To enable social distancing and minimise the mixing of groups, we have made changes to the school day and the way we will work.
The information below explains the key ‘new ways of working’ on our return to the Academy.
Here is a reminder of the dates of phased return for all students:
| Years 7 & 12 | Wednesday, 26 August |
| Years 8 & 11 | Thursday, 27 August |
| Years 9, 10 & 13 | Friday, 28 August |
| Bank Holiday | Monday, 31 August |
| All Years | Tuesday, 1 September |
| All Years | Wednesday, 2 September |
| All Years | Thursday, 3 September |
| All Years | Friday, 4 September |
Jump to a section
- Travel arrangements to the Academy
- The Academy day – Start and finish times
- Entry/Exit gates and meeting areas
- ‘Line up’ meeting areas
- Staggered break and lunch times
- Break and lunchtime areas
- The restaurants
- Student ‘bubbles’ and teaching areas
- Specialist teaching areas
- Toilet facilities
- Movement around the Academy/lesson change over
- End of the Academy day
- Student Code of Conduct
- Academy uniform
- Student equipment
- Student support
- Rewards and discipline
- Hygiene and infection control
- Ill health and infection
- Reception area changes
- Student lockers
- Photocopying
1. Travel arrangements to the Academy
Students walking to the Academy
- A staggered timetable is in place.
- The student does not arrive earlier than their start time.
- The student is told not to wait at the academy gates or in busy areas. They are instructed to go straight to their designated area as soon as they arrive at the academy.
Students getting dropped off/picked up in a car
- To accommodate the staggered timetable, staggered drop off and pick up times are also introduced.
- Parents are asked to keep to their allocated time slot and drop their children off somewhere near to the Academy. If this is not possible specified pick up and drop off points have been identified for each year group.
Students cycling to the Academy
- Arrangements for bike storage have been modified to allow bikes to be stored safely. KS3 and KS4/5 have designated lock ups.
- The student follows staff instructions whilst waiting to drop off and collect their bike.
Students using public transport
- The student is required to follow guidelines on social distancing and the wearing of a mask whilst using transport – the academy’s expectations regarding social distancing are outlined in the Behavioural Policy.
1.1. Drop off areas
Years 7-10 QEMS entrance and turning circle
Years 11-13 Sixth Form entrance and turning circle
1.2. Bike storage
Years 7-10 bike storage by the DT block
Years 11-13 storage by the main entrance to the Sixth Form
2. The Academy day – Start and finish times
| Year Group | Start Time | Finish Time |
|---|---|---|
| Years 7 & 11 | 8.20 AM | 2.50 PM |
| Years 8 & 13 | 8.30 AM | 3.00 PM |
| Years 9 & 12 | 8.40 AM | 3.10 PM |
| Year 10 | 9.00 AM | 3.20 PM |
3. Entry/Exit gates and meeting areas
Arrival will be managed by senior leaders with support from staff at each planned entry point. Students will arrive at staggered times. Leaders will split students so that groups use specified entrance points.
Entry to the academy premises will be a positive and welcoming start to the day.
The role of the senior leader is to ease tensions and anxiety, whilst ensuring that students are social distancing. A plan will be in place for any students who arrive late to academy.
| Year Group | Entry/Exit |
|---|---|
| 7 | QEMS main entrance |
| 8 | QEMS main entrance |
| 9 | QEMS main entrance |
| 10 | Elizabeth Block entrance |
| 11 | Sixth Form main entrance |
| 12 | Sixth Form main entrance |
| 13 | Sixth Form main entrance |
3.1. Years 7, 8 and 9
All students in KS3 to enter and leave the Academy through the pedestrian gate at the top of the QEMS driveway.
3.2. Year 10
All students in Year 10 to enter and leave the Academy through the Elizabeth Block entrance off Ashby Road.
3.3. Years 11, 12, 13 and 14
All students in Years 11-14 to enter and leave the Academy through the pedestrian gate at the top of the Sixth Form driveway.
3.4. Side entrance and exit gates
Both gates shown below leading to Perrycrofts and leading to School Walk, will be locked with no access until further notice.
4. ‘Line up’ meeting areas
Meeting areas and line up will create a calm and controlled start to the academy day and an opportunity to remind students about new routines and expectations. Senior Leaders will control the staggered entry into the building.
| Year Group | Meeting/Line Up Area |
|---|---|
| 7 | Middle block yard |
| 8 | QEMS front yard |
| 9 | Middle block yard |
| 10 | Elizabeth Block 'old car park' |
| 11 | Zone 1 - Front of Sixth Form |
| 12 | Zone 2 - Front of Sixth Form |
| 13 | Zone 1 - Front of Sixth Form |
4.1. Years 7 and 9
Years 7 and year 9 will be guided from the QEMS main gate round to the yard which is located to the right of the middle block. Students are to line up in their forms A to G.
