Dear Parents/Carers

As we approach the end of the summer term, I think it would be appropriate to look back on a year which, without a doubt, will be reflected upon for many years to come. True to form, the year started incredibly well with African Dance and Drumming for our Year 3/4 children, a wonderful Harvest assembly, our residential to Castleton and who could forget our fabulous Christmas performances?

 

It wasn’t until later in the spring term, having celebrated winning our football league (and almost making it to the King Power Stadium) that our world changed unrecognisably. Despite the dark times, Glebelands continued to play its part by remaining open for children of our front-line workers, as well as providing support for our most vulnerable pupils. 

 

As we move forwards and begin to think about the new academic year, there remains a wealth of conflicting opinion as to whether or not it should go ahead, and if so, how will it will work. As things currently stand, we are planning for a full opening of the school with a view to welcoming all pupils back. The DfE are in the process of publishing new guidelines for all schools in England, which are expected to be adopted from 1^st September.  As a result, the Local Authority have notified schools that they should delay the start of the autumn term until this date.  I can therefore confirm that Glebelands will be reopening after the summer break on Tuesday 1^st September.

 

Looking ahead to the new academic year, the leadership team is already planning for the implementation of a range of ‘catch-up’ measures.  It will however be important to balance a catch-up curriculum with one that allows children to settle back into school having spent so much time away from the classroom.  I want to reassure parents that the wellbeing of the children will be our primary concern when they eventually return in the autumn term.

 

Parents will receive a letter before the end of the week to inform you of proposed changes to our afterschool clubs provision for next year.  We are currently liaising with FCS who have been providing some of our after-school clubs and activities over the last two years.  From the start of the autumn term, FCS will be providing all afterschool activities and childcare - this will however come with a nominal charge to parents. I would ask that you familiarise yourselves with the letter which will explain in detail how the proposed plan for the autumn term will work.

 

I have also been asked by Mr. Maw, our external music teacher, to let you know that he intends to recommence his private tutoring lessons from the autumn term.  If you would like your child to learn how to play and read music, please look out for information which will be sent out to parents at the beginning of the new term.

I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces next week when the children are given the opportunity to collect their personal items and say farewell to their teachers.  You may have seen my Dojo message last week, but to those who may have missed it, this is only intended to be a brief drop-in as opposed to a full hour-long visit. 

 

Finally, please ensure you check your in-box regularly for any updates from us.  I have no doubt that you will continue to receive these throughout the summer holidays, as the DfE releases their own guidance to schools.  The more we remain informed, the easier it will be for everyone to hit the ground running when we return.

Yours sincerely