talking about Harvest and Hope in school next week.
 
A message from Chloe Brooks-Warner, our new PTFA Chair
Thank you to those that were able to attend this week’s PTFA AGM via zoom, the minutes will be made available soon. There were a few changes in roles; Claire Northmore stepped down as Chair after doing a really superb job over the last two years, huge thanks to Claire! Sue Bifani has generously agreed to remain as Treasurer and Lucy Clements has stepped up to fulfil the role of Secretary allowing me (Chloe Brooks-Warner) to take on Chair. 
We had a really positive and productive meeting with lots to look forward to despite these strange times. Obviously, our fundraising and event calendar will look slightly different this year. We are pleased though to be starting off with a couple of really fun events. Save the date for Lucy Loveday’s Virtual Bingo on the 23rdOctober at 8.30pm (further details soon) and, with the support of community businesses, there will be a ‘Spot the Pumpkin’ trail around Chagford over half term and Halloween for the children.
Also, thanks to the money raised last year we have already been able to support the continuation of the Accelerated Reader programme within school, purchase new netball posts, set up each class teacher with petty cash for small immediate needs for projects etc and hopefully provide a couple of sewing machines to support our After School Clubs.
Please feel free to get in touch with any ideas or offers of support, you can email [email protected]
Best wishes, Chloe 
 
Welfare Support Fund
Please have a look at this link. You may be eligible for financial support
The COVID-19 Welfare Support Fund can provide small emergency payments to help with basic essentials including: household essentials such as sanitary products or nappies or electricity key and gas card top ups, etc. to help people in financial difficulties.  The fund is not available for the purchase of food where a food parcel is available. The fund is available if:

• They run their own business, and cannot currently trade, or their business has been drastically reduced because of the pandemic.
• Their employment situation has changed and their income now no longer covers needs.
• They have lost their job due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
• They have still not received expected government funding (i.e self-employed).

If you are a resident and have been affected financially by coronavirus (COVID-19), and can demonstrate a need for immediate short-term financial help, you can apply for a grant by clicking the button below and your application will be considered.  
Please be aware that repeat applications will not be considered other than in exceptional circumstances
https://www.devon.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/document/grant-and-funding-support/#indiv_fam
 
All the very best
Tara Penny
Head of School