Corona Virus Update 18th March 2020

Dear Parents/Carers,

It is with regret that I am closing the school to students in years 8 and 9 from Thursday 19th March due to deteriorating staffing levels. It is highly likely that staffing levels will continue to fall over the coming days and there may be further closures for some year groups.

The safety and wellbeing of students and staff is my priority and I have not taken this decision lightly. However, I am managing an unprecedented situation and I must do what I think is in the best interests of the welfare of my school community.

At present we do not have any confirmed cases of Coronavirus from staff or students.

However, I now have a large number of staff who are self-isolating for a variety of reasons and this is having a significant impact on the normal running of the school. We find ourselves in very unusual times and we are doing our very best to adapt to the ever changing situation.

Students in years 8 and 9 should now remain at home until after the Easter holidays. I have asked teaching staff to post work onto Google classrooms and/or to provide students with work to complete at home. We do not have the technology or resources to facilitate staff teaching remotely via video conferencing. Please be patient when waiting for work; staff are currently covering for absent colleagues and they will upload work as soon as possible.

If you are a key NHS worker or work for the emergency services and have issues with childcare because of school closing for your child, please contact school and we will help.

Students in years 7, 10, 11, 12 and 13 should continue to attend unless they are self-isolating. Could I please remind all parents that if your child or anyone in your household has symptoms, all members of the household should follow government guidance and self-isolate for 14 days.

The summer term will start on Monday 20th April and we look forward to welcoming your children back to school. Please keep checking the school website for any further updates.

May I thank all of you for your support in these very challenging times. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless

Miss Burrows