We are ready to welcome some pupils back to school, if the government makes a final decision to re-open schools from 1 June:

• Reception & Year 6 pupils, start Monday 1 June
• Year 1 pupils, start Monday 8 June
• Children of key-workers and those who are vulnerable, continue to attend COVID-19 childcare as needed.
• School closes at lunchtime every Friday to all pupils from 1 June.

 

The government is expected to announce the decision about re-opening schools on 28 May. I will write to you if the government postpones the start.

 

Ealing Council is supporting schools to make our own decisions to return using a phased approach between 1-15 June. Local Head teachers are sharing plans. There will be differences between schools because we each have different circumstances, including different building arrangements and staff needs. 

 

Year 1 pupils start a week later to give their new teachers a quarantine break between COVID-19 childcare and pupils returning. Childcare for children of key-workers in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 ends on Friday to also give them a break from other children before returning to school. Pupils and staff then return to school and join their new class group 'bubbles'. These arrangements are part of our detailed risk assessment and plans.

 

The safety and health of our pupils, staff and parents (while on site) is our highest priority. Ealing Council has supported our risk assessment and planning. Our staff team has scrutinised and contributed to our plans. We have supported colleagues to overcome worries about returning to work. We enjoy the support of our parent community. We need your support and understanding now to help our plans work, especially at morning drop-off and afternoon collection.

 

Unions continue to call on the government to change plans. There remains a risk that some teachers may listen to the advice of their union and not return to work in school. This may mean that some class groups cannot return to school. We will manage this on a class group basis with alternative plans to learn at home. At the time of writing, I have not been notified of any union action.

 

School will look and feel different when we return. Mrs Haines will write to you today with details of new class groups, teachers, lunch, arrangements for drop-off and collection. All pupils return to school wearing summer uniform.

 

We are planning to welcome everyone in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 back to school. In our survey, 61% of parents have told us that they will send their child to school from the first day (sample from 1 in 4 classes due to return). Parents will make their own decision about children returning to school, based on their own circumstances and thoughts about risk. There are no fines for persistent absence. Please use the absence telephone line or email to tell us about any absence.

 

Find out more:

• Latest News, Re-opening of school update, 15 May
• Watch a welcome video from your new teacher, from 28 May (link from Year Group Noticeboards)
• Read 'What to expect' with your child, available now and from Year Group Noticeboards
• Letter from Ealing councillors to parents, 20 May