Author: Alex Sykes

Roadworks in Holmfirth – week commencing 21.3.22 and week commencing 28.3.22 (updated)

Published on by Alex Sykes
As you are probably aware the traffic in Holmfirth in the mornings and at pick up time is currently facing severe backlogs due to road works on Hollowgate, which is currently closed.  Please allow extra time for your journey.
Further to our email this morning we can confirm that Kirklees Highways have agreed to postpone the major resurfacing works planned for Rotcher next week.
They will, however, be doing some investigative work on the road on the 24/25 March which will mean that they will have to temporarily close Rotcher between 9.30am and 2.30pm on these two days.  However, they have assured us that the footpath will remain open during these times.  They have also promised that the road will not close until after 9.30am and will open by 2.30pm at the latest, on both days.
We have asked that any future planned works on Rotcher, Cartworth Road and the junction of Cemetery Road are done during the school holidays.
Many thanks to all the parents who contacted the Highways department today – people power at it’s finest!

Covid-19 Self-isolation checker

Published on by Alex Sykes

Here is a quick table to help work out the self-isolation periods if your child tests positive for Covid-19, following the change in guidance from 17.1.22.  More detailed information can be found on this document –

Covid-19 – 5 day isolation checker – 17 Jan 22

Day tested positive LFT Test Day 5 (first day to check for a negative LFT result – 5 full days after initial positive result) Day 6 (first day to check for a negative LFT result – 6 full days after initial positive result) Day you can return to school (if/when 2 negative PCR’s recorded 24 hours apart)
Monday Friday Saturday Monday
Tuesday Saturday Sunday Monday
Wednesday Sunday Monday Monday
Thursday Monday Tuesday Tuesday
Friday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday
Saturday Wednesday Thursday Thursday
Sunday Thursday Friday Friday

Nursery Applications

Published on by Alex Sykes
Do you have a child who may want a Nursery place at Holmfirth J I & N School in the future? Our Nursery operates between 8.45am and 3.15pm – Monday to Friday.  Every child is entitled to 15 Free Hours of Nursery education and most working parents are entitled to a full 30 Free Hours.  Children can start Nursery the term after they turn 3 years old.
Sept – Dec birthdays – January start
Jan – Mar birthdays – April start
Mar – Aug birthdays – September start
You may not want a place for a couple of years but it would really help us with our planning if you could register your interest – however far in the future!  We are finding that many parents are not registering their children until it is nearly time for them to start and this makes planning our staffing requirements for Nursery quite difficult to predict.
If you think you might need a nursery place please can you complete an Application for Admission to Nursery Form (forms available from the office or by clicking here) and return it to alex.sykes@holmfirthjinschool.net we will put your child’s name on our waiting list.  We would then contact you during the term before your child is due to start to sort out your more detailed requirements.
Thank you very much for your help with this – your support is, as always, much appreciated.
If you need any further information please contact Alex Sykes, School Business Manager in the office.

Covid-19 Update 14.12.21

Published on by Alex Sykes

Covid-19 update from DfE – 14.12.21

The Government/DfE have issued new guidance for schools (see attached below for full details).

The updated guidance released today states that if a child lives with someone, or has had close contact with, someone who has a confirmed case of Covid-19 they should be tested everyday for the next 7 days with a LFD test, and the results should be reported online to test and trace.  LFD tests are available from chemists/GP surgeries. Children testing negative can come to school, if a child tests positive they should immediately self-isolate and have a PCR test.

Update Daily testing for contacts of COVID 14.12.21

Updated Covid-19 Contingency Plan/Risk Assessment – December 2021

Published on by Alex Sykes

Further to the announcement of the new Covid-19 variant, and the reintroduction of some guidance, schools have been asked to look at their Contingency Plans again.  Attached to this email is a copy of our updated Contingency Plan/Risk Assessment.  You will find the new guidance on page 16 of this document.

We are asking visitors to school, including parent helpers, to sanitise your hands on entry to the school building and wear a face covering whilst in the school building (unless you are exempt).

The EYFS/KS1 Nativity will go ahead but with reduced numbers (this had already been planned for in advance when we issued tickets).  We would ask that masks are worn during the performance and attendees may want to take an LFD test before attending to protect others.

The KS2 Carol Concert will be held outside.  We would ask attendees to remember to keep a 2m distance from others, outside your family group, wherever possible.

Finally, if you or a member has any symptoms of Covid-19 please do not attend school until you have taken a LFD or PCR test – more information is available from NHS 111.

Hopefully, by continuing to follow the guidance, we will all be able to spend this Christmas with our families!

Holmfirth JIN Covid-19 Risk Assessment – October 2021 updated 1.12. 21.docx