Dear Parents and Carers
Following the Government’s recent announcement signalling the start of a phased return to school, I would like to update you on the actions we are taking to safely welcome back our EYFS, Year 1 and Year 6 and to offer our Year 10 and 12 ‘some face to face’ support whilst continuing to accommodate the children of keyworkers and those with an EHCP
I acknowledge that there is still a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety around children returning to school; as a parent myself I understand that. You will no doubt have many unanswered questions and I hope this letter goes some way towards answering them. Over the coming weeks much may change again, however, what I can assure you will not change is my resolute and unswerving focus on the safety of our young people and staff here at Sydney Russell.
We have currently completed a comprehensive risk assessment and implemented the protective measures outlined by the Government for school. Below for your information is an outline of some of the measures we have put in place to ensure the safety of our young people and staff:
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-wear-a-face-mask#what-not-to-do
Can I remind parents that ‘Children with conditions which render them clinically extremely vulnerable should not attend school. Children who live with someone with conditions which render them clinically extremely vulnerable should not attend school.’’
I recognise that the decision whether or not you send your child back to school as part of the phased return is an extremely difficult one. I hope that the information on how we will implement protective measures and how these will impact on the day to day running of the school will help you in your decision making. Risk cannot be entirely removed and so it is for parents to come their own decision based upon the information provided. During this period attendance at school will not be monitored in the usual way and should you decide not to send your child to school you will not face consequences for non-attendance.
These are certainly no ordinary times and I believe that education is now more important than ever. We have canvassed our primary parents and for those returning our door will open on:
If you indicated that your child would not be returning at this time please note that your child’s name will be added to a waiting list and you will be contacted when a space becomes available.
Our year 10 students will be invited into school from June the 15th for either:
Our year 10 pastoral team will be touch to give you more information of the structure of the meetings and confirm the times.
Last but not least are our Year 12 students. From Monday 15th June they will be given the opportunity to meet with each of their A level teachers. The 16+ team will be making contact with you soon to arrange.
I would like to end by reiterating that the safety of our young people, their families and our staff are paramount and my primary concern at all time
Take care and stay safe.
Kind regards
Janis Davies
Principal