Pinewood reopened its doors to all pupils on Monday 7th September 2020.  Over the summer the school and its Governing Body worked incredibly hard on putting a number of measures in place which would ensure the safety of all members of our community (such as one way systems, clear signage and measures to allow for social distancing).  These changes are regularly revisited and revised in order to adhere to the latest Government guidelines and recommendations.  The measures are clearly explained to the children in an appropriate manner and daily reminders are given.

We recognise though that Covid-19 has had a marked change on our day-to-day life and therefore hope that the information below highlights that, although changed, Pinewood is still able to offer a comprehensive and varied education to our children.   Their well-being and enjoyment of school life is as important to us as their safety.

Are parents allowed onsite?

The number of visitors and parents onsite is kept to a minimum. Day children will move into school independently in the morning and be ready for collection from the drive in the afternoons. Maintaining good communication between teachers and parents is of great importance but should be through email in the first instance. In addition, virtual catch up meetings with either Class Teachers, Form Tutors or Heads of School can be arranged.  Any other visitors on site are very carefully managed.

What are the drop-off and pick up arrangements in the morning?

The start and end of the school stay is now staggered to keep children in different pods apart and minimise congestion on the drive. Pre-Prep children need to be ready to get in and out of cars quickly and the Head and Deputy Head of Pre-Prep will assist children as necessary.  Prep children will need to have their belongings ready in the car and move quickly and independently from the car to the classroom in the mornings and vice versa in the evenings.  At the end of the day the children will be ready to leave and waiting on the drive at the specified time. There is no parking available for parents on the drive at pick up.

How is the school managing large gatherings?

For the time being we are unable to host large gatherings.  However, traditional school life has been maintained, albeit in a different manner.  Events such as assemblies, lectures and church services are still taking place, but in smaller pod gatherings.

How are mealtimes managed?

We are delighted to confirm that a full catering service has resumed this term, offering children and staff a freshly cooked, hot lunch, in addition to delicious breakfasts and suppers for our boarders.

Are the children able to play sport to the level they were pre-Covid-19?

Children are able to enjoy a comprehensive games programme.  Although Prep Inter-School fixtures are currently postponed, a full games programme is on offer, with internal matches taking place on Wednesday afternoons and relevant Saturday mornings. House matches take place on Wednesday afternoon and on Saturdays on in-weekends Years 5-8 will compete in the inaugural Cross Keys Super Cup. Each age group will be divided into mixed ability teams and matches will be played across the term’s sports.

Risk Assessments are in place in line with each sport’s National Governing Body (NGB) current Road Map – Return to Play. The programme will be reviewed regularly and adapted in line with NGB guidance published.

Are music lessons still taking place?

The majority of instrumental music lessons will be offered to Prep School children only and will take place with the relevant safety measures taken into consideration. These will include strings, guitar, piano and percussion. In accordance with government guidance, wind, brass and singing lessons will be offered remotely until further notice.

Is Drama still being taught?

Drama lessons are continuing as normal and we are continuing to plan and prepare for our usual production schedule.  That said, it may be that the performances are in-house events only, with the possibility of filming any productions for the benefit of parents.  We will continue to review this in line with government guidance.

Is boarding still an option for my child?

Having followed government advice and working closely with the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) we were thrilled to welcome back our Weekly Boarders from the start of term.  Both the boys’ and girls’ boarding areas have been recently refurbished which further enhances the overnight provision. Regular boarding continues to be under review and any developments will be communicated to parents accordingly.

What about extra-curricular activities and the Thursday activity programme?

The Thursday Activity programme will run as usual with some adaptations in place to work within our Covid responsibilities. Form Tutors go through all the available activities (anything from Fencing, Archery, Golf, Tennis, Chess, Cross Country and Yoga) with their tutees on the first day of term, from which the children select which they would like to participate in. Children will then select an activity for the first half of term. In the second half of term we will rotate into a new selection for the children. Each activity will be for a full 70 minute session. Children will play and enjoy their activity within their “school pods”.

Does the School offer School Transport?

The normal minibus service resumed from the start of term for all pre-booked places.  We feel that with the proximity of the children, and the fact that they will be from different age groups and pods, all children should wear a face covering, even if they are under 11 years old. We ask parents to ensure that these coverings are correctly put on before the children enter the minibus.

Government guidance states that pupils are allowed to be on school transport together even if they are not in the same pod. This is because it is solely for school use and not public transport.  A perspex screen has been installed between the driver and the passengers.

What emotional support is offered to the children?

We recognise that lockdown will have had a huge impact upon children and families and, although they may have had many positive experiences, the pandemic may have affected the mental wellbeing of some in more negative ways. Pinewood staff are aware of and prepared for this and will be guided by the Head of Well-Being and Emotional Support in supporting children as they resume school life. Measures in place offering additional support have been communicated to all children at the start of term.

What will happen if there is a case of Covid-19 in the School?

In accordance with government guidance, we will take all the necessary steps if children or staff display symptoms of Covid-19.

Additional Information

Please click on the links below for further information:

COVID-19 arrangements for safeguarding and child protection for Pinewood School

Risk Assessment Covid 19 – Return of Pre-Prep

Risk Assessment Covid 19 – Return of Prep

Remote Education For Absent Children

Coronavirus Related Absences Reference Guide