Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you are all keeping well and thank you so much for all the fantastic pictures and emails to teachers.
I know that many of you will have questions about the proposals to open schools to certain year groups from 1st June 2020. Following the announcement on Sunday, further guidance for schools and parents was issued on Monday 11/05/2020 on the government website www.gov.uk and updated on Thursday 14/05/2020. These proposals include procedures to reduce the risks of infection, such as limits on class sizes to 15 children, distancing of desks, staggered start, finish, lunch and playtimes, individual equipment and the removal of furniture, equipment, toys and items which cannot be washed.
It is clear that schools will not be able to return to normality for some time to come, even with limited year groups, so nationally leaders of education are asking further questions of the government before deciding on the best way forward. Headteachers in the Glossop area are working closely together and ensuring that we are kept informed of the latest developments.
As I am sure you are aware this is a rapidly evolving situation, I will of course update you when we are in a position to put plans in place.
Our staff at Whitfield St James’ are looking forward to welcoming children back into school as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we will continue to provide online learning and care for keyworker children. I will be sending you a link to an online to poll to gain your views on sending your children back to school and find out how many pupils may be returning.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our parents and carers for your support, it really has meant a lot to us. Judging from the photos and emails to teachers, it is clear you are doing an amazing job of home schooling, we know it isn’t always easy.
Take care of yourselves and stay safe.
Craig Woodward
Headteacher
