13th May, 2020
Dear parents and families,
I’ve resisted the temptation to message you all straight away in regards to the Government’s announcement that schools MAY reopen to Year 6 children on 1st June, with further opening toward the end of June, as I didn’t feel I was in a position to give clarification in regards to safety and next steps.
Now having a few days of contemplation and listening to a huge amount of advice, views and opinions from various people, I am still in no position to give clear guidance. We are still awaiting further clarity from the Local Authority and a promised Toolkit to aid opening from the DfE, these will arrive at some point. Perhaps then we can begin to give thoughts as to how we can safely open for more pupils, especially with care given to staff and pupils safety in regards to social distancing. I am also in daily communication with my fellow Headteachers in our local area, so that we can work together to come up with solutions that support families.
I will at some point be sending a link out that will take you to a simple questionnaire, this will ask whether you would currently consider sending your child back to school on June 1st – initially this will be aimed at Year 6 parents only, however, will be widened the survey at a later date to take in views of all families. As a parent, I can only sympathise with you all as to what is the right course of action – I firmly believe whatever decision you make must be right for your family and take into account your own circumstances. As always the school will fully support you at this difficult time and in the decision you may be forced to make.
If and when the school reopens for children other than the current Key worker children, I will of course share with you the systems and measures we set out to ensure the best protections and procedures are their for your children and my staff.
All I can emphasise is that whatever decisions I make it will be with the safety of children and staff at the very forefront of my decisions. As you can well imagine I receive daily updates and will endeavour to keep you all up to date with any changes.
Please stay safe, or alert! We are certainly missing our wonderful children.
Best wishes,
Paul Dixon
Head Teacher
