SCHOOL CLOSURE
Apologies if you have not received information from the text system as you might expect or if you have asked questions to our number. This T2P system has crashed with the amount of traffic being asked of it following the announcement.
Dear mums, dads and carers,
RE: School Closure from Tuesday 5th January
You will be aware of the Priminister’s announcement tonight about school closures. These are effective from tomorrow and until February half term at the earliest. Willow Lane will only be open to children of Keyworkers/Critical workers and to Vulnerable children over this time.
I apologise for the short notice but as you will be aware from recent announcements the expectation, even as recently as today, has been that primary schools should and will remain open. I know as a parent that this late notice will cause anxiety and confusion for both yourselves and your children and, as ever, school remains a place you can contact so that we can get through this together.
When does this come into effect?
Schools are closed across England from now. That means we will not be open to all children from Tuesday as planned but only to children of Key/Critical workers and Vulnerable children.
How do we know if we are Key/ Critical Workers?
Please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision This gives a detailed list of who comes under this category. At least one parent must be in current employment on this list.
How do we know if children are Vulnerable?
The above document identifies children who are Vulnerable however this was written for Secondary schools and no list for Primary Schools has been released yet. We expect it to be similar but school staff will contact families directly from tomorrow.
Will WOOSH be available?
Breakfast and After School Club will be available for Key/Critical Worker Children. As per last term, places need to be booked online and children will be kept in separate bubbles. This service will be open to assist Key/Critical Workers in their vital roles.
How will children in school be kept apart?
This week, we will teach children within their class bubble (as we have been) with their current staff. We will be working out exactly how many children come under the above criteria and then, for the half term, will support them in a safe and logistically sensible bubble. Further details will be shared once we know the numbers of children involved.
How will children learn?
All children (in school and at home) will receive the same online learning. Maths, English and Topic lessons will be shared daily through your child’s Seesaw account and the Maths and English will link to the learning in these videos. Children will complete the learning and take images which they can share with their teacher on Seesaw. Children have used the packs and the Seesaw app in school although younger children will need support. Further details on this approach will be shared soon.
Where are the packs?
Your child’s teacher has prepared the packs and videos and staff will distribute these to you at home following social distancing and PPE (gloves and mask) good practice. The Key/Critical Worker children will keep their packs in school.
How long will this last?
At this stage, we know as much as you. The Priminister mentioned until February half term so this would be the earliest return to school being open to all children.
I will be sharing further details in the coming days but at this stage I hope that everyone is able to stay safe and take care. School will still be here to work with you.
Yours,
Mel MacKinnon
HEADTEACHER