Dear Parents/Carers,                                                                                                             Sunday 3rd January 2021

 I wanted to update you on the ever-changing situation concerning schools. I sent a text saying a letter would come tomorrow, but felt it better to send tonight.

You will no doubt have heard the news in the last few days with many Government Advisors and Teaching Unions calling for school closures across the country.

I have spent the weekend considering our situation very carefully, talking to staff and Governors, and weighing up the safety of children and staff. I do feel that at this point, on Sunday at 6pm, we will still be able to open on Tuesday 5th January. This has been a tough decision and I know that staff and parents are very anxious about this.

I do completely understand if you decide not to send your children on Tuesday, that remains your decision as parents/carers. I have to point out that because we have been told to stay open the attendance rules apply, whether I agree with that or not. I am looking into this on your behalf.

I can only say that we will keep your children as safe as possible, as we did last term.

There are many schools closing across the County and I make no promises that we will not need to close in the near future. I will be taking each day at a time and following County and DfE advice at all times, as well as assessing our own situation. It may be very short notice if I have to close.

 I do feel that at this point I need to stay that we are open but it will need everyone to do their part and help to keep us all safe.

As parents/carers, it is your responsibility to ensure your children and your family unit are following the Tier 4 rules at all times out of school.

 The Government guidance states:

“If you live in Tier 4 you must not leave or be outside of your home or garden except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse”.

The children should not be playing out with children from other families. I will contact parents/ carers if I am made aware of this.

 I would also insist that you follow the rules in place morning and afternoon. This is so important.

 I cannot express how important this is. I am doing this to keep school open and everyone as safe as possible and I know the vast majority of you do what is required. The situation will be assessed regularly. I will keep you updated.

 Thank you again for your continued support, it really is greatly appreciated.

 Take care and stay safe.

 Mrs Paula O’Rourke

Please follow Tier 4 restrictions to keep us all safe. This is a SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.

SHOULD ANY MEMBER OF A HOUSEHOLD BE SENT FOR A COVID TEST THE WHOLE HOUSE MUST ISOLATE UNTIL THE RESULTS OF THE TEST ARE KNOWN.