Easter childcare

The school continues to be open for childcare for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils. Parents of these pupils should continue to book the childcare that you need using Laser. The school will be closed to everyone during the Easter bank holiday period.

 

Learning at home

The Spring term was due to end tomorrow, Friday 3rd April. Teachers will not publish links to Year Group Noticeboards for the next 2 weeks to reflect the Easter school holiday period.

 

A few parents have written to me about our approach to learning at home while the school is closed, including comparing us to other local schools. Some parents would like us to provide more guidance and structure. I'm in regular contact with Head teacher colleagues across the borough. There's mixed views about learning at home. Some schools have taken a very similar approach to us: others are using technology in different ways.

 

It's challenging navigating government expectations, recommendations from the local authority, guidance from teacher unions and a wide range of family backgrounds, circumstances, wishes and needs.

 

There is no expectation that pupils are taught at home by parents. When schools re-open, it will be for us to catch-up on the curriculum content that has been missed while closed.

 

The holiday period will give me some time to reflect and review our approach with other school leaders, while we continue working in school. Meanwhile, the BBC announced a new home learning programme today, starting 20 April:

• BBC Bitesize, supporting you while learning at home

 

For those celebrating while being mindful of social distancing guidance, 'Happy Easter', and for everyone, keep safe, healthy and well.