The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
This is why the government has 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 fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and …infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.
What is the current situation?
At 3pm today, Friday 20thMarch 2020, the school will close to the majority of children but will remain open for children whose parents work is critical to the COVID-19 response (see below), children who are supported by social care, young carers and children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
What you should do?
· If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
· If you are a critical worker, then educational provision is available for your child
· Ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus
Who are ‘Critical Workers’?
· Health & Social Care – NHS Staff, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment
· Education & Childcare – Staff that work in schools and social workers
· Key Public Services – Anyone working in the justice system, journalists and broadcasters
· Local & National Government – Only those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response
· Food & other necessary goods – Food production, processing and distribution, sale and delivery
· Public Safety & National Security – Police and support staff, MoD civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel, fire and rescue employees, prison and probation staff
· Transport – Those who are responsible for keeping the air, water road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating
· Utilities, communication & Financial Services – Bank and building society workers, oil, gas, electricity and water sector staff, telecom workers, postal service staff, waste disposal workers
What to do if you are a critical worker or your child is in a vulnerable group?
· Please call school before 2.15pm so that we can take your details and build upon the information we have already collected
· If you decide that you would rather keep your child off school, you need to let us know
· Breakfast club will not be running next week
· Normal guidelines for self-isolating will apply
What to do if you are not a critical worker and your child is not in a vulnerable group?
· You need to keep your child off school
· School work packs are ready for collection for those that requested it between 11.15 – 12.15pm.
· Work packs will then be delivered to homes that are self-isolating upon request
Free School Meal Provision
· If you are in receipt of FSM then a sandwich pack will be available for you to collect from school between 11.30 – 12.30pm each day from the main school entrance
· We may be able to deliver your sandwiches upon request if you are self-isolating
· We will stick to the published school menu as far as is possible but daily variations may occur
How long will the school be closed for?
· The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson saysfor? schools will be closed “until further notice”
Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time.
