Tuesday 5th January 2021
Dear Parents/Carers,
RE: CLOSURE OF BLANFORD MERE PRIMARY SCHOOL - NATIONAL CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN
Further to the Government announcement last night, we can confirm that Blanford Mere Primary School will be closed to ALL STUDENTS today until at least February half term 2021.
In line with the government statement last night, we will aim to offer teaching and learning for vulnerable children and children of 'Key Worker' parents from Nursery to Year 6. We have a comprehensive list from the government with regards to this. We cannot guarantee a place for your child, at this point. Back in March the demand at a national level was actually quite low overall, however our demand was above average. We do not know how the demand will change this time around, and expect it to be higher. The Government have made it very clear that this lockdown is similar to that initial lockdown in March 2020 and that schools should limit the numbers of children attending school to reduce the transmission of the virus. This is not a partial opening like June 2020.
To aid our staffing levels, places must be booked IN ADVANCE, if this is required. If you think that you may meet the 'key worker' definition and need the school provision commencing Thursday 7th January 2021 please email us directly to info@blanford.dudley.sch.uk with the following:
- Please put 'KEY WORKERS CHILDCARE' in the subject line.
- your child's name
- date of birth
- year group
- your email address and contact number
- your job title and a letter from your employer, confirming your work pattern and how your job is contributing to the National pandemic, no later than 9.00am (tomorrow) on Wednesday 6th January 2021.
- Please indicate the days that you would require - Monday to Friday.
- This is ONLY for parents of 'Key worker status' to help alleviate the impact of the decision to close
- Please note that this will provide teaching and learning within set times
The criteria for this provision is 'Key Workers' who are frontline workers and essential to support the National pandemic and do not have any other option for child care. If you are able to work from home, then your child should remain at home with you.
The Government guidance says:
'Many Parents working in critical sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. Every child who can safely be cared for at home should be.'
We will contact parents on Wednesday 6th January 2021 who have requested a place, via email, to confirm whether or not there is a place available for your child.
Students with specific needs or who are categorised as 'vulnerable' will be contacted separately.
This is an unprecedented global situation and can change at any time so please keep up to date with developments through our usual means of communication.
We will post regular updates on our website (https://blanford.sch.life/) and our School Life app.
During the closure period, Remote Learning will be set weekly for pupils at home, to access via TEAMS. This has been set today and a newsletter was sent to parents on how to access TEAMS. If your child does not have access to any technology devices, then we would ask you to email the info box or call the school office on 01384818365, where will would be happy to provide a learning pack.
We are dealing with an extraordinarily complex situation and we continue to be appreciative of your support. We will update parents when we have more clarification from the LA and the DFE.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Miller and Miss Stanton
Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher
