9.6.20

Dear Parents/Carers

I hope this finds you all safe and well as we make tentative steps towards a wider easing of lockdown restrictions and a move towards a ‘new normal’ way of life. You may have seen on the news today that the Government no longer plans for children in all primary school years in England to return to school before the end of term.  This will come as disappointing news for many families, however given the increase in space required for returning year groups and children of Key Workers, it is not physically possible to safely accommodate all year groups.

 

Last week we welcomed back the majority of our Year 6 pupils.  I am pleased to report that their return to school went very smoothly, with the children settling quickly into their new routines. 

I am also able to announce that after careful consideration, which included a review of staffing and the steadying of Key Worker numbers, we are now in a position to open the school to Year 1 pupils on a part-time basis from Monday 15^th June. Parents have been contacted and we are anticipating a positive response for places.

 

Unfortunately due to restrictions on space, coupled with the high number of Key Worker children who are currently attending in our Early Years,we are unable to extend provision to our children in Reception. Those of you who are familiar with the layout of our Foundation unit will know that it does not allow for the safe separation of groups or ‘bubbles’ of children.  Whilst this is not a decision which has been taken lightly, it is in the best interests of maintaining the health and safety of our pupils and staff.

 

A number of teachers have been piloting a programme of meeting with small groups of children through the Zoom platform. Whilst these have not been formal structured lessons, the short 10-15 minute sessions have allowed children to share their news and updates on their home learning with their class teachers.  Initial feedback from staff and children has been very positive and we hopefully look forward to expanding this further in the coming weeks. 

 

We are in the process of gathering children’s belongings with the intention that children and parents can come to school for their collection before the end of term.  We anticipate scheduling a morning or an afternoon during the last week of term for each class to collect their personal items and to say farewell to their teacher. It is highly likely that this will take place outdoors in order to maintain social distancing, so fingers crossed for some good weather.

 

A number of parents have been in touch recently to enquire about summer catch-up sessions. At the moment we have no plans to open the school over the summer holidays however, should there be any formal announcement from either the DfE or the Local Authority, I will of course pass this on to parents.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your continued support for the school and for your commitment to your child’s home learning. I fully appreciate that as time progresses, and as the weather improves, momentum can be difficult to maintain.  I would just ask you to keep doing your best and do whatever you can to keep your child’s learning ticking over. 

 

In the meantime I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Yours sincerely

L. Lee