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Delce Academy

Inspire Partnership school opening update 15th May

Updated 15/5/20

Dear Parents and Carers
RE: Inspire Partnership Update on School Opening for YN, YR, Y1 and Y6
I am writing to follow on from my letter earlier this week to provide a further update and reassurances from the Inspire Partnership in relation to our response to the government direction to plan for schools opening again for specific pupils in nursery, reception, year one and year six.
Since the government announcement, the Trust and school leaders have been undertaking both strategic and detailed planning as to how we can begin to open schools on 1st June in a safe and responsible way for both children and staff. We have developed a framework based on government guidance including key focus areas such as health and safety, workforce and HR, curriculum and timetabling, policies and procedures and safeguarding, with each area including sensible measures to minimise any potential risks, an example of what these include are:
• minimising contact through smaller classes of up to 15 pupils per class and altering the environment as needed, such as changing the layout of classrooms
• reviewing the use of outside learning spaces
• reducing mixing between groups through timetable changes, such as staggered break times or by introducing staggered drop-off and collection times
• promoting regular hand washing and cleaning more frequently
We have also made the decision to open schools to YN, YR, Y1 and Y6 pupils from Tuesday 2nd June. This will give school leadership teams and staff time on Monday 1st June as an INSET day to walk through all fine detail plans to ensure we are ready and prepared to receive pupils (n.b. school will still be open to the children of key workers and those deemed vulnerable).
In addition, we are working hard to ensure pupils receive the very best learning experience on their return; one which is responsive to their wellbeing and takes into account the extraordinary circumstances we have all experienced over the last few months. When pupils are welcomed back to school our first priority will be re-establishing relationships, routines and reinforcing our values. Staff are carefully planning learning, which will ensure pupils are given plenty of space and time to re-connect with each other, share their unique experiences and be curious, all whilst giving them opportunities to express themselves through movement, the arts and language and provide them a chance to reflect on this historic time.
Headteachers will continue to communicate with you regularly over the coming days and weeks to provide you with specific information and detail as to how pupils will be welcomed back into school. Should you make the decision not to send your child to school, please inform your child’s school by Tuesday 19th May at the latest.
Once again, thank you for your continued support for our school communities.
Yours sincerely
Rob Carpenter (Trust Leader Inspire Partnership)