4.2. Year 8
Year 8 will be guided through the QEMS main gate and round to the yard which is located in front of the QEMS restaurant. Students are to line up in their forms A to G.
4.3. Year 10
Year 10 are to line up in front of Elizabeth block entrance ‘old car park’ in their forms A to F.
4.4. Years 11 and 13
Years 11 and 13 will be guided through the Sixth Form main gate main gate, straight to zone 1 which is located to the left of the main entrance to the building. Students are to line up in their forms A to I.
4.5. Year 12
Years 12 will be guided through the Sixth Form main gate main gate, straight to zone 1 which is located to the left of the main entrance to the building. Students are to line up in their forms A to I.
5. Staggered break and lunch times
Arrangements will be staggered to reduce risk and maintain social distancing measures. Students will spend their break and lunch times outside, weather permitting, in zones and with the same ‘bubble’ group with which they spend their lessons. A staffing rota will be in place to ensure supervision and ensure that social distancing guidance is observed.
| Year Group | Morning Break |
|---|---|
| 7 | 10.05 AM - 10.35 AM |
| 8 | 9.30 AM - 10.00 AM |
| 9 | 10.40 AM - 11.10 AM |
| 10 | 11.15 AM - 11.45 AM |
| 11 | 9.30 AM - 10.00 AM |
| 12 | 10.10 AM - 10.40 AM |
| 13 | 11.30 AM - 12.00 PM |
| Year Group | Lunch Times |
|---|---|
| 7 | 12.35 PM - 1.05 PM |
| 8 | 12.00 PM - 12.30 PM |
| 9 | 1.10 PM - 1.40 PM |
| 10 | 1.45 PM - 2.15 PM |
| 11 | 12.10 PM - 12.40 PM |
| 12 | 12.50 PM - 1.20 PM |
| 13 | 1.30 PM - 2.00 PM |
6. Break and lunchtime areas
| Year Group | Designated Areas |
|---|---|
| 7 | QEMS Restaurant/Hall/Front yard |
| 8 | QEMS Restaurant/Hall/Front yard |
| 9 | QEMS Restaurant/Hall/Front yard |
| 10 | QEMS Restaurant/Hall/Front yard |
| 11 | Sixth Form Restaurant/courtyard |
| 12 | Sixth Form Restaurant/courtyard |
| 13 | Sixth Form Restaurant/courtyard |
6.1. Years 7, 8, 9 and 10
Years 7 through to 10 are timetabled to use the QEMS restaurant, hall and front yard at staggered times throughout the day.
6.2. Years 11, 12 and 13
Years 11, 12 and 13 are timetabled to use the Sixth form restaurant at staggered times throughout the day.
6.3. Other areas
For supervision and safety reasons all other social areas are out of bounds to all students.
7. The restaurants
The academy expects students to respect the health and safety of their peers, teaching staff, catering and restaurant staff and to follow all infection control and social distancing rules put in place while collecting and eating food.
7.1. Respecting health and safety
Students must follow seating instructions in the restaurant at all times and must not sit face to face with any other student in the dining areas.
7.2. Entry/Exits – Years 7, 8, 9 and 10
Students and staff are to enter the QEMS restaurant via the main entrance and exit via the Academy hall.
Entry Only
Exit Only
7.3. Entry/Exits – Years 11, 12 and 13
Students and staff are to enter and exit the Sixth Form restaurant via the doors shown below.
8. Student ‘bubbles’ and teaching areas
Staff will welcome students into their classroom from a socially distanced position and maintain a physical presence near to the front of the classroom. Students will be made aware of their seating positions in advance of arriving at their room; this will prevent confusion and unnecessary wandering within the classroom. The seating plan is non-negotiable. Students cannot be loaned equipment or borrow from another student (staff may give them equipment but not loan it); they must bring their own equipment and water bottle.
Year group ‘bubble’ locations
| Year Group | Location |
|---|---|
| 7 | Middle block |
| 8 | Restaurant side of QEMS block |
| 9 | Sports Hall side of QEMS block |
| 10 | Elizabeth block |
| 11 | E wing - Sixth Form |
| 12 | C wing - Sixth Form |
| 13 | B wing - Sixth Form |
Specialist area locations
| Specialist Area | Location |
|---|---|
| Physical Education | Sports hall/QEMS PE/Field |
| Science | D wing - Sixth Form |
| Music/PA | F wing/PA - Sixth Form |
| IT/Computing | F wing - Sixth Form |
| DT | F wing - Sixth Form |
8.1. Year 7
For all teaching which does not require specialist facilities, Year 7 will be located in the Middle block.
