This week I am very grateful to staff and Yr 10 and 12 parents who have shared their views and concerns about any partial reopening. We are ahead of many schools across the county in our thinking and indeed our methodology is being sent to other secondary schools as an example of good practice. In addition we held our first ‘virtual’ governors meeting this week and the governors are fully informed and support, where we are up to and what we are planning towards.
Parents have raised a number of valid concerns, primarily what would be the value of 1 day per week in school, what would be taught and how would we keep social distancing enforced. 48.5% of parents feel they are not comfortable in sending their child into the school building at this time. The DfE have made it clear that this is your right and you will not be penalised for non attendance. However, this also makes planning more complex.
Only 70% of parents are happy with class sizes being 10-12 students and are worried about the pressure on staff to effectively disinfect and clean everything regularly.
More worryingly over 60% of parents responded that they were not confident their child would respect the social distancing measures. This is difficult to address. I know young people want time with their friends, but that is not the point of any partial reopening – it is to supplement the education and learning.
We are undertaking some additional staff training next week to improve the quality and way our on line learning is being delivered. This is vital as we know that some restrictions will still be in place in September. We are looking at how we can source more devices and Connectivity to enable those who are without technology to access our online lessons.
We have considered all issues and I am half way through writing a full risk assessment that addresses everything- as far we we can. There are real issues in sourcing PPE and cleaning equipment and products.
I must stress that there is no expectation of a return to full-time, in-school provision for any students. For Year 10 and 12 we are looking to provide “some support to supplement pupils’ remote education”.
As I have said before we are working on a number of plans and as there are further discussions happening within government and the Department for Education today, it would be unhelpful of me to say anything further, until we know more.
On a positive note we are aware that there is an offer of weeks virtual work experience for Year 10 in June and Mr Ellis will be finalising arrangements early next week.
This is a difficult update and I know many of you are desperately wanting things to return to normal and on the other hand many of you are very concerned on the impact of any increased interaction with others.
I am working closely with unions, DfE and NYCC as well as other Headteachers and will make the right decision for our community.
This will not suit everyone and I am well aware that I am ‘damned if I do’ and ‘damned if I don’t’.
I am asking you to trust me and our staff to make the right decision and make the best of a very difficult situation
kindest regards
Stay safe
