Coronavirus – latest update on School Closure

Now that we have finally received guidance from the government regarding school closures we are able to share this information with you.

Dear Parents and Carers

Now that we have finally received guidance from the government regarding school closures we are able to share this information with you.

Key points are as follows:

  • Schools are being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children (no more than 20% of the school population has been mentioned but not confirmed)- children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home
  • Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans
  • 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
  • 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.

 

Criticial Workers

Those who work within these sectors and their specific role is critical to the Covid-19 response. Critical Workers are identified as follows:

  • Health and social care
  • Education and childcare
  • Key public services
  • Local and national government
  • Food and other necessary goods
  • Public safety and national security
  • Transport
  • Utilities, communication and financial services

For full details on who is a Critical Worker follow this link:

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

Guidance specifically for parents can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be. Schools are being asked to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

It may be necessary to rank in order of priority, children with both parents, and those from single parent families, who are Critical Workers. If a parent is available to provide care at home then they should do so.

If you, or your child develops symptoms you must follow guidance for self-isolation and not attend work or school.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

If you have chosen to implement social distancing because of an underlying health condition please follow these guidelines.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people

Please note that if your child is currently in self-isolation they must see out the 14-day isolation period regardless of parents’ role at work or vulnerability.

 

IMPORTANT!
We are currently in the process of contacting parents who have indicated that they are a Critical Worker through our survey. We seeking to identify and prioritise our families based on need.

If you have not yet responded to the survey or have been unable to do so for any reason please contact the school office immediately. We will be able to take your information over the phone or face-to-face.

Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support through these unprecedented times. Please be assured that I will continue to update you as the situation changes and that we will continue to work for the best interests of our children, families and our wider community.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Woodford
Headteacher

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