School Closure
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Closure Resources
Dear Parents/Carers,
As you will be aware, the government has directed schools to close from this afternoon to the majority of children, but to remain open to the children of key workers; who would otherwise be unable to go to work as they are looking after their children, along with those with EHCPs.
Please bear in mind the advice that relatives over the age of 70 or who are one of the group listed as having an underlying health condition ( https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults) should not be taking on childcare responsibilities at this time, as they are a vulnerable group in the current circumstances.
However, it is important to note that the DFE have stated; ‘if it is at all possible for your child to be at home then they should be’.
To ensure we are supporting the right students during this difficult time, please can you complete the survey on the link below to give us the information we require to ensure we put appropriate plans and support in place. We appreciate you may have provided this information already however we would be grateful if you could still please fill out the below survey.
Children of key workers who are in school will be supervised by school staff. They will be using the work set for them by their teachers, and other activities that are appropriate to their age and interest. They should attend wearing full school uniform, with the exception of footwear where we would expect them to wear training shoes suitable for PE activities, as we would want them to be involved in some organised physical activity. During this time normal school rules and expectations will apply, including those surrounding mobile phones. Parents will be able to contact the school on 01202 512697 if they need to contact their child and their child will be able to use student services to contact parents if necessary.
During these exceptional circumstances we appreciate that parents working on the frontline may need extra childcare support, we have therefore taken measures to extend the school day for those parents who may need this facility. Registration will be between 8.00am and 8.30am, with the day finishing at 6.00pm, for those who need it. If you will be dropping your child off after 8.30 please can you contact the school. A meal service will be provided at lunchtime and snacks will be offered during breaks. These can be purchased using normal card payments and free school meals will be provided as normal for those entitled. Please ensure if your child does not qualify for a free school meal you provide them with a packed lunch or money on their card.
As you are aware, the Government have advised that those entitled to free school meals should not be disadvantaged and the academy are looking at ways to support those entitled to free school meals who are not in school to be able to access this service. We will give further advice in due course.
To ensure the smooth running of this provision, could you please send your child in on Monday with the most up to date contact details (including mobile number and email address) so we can ensure our systems are absolutely up to date.
We fully appreciate the additional stress that these exceptional circumstances are placing on families. Please be assured we will do everything we can to support the families of key workers throughout this national crisis. We will keep you and your families in our prayers at these difficult times.
Best wishes,
Paul McKeown
