Following on from my letter of last week, the Government has now clarified the most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
That 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. As you know, staff have been extremely busy, and will remain so, providing education remotely for those children with us who are working from home.
As Head, I am asking for your assistance and help in adhering to the Government guidelines.
Please, therefore, follow these key principles:
- If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
- If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
- Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
- Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
- Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings continue to care for children wherever possible.
If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision. I have attached advice from the Government which outlines the categories for key workers:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Nicola Mitchell and I have already received some contact from parents who fall into the above categories for key workers. If you have not done so then please can you email me by 3pm today so that we can support those in our care. We will only be able to assist those who have made themselves known to us by this time.
Later on this afternoon, Mrs Mitchell and I will be in touch with those who have registered to confirm what support will be in place next week.
