Further to Boris Johnson's announcement yesterday, I felt it was, as ever, important for me to communicate with all families as soon as possible. We will, as things develop, deal with things in a level headed, pragmatic and constructive way for the protection of all staff, students, parents and their families.

The statement last night talked about primary students in YR/1 and 6 returning 'hopefully' in June. The Prime Minister then went on to say “Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays". The commentary by Sky News following the statement seemed to imply that 'no other year groups would return before the summer holidays'.

So, as it stands, school remains CLOSED to all students for the foreseeable future. We will continue to set online work for all students, look after the children of emergency key workers, make contact with as many students and families as we can and maintain a realistic approach to all that we do. At this time, we are not accepting any additional children into the school childcare provision. We will liaise directly with the key worker families who require this service as we have done over the last two months.

We will work in line with detailed government and Local Authority guidance as it is issued over the coming days. We have no more information at this present time as to if, how and when we may be able to reopen to Year 10 students. Updates will be issued to all parents as they become available via our usual communication platforms. Before any return, there will be a clear plan issued which will outline all the measures we will be taking to ensure the highest levels of safety. Any return will not resemble ‘normal’ school as it was before the lockdown commenced.

To be absolutely clear, the health and safety of staff, students and their families is the first and most important priority. We must not become complacent in believing this ‘invisible enemy’ has gone away. It has not! It has simply reduced due to the lockdown which has been in place over the past 7 weeks. We still live in precarious and dangerous times, where our actions must promote continued common sense in the best interests of everyone in our school community.

Thank you for your continued support. We will share further information as and when we can. We appreciate your patience as we deal with an ever-changing situation.

Yours sincerely

Martyn Palfreyman
Headteacher