Update Letter from Principal
Dear Parents/Carers,
Further to my email that was sent yesterday afternoon the situation around your child’s education has changed somewhat. You will no doubt be aware of the Prime Minister’s announcement about a new ‘Lockdown’ and the closure of schools to all but a small number of students.
I have been made aware that some parents did not receive yesterday’s email. Unfortunately, this was due to a server error with our service provider. The letter and attachments are now available on our website.
The Blended Learning arrangements remain the same as we had planned for the short term. This will now be extended to include the whole of this half term.
Blended Learning
In order to facilitate the staggered start to this term, the provision we will be providing is as follows:
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Wednesday 6th January |
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Thursday 7th January & Friday 8th January |
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Monday 11th January onwards |
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The lessons above will be in line with your child’s normal timetable, although their timetable may have changed over the Christmas break. An up-to-date timetable will be emailed to your child’s school email account by Wednesday morning. Students can access independent work via ShowMyHomework using their normal school login.
It is essential that students continue to engage with their education during these challenging times. Student participation will be continuously monitored, and your continued support with this is appreciated.
Electronic versions of the Lent One Knowledge Organisers will be available from the academy website, and students should follow their normal homework schedule for KO revision. We will advise parents of times when hard copies can be collected along with other resources such as exercise books.
Provision for Students of Critical Workers
During this staggered return to school schools have been asked to provide a service for children where the parents are in the critical worker category and they cannot provide an alternative for their children during the school day.
The definition of key workers can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Students who access this service will be expected to attend on a daily basis, normal school hours. They will need to wear full school uniform, bring all their equipment (including headphones) and a packed lunch. For students who are entitled to free school meals, a packed lunch will be provided.
Please do not try to access this provision if you do not fall into the key or critical worker category. Students will be based within their learning zone and will have access to technology to enable them to access the same provision as students who will be working remotely from home.
This provision will be available for all students, who have been registered and received confirmation from the academy.
If you would like to register your child for this provision please complete the form on the link below by 2.00pm on Wednesday 6th January. Your child should not attend until you have written confirmation of a place.
Provision for Vulnerable Students (including those with EHCP)
This provision is in place for registered vulnerable students and those with an EHCP. The above provision for critical workers applies.
Students of Critical Workers and Vulnerable Students should now start term on Thursday 7th January at 8.25am. This is a date later than originally planned. I am sure you will appreciate that the late notice changes announced by the Prime Minister has generated a considerable amount of work for schools to deal with and I am grateful for your patience and understanding over this. Work is available from Wednesday 6th January on-line via Show My Homework.
Upon arrival students will receive a Lateral Flow Test for COVID 19. It is important that you have completed the consent form at the link below.
Lateral Flow Tests In School
As you are aware secondary schools have been instructed to conduct mass testing. Mass testing will allow asymptomatic cases to be identified and appropriate action taken to enhance the safety of our whole school community.
Staff will be tested on return to school and students on the programme below:
Vulnerable Students will be tested on Thursday 7th January
Children of Critical Workers who are accessing the on-site provision will be tested on Thursday 7th January.
Arrangements for testing students who will not be accessing on-site provision will be detailed at a later date.
It is essential that you complete the consent form on the link below to register your child for the testing programme.
It is disappointing that we will not be welcoming students back to school this term and I would like to reassure you that staff are making every effort to ensure that remote learning and on-site provision is as supportive and effective as possible.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best wishes,
Paul Mc
