Dear Parents/Carers,

As promised, I am trying to keep you fully informed as we travel through these challenging times.

I am more than delighted as to how things are running and of course how happy the children are around school.

Clearly it is really important that we don’t let things slip and that we continue with the routines we have around distancing, bubbles and good hygiene.

As I have always said, we have taken our pathway in line with what the Government advice suggests. We believe we have no option other than to trust that they are being advised by the best possible medics and scientists.

The latest notification is that Headteachers can invite children back in accordance with the staffing and space they have –

‘We know that in some schools, there will be capacity to welcome more children back, in group sizes of no more than 15, before the summer holidays. This may be because take-up amongst eligible children is lower than expected, or because there is additional space still available within the school and available staff to teach and supervise.’

We are lucky that the whole Newdale team is keen to do what is right for our families. We are also lucky in that Newdale is a big school with space for us to utilise.

We asked for firm numbers for Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 so that we could put in a final plan that will take us up until the end of term.

Some people may be anxious that we are again changing our offer. I really must stress that every single decision is very carefully thought out and as ever, linked to supporting as many of our children as possible. We know from our telephone calls and home visits that some of our children are very keen to get back into school routine and that this is a very positive move for them. We are passionate about ensuring our children feel safe, happy,  relaxed and of course enjoying the routines of school and learning.

We absolutely understand the decisions that some parents have made to keep their children at home, which is why our teaching team will continue to work tirelessly on providing stability in school and consistency with the all-important home learning.

The wider Newdale team will continue to work tirelessly on ensuring we reduce risk as far as is ever possible. We thank you for your support in this with handwashing before coming to school, regular changes in clothes, informing us immediately if your child is displaying symptoms and making sure they have the correct equipment for school.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Miss Cook

Headteacher