9 July 2020
Good afternoon,
You will notice that this is the first update for a few days, having written daily since the start of the crisis. I received an email from a parent questioning the frequency of email which made me reflect a bit on whether it was best to move to a less regular update. I will be updating you, as always, when things change (as they have a habit of doing at the moment!).
Opening in September: We are really looking forward to seeing everyone back in September! We have been working on systems and structures, following detailed government guidance to make sure that all our community are safe. We are aiming for "safe normal operation" because we believe that the closer we are to the normal school timetable and operation the better it will be for the wellbeing of everyone. It is going to require a "step change" in everyone's awareness of individual hygiene and this will be a big focus as we return in September. The guidance says that essential measures include
- "a requirement that people who are ill stay at home
- robust hand and respiratory hygiene
- enhanced cleaning arrangements
- active engagement with NHS Test and Trace
- formal consideration of how to reduce contacts and maximise distancing between those in school wherever possible and minimise potential for contamination so far as is reasonably practicable".
That is what we are putting in place. Every one of us, staff and students, will have their part to play. I will be updating you, nearer to the time, on any specific arrangements (for example arrangements for school buses) and I have already alerted you to the need for students to have their own stationery (you will find the list, and our offer, on the Uniform page here). Linked to this, students are going to need to be responsible for their own exercise books, taking them home and bringing them in for lessons. Many schools do this already - we have often kept books in school - but you will need to consider the appropriate size of school bag for September. I will keep updating you over the coming weeks so that everyone is confident to return in September.
Government guidance for parents/carers: The government has published guidance for parents and carers about students returning to school in September here.
Website update: Our website provider, Schudio, have just updated our website layout. We think it looks great - all the information is still there, we promise - if you can't find something please let us know!
Best wishes
James Harris
Headteacher
Posted by James Harris
Category: WLD Updates
