Critical Key Worker Update

Dear Parents/Carers,

The government have now published guidance for schools regarding providing places for children of parent who are 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

We must enforce the principles of the Government directive, which is to limit numbers as far as possible so as to lower to risk that the virus will spread.  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. So being in a category does not mean children have to come in to school and does not justify them getting a place so please can we ask, for the safety of our children and community, if you can arrange for your child to be looked after at home, please do so. I am sure many parents working in these sectors will do everything they can to ensure their child is kept at home.  

The fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society. (therefore schools have a duty to keep numbers low to reduce risk)

During school closure we will be supporting vulnerable families.  These families will be a priority for us and those families with social care support will be supported jointly with school and Early Help.  If you are struggling at home and need additional support, whether you have social care support or not, please ring us as soon as possible so we can work with you to ensure you get additional support.

Government guidance also states that parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus (including being in school).

If workers think they fall within the critical categories they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.

Thank you to all parents who submitted information on whether they were in a key worker role.  If you have not done so, with the updated criteria, please complete the google form before lunch time today so I can make contact with you to discuss whether your child needs to come to school.  If I have not called you today, parents should assume the school is closed until further notice for their child as from Monday children will work from home.

https://forms.gle/2UCiKc8tkLz8bFjs7

Many thanks for your understanding and support.

Mrs Fletcher