Upto date as of 20/03/2020
Dear parents and carers,
I continue to be impressed by our wonderful children, supportive
community and committed staff. As you will be aware, school closes to most
children today until further notice. All summer assessments have been
cancelled. Although we will need to be responsive to updates from the
Department for Education and Public Health England, I thought it would be
helpful to provide an outline plan.
From Monday until the Easter holiday we will be open from 8am – 5pm for
children whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response. Many parents working
in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every
child who can be safely cared for at home should be. 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 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.
Children of key workers as defined on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision, include:
- Health and social care
- Education and child care
- Key public services
- Local and national government
- Food and other necessary goods
- Public safety and national security
- Transport
- Utilities, communication and financial services
We will also be able to provide for children who currently have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan), are supported through exceptional needs grant (ENG), or are currently receiving support by social care.
If you cannot care for your child at home from Monday for any of the reasons
above, please complete and return the attached form today. Paper copies will be
available in the office.
Families who are already isolating have asked for advice about setting a
routine, I am attaching a document with advice on how to help manage
this. Class teachers have sent home learning for the coming week and you can
expect further suggested activities over the weeks ahead. We are also
thinking of creative ways to keep children and staff connected.
We are partnering with Highgate Newtown Community Centre to provide for families and individuals in our community. Below is a download link for a leaflet with further information and we are planning to run our kitchen to provide meals, to families eligible for free school meals and others.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Laurel Robin
Head teacher
Brookfield Primary School