19 October 2020,
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach the half term break, may we take this opportunity to thank you for all your support and collaboration throughout this half term. You have continued to show patience and understanding whilst we aim for the highest standards of education and care during a crucial time in the global pandemic.
We had three separate confirmed cases of COVID19 within the school during the week of 5th October. We were able to swiftly risk assess the situation and identify strategies to keep the school as safe as possible. These included isolating relevant pupils, staff and visitors, notifying Public Health England, The Department for Education and transport providers, as well as re-sanitising the whole site. The Senior Team were able to notify all parents/carers as quickly as possible.
We want to be sure that we are communicating with you in ways that are both helpful and reassuring, especially during these difficult times, and we would welcome any feedback or suggestions on things that we could improve.
It is a testament to the school staff ‘s effective implementation of the new systems, such as the class ‘Bubbles’, that so few had to isolate for a prolonged period. Those who had confirmed cases of COVID19 are recovering well and will be back at school before half term.
Thank you for being so understanding if your son/daughter has had to spend time away from school this term for self-isolation and testing. This is not ideal after being away from school for so long in the Spring and Summer terms, and very much at odds with our usual drive to sustain high standards of pupil attendance. We do ask that, if your son/daughter is unwell, they remain at home, and that you continue to follow Public Health Guidance on isolation and seeking a test for any of the three main COVID19 symptoms. This is illustrated on the Response Plan we sent home, and is also available here.
Our updated risk assessment and other documents are also available below.
Of course we have also had lots of fun this term too. Pupils may be in their ‘Bubbles’, but they are able to join up with each other through virtual classrooms and celebrate their achievements at assembly in this way. Seeing their friends on screen is great fun for everyone and assemblies are an exciting part of the week! We also had a great ‘Wellbeing Day’ when each ‘Bubble’ had a session on a bouncy castle and in our sensory disco.
Some classes have also participated in a virtual ‘Sensory Seas’ session in conjunction with the National Maritime Museum. Groups that took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves and more classes will be sailing the high seas virtually after half term.
We are extremely pleased with how the students have adapted to the new systems in place. We are so proud of them and all they have achieved this half term.
Here is a link to the term dates for the academic year 2021-22, this years dates are still available on the website on the side bar below. We wish you a happy half term break and look forward to welcoming pupils back on Tuesday 3rd November.
Yours sincerely
Headteacher
Deputy Headteacher
School Business Manager
Assistant Headteacher
Head of EYFS & Primary
Head of Secondary & Post 16
Head of Secondary & Post 16
