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Meole Brace School

Meole Brace School

School Update - COVID 19 (Coronavirus) - 23/03/2020

In taking the decision to close schools to the majority of students, until further notice, it is prudent for me to share the key principles the government would like you to adhere to, following their decision, applicable to our setting:

  1. If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
  2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
  3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
  4. Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.

The government has published information for all parents/carers about the closure of school, which can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

Section 2.1 contains a statement on GCSE results, which is essentially that they are still working to ensure young people get the qualifications they need and further details will be provided shortly.

The government have now published a detailed list of the roles the government considers to key-workers at this time. This can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

If, after looking at the list above, you are unsure as to whether your job role is considered to be in one of the critical categories, the government advice is to contact your employer.

The government have not stated it is compulsory to send your child to school, during this time. Therefore, if you would prefer your child to stay at home, whilst you work, this is a choice you can make. For example, you may wish for your child to help with the care of a younger sibling. In order for us to best support key-workers and their families, it would help for you to notify us if you fall in to this category, in the event your need our support.

To inform us of your status as a key-worker, please email the following address:

keyworkers@meole.co.uk

If you need us to look after your child on Monday 23rd March, it is imperative we know as soon as possible. Students who have the option to do so are those who have at least one parent who is a key worker, or who have an Education, Health Care Plan (EHCP) or have a social worker.

Students attending school next week should go to the Hall at 8.45 (first bell); school will finish as normal at 3.10pm. Students should wear non-school uniform and bring a pair of trainers. We will be able to provide hot food at break and lunch. They should bring their normal writing equipment.

We are putting a timetable together, which will be a mixture of time for students to complete their set school work using Show My Homework and other activities. We will be endeavouring to observe social-distancing guidelines e.g. by keeping our class sizes small, but this will depend on staffing levels. Many of our staff are either in self-isolation or are having to take care of their own children.

Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring their young person arrives and departs on time. Whilst we understand that service buses are running normally Longmynd, Minsterley Motors and Lakeside (501) buses are not. From Monday there will be far fewer staff on site, and none from 3.30pm. It is very important students don’t arrive at school too early, nor waiting too long to be picked up at the end of the day; we are unable to take responsibility for them.

Many thanks once again for your support and understanding.

 

Regards

A Doust

Headteacher

 

Meole Brace School, Longden Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 9DW

T: 01743 235961F: 01743 364017E: admin@meole.co.uk

Part of the TrustEd Schools Alliance

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