Wider Opening Information
Thursday 18th June 2020
Dear Parents
Latest news regarding the wider opening of schools in Lancashire
On Monday 15th June, the Director of Public Health for Lancashire advised schools in the area that they can open up to more pupils if they are ready to do so. In his press release, Dr Sakthi Karunanithi acknowledges that:
“Each school in Lancashire is different, and head teachers will need to consider a number of factors as they reach their decision, including their ability to introduce measures to encourage social distancing and ensure schools are Covid-secure.”
He also states that:
“As has been the case throughout the emergency, all schools continue to be encouraged to admit vulnerable pupils and those of key workers as long as their risk assessments suggest it is safe to do so.”
As a school, we have a high number of keyworker families. We are currently operating at maximum capacity, based on the size of our school, staffing and the social distancing measures we have put in place, in line with government and Lancashire guidance and our resulting risk assessment. Our classrooms are set up so that children are spaced 2m away from each other and the teacher. Social distancing is also encouraged at drop off and collections time and during break times. Bubble groups do not mix and the same member of staff looks after their bubble every day. Regular handwashing is taking place, as is a rigorous approach to cleaning, which includes a deep clean every Friday. We are confident that we are doing everything we can to protect our children, staff and their families. Can we also remind parents with children in school that it is crucial for you and your families to follow government guidelines on social distancing outside of school hours, to minimise any possible contraction and spread of the virus.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer before or after school provision.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi confirms that as a region we are seeing numbers coming down, but also states the following:
“It is important to stress that the prevalence of coronavirus is still higher in Lancashire than elsewhere in the country so the room for manoeuvre is limited.”
We intend to continue with this approach. This means that we have little space to welcome back additional non-keyworker children before the end of the summer term, with the exception of a small group of Year 6 children who will be joining us from next week 22nd June. This group will form a new ‘bubble’ in Ash Class and will be supported by Mrs Helm.
We will of course continue to support our home learners with our weekly lesson updates and resources. We have also started implementing new ways of engaging with home learning via Google Classroom.
We hope that you understand the challenging situation we find ourselves in and we thank you for your continued support during these difficult times.
Lancashire and Government Guidance is changing regularly. We hope to receive information soon about how we approach re-opening school in September. Further information will be communicated as and when we receive it.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi’s full press release can be viewed on the Lancashire County Council website, under latest news, or by following this link: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/news/details/?Id=PR20/0172
Yours faithfully,
Mrs M. Jackson
Assistant Headteacher
m.jackson@st-michaels-on-wyre.lancs.sch.uk