31st December 2020
Dear Parents and Carers
I hope this communication finds you and your family well.
Following yesterday’s government announcement, I write to update you on the revised arrangements for the start of the Spring term in January 2021.
Is there still provision for vulnerable pupils and critical (key) workers’ children?
Yes, vulnerable pupils and children of critical workers from all year groups will return to school on Tuesday 5th January 2021. Thank you to those of you who have responded already by email requesting a place for your child. These pupils should attend school at the normal time on Tuesday in full school uniform. School meals will be available. School will finish at the normal time.
What are the arrangements for pupils from Tuesday 5th January?
From Tuesday 5th January until Friday 8th January, pupils in Y11 and Y13 will work from home accessing remote learning via Google Classroom. Specific arrangements will be shared with pupils and parents throughout next week.
From Wednesday 6th January, pupils in Y7, Y8, Y9, Y10 and Y12 will work from home accessing remote learning via Google Classroom. Specific arrangements will be shared with pupils and parents throughout next week.
From 11th January all Year 11 and 13 pupils will attend school as normal.
Pupils in Years 7 to 10 and Year 12 will continue to be provided Google Classroom remote learning.
Reminder: Friday 15th January is the Review Day for Years 10 and 11.
From Monday 18th January all pupils will be in school.
Will there be any provision for pupils who are entitled to a Free School Meal?
Arrangements for pupils in receipt of free school meals will be confirmed as soon as possible and no later than Tuesday 5th January.
Are the scheduled BTEC examinations continuing?
Yes, examinations are going ahead and some of these are taking place between the 5th and 8th January 2021. As these must be sat under examination conditions pupils will need to come to school to sit these examinations. Pupils taking these external BTEC examinations will be contacted individually to confirm the arrangements in place for them.
Do you have any details yet for Mass Testing?
We are currently working on setting up the testing provision to ensure that we are able to test staff and pupils before a full return to face to face teaching. No pupil or staff member will be tested without consent. We hope that arrangements to do this will reassure staff and parents as we return to school in such uncertain times. Further details will follow in due course.
Do we still need to notify school of any positive COVID tests/close contacts?
Before the holidays I asked if you could please inform the school, via of any positive COVID cases affecting pupils starting again on Sunday 3rd January. This is now only strictly necessary for pupils who should be attending school on Tuesday 5th January 2021. However, we would appreciate you continuing to inform us from this date in order that we are aware of any pupils who may have difficulty accessing online learning through illness and also so we can support any pupils and families during this time.
Are the same Hands Face Space measures still in place?
Yes. Can I thank you for your support in ensuring your children understand how important these measures are in reducing transmission. Your support for ensuring your child wears a face mask has been invaluable. Please remind them before they return and make sure they do not forget theirs.
I hope this addresses the common questions that yesterday’s announcement raised. We will continue to contact you with more information as soon as it becomes available.
Best wishes to you and your families for the New Year which we can be hopeful about as the vaccine roll out continues.
Mr A Boyle
Headteacher
