School Closure Update

Dear Parent/Carer,

Last night, the Secretary of State for Education gave a public statement that all state-funded schools in England would be closed from the end of the school day on Friday.

Having indicated that all schools would be closed, he then indicated that they would be expected to remain open for the children of key workers and for those in vulnerable categories

We heard the news at exactly the same moment as you.  We are expecting a definition of ‘key worker’ from the Cabinet Office. It will take us time to determine the nature of this provision.

Although we  have been preparing for various scenarios the limited information we have raises far more questions than answers.

I am sure you will all have your own concerns and queries.

The Secretary of State gave no undertaking that schools would be expected to sustain a pattern of normal learning during the closure; rather that any available staff would be expected to support other frontline efforts. Our school response is yet to be determined.

I will be working today and tomorrow with my senior leadership colleagues from our two schools and all staff, to clarify as best we can what this announcement means for our schools, for our pupils and for you. I anticipate providing more details later today .

Thank you for your support and for your patience in the meantime.  Please do not phone the school offices as we do not have any further information.

For the next two days, pupil attendance is expected for years 7, 10, 11, 12 & 13 to continue as normal within the COVID-19 Public Health England guidance.

Yours Faithfully,

Mrs N Davis