Coronavirus: Information following lasts night's Ministerial statement (19th March 2020)
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am taking the unusual action of writing to all parents and carers of children who attend an ATLP school. This allows headteachers to concentrate on making specific arrangements following last night’s announcement regarding school closures.
I want to reassure you that all ATLP schools are working very hard to support pupils at this difficult time. You are probably aware, schools across England have been ordered to close on Friday for most pupils. The announcement was not specific as to how long this period of closure might last.
ATLP schools are at the heart of our communities. We enjoy excellent relationships with our families. For many students, their schools provide a sense of comfort and safety, structure and routine.
For some of our pupils, they have just discovered that their exams and tests are not going ahead. For many, this will cause frustration and anxiety; I know that headteachers will be writing to these pupils separately. We await further guidance as to what this means, and we will ensure support is put in place for those who need it.
As per the government guidance, we will continue to provide education on site for children of parents or carers categorised as ‘key-workers’. The government are due to issue further guidance on which professionals fall into this category. Our current understanding is that this will include:
• Those working in the NHS
• Those working in social care
• Those working in education and not home working
• Other critical workers (emergency services, delivery drivers).
We will also be providing an education for any child who currently is attached to a social worker and to those children with Education, Health and Care Plans (this is a legal document which describes a child’s special educational need and the support they require).
Those parents or carers who fall into any of the categories above and wish to take advantage of this, should send their children to school as normal. For parents/carers who fall into the key workers list, and intend to send your child to school, I ask please that you notify the school of your intent no later than 10am on Friday 20th March. Reduced staffing will be in place to support this provision. We will provide clarity on this once we know exact numbers.
What will ‘school’ look like for everyone else?
Schools will use a variety of ways to ensure your child has work to complete. This will include one or more of the following: online resources, work emailed direct to pupils, work packs being sent home. Teachers will communicate via school email and through normal school communications such as newsletters, social media etc. This will ensure we can maintain learning and communication between pupils, parents/carers and teachers. Feedback will be provided where possible and appropriate.
Throughout this period, free school meals are available to all pupils who are entitled to receive one. Pupils who are not in school, or their parents/carers, may collect one from school during the usual lunchtime hours. The government are looking at issuing meal vouchers in due course. We will update you when we have more details.
Some may say I am biased but, visiting a number of our schools this week, I have been heartened by the dedication and commitment of all to ensure all children are cared for, loved and supported. I thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate unchartered waters.
Sincerely,
Richard Gill
CEO, Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
School Closure (update 18th March 2020)j
Parents will be aware of the statement made by the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, in Parliament on 18th March. Schools will be closing their doors on Friday 20th March due to the national pandemic. Our children are always our priority. We have been planning over recent days in the event that such a decision was made. We will communicate further details on Thursday. These are difficult times and we thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Updated Guidance (16th March 2020)
Following on from the announcement made by the Prime Minister on Thursday 12th March, schools within the ATLP will be authorising all absences in the event of parents deciding to self-isolate their children
Coronavirus Update (13th March 2020)
You will, as we all are, be following closely the daily progress and updates of the Coronavirus.
We wish to reassure you that as a multi academy trust we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all of our children, students, staff and families.
The advice coming from Government regarding Covid-19 is updated on a daily basis. Please follow this link below to make sure you are fully up to date on their guidance, particularly the section on what symptoms to be aware of and what to do if you suspect you or a family member may have this coronavirus.
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
There is a public helpline 0800 0468687 and an email line (DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk) These are open from 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday).
And for Public Health England:
https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
The advice remains to call NHS 111 which will put you through to a clinician to go through the symptoms and give advice. If your child is referred for testing or has had contact with somebody who has tested positive for Covid-19, please inform the school immediately.
Whilst the current guidance through this “delay” phase is to carry on as normal, it seems inevitable that the Government may take more measures. In the meantime, please be assured that we have plans in place for different scenarios should they happen up to and including a forced school closure, which will be communicated to you as and when needed.
For the time being, the advice is to continue as normal and encourage your children to follow basic hygiene measures.
Thank you for your continued support, cooperation and understanding.
Richard Gill
CEO ATLP
Nursery places available at Scotch Orchard Primary School, Lichfield.
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