School Closure
You will all be aware of the Secretary of State and Prime Minister’s announcement that all schools will close their doors, for all but a selected number of children, as from Friday 20 March. The closure will be for the foreseeable future.
These are unprecedented times. At the moment, we do not have the answers to questions you may well have – such as how long the closure will last or what will happen in time.
These are the things we do know as of 5.30pm last evening –
- All national assessments for this academic year will not take place, this includes Phonics tests, Times tables tests, Year 2 and 6 SATs, GCSE exams and A level exams.
- Schools will close their doors on Friday 20 March at the end of the school day.
- Some schools will reopen on Monday 23 March for the children of key workers and those who are termed as vulnerable.
What is unclear today, at time of writing, is how the latter of these announcements will be implemented. We await clarity and direction either from the Department of Education or the Local Authority. However, what is clear is that we will do everything in our powers to keep you informed and updated as best we can.
At this time though, I am asking those parents who may be classed as a key worker (NHS, police, fire service) or key delivery driver to let the office know as soon as possible. I would also ask that you let us know if you intend to send your child to school during this period so we have an idea of numbers. This is the same for those children who are on free school meals and also have EHCP’s. Please be aware that the school may not be operating and the children may have to attend another school.
The teachers have been busy preparing home learning for your children and this information will come home tomorrow. The majority of this will be sent home via email communication and posted on the school website. There will be learning linked to English, mathematics, other subjects, creative projects, physical exercise links and ideas for general learning and fun.
Please do check the school website as after the first wave of learning project ideas, this is where the updates will be posted on class pages. Teachers are working together in key phases so these may well be for Years 1 and 2, Years 3 and 4 and Years 5 and 6, with specific things where possible.
Please do try to read daily with your children as a start and practice number sentences including times tables. It will also be important to keep the children fit and healthy through physical exercises suggested and of course imaginative projects will maintain interest and enthusiasm. However, it is also good for you to create your own your timetables (although some are suggested) to fit in with your own family routines. However, the most important aspect is for you all to keep safe, stay well and remain healthy.
When we are clear regarding the children who will be able to remain in school and where we will be operating from, we will inform you immediately.
We will do everything we can as a school staff to keep supporting your children and your families at this time of uncertainty. We are at the end of an email so please don’t hesitate to contact us.