School Open

5th January 2021 (Whole School - 04/01/2021)

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you have had a good Christmas time and have enjoyed the break.

The rise in Covid cases and our subsequent move to Tier 4, combined with the new variant of COVID 19, has led to concerns regarding the health and safety of both pupils and staff. I am sure that you are aware that this a national issue and many primary schools across the country are grappling with this at such short notice.

On Saturday 2nd January and Sunday 3rd January, teaching staff received guidance from their professional associations strongly advising them not to attend work on Monday but to be available to cover key worker provision and provide remote learning. The NAHT (headteachers’ union) has initiated a legal challenge to the government’s decision to reopen schools this week. Also, the NEU (England’s largest teaching union) and UNISON (support staff union) has advised its members of their “legal right” not to return to their classrooms this week amid serious health and safety fears regarding the current rate of infection of coronavirus.

As a result of this, we have some staffing shortages at Victoria Primary School. I am sure that you will appreciate that the health and safety of our pupils and staff is of paramount importance and will always guide our decision making. Currently, this does not affect our plans to reopen.

We expect to receive further information and guidance into school over the coming days and weeks and we will evaluate the situation on a daily basis. We will continue to keep you informed of any changes as soon as is possible.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or your child’s teacher via the school office email.

Many thanks for your continued support and understanding. Best wishes for a safe and more certain 2021

Yours Sincerely,
Mr R. Gray
Head of School