Life can give you strength. Strength can come from facing the storms of life, from knowing loss, feeling sadness and heartache, from falling into the depths of grief. You must stand up in the storm. You must face the wind and the cold and the darkness. When the storm blows hard you must stand firm, for it is not trying to knock you down, it is really trying to teach you to be strong.

Joseph M. Marshall III 

As a nation and global community we have faced and are still facing very difficult times, but despite these challenges this period of time has further strengthened my sense of community; seeing and hearing of good deeds made by those that we know and others we have never met. We are stronger together and I aspire to this crisis bringing us even closer as a community.

Our team work 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. All information including our remote learning strategy is found on our website often the class pages themselves. If it is not clear, pick up the telephone and we will provide the necessary information for you.

We would usually warmly welcome visitors to school, however, these challenging times restricts this. If you would like to visit the school or require any information, we ask that you make contact by either email contact@overhall.cheshire.sch.uk or telephone 01606 288200 to make appropriate arrangements. Our email is checked daily during term time and regularly during holidays.

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 wide 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)

'Both of my sons attend Over Hall, and I am so glad they do. The staff are exceptional and always go above and beyond for the children and in supporting their families also. It’s so nice walking in to the playground in the morning and having the head greet both the children and their guardians. It's just these little touches really make a difference. If I have had any concerns over any of my children the teachers have always had time to deal with my concerns and come up with ideas and fresh approaches in dealing with these concerns and I have always found the staff to be really helpful, and friendly and have never felt judged as a parent going through difficult times. And my children both feel happy and safe here. Our school and all the staff really are the pride of our community.' (Parent of two children in Key Stage One and Two)

As a community, we are determined to provide for our community at Over Hall, thinking of those ‘little touches’, building upon the foundations of love and tolerance, preparing for life beyond the school gates. We work hard to create a ‘harmonious community’ where 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.

"Our task is to educate their whole being so they can face the future. We may not see the future but they will and our job is to help them make something of it.' Sir Ken Robinson

Our vision of school is encapsulated by the motto … 

'Be supported, feel supported'

At Over Hall we ensure everyone feels 'supported' through our agreed values of...

• Safety and sensitivity to the needs of others
• Understanding
• Pride
• Patience
• Ownership
• Respect
• Trust
• Enjoyment
• Determination
   

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=EAIaIQobChMIktuA5LWK2wIVRYXVCh2afg2a
EAAYASAAEgIJ5vD_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-o
f-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