Newsflash – Friday 6th November 2020

6 Nov 2020

School remains open during the new lockdown

Following the government’s recent announcement, you will no doubt be preparing for what the new lockdown will mean for you and your family. Whatever challenges the new rules bring, may I pass on my best wishes to you all during this challenging time. The full guidance can be found here.

During his recent announcement, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson made it clear that schools should not be part of the new lockdown and I wholeheartedly agree that keeping schools open should be a priority given the time already missed. Being at school is vital for children’s education and for their wellbeing. Time spent out of school is detrimental to children’s cognitive and academic development, particularly for disadvantaged children. This impact can affect both current levels of education, and children’s future ability to learn. In line with the government guidance, it continues to be our aim that all pupils, in all year groups, remain in school full-time.

Please help us by ensuring that your child does not attend school if they or anyone in the household tests positive for, or has symptoms of COVID 19. The most common symptoms are recent onset of:

new continuous cough and/or
high temperature and/or
a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

Children only get one chance at education, and we have to do everything possible to provide continuity of learning. At the same time, we must continue to provide support for children with special educational needs and to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable children.