11th May 2020
Good morning everyone!
I hope you all had a relaxing bank holiday weekend.
I’ll try and keep this to the point, as I’m sure you are already aware, yesterday evening Boris Johnson announced when and what conditions would need to be achieved in order to move into the next phase of the COVID19 response plan.
As well as the detail of a new COVID Alert System, Boris Johnson announced that anyone who cannot work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work.
There has not been an update to the list of key workers who can access school provision, which can be found here. So it remains the case that schools are currently only open to those children of key workers, vulnerable children and those with an EHCP.
The detail of the next stage was also announced. Step two includes, at the earliest from 1st June, the phased reopening of primary schools, beginning with pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. There is also an ambition that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays.
The full transcript of the announcement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-address-to-the-nation-on-coronavirus-10-may-2020
Further guidance on how this announcement should be implemented will be made available today including a further statement by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons this afternoon.
There is currently no additional guidance through from the DfE for schools, as soon as this is in, I will let you know.
I’m sure, like me, the statement last night did nothing to clarify the situation regarding schools. I have already received a number of emails from parents with questions about what this all means, as well as requests for further clarification regarding social distancing, who will be teaching etc, for when children return to school.
At the moment, nothing has changed and I have no further information, I will send out further information in the coming days and weeks once the government has issued more detailed guidance.
Uttlesford Frontline: Please find a message to all parents below from Uttlesford Frontline:
As the digital referral and signposting platform for Uttlesford healthcare professionals and residents, we are acutely aware that many parents and families are struggling at this time for all sorts of reasons.
We’ve had hundreds of viewings across our Facebook accounts for our link on ‘Useful Tips On How To Support Your Teen’s Mental Health During Covid-19‘. We saw even more interest for our link to a ‘Covid-19 resources pack for children under 10 years old’. Could you please remind your families that they can find and refer to many useful services on the Uttlesford Frontline website: www.uttlesfordfrontline.org.uk as well as follow us @UttlesfordFrontline on Facebook for the latest service updates and new resources. New information and material from various health and wellbeing providers are appearing almost daily.
Specifically, we would like to draw attention to Uttlesford Citizens Advice which is able to act as a distribution point for emergency funding from a number of local trusts and charities. UCA has also launched a ‘Listening Line’ – a new phone line service for anyone who may feel worried, overwhelmed or just want someone to talk to confidentially. Call 01799 618841 or email chat@uttlesfordcab.cabnet.org.uk or simply click ‘Refer’ on Uttlesford Frontline to book a call.
Finally, Mrs Cowell has put together a host of resources to support mental health and wellbeing as well as some helpful documents which could be adapted to your child’s learning activities.
I have attached one of the supporting documents to this newsletter, but her challenge activity and all of the other resources can be found on each class page of the website.
As always, if there is anything you need, please do get in touch with me or your child’s class teacher.
Take care everyone,
Kim
Kim Hall
Headteacher
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