Dear Parents/Carers,

We would like to thank all parents/carers for your flexibility and understanding over the past few days as our schools have been implementing arrangements following the government announcement on 4 January 2021 that national restrictions will apply across England.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home?utm_source=4%20January%202021%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19#going-to-school-college-and-university

We are keenly aware that the rapidly changing directions from government to schools can present families with significant challenges.

During the period of national lockdown, schools and colleges should only allow vulnerable children and the children of critical workers to attend. Children with at least one parent or carer who is listed as a critical worker are eligible for a school place. It is not necessary for both parents to be critical workers.

All other children will learn remotely until February half term virtually at our schools, which are here to support our students, staff and community. We continue to provide pastoral care for all students and make provision in school buildings for vulnerable pupils and children of critical workers.

If your child is experiencing difficulties in accessing any aspects of remote learning provision, please do contact your school via the school admin email address.

Parents may find the following helpful in ensuring that your child gets the most out of provision that has been made available online:

• Encourage your child to be dressed and ready for learning at the start of the day and check that they are keeping to their timetable.
• Separate home from school life by making it clear when the school day is over.
• Distinguish between weekends and weekdays.
• Plan breaks and exercise into the day to help keep your child active. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact us at school.

Thank you again for your support in this matter. We look forward to welcoming our pupils back to our schools when we are able to do so.

Stay Safe. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.