20th April 2020
Dear Parents and carers,
I apologise for yet another newsletter, however, no doubt you will have picked up in the news that the DfE have launched a whole package of support and resources for schools and parents. All of these packages were published yesterday alongside other guidance published Friday evening, therefore I have attempted to summarise the guidance for you. The web links will be added to the website today, under the ‘coronavirus’ tab on the main menu.
DfE updates:
The full press release for the announcement yesterday morning is here – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-major-package-to-support-online-learning?utm_source=4e85bd97-1e30-4780-b15f-f697e7553dea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
The announcement by Gavin Williamson at yesterday’s coronavirus briefing can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/gavin-williamson-speech-on-covid-19-response?utm_source=bd4b6676-14b5-4359-a8c8-ac7f54bac450&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
In addition, the DfE are today launching the Oak National Academy to support schools and parents – https://www.thenational.academy/
The Oak National Academy has been created by 40 teachers from some of the leading schools across England, backed by government grant funding for every year group from Reception through to Year 10. The Academy will support teachers by providing up to 180 hours of lessons a week. Teachers will be looking at this and will use as appropriate. Materials will be uploaded to the website each week.
Guidance and support for remote education
Firstly, the DfE have published guidance and support for remote education – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/remote-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19?utm_source=c91fe51c-9976-4b1d-9b0a-d3687750e7d7&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate.
Embedded within the guidance are the plans published yesterday to support year 10 disadvantaged students and children with a social worker, to access laptops.
Following on from phone calls to parents this week, Mrs Carter will be organising any additional support that may be needed by parents, even if you do not fall into the categories mentioned. We want to make sure that you all have access to everything you need. Please let the staff know during your phone calls, if this is something you may need help with.
Guidance for Parents
Secondly, the DfE have published support for parents and carers, with particular guidance provided for children between 2 and 4 years of age, primary aged children and children with SEND – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your-childrens-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19?utm_source=cab989cd-0d5a-4ac7-9145-6445159c785f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
The overall guidance for parents was updated yesterday evening; Change made – Updated information on support for parents, online resources and vulnerable children. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers
Educational Psychology Parent Helpline
Please find attached a copy of the flyer for the Educational Psychologist (EP) Parent Helpline. The helpline has been extended during the lockdown period and so is now open on a Monday and Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 5pm.
Finally, please also find attached an update letter from Clare Kershaw, Director of Education at County.
I hope the first day of the new term is going smoothly so far. As always, should you require any further information or help/ advice, please do get in touch.
With my continued best wishes,
Kim
Kim Hall
Headteacher
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