Dear Parents/Carers,
As you will be aware, the government and unions are discussing the feasibility of schools opening to allow children in Nursery (3/4 year olds), Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 to come back on a phased return starting from 1st June.
The safety of pupils, staff and parents is of utmost importance, so that will be our main priority when considering how to allow children to return to school. We also have a very high number of staff who have to ‘shield’ for at least 12 weeks.
As we would like all year groups mentioned to be able to return in some way, children in Nursery and Reception will be able to come back 1 day per week and children in Y1 and Y6 two days per week.
Further details of times and the day/s your child can attend school will be posted on the website later this week once the government produces final plans.
I know many of you have shown concerns and have said that you will not be sending your child to school.
If you don’t want to send your child to school then you don’t have to, and you won’t be penalised for this and WILL NOT have to pay a fine.
If you do want to send your child to school then I just want to let you know how very different it will be, following the guidance we have to follow from the Department of Further Education.
• There will be 2metre social distancing markers round the main entrance and children’s entrance when arriving and leaving school for parents and children to stand. Please follow these instructions.
• Social distancing MUST continue in school so children will be taught in very small groups. This will mean that your child may not be in their usual class with their usual teacher and the full curriculum will not be taught.
• Teachers will be following the Home-Learning timetable that will continue to be provided for those parents who opt for their child/ren to remain at home.
• Children will be assigned a desk and equipment to use where they will sit throughout the day.
• Casual clothing should be worn and washed each day. A water bottle is the only item that should be brought into school.
• Children in Early Years will have their own space to work/play in. Guidance sets out that small equipment, soft furnishings and hard to clean toys are to be removed immediately.
• Drop off and pick up times will be staggered with only one parent allowed to do this at designated entry and exit points. Government guidance also states that groups of children should stay together during the day, therefore break and lunch times will also need to be staggered to ensure social distancing can be adhered to as much as possible.
• As parents will not be permitted to enter the building, communication should be through email or telephone. Staff should not be approached at the beginning or end of the day.
• School lunches will be provided unless your child is in year 6 and normally brings a packed lunch.
If you are a parent of a child in Nursery, Reception, Y1 or Y6, please could you send a short email to school by Wednesday saying who your child is, and whether you intend to send them back to school or not? That would be greatly appreciated and would give us some idea of how many children we are expecting to return. (bullionlane@durhamlearning.net)
I know this is a really difficult time for everybody. School will look and feel a lot different in the coming half term. I want to assure you though, that the safety of our school community is our prime concern.
The government and unions are continuing to discuss the re-opening of schools and the doctors union are now advising schools not to open. Therefore, this information could change very quickly.
I will keep you informed and let you know of any decisions as soon as I can. I hope everyone is safe and well. Best wishes to you all.
Sarah Barningham (Head Teacher)
