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Posted on: 20/03/2020
Update on Covid - 19 including special circumstances and key worker information 20/03/20
Shared by Parentmail on 20/03/20
Dear Parents and Carers
Good morning and I hope this finds you and your families well.
As I have already shared, Reigate Priory School will be closing to the majority of children at 3:30pm today.
Late last night, the Government finally published the guidance identifying the criteria for special circumstances and Key Workers whose children may be able to attend school next week. As I mentioned previously, please be mindful that if insufficient staff are available to maintain this then it will be necessary to review the provision. We will of course endeavour to communicate this in ample time should the need arise.
The guidance for special circumstances and Key Workers is based upon the following principles:
- If it is at all possible for children to be at safely home, then they should be.
- If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker AND the above is not at all possible, then educational provision will be available for them – see link below for more information.
- Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
- Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
Please contact the school if you fall into the list of critical workers (Section 4.1) criteria AND it is not at all possible for your children to be at home. I would appreciate the communication as soon as possible so the necessary arrangements can be made. Please do so via the usual communication channels.
If you are a shift or part-time worker Key Worker then ONLY send you child to school when you are due at work.
Please do not send your child to school on Monday 23rd March if you have not had confirmation that your child can attend by the school.
Remember that for any child or family the Government’s guidance on school attendance in relation to Coronavirus symptoms remains the same.
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Other Updates:
The school maintains the measures as described in the previous communications. In addition to this and for your information:
- Learning At Home – Please read the attached information on what and how this will be provided. Your child’s class email address and the actual Learning At Home will be accessible from your child’s Year Group page, under the ‘Learning’ tab, on the school website www.reigate-priory.co.uk. The learning will be available from Monday 23rd March at midday.
- Letter to children – I have written a special letter to your child that is attached to this communication. For those children that are in school, there will be the opportunity for it to be introduced and sent home personally but for those at home, I politely ask that you please pass it on to them for me. Hopefully it will help settle any worries and aid you in bringing about as much normality as possible at home, particularly in their learning and behaviour.
Early Bird Club
From Monday 23rd March, the provision will only be available for those children who are in attendance at school. Bookings and payment is through Wisepay and can be accessed from the home page of the school website – any difficulties please contact the School Office.
The organisation of any refunds/credit for those families whose children will now no longer be attending will be arranged subsequently – please be patient as it is likely this could be some time.
T-Club 6
Will be open as normal today, Friday 20th March.
Due to the lateness of the Government’s official guidance, T-Club 6 are not able to confirm their arrangements at this time. They did however, last night hold a meeting to discuss their next steps. Further information will follow.
How you can help:
- Continue to reiterate to your child the importance of their personal and inter-personal hygiene and of maintaining it at school – particularly handwashing!
- If you have a particular worry or concern contact the school directly using normal communication channels. We are aware that some social media use is compromising the school’s best efforts to minimise any unnecessary apprehension for children and their families.
- Please be patient with us – we are prioritising the response to the Coronavirus which may mean we are taking a little longer to do and respond to other school matters.
- If your children are at home be mindful of their technology use. This is particularly in relation to:
- Total amount of screen time
- Accessing social media and media coverage that may raise their worry and apprehension.
- Apps and online gaming platforms that are inappropriate for children of a junior school age e.g. Fortnite, Tik-Tok, Snapchat and Instagram.
For further information, please see www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
Thank you again for your ongoing understanding and cooperation and keep checking your emails or the school website for further updates.
Regards
Mr Moses
