CLOSURE UPDATE
Dear Parents/carers
Firstly, I would like to thank you all for your ongoing support and understanding at this difficult time. It is lovely to see all of the positive comments on Facebook and all of the exciting learning that is taking place.
On Wednesday the Government announced that all schools will close until further notice, to all except the children of ‘key workers’ and ‘vulnerable learners’.
I wanted to write to you following the latest, national update to COVID-19 regarding school closures as the Government has now provided advice regarding key workers.
The Government announced on Wednesday 18 March 2020 that after schools shut their gates, they will remain closed for most students until further notice. This will be for all children except those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.
It is worth remembering earlier advice that those who are at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 are ‘strongly advised’ to follow social distancing measures. This identified vulnerable group includes all students who attend Rowdeford School.
If your family are self-isolating following exposure to the virus or because of symptoms, then government advice must be followed.
Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and many other key sectors outlined on the link below. Government advice states that, “Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.”
A full list of critical workers and further information is available on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-education-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers#critical-workers
The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. “If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.”
That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.
Please, therefore, follow these key principles, laid out by central government:
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, if they are not able to be safely cared for at home.
At present we are exploring the feasibility of setting up a reduced provision for some students, beginning on Wednesday (25th March) next week, but cannot guarantee places for all children who may need them; we must be sure we have the correct levels of staff to ensure that children can be kept safe as well as ensuring the site is clean and virus-free. If we are unable to provide this reduced provision for all that need it we will work with the Local Authority and the DFE to explore alternatives.
It is really important that if you feel your child can not be safely cared for at home that we know as soon as possible and preferably by 4pm today. Please can you send an email to admin@rowdeford.wilts.sch.uk stating the name of your child that needs to attend, your reasons for needing them to come to school and a contact number. Once we have ascertained the volume of need and the capacity we have for staffing we will confirm with parents/carers early next week.
Rowdeford staff continue to ensure that you and your child are supported during this difficult time. We have been staying in touch in a number of ways; by phone, email and via a number of other platforms. The Facebook page and website are being monitored, with further updates and work to keep students engaged and occupied. On the website are a number of support services, including key staff emails should you need to make contact. This will remain in place for all students for the duration of the school closure.
We will keep parents and carers updated as regularly as possible. I am sure you can appreciate that this is a very busy time for all of us. If you need further clarification, please contact the school.
On behalf of the school and Governors, thank you for your ongoing support.
If you have any concerns on safeguarding you should email TerriChard@rowdeford.wilts.sch.uk
Any questions on the curriculum and learning should be emailed to BethJones@rowdeford.wilts.sch.uk
General inquires can be emailed to Admin@rowdeford.wilts.sch.uk
Any inquires regarding SEN support to NickiCaslin@rowdeford.wilts.sch.uk
Welcome to Rowdeford School
Rowdeford School is a very special school! We pride ourselves on our warm, caring, supportive and happy atmosphere and visitors are warmly welcomed. Please book a visit by contacting the school office to see for yourself how the values we cherish so dearly are part of everyday life at Rowdeford School. Parents and carers are also encouraged to visit the Parent View website to complete an online questionnaire about Rowdeford School. We are committed to equal opportunities and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils. If you would like information on the curriculum please click here
Wiltshire Council Statutory Notice
