30th March 2020

Dear parents/carers,

I am writing to let you know that members of our leadership team will be in contact with all families whose children are in their department over the next couple of days to check in with you, and support in whatever way we can.

I also want to let you know that from the 20th of April, we aim to be open but only for those pupils that were at school on 23rd of March, minus a few others who have been contacted recently by Coleen Smith. We have had to make this decision based on anticipated staffing levels and safe working.  I am sure you will appreciate this is very important in our environment with our young people.

We may increase or need to decrease the numbers of children in school beyond the 20th of April depending on Government guidance.  I am sure you can appreciate it is an ever evolving feat to try, predict and plan under these circumstances.

If you feel that your child needs to stay home after Easter, or after the anticipated date from your GP letter, we will support you in this decision.

Please be aware that if you had an Annual Review cancelled, our aim is to carry out these over the telephone next term to ensure the relevant paperwork is in place. We are constantly looking at our provision and following guidance to safeguard it as far as possible for our entire school community. The Government has reported it will be updating their guidance on social isolation and distancing on the 6th April. I will confirm or make any appropriate changes based on this information by the 8th of April.

If your child is entitled to free school meals, we will be sending out e-vouchers as soon as they are available. Government have admitted to being behind with these but confirmed they will be for £15.00 per week per child and backdated e.g. from 23rd March 2020.  Please ensure you email Coleen Smith This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if you have not already done so with your email address.  Please can I remind you, we will never email you to ask for your bank details to credit you in respect of Free School Meal vouchers or for any other purpose–this is a SCAM.

Finally, once again many thanks to all key workers, you are doing an amazing job.

Yours sincerely,

Niki Wilson

Headteacher