Entrance and Exit to the Middle block
8.2. Year 8
For all teaching which does not require specialist facilities, Year 8 will be located on the restaurant side of QEMS block.
Entrance and Exit through the old QEMS main reception
Students will access classrooms via the wooden stairs
8.3. Year 9
For all teaching which does not require specialist facilities, Year 9 will be located on the sports hall side of QEMS block.
Entrance and Exit through the QEMS main student entrance
8.4. Year 10
For all teaching which does not require specialist facilities, Year 10 will be located in the Elizabeth block.
Entrance and Exit through the main doors
8.5. Year 11
For all teaching which does not require specialist facilities, Year 11 will be located in E wing in the Sixth Form.
8.6. Year 12
For all teaching which does not require specialist facilities, Year 12 will be located in B wing.
8.7. Year 13
For all teaching which does not require specialist facilities, Year 13 will be located in C wing.
9. Specialist teaching areas
9.1. Physical Education
On days when students are timetabled for PE they should attend the Academy in their PE kit. All teaching of practical PE will take place in outdoor facilities where possible. Students will meet their teachers outside the sports hall.
Entrance
Exit
9.2. Performing Arts
Performing Arts will take place in the Dance studio.
9.3. DT
All DT teaching will take place in the specialist DT area.
Entrance
Exit…
…leading to the one way system
9.4. Science
All Science teaching will take place in D wing – the specialist science area.
Exit (by D01)
10. Toilet facilities
Designated toilet facilities to be used by year group ‘bubbles’ when in non-specialist areas.
10.1. Year 7
Outside Elizabeth block
10.2. Year 8
Outside QEMS block
10.3. Year 9
Inside QEMS block
10.4. Year 10
Inside Elizabeth block
10.5. Years 11, 12 and 13
- Year 11 – E Wing
- Year 12 – B Wing
- Year 13 – C Wing
11. Movement around the Academy/lesson change over
Lesson change over for all years will take place at 12.00 PM.
Non-essential movement around academy will be avoided. Leaders have implemented a one-way system for occasions when restriction of movement around academy cannot be avoided. Movement will be planned, with a pre-defined route. Staff will be on duty along the route to supervise the safe movement of students.
11.1. One way system around the site
The academy expects all students to move around the academy following the academy’s one-way systems.
11.2. One way system rules
The academy prohibits students from lingering in walkways, including stairs, and other communal areas without good cause.
Students are expected to move directly from one destination to the next at the times allotted to them and in their assigned groups, e.g. moving from one class to another or using the restaurant.
Students may leave the classroom to use the toilets or other sanitary facilities one at a time, with permission from a member of staff.
Students who purposefully and continuously linger in walkways and communal areas without good cause are disciplined in line with the behaviour policy.
12. End of the Academy day
Students will leave the classroom one at a time and row at a time starting from the front of the classroom led by their subject tutor. They will wash their hands, or use hand sanitiser.
Multiple exit points across the Academy will be used to stagger the flow of movement. Students will be dismissed from academy in their bubbles.
Senior leaders and staff on duty will supervise the exit routes. Staff will provide a positive end to the day for students and remind them not to wait for their friends.
Parents will collect their children from designated areas and are advised to maintain the social distancing rules.
13. Student Code of Conduct
The ‘normal’ behaviour expectations for the academy remain in place and serve as the foundation for students to take responsibility for their own behaviour in line with the academy’s values. The following expectations supplement our ‘normal’ expectations:
- Please attend academy wearing full academy uniform.
- Staff supervising you will remind you of the expectations at the start of each day.
- Please arrive to academy and leave to go home at the designated time using the designated entrance/exit route. When you arrive in academy please line up in your designated area. Please do not meet your friends before academy and do not wait around for your friends at the end of the day. You should not congregate in a group at any time. Speak to a member of staff if your parent or carer normally collects you and is not on time.
- You won’t be able to access your lockers but should keep your bag and coat with you at all times
- Wash hands your hands (or use hand sanitiser) upon entering and leaving academy and after each lesson within the day. Wash hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and hot water during the day.
- There must be no physical contact of any type at any time. This includes play fighting, hugging, handshakes, fist bumping etc.
- Ensure that you ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, put it straight in the bin and wash your hands immediately. Please avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
- There must be no coughing or spitting at or towards any other person – this would result in a very serious sanctions and a review if you could continue to attend academy.
- The seating plan in the classroom is non-negotiable and is in place for the safety of each student. Please stick to the seating plan. Do not move tables or chairs and do not leave your seat without speaking to the teacher.
- Maintain a safe distance from others between and during lessons, following the one-way system.
- At break and lunch times, go outside (weather permitting) or remain in a designated venue (if the weather is poor). Maintain a safe distance from others at all times.
