This week has been a huge success and it was lovely to be acknowledged for our work by the Chief Executive of NYCC, who used our school as the example of how schools could do things in our county!
The vast majority of the students who have been in have actually enjoyed their time with us, so much so that some don’t want to go back to home learning. All the students have behaved impeccably. We are now working on the next four weeks.
From Monday we will operate a ‘roll on roll off’ system for the next wave of Year 10 students needing to catch up and re-engage.
For the last 2 weeks we are going to be slightly more ambitious and test run a potential way of working , should we need it in September. For these weeks we will be inviting the remaining 30 students in Year 10 to attend. These will not be based in computer rooms but in classrooms. The bubble method will still operate and there will be 7 or 8 students per class. The details will follow, but this is an excellent way to allow all year 10s to have had some quality time in school prior to the summer, in line with current government advice.
If you are a parent of year 10 and have not yet been contacted by Mrs Hall, you will be and you will receive a follow up email from me with all the details as to how the system works. My thanks to all parents for their unswerving support and understanding.
For Years 7-9 we are working to the current DfE guidance which states : ‘We are unable to welcome back more children to secondary school at this time, beyond the face-to-face support schools can now offer year 10 and 12 pupils, and provision for vulnerable children and children of critical workers. We are not asking secondary schools with capacity to invite further year groups to return this term. We know that secondary schools are keen to invite pupils in other year groups in for a face-to-face meeting before the end of this term, where it would be beneficial. As long as this happens in line with this and wider protective measures guidance, and guidance on the numbers of pupils permitted on-site at any one time, we would encourage this where possible. This time can be used to check-in on pupils, and ensure they are supported before a return to school from September or moving into employment or the next stage of education.’
Therefore next week we are proposing to work out away that your son/daughter gets at least the opportunity to speak with teaching staff prior to the summer break.
The Year 11 leavers hoodies are in school. We are sorting and labeling them and will arrange a day over the next couple of weeks when Yr11 students can come and collect them. I will let Year 11 parents know when this will be via an email.
The trip refunds are now being actioned a little faster. It has been a real headache to unpick all the legislation and issues, however we are now confident that the vast majority of trip refunds will happen over the next few weeks, Once again I thank you for your patience.
The Free School Meal Co-op cards have been well received by those of you requesting one. As the government has now announced that Free School meals funding will continue through the summer holidays, I am going to ensure that everyone entitled to revive the FSM card gets one, even if you have not wanted anything up until now.If you have not requested FSM during lockdown, you don’t have to do anything, as I will add you to the list for a card over the next few weeks. A card will be sent in the post and automatically topped up though the summer holidays with £15 per child per week.
As ever – stay safe.
