As you have no doubt read in the news over the weekend, the R rate across the NW has increased and was over 1.
An R rate of below 1 was one of the government’s 5 key tests that needed to be met before schools would be opened more widely. This, alongside operational track and trace systems, was key to ensuring the return to school was safely able to manage the return of more pupils.
As a consequence of this information, schools across HFCMAT have taken the decision to delay wider reopening, and now intend to offer wider opening, in the case of St Mary’s face to face meetings for Years 10 and pupils now starting from June 22nd rather than the previously planned 15th June . This decision has the support of the Diocese, Local Authority, chairs of Local Governing Boards and chair of the Trust Board.
As you might have seen last night Gavin Williamson, the Minister for Education, announced that the ambition for all primary children to spend time in school before the summer holidays has had to be abandoned. We share your frustration that we are issuing messages and then needing to change them soon afterwards.
We appreciate that this may cause inconvenience to those returning to work, but I’m sure you all agree that safety must come first at this time. Our team is working hard to ensure that everything is in place for children to return safely and we are all disappointed that we have had to delay. We will ensure that home learning continues to support your children at this time.
As always, we thank you for your ongoing partnership and support at this time.
We will update Years 10 and 12 with more details around the return plan soon. Until then, take care and stay safe
We are considering a wider range of evidence, not just limited to the R rate.
