Covid 19 Parent Update 19th March 2020

Thursday 19^th March 2020

Dear Parents/carers,

Thank you very much for your continued support and understanding during these incredibly challenging times. Like you, we have been coming to terms with the significance of the announcement last night from the government regarding school closures at the end of the day on Friday. 

At the time of writing, we are awaiting clarification from the government. As it currently stands, schools should remain open where possible to care for the children of key workers and those deemed vulnerable by the secretary of state for education.

The definition of a key worker has not yet been clarified. However, we need to make a start in identifying how many pupils this may affect in our schools in order that we can then put in place plans from next week to support these families.

The indications so far are that key workers will include the following groups:

• NHS staff
• Emergency services – police, ambulance, fire services
• Food delivery drivers
• Those caring for vulnerable and elderly people

• School staff

We believe that these occupational categories will be expanded later today and will write further when we have those details.

Our current position is as follows:

• Schools are being asked to look after pupils of these families so that they can undertake their important work. Schools will run a programme of exceptional childcare which will include exercise, social interaction and learning experiences.
   
• Those children who have an underlying health condition that makes them more vulnerable to the coronavirus, should not attend. The government advice that sets out the conditions that put individuals at risk can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people

• If you are one of these key workers and believe that you will need to send your child into school, please help us by contacting our school office by email office@locking.extendlearning.org or by phone before midday on Friday 20 March.

For those pupils remaining at home, a learning resource pack has been sent home with your child to support their continued learning in the home during the following weeks.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Yours faithfully,

Connel Boyle