School Closed
20th March 2020
Dear Parents,
School will be closed from Monday.
We will remain open for pupils with an EHC plan and pupils under the care of a social worker. We have already spoken to you if your child is in one of these categories.
School will also be open for some pupils if their parents’ work is vital to the COVID-19 response but only if they cannot be safely cared for at home. The government’s guidance is very clear.
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. That 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.”
Please, therefore, follow these key principles:
- If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
- If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
- Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as the elderly or people with underlying conditions.
- Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed by the government and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision:
The government’s full list is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
The kitchen will be open from 12.15 – 1pm on Monday to provide a lunch for any child who is entitled to a free school dinner. Please be aware that this will be a take away service only.
I will continue to post regular updates on the school website.
M Hanks
Headteacher