- In the Restaurant, at breakfast and lunch times, students should line up, following the systems in place in each restaurant.
- Do not share belongings (food, stationery, books, water bottles etc) with others and do not handle other people’s belongings.
- Use the toilet designated to you, when it is designated. Only enter the toilets if there is a free cubicle. On exiting the toilet, wash hands thoroughly.
- In computer rooms, wipe the keyboard and mouse at the start of your lesson as instructed by the teacher.
- You must tell an adult if you feel that you are suffering from a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
14. Academy uniform
The academy expects all students to wear uniform while in academy, in line with the Academy Uniform Policy.
Parents do not need to clean their child’s uniform any more often than usual.
15. Student equipment
Students cannot be loaned equipment or borrow from another student, they must bring their own equipment and water bottle.
- Lanyard
- Planner
- School bag
- Pencil case
- Pen
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Eraser
- Purple pen
- Glue Stick
- Highlighter
- Calculator
- Reading book
16. Student support
- Reviewed locations of student support areas (KS3 and KS4) to minimise mixing of student bubbles, access to each area to follow one way system
- Appointment system created to access student support staff and services. Email address for students to be created. Drop in option no longer available.
- Support/pastoral staff to go to bubble areas to speak to and support students where possible
- Break out/time out room identified in each teaching area/bubble to reduce formal removals from lessons – student support officers contacted if necessary
- Removal from lessons to CL/identified member of staff, to be managed as effectively as possible to reduce likelihood of further escalation
- Removals from lessons to student support only made when absolutely necessary and will be authorised by a member of SLT. Student support officer must be contacted and student collected.
16.1. Changes to location
KS3 is now located in RE3 in QEMS block access is by outside entrance/exit.
KS4 and 5 student support and the PSU now located in A01 in the Sixth Form.
16.2. SEN Hub
QEMS SEN Hub accessed from Sixth form side of the Middle block.
Sixth Form SEN Hub now in C wing – C07.
17. Rewards and discipline
Staff ensure that any rewards given are in line with academy policy (myQdos) adhering to the academy’s infection control and social distancing measures.
The academy understands that students may have had different experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and that this may affect how students re-adapt to a academy environment and its routines. Where the academy recognises that a student’s challenging behaviour may be linked to their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic, e.g. bereavement, it acts in line with relevant policies and ensures adequate wellbeing support is offered.
Behaviour management
There are occasions when staff will need to challenge behaviours which are not safe or not conducive to learning. In order to effectively challenge and improve behaviour, leaders will actively promote non-confrontational behaviour management. Staff will use praise and verbal reprimand accordingly.
A range of disciplinary measures will be implemented consistently, openly and fairly. The academy reserves the right to apply the following measures:
- Verbal reprimand
- Setting extra work or repeating unsatisfactory work for completion at home
- Missing social times at break or lunch time/catch up at break and lunch time
- Instigating a Student Support Plan
- removal from the classroom to reduce the impact of behaviours upon other students
- HOY intervention/catch up after the academy day
- Referral to CL, HOY or SLT
- Exclusion
18. Hygiene and infection control
Students are expected to use infection control provisions responsibly, e.g. using hand sanitiser as directed.
We will maintain of robust approach to hand and respiratory hygiene. Additional wall mounted hand sanitiser dispenses will be located across the school with at least one in each ‘zone’. Hand sanitiser and tissues will be placed in all classrooms/ areas that are in use. Students will be reminded to wash hands/ sanitise hands on entry to the building, before and after breaks and at the end of the day.
Students are expected to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and/or alcohol-based hand sanitiser:
- Upon arrival to the academy.
- Before and after consuming food.
- After using the toilet.
- After coughing or sneezing.
- When they return from breaks.
- When they change rooms.
- Students are expected to maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene at all times while in academy, to the best of their ability.
- Students are expected to dispose of tissues using the litter bins provided.
Reminders have been placed around the academy to remind students of the importance of personal hygiene and hand washing guidelines.
19. Ill health and infection
- The academy expects students to report to a member of staff as soon as possible if they are feeling unwell and showing symptoms of coronavirus, or believe a peer is showing symptoms of coronavirus.
- The academy has allocated suitable areas (C08 and C09) that will be used to isolate students who show symptoms of coronavirus whilst they wait for their parent or primary carer to collect them.
- Students who have been advised to self-isolate at academy while waiting to go home are expected to follow all infection control and social distancing rules in place and must not leave the area used to isolate them until parents/carers pick them up.
20. Reception area changes
QEMS reception area is now closed.
All visitors should now report to the Sixth form reception area.
21. Student lockers
Students will no longer be able to access lockers and should keep their bag and coat with them at all times.
22. Photocopying
Students will no longer be able to access the MFDs to scan, print or photocopy until further notice.