Firstly, I would like to thank our families for their on-going support of Tenacres. It is extremely appreciated by myself, the staff and our Governing Body. As previously stated, our priority is the safety of the whole school community.
Following a combination of further discussions today, analysis of the scientific information & advice regarding the reopening of schools and, more importantly, the feedback from our Reception and Year 1 parent/carers, it has been decided to review the decision to reopen for these Year Groups during the week beginning Monday 8th June.
Tenacres will not currently be reopening until Monday 15th June, at the earliest.
This decision has been based on: by this date, there should be clarity given to the safety of reopening schools by SAGE, the scientific advisory board. Currently SAGE and NEU (National Education Union) are advising schools that it would be a much safer option to reopen in two weeks’ time (from Monday 15th June). In addition, it will become clearer next week if a second peak of COVID will be occurring following the VE Day celebrations and the Bank Holiday.
We are also extremely mindful at the speed of the lockdown being eased and the potential impact this could have. Daily infection rates are still extremely high. As mentioned above, the feedback I have had from parents particularly in R and 1 has been to express their concerns over the safety aspect and that they feel it would be safer to reopen in the timescale mentioned.
When / if school reopens on Monday 15th June to Reception and Year 1 children, parents need to be aware of the following:
- The Government have stipulated ‘bubbles’ are to be created of a maximum of 15 children.
- Your child/ren, should you wish them to return, will be allocated either Mon/Tues or Thurs/Fri, dependent on alphabetical order, as the groups cannot mix. Mid week a ‘deep clean’ between groups will take place.
- The same adults are to be with the children i.e. your child’s Class Teacher and Teaching Assistant.
- Break times / lunchtimes will be staggered.
- No ‘bubbles’ or groups of children will mix with other groups.
- No items are to be brought in from home, apart from a lunchbox and drink.
- Social distancing will be encouraged, but this is extremely difficult to enforce with young children as many of you have acknowledged to myself.
- Drop off and pick up arrangements will be different, with a one way system in operation. (More details to follow). Additional time will be given to drop off / pick up; again more information to follow.
- Increased cleaning routines and stations will be in place.
- A 2m distance will be maintained at all times at drop off, pick up and with school staff. Any conversations with staff must be via a phone call.
If your child is clinically vulnerable, or living with somebody who is (e.g. somebody with COPD), they must not return to school and will continue home learning. I am aware we have a few children that fall in to this category.
I want to reassure you that it is your parental choice if you wish your child to return. You know what is best for your child’s health and well-being. Worcestershire County Council will not be pursuing any child not in attendance for the remainder of this academic year. It is your choice as parents/carers.
Teachers will continue to use SEESAW for any children (all Year Groups) not returning to school and remain in contact with them.
I will be in touch during the week beginning 8th June with further information.
Regarding our Year 4 children I wanted to firstly say a huge” hello” to you and to say myself and Mr Beacham are making many plans to celebrate your time with us. We are hoping that you will be allowed to return to us before the summer holidays. If not, do not worry as we promise we have something special lined up for you; more information will follow.
Finally something uplifting to finish on…….many of you may have seen the Redditch Standard about Edward in our Reception Year and his unbelievable act of kindness during the past weeks. At a time when life has been surreal for all of us this is something I hope will make you smile and be proud to part of Tenacres. Well done Edward we are very proud of you!
Please follow this link to see Edward’s amazing achievement:
https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/villa-stars-special-message-to-fundraising-five-year-old-edward/
On behalf of myself, the staff and our Governors I send all our families our very best wishes.
Miss Marshall