Over Hall Community School
Welcome to
As a nation and global community we have faced and are still facing some very difficult times, but despite these challenges this period of time has strengthened my sense of community, seeing and hearing of good deeds made by those that we know and even by those we don’t. We are stronger together and I aspire to this crisis bringing us even closer as a community.
Staff are constantly working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place for our children, focussing upon both their academic and social emotional needs. Every day I feel proud of being part of such a fabulous team and community. Guidance is updated regularly and is reflected in our school risk assessment and in turn has resulted in restrictions or requires a number of amendments to what we once deemed as our 'normal' procedures. Every day we build upon our 'new normal' ensuring strong and safe foundations for our community.
We would usually warmly welcome visitors to school. However, if you would like to visit the school or require any information, we ask that you make contact by either email or telephone to make appropriate arrangements.
Despite the current restrictions and hurdles, we aim to ensure our pupils enjoy learning and feel prepared for life within and outside of school, today and for the future, through a variety of strategies and activities. We offer new and exciting experiences through timetabled and extra-curricular activities that are designed to build resilience, confidence and self-esteem, preparing them for life beyond the school gates.
During their time at Over Hall, we aim for children to increase their resilience through identifying their secure base, build upon their self-esteem and a strong sense of self efficacy. As a result, we strive for them to be able to confidently complete the phrases...
I have ... (identifying their support and resources around them enabling them to feel safe and secure)
I am ... (identifying personal strengths, attitudes and beliefs)
I can ... (identifying social and interpersonal skills; a sense of control and mastery; an understanding of strategies and limitations)
'The child who works well, loves well and expects well despite profound life adversity.'
~Werner and Smith 1982
As a community, we are determined to provide for our community at Over Hall, building upon the foundations of love and tolerance, preparing for life beyond the school gates. We work hard to create a ‘harmonious community’ in which all can experience the freedom and safety to grow, develop, dream, believe, achieve and inspire each other whilst feeling ‘supported’. We aspire to high standards in the quality of all that we undertake and are passionate about seeking better outcomes for children and their families, meeting their needs and stretching their aspirations.
If at any time during these uncertain times, our school is not accessible for all, please be reassured we are still here, contactable Monday to Friday via the school telephone number 01606 288200, or emailing contact@overhall.cheshire.sch.uk. We are sharing regularly through Class Dojo further school telephone numbers if you need to speak or text someone urgently. Activities and challenges will be found on individual class pages on this website.
If you are not already using Class Dojo please contact us as soon as possible - this has been a life line for staff to communicate with children and families about tasks and simple messages.
Free School Meals
If you are eligible for Free School Meals please contact the school (if you haven’t already) with your email address as this is the quickest and easiest way of getting food to you. If you believe you are eligible but have not applied please do so by calling 03001237039 or online cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and go to schools and education tab, then free school meals where you can apply online. The online eligibility checker will notify you straight away if you qualify or not.
Keep your child safe online.
There is a lot of support available to keep your child safe online. Below are some useful links to help you as parents and carers:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ (advice from the National Crime Agency to stay safe online)
https://www.internetmatters.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIktuA5LWK2wIVRYXVCh2afg2aEAAYASAAEgIJ5vD_BwE (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
https://parentinfo.org/ (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
https://www.lgfl.net/online-safety/default.aspx (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
https://www.net-aware.org.uk/ (support for parents and carers from the NSPCC)
Further useful guidance available to you as parents/carers if you follow the link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers .
Stay Healthy
There are a number of websites and activities being shared to keep yourself fit and health both mentally and physically. Please see the one link below for further information from the Government about supporting your child's mental health.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
Our website should provide you with a plethora of information, feel free to browse. If you have any questions, concerns or problems please do not hesitate in contacting us at school and we will do all that we can to support. In the meantime, do something to make someone smile and look after yourselves.
Always proud to be part of such a fabulous community,
With love and respect
Mrs Claire Edgeley
Headteacher
