As you will be aware, the government has directed that all schools will close from today. This is due to the public health risk of school continuing to remain open in light of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The government has asked schools to try to remain open to a small number of vulnerable children and the children of key workers who have no other childcare options and whose children need supervision.
We should stress at this point that the government are still clear that:
If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
We currently have very low staffing levels due to those ill or self-isolating, or staff that fall into vulnerable groups and so are social distancing. We are however intending that a small skeleton staff will be in school each day next week to supervise these children. We will work to keep this in place for as long as possible but need to advise at this point that this will depend on staff continuing to be available (especially the key staff required to open such as safeguarding leads and first-aiders). In the event that the school is unable to continue to operate even with a skeleton staff, the local authority will provide alternative arrangements.
Some parents who are key workers have said that they are concerned their child may miss learning, particularly older children if they do not come in. Just to clarify, this is not a reason to send your children in and if it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be. This provision is for children who “cannot be safely cared for at home”:
- Normal teaching will not be taking place whilst the school is closed
- The national curriculum will not be followed during this time
- Students will be engaged in activities in groups with children of other ages
The school has already contacted parents by text yesterday to identify who the children of key workers are and whether they need supervision. If you did not receive this message please get in touch to update your contact details. If you have filled in this form someone will be in contact directly to confirm arrangements.
