Headteacher Letter (2) 17 March 20
Dear Parent / Carer
We are doing our very best to keep things as normal as possible at school and I am proud of the manner in which the staff and students are coping in such difficult circumstances. The updated guidance from the Government about social distancing highlights a number of high risk groups. If your son / daughter is in one of these groups it is advised that they reduce any unnecessary social interaction and I recommend you follow this advice. This may involve not attending school in the short term if you believe this is in their best interests. The full guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
Our school will remain open tomorrow for all year groups except Years 9 and 12 due to the number of staff who are currently absent. This decision has not been taken lightly and is to enable adequate supervision to be maintained for the majority of students. These classes are being asked to work from home for the remainder of the week and will be provided with work, either on Microsoft Teams or via email. These year groups have been chosen as Year 12 are accustomed to independent working and Year 9 avoids the youngest children with more childcare issues while protecting those with forthcoming exams. A copy of the Microsoft Teams guidance is attached and is also on the school website.
In order to support parents working in the NHS and similar frontline professions, if you need to send your Year 9 child into school then we will make arrangements for them to complete their work on site.
I will continue to provide regular updates with the latest information so we can work together to support our young people.
Regards
Mr A Bridson
Headteacher