Good afternoon everyone

I hope you had a wonderful break and New Year.

As you are aware, in the media, there has been much discussion and speculation with regards to the re-opening of primary schools. Currently we have the capacity to continue to open as usual, however this may change in the coming weeks, for several reasons:

1) There may be another National/Local lockdown

2) Staffing capacity may change due to illness

3) The Government may alter their advice for provision as National figures may increase (as they have in London).

The Local Authority are in constant discussion with Public Health and we receive regular updates, however circumstances change very quickly and I want our school to be as prepared as we possibly can.

During the previous lockdown we provided online learning for all children at home. If the situation arises and we do have to lockdown again, then remote learning will be available for all children via the school year group blogs.

Under the new guidance, Critical Worker children would still be able to access school, along with those identified as vulnerable children and those with an Educational and Health Care Plan.   For more information on who is classified as a Critical Worker and which children are identified as Vulnerable, click the link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

For us to plan ahead for such eventualities, we need to identify the number of children who would require a child care place. This information will be used to plan staffing to see if we are able to meet the needs of our families. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee a place for every child at this time.

In order for us to be able to meet the needs of our school community, places should only be requested if there are no other arrangements that can be made within your household or child care support bubble.

Should your child fall into either of the categories and you would require a place, then please complete the form below.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=natG5j0LkUeyeFyeKJtylrqBp02gS01HsTuyFniNg6NUQVRPQTBUOVJaV0MxRERWQjlWRjhRUFVTUC4u

Responses must be submitted by Thursday 7th January at 8:30am

Reminder - if anyone in your household is displaying any coronavirus symptoms, your child must not attend school.

I know these are uncertain times and this is not an ideal situation, however I wanted to ensure that everyone was aware of the plans that school are putting in place should our circumstances change.

The safety of the children and staff is paramount to me and we will continue to follow all guidance provided by the Local Authority and the Government.

If you have any questions then please contact the school office.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Kind regards

Miss Duce