Daily update 16th June 2020 – Wider partial opening
It was so lovely to see the first groups of Year 10 and 12 in school yesterday, along with more staff. Whilst it was not what a normal day at school would look like under usual circumstances and the distancing in place in classrooms and outside areas inevitably makes it feel a bit strange, there were lots of smiles and positivity about the experience from students and staff. There are two things that we want to achieve with the in school face to face contact. The first is to ensure that safety is the priority and trumps everything else. The second is that the students and the staff come away from the day feeling positive, supported and the students have moved on a little bit further because of the experience. I feel that we achieved this yesterday.
You might have read or seen the announcement in the last few days about the government giving schools more flexibility in bringing more children back into school before the summer holidays. This refers mainly to primary schools and there is much debate nationally about the feasibility of this. Yesterday the ‘guidance for secondary school provision from 15th June 2020’ was updated and contained the following information:
Our assessment, based on the latest scientific and medical advice, is that we need to continue to control the numbers attending school to reduce the risk of increasing transmission. Therefore, schools are able to have a quarter of the year 10 and year 12 cohort (for schools with sixth forms) in school at any one time.
We are unable to welcome back more children to secondary school at this time, beyond the face-to-face support schools can now offer year 10 and 12 pupils, and provision for vulnerable children and children of critical workers. We are not asking secondary schools with capacity to invite further year groups to return this term.
We know that secondary schools are keen to invite pupils in other year groups in for a face-to-face meeting before the end of this term, where it would be beneficial. As long as this happens in line with this and wider protective measures guidance, and guidance on the numbers of pupils permitted on-site at any one time, we would encourage this where possible. This time can be used to check-in on pupils, and ensure they are supported before a return to school from September or moving into employment or the next stage of education.
This guidance will be discussed over the next few weeks and we will be in touch again with parents of students in year 7 to 9 with further information about what this might look like and to gather your input and thoughts on what you would find most useful too.
Year 11
Today would have been the last day of exams for many Year 11 students. Mr Bains is currently working on a plan for a virtual leavers event on teams which will take place in
the next couple of weeks – more information to follow shortly. We are still here for Year 11 and 13 students, please do let us know if you need support with anything.
We are looking forward to welcoming more groups of Year 10 and 12 into school today.
Take care everyone.
With very best wishes,
Jo Tunnicliffe
Headteacher