Letters Home

Friday 20^th March
 
Dear Parents /Carers,
 
As you are all already aware, the Government have asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.
 
The Government have stressed that it is important that schools remain safe places for children. The fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.
 
The Government have now defined ‘Key Workers’ and have produced a list of those jobs which are considered to be front line positions. For details of these jobs, then please follow the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision?fbclid=IwAR2GTZ7lMEl-3GA-5YpoB236dWOntg4AFsbjVjanLo_mD_oJ2iiouo8yOWk
 
Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. They have advised that if a child can be safely cared for at home then they should be.
 
They have identified the following key principles:

1. If it is possible for all children to be at home, then they should be.
2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
4. Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.

 
As a result of this guidance, can I ask parents to complete the form sent out yesterday if they feel that the principles outlined above apply to them and require to be in school next week.
 
To manage the coming weeks, we are following the Local Authority guidance. We still have to plan for staff potentially having to self-isolate and will need to manage this situation carefully as I’m sure you will appreciate that small schools have limited staff. They have also advised schools to work together. As we are a Federation, we can currently manage this ourselves at this point so have made the decision to close one of the schools and merge these children with the other school which we will keep open to ensure we can maximise our resources and provide the care needed for our families.
 
As of Monday the 23^rd, Fountains building will close and all children will go to Grewelthorpe School. School will be open from 8:45am until 3:30pm Monday to Friday. On the letter given out yesterday, we have asked you to indicate which days you require as you may be in a position to follow the guidance of keeping your child/children at home on certain days to help minimize the risks and use this provision only in emergencies. It is in everybody’s best interests to ensure that all children and adults remain safe and that social distancing and self-isolation guidance is followed stringently. This will also help us to manage staff ratios.
 
The children will not be expected to come in their uniform so can just wear their normal clothes. They will need coats and appropriate footwear for playing outside.
Can you please provide your child with a packed lunch. School will provide drinks and snacks throughout the day. If your child receives a FSM then alternative arrangements are being made and these will be discussed with you directly. The children will complete the work which has been set by the teachers. This will be the same as those children who are working at home. Days in school will follow a different structure as we will plan in ‘down time’ as we understand that this will be a difficult time for some children. They can bring in one item from home to play with, however we cannot take responsibility for any damage to these items so please choose wisely.

Thank you for your support and consideration during these difficult times.

Kind regards,

Pam Acheson