Latest Parent Update
Monday 29th June 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have just 3 weeks to go until the summer holiday. Normally, we would all be looking forward to a good rest but I know many of you are worried about another 6 weeks without school. Here is the latest guidance to help you make informed decisions about your children.
Attending School
At the moment, we are still providing a face-to-face education for children in Reception, Y1 and Y6. We are also continuing to offer places to vulnerable children and the children of key workers. I am aware that some schools are beginning to open their doors to children from other year groups. I do not believe this can be accomplished without increasing the level of risk beyond a safe level.
Although I would love to welcome more children back to school, safety has to come first. If we increase our offer to allow more children to attend school, it would mean that teachers would have to teach multiple bubbles of children, thus increasing the risk of cross-contamination. With infection rates still causing considerable concern in Bedford Borough, this risk level is unacceptable.
September
Schools are still waiting for formal government guidance about a September return. We are hoping that infection rates will be low enough to accept all children back in September but will have to wait for confirmation of this in due course.
To prepare for this return, children will soon be informed of their new class name and introduced to their new teacher and teaching assistant. Although it would be lovely to do this face-to-face, we will have back-up plans ready in case it is not safe to have a physical meeting.
The Summer Holiday
Schools across the Borough will be closed in the holidays. Many of my staff will need time to recharge and time to care for their own children. I am pleased to inform you that the Local Authority has been successful in bidding for funding to provide a wide-range of activities for children during the school holiday. These activities are currently being planned and mapped across the holiday to provide as many opportunities for your children as possible. As soon as this list of activities is published, I will share it on the school website.
Free School Meals
After lots of pressure, it has been agreed that funding for free school meals will continue over the summer holiday period. Each child will receive a single payment of £90 to cover the 6 week holiday. The company which operates the free school meal programme will not be open during the holiday so we are registering all eligible children this week to ensure you receive your payments on time.
Reports
School reports will go out in the last week of term. End of year reports are statutory but we have adapted them to make them reflect the different period of time we have had compared to normal. The reports will include further written confirmation of your child's class and teacher next year.
That just leaves me to thank you for all your support so far. We understand that you have been asked to do things well outside your comfort zone. Many of you have juggled teaching, parenting, counselling and working. You are doing a great job! We care very much for your children and their safety is our most important aim. This leads every decision we make in school.
Remember to call or e-mail if you have any questions. I will always make time to respond to you and answer your concerns.
Warm regards,
Mr Petch