Dear Parents and Carers,
As previously shared, schools have been directed to close today and remain closed until further notice except for children of key workers and vulnerable children, as part of the country’s ongoing response to COVID-19.
I have highlighted some key points below from the latest government guidance-
The government is asking “parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.”
“It is important to underline that schools, colleges and other educational establishments remain safe places for children. But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.”
Schools are, therefore, being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children – children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.
Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.
At Yewstock all of our children fall under this category, but we cannot open as usual because many staff are unable to come to work, so we will be open only to our most vulnerable children:
From Monday 23rd March, Yewstock School will be open for children who
- Have parents who are keyworkers (NHS/Emergency Services, Forces, School staff and Supply Chain)
- Receive free school meals
- Have active social worker involvement
- Are Looked After Children
Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.
Please, therefore, follow these key principles:
– If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
– If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them, depending on staffing levels at school.
– 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.
If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for provision at Yewstock
Further advice and guidance for parents and carers is available here:
Please contact the school if you are considered a critical worker as soon as possible.
Once again, many thanks again for your continued support in this difficult time.
Clive Padgett
Headteacher