COVID-19 Update for Critical Workers

Please note that the Government states “If it is possible for children to be at home then they should be.”

Critical workers have been defined by the government and not the academy. The list of critical workers can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/

The purpose of closing schools to the majority is for social distancing. This is a key strategy and MUST be adhered to by us all.

Please see the latest guidance on social distancing and self isolation here.

If you are a critical worker and are intending to send your child, and you have not yet done so please complete this form.

Staffing levels have been changing on a daily basis. We will be able to provide a service with a skeleton staff that will remain safe for our staff and students of critical workers.

If staffing, including safeguarding staff, ever fell to a level where safety was compromised, we will close and give parents as much warning as possible.

We are currently able to manage with a much smaller group of children and therefore fewer staff. We will not be able to provide catering on site so students will need to bring provision with them.

The academy will be open from 8.45am until 3pm initially for these children. They must report to the main reception on arrival, bring a packed lunch and they do not need to be in uniform. They should also bring with them the work packs that have been sent home.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a critical worker or have a vulnerable child but I do not want to send my child into school or childcare, do I have to?

Many parents working in these critical sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be. This is an offer to parents and carers and there is no requirement for parents and carers to send their children to school if they do not need or wish to do so. For vulnerable children, your child’s social worker will work with you to assess the best option for your child.

 

If only one parent or carer is a critical worker, can I send my children into school?

Children with at least one parent or carer who are identified as critical workers by the Government can send their children to school if required. However, parents are reminded that if it is possible for their children to be cared for at home, they should make such arrangements. Any arrangements we make will be subject to change, and subject to our levels of staff who are fit for work. The Spencer Academies Trust has asked us to ensure parents understand we may need to prioritise those families where all parents are critical workers in order to keep essential services supported as best we can. Therefore, accommodating the children of families where only one parent of two is a critical worker may not necessarily be possible.

We already know some of our parents have critical worker status but we do not know that for all. Therefore, we will be asking parents to provide confirmation that they have critical worker status. We would ask that you bring or send some evidence to school e.g. a copy of your work photo ID, payslip, contract or similar. Ideally we would need receipt of these on Monday 23rd March and no later than Wednesday 25th March, to ensure continuity of care.

 

Vulnerable children

Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans. We will contact parents individually whose children we believe belong within these categories.

 

When will school be open to the critical worker children?

School will be open from 8.45am to 3:00pm initially but may be subject to change according to staff levels and numbers of pupils.

The children will need to bring their learning packs from home so they can complete the work set like the rest of the children as well as have additional challenges and tasks being set in school. Lunch will NOT be provided from the school kitchen. Social distancing guidance and recommended hand washing routines will continue.

The government has made it clear that the provision is purely to provide a safe place for children and the National Curriculum has ceased. Students will therefore be supervised completing the workpacks which have been provided to all parents and we expect them to follow normal school rules, however, there is no need for them to wear uniform.

We will fully respect the decision you take, based on the needs of your child, and if you can, you should keep your child at home. If your child is self-isolating for 14 days, please keep them off until this time has passed.

Currently this provision is scheduled to continue through the Easter holiday period and the full details of this will be announced closer to the time.

 

Mr M. Jobling