20^th March 2020.

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

 

The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear.  If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading. 

 

This is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.  The fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.

 

What is the current situation?

At 3.15pm today, Friday 20^th March 2020, the school will close to the majority of children but will re-open on Tuesday 24^th March for children whose parents work is critical to the COVID-19 response (see below), children who are supported by social care, young carers and children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP). 

 

Staff have spent today with our remaining children and cleaning. We will continue the deep clean on Monday in preparation for the re-opening of the school on Tuesday. We want to ensure that our environment has been prepared fully to ensure the safety of your children.

 

What will happen in school?

We aim to provide a small team of staff to care for your children during the school day 9am - 3.15pm.  This will be a child care service only.  We will not be able to teach your children in the usual way. The home learning activities on our website and sent via Marvellous Me are not for school unless children wish to work on them independently whilst with us.

 

If we are short staffed we will inform you and try to provide care at an alternative setting. Please ensure that your contact details are up to date.

 

Please note that the office will not be manned and any contact will need to be via email or MyEd.

 

What you should do?

• If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
• If you are a critical worker, then child care provision is available for your child
• Ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus

 

Who are ‘Critical Workers’?

Please refer to the Government Guidance for the full detailed list

• Health & Social Care – NHS Staff, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment
• Education & Childcare – Staff that work in schools and social workers
• Key Public Services – Anyone working in the justice system, journalists and broadcasters
• Local & National Government – Only those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response
• Food & other necessary goods – Food production, processing and distribution, sale and delivery
• Public Safety & National Security – Police and support staff, MoD civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel, fire and rescue employees, prison and probation staff
• Transport – Those who are responsible for keeping the air, water road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating
• Utilities, Communication & Essential Financial Services – Bank and building society workers, oil, gas, electricity and water sector staff, telecom workers, postal service staff, waste disposal workers
• For a more comprehensive list follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

 

What to do if you are a critical worker or your child is in a vulnerable group?

• If you are unable to make provision at home please complete our online form
• If you decide that you would rather keep your child off school there is nothing further you need to do. We understand that many of you may wish to socially distance your families regardless of where you work and will not wish to use this service.
• If you decide to send your child to school please limit this to times that are absolutely necessary to help protect our staff and the wider community. We will offer half days and flexible care.
• All children who attend will need to bring a packed lunch, snacks and a water bottle except for those who receive a free school meal. In which case a packed lunch will be provided if possible. Please still provide a water bottle and snack.
• Parents should supply the member of staff with emergency contact details at the start of each day/session in case of an emergency.
• Normal guidelines for self-isolating will apply.  If your child becomes ill during their time with us we will follow isolation guidance to keep others safe from infection.
• When bringing your child to school please ensure you do not enter the building if at all possible.  Please ask your child to wash their hands at home before coming to school.

 

What to do if you are not a critical worker and your child is not in a vulnerable group?

• You need to keep your child off school and remember to follow government guidance around social distancing.
• School will send a timetable of suggested activities each week via Marvellous Me and the Website
• If your child is entitled to Free School Meals you can collect the meal from school each day at 12.30.

 

How long will the school be closed for?

• The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson says schools will be closed "until further notice"

 

Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time.

 

During this ever changing situation we will keep you updated as best we can with the relevant information.

 

Kind regards,

 

Mrs Rachael Greenhalgh

Executive Headteacher