Moreton School Christmas Letter 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your support during a very difficult term; I know that these have been particularly challenging times but please be assured that every decision we have made has had your child’s and our staff’s safety at heart. Although we have had positive cases across all year groups, I am reassured that the numbers are in line with other West Midlands schools of our size.  We are also assured by Public Health that there has been no transmission between cases in school, rather, they are contracted in the community and are isolated cases.  This is a reflection of the hard work by staff and students to keep themselves and our community safe.

I would like to remind you of the additional measures we implemented from September following government guidance:

• Each year group is in their own bubble and movement around the building has been significantly reduced by creating classroom zones for each year.
• Each year group has their own entrance, social area and playground.
• We introduced staggered arrival and finish times.
• To further minimise the risk of transmission, face coverings have to be worn on corridors and in communal areas by staff and students unless exempt.
• Hand sanitisers and disinfectant wipes are available in all classrooms.

The above measures will all remain in place after Christmas.

As you are aware, Local Authorities are in receipt of the Covid Winter Grant Fund from Central Government. In Wolverhampton, part of this grant will be used to support those eligible for benefits-related free school meals (FSM) with supermarket vouchers but will also include families in need of support whose children aren’t entitled to FSM. Families in need of support have received an email from school.  An eCode, redeemable at the value of £15 per child, per week will be issued to all families with children in this group over the two-week Christmas school holidays (with further support to be arranged for February half-term). To support schools who already face considerable additional challenges due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this will be administrated by the Local Authority.

We have issued a list to the Local Authority of all children that are eligible and currently receive Free School Meals so you do not need to apply. I urge those of you that are eligible but have not yet applied for Free School Meals to do so. Parents will be able to apply here: www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/freeschoolmealswinter.

Only parents with school-aged children who meet the benefits-related criteria should apply online.

Instead of finishing as planned at 1pm on Thursday 17th December, we will close at your child’s usual time on Wednesday 16th December. I have moved a Summer term INSET day to January 4th and January 5th will be virtually taught to all year groups as it is Careers Information and Guidance day/ PHSE day. We would usually have outside speakers and visits arranged on that day but sadly this is not possible due to the current restrictions. More details will follow and specific details will be sent to those students that have January examinations. All students will return to school at their normal time on Wednesday January 6th.  If you are a keyworker and need support with childcare for these additional days in January, then please contact my PA Stephanie Garbett at the following email and we will facilitate supervision. moretonenquiries@aatrust.co.uk

I’m very pleased to say that we have now replaced all of the damaged and missing equipment following the devastating break in last month.  The police are continuing their enquiries and have released CCTV footage of the individuals involved.  If you have any information regarding the incident, please report it by calling 101 and quote incident number 20WV/264255T/20

We have been overwhelmed by the support shown by the community in the wake of the break in.  A group of parents, led by Lisa Johnson, have organised a raffle that has raised an incredible £500.  Together with donations and the fundraising efforts of staff including Mr Fitzgerald who raised over £500 with Movember and Miss Williams over at Aldersley, we now have almost £2000 to support our most vulnerable families over the Christmas period.  This is very welcome as we are unable to hold our Christmas Fayre due to the current restrictions, the profits of which are always used to provide food hampers and gifts for the community.

Thank you once again for your continued support, it really does mean a great deal to us all. Wishing you all a very peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year from all at Team Moreton.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs N Bayliss