Many of you will already be aware of the recent updates by the Prime Minister announcing a gradual re-opening of schools from 1st June 2020. This proposal remains under regular review and will only take place if the infection rates remain low.
Currently, there is no change to the current guidance for us and we will continue to provide childcare for those already identified parents whose work is critical to the COVID – 19 response (critical and Key workers only) and those children who are identified as vulnerable. We will also require evidence of employers’ work hours and contact details to support the current Government lockdown rules.
Key messages from the Government are raising lots of questions and scenarios which we must plan for effectively and we are now waiting to receive more detailed information from the Government, Department for Education about what this will mean for us here at Kepier.
I want to reassure you that I, and the senior leaders here at Kepier have been and will continue to work hard to ensure that the safety of all learners and all staff is paramount and always foremost in our minds. ALL decisions made about returning, will be based upon the safest way possible to limit the risk of the virus spreading.
We will be using the next few weeks to ensure that we carefully and safely think about the process of re-opening, and that we have all the required measures in place, so that Kepier will be a safe place for your child to return to when the time is right.
I appreciate that many children and their families may be anxious about many things but hope that you continue to trust and support us in making decisions based upon the safety for your child.
For parents and children in Year 10, part way through Key Stage 4 courses, we understand this is a particularly difficult time. As soon as we can give you more specific information regarding our plans for what the Government stipulates as ‘some face to face contact with year 10 pupils’, which ‘will… support to supplement pupils’ remote education.’ we will do so.
In the meantime, ‘home learning’ via our school website and online learning platforms will continue. Thank you to all those parents who took the time to give us feedback on how we are currently working. We are constantly reviewing all of our procedures and will inform you of any changes that we make which may improve how we are working.
If you have any concerns regarding the progress of your son or daughter in any of their subjects please contact the relevant department leaders via email. We have a fantastic team of staff who are happy to help you and your children at this difficult time. Department emails can be found here: https://kepier.com/contact-us/
Kepier and the Coalfields Community has always been unique in its strength and unity and in recent times this has been even more evident. Our weekly Thursday ‘social media’ updates, sharing the hard work and bravery of all of our ex learners is testament to the strength of Houghton as a community. Please do send any pictures of key workers and care workers to info@kepier.com, with their name and role.
If we continue to work together, supporting each other where necessary, we will get through this period of uncertainty. All of the staff at school have very much appreciated your kind messages, emails and thoughtful comments throughout these difficult weeks, thank you.
I would like to end by taking this opportunity once again to thank you for all of your courage and support over the past weeks.
Best regards
Nicola Ashton
Principal
