Fielding Primary & Nursery School closed (temporarily) to most pupils today. We look forward to opening on Monday for COVID-19 Childcare to pupils of key workers and pupils who are vulnerable. The staff team and I have been overwhelmed by your thanks and support. I have shared all of your words to me with the school team. Thank you.

 

The government told us to close abruptly. This was a shock to all of us. The usual milestones at the end of the school year are bypassed, hitting Year 6 pupils hardest. If there is any opportunity to re-open before September we will. The Year 6 graduation will then be a priority. We would like the feeling of closure at the end of a school year for all pupils, if at all possible.

 

We open on Monday, providing a childcare service to pupils of key workers and pupils who are vulnerable. 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.

 

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined below. 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. The government has asked parents to follow key principles:

• If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
• 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.
• Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
• Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.

 

We have offered places to around 120 pupils from all age-groups. All of these pupils are welcome. We have written by email to these parents, offering pupils a place.  Flexible booking to match the childcare needs of these pupils is by Laser only.

 

If you have not received an offer email from us, your child should not try to attend. School is closed unless you have an offer letter.  Stay at home and avoid mixing socially in a way that can spread the virus.

 

A skeleton staff is operating on a weekly rotating pattern. This is to reduce the risk of infection and cut the number of staff travelling to work. Pupils will be looked after by a different group of adults each week. Pupils may or may not see their class teacher. Pupils and parents should expect an Early Years or 'childcare' feel rather than a 'school' approach until we re-open.