Update 20th March AM

Dear WR families,

Further to my letter yesterday, at 11.55pm last night the government released the following information with regards school closures and the list of who is classified as a key-workers. 

The full guidance for parents about school closures can be read here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

The advice makes clear that, wherever possible, parents who are key workers will wish to keep their children at home in order to reduce the spread of the virus. This was the reason the decision to close schools was taken and will undoubtedly be the course of action you will wish to take, “Many parents working in these critical sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. 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 parents who are critical workers, then educational provision will be available for them.

·       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 education provision.

If workers think they fall within the critical categories they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.

We are asking parents/carers in the critical categories to contact the school office on 01474534540 by 2pm today.  

Parents who do not fall into these categories should not send their child to school under any circumstances as we will not have sufficient staffing levels in school.

The clear message from the government is that, wherever possible, social distancing or isolation is the best possible way of tackling Covid19, without interrupting the work of those in key roles or putting vulnerable children at risk.

Thank you for your continued support in these challenging times. 

Sarah Jack