16 December 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a busy and exciting term we have had at Ripley Nursery School and Ripley Nursery School Childcare.

Our children, staff and parents have been amazing in working together and, despite the disruption due to the enforced periods of isolation, the children have all settled well in school and childcare, developed new and exisiting friendships and have displayed high levels of engagement and persistence in their learning.

 We pride ourselves on giving our young children access to learn in both indoor and outdoor rich learning environments and this gives our young children multiple opportunities to thrive, to develop resilience, to learn new skills, tackle challenges and problem-solve in practical and co-operative ways.

Next term I will be away from school for health reasons and in my absence Donna Brown will take on the role of Acting Head. We have a strong leadership team and governing board here at  Ripley Nursery School and Childcare who will be supported in turn by our dedicated Derbyshire Education Advisors.

Your points of contact will continue to be your class keyworkers,  Kerry Hartwell, School Business Manager, Annabel Martin and finally Donna Brown, Acting Headteacher.

Please be extra mindful and cautious at this time; we are asking you to monitor your child’s or your own health carefully and consider whether you need to take additional precautions if anyone within your bubble has any symptom from change or loss of smell through to cold type symptoms. Currently the administration staff are working remotely; if you have any concerns or queries, including those relating to symptoms please email kerry.hartwell@ripley-nur.derbyshire.sch.uk as we may be unable to answer the telephone promptly.

I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas period – it may not be a regular Christmas holiday however it is a time to enjoy and relax with our close family. If we all follow guidance and keep safe we have the wonderful promise of happier and busier times ahead.

Kind regards,

Cathy Bednal

Head of Ripley Nursery School & Ripley Nursery School Childcare