Dear Parents/Carers

We are working together in these extremely challenging times to do all we can do for your children.

 

Thank you for all that you are doing to support your children with their continuing education.  We will be further enhancing the Year 7 and Year 8 resources on Monday 30 March and, after Easter, for all year groups.

 

The Bishop has been open to the children of key workers and vulnerable students since Monday. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 23 March, where new rules came into force “to stay at home and save lives”, some parents have chosen now to keep their children at home.

 

We, at Bishop, have been given stricter guidance on implementing social distancing in schools. We have now been informed that our service should be further limited to critical workers and vulnerable children.

 

“Critical workers are defined as parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response, including those who work in health and social care and in other critical sectors. However, many parents working in these critical sectors will be able to ensure their child is kept at home. Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

 

Vulnerable children in this context include children who have a social worker and those children and young people with education, health and care (EHC) plans. Those who have a social worker include children who have a child protection plan and those who are looked after by the local authority. A child may also be deemed to be vulnerable if they have been assessed as being in need or otherwise meet the definition in section 17 of the Children Act 1989.”

 

This updated guidance has also resulted in a restriction of movement around the school building for students and staff on duty, for their safety and the safety of staff. We now have limited access to the hall and toilet facilities only. 

 

As of today, Friday 27 March, the school is open to vulnerable students and children of critical workers from 8.00am - 6.00pm.  Please send your child with a packed lunch, snack and drink. 

 

Thank you for your support with this ever changing picture.  We are working together to ensure your child is safe.  If you have any queries please contact Paul McKeown, Principal, at paul.mckeown@tbowa.org