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Posted on: 19/03/2020
Update on Covid - 19 19/03/20
As shared on Parentmail 19/03/20
Dear Parents and Carers
I am writing in follow up to my email yesterday evening confirming that Reigate Priory School will be closed for the majority of pupils from the end of school tomorrow, Friday 20th March.
The Government indicated that where possible schools would be open for certain groups of children including those of specifically identified key workers. I am pleased to share that Reigate Priory is able to meet this responsibility continuing in its effort to do what it can in these unprecedented circumstances.
However, it is with much frustration and despite assurances from the DfE, no official list of key worker categories has been published.
Examples have been given including NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers so if you fall into these groups then please do make contact with the school as soon as possible so we can make a provisional assessment of numbers.
I will ensure that whenever further clarity is provided that you are quickly updated.
Remember that for any child or family the Government’s guidance on school attendance in relation to Coronavirus symptoms remains the same.
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Other Updates:
The school maintains the measures as described in the previous communications. In addition to this and for your information:
- Learning At Home – Please read the attached information on what and how this will be provided. Your child’s class email address and the actual Learning At Home will be accessible from your child’s Year Group page, under the ‘Learning’ tab, on the school website www.reigate-priory.co.uk. The learning will be available from Monday 23rd March at midday.
For tomorrow, I would continue to encourage your child to spend time on TTRockstars and fulfil their daily reading commitment, alongside any homework that has already been provided – remember the Reading Record has plenty of questions to support you in prompting your child to think deeper about what they are reading.
- Letter to children – I have written a special letter to your child that will be shared with you tomorrow. For those children that are in school, there will be the opportunity for it to be introduced but for those at home, I politely ask that you please pass it on to them.
School Events:
Current Teacher Led Clubs will continue as planned for Friday 20th March. For any Commercial Clubs please seek guidance from your specific provider but they will all cease on Friday.
The following have now been postponed (future dates to be confirmed):
- Parent Consultations (31st March & 2nd April) – Wisepay platform is now closed
- Year 6 Mosque Visit (1st – 2nd April)
- Year 5 Easter Cantata (1st April)
- Year 3 Greek Days (25th – 26th March)
- Any sports fixtures and competitions scheduled for the rest of rest of the term
FSA Events:
The FSA Committee will provide specific information regarding the FSA Meeting planned for Wednesday 25th March – alternative arrangements are being explored.
The following have now been postponed (future dates to be confirmed):
- FSA AGM (22nd April)
- FSA Film Night (24th April)
Please be advised that although postponed at this time, certain school and FSA events may ultimately need to be cancelled due to the reduced number of remaining school days and conflicts with other planned curricular and extra-curricular opportunities.
Early Bird Club
Will be open as normal tomorrow, Friday 20th March.
From Monday 23rd March, the provision will only be available for those children who are in attendance at school. Bookings and payment is through Wisepay and can be accessed from the home page of the school website – any difficulties please contact the School Office.
The organisation of any refunds/credit for those families whose children will now no longer be attending will be arranged subsequently – please be patient as it is likely this could be some time.
T-Club 6
Will be open as normal tomorrow, Friday 20th March.
Due to the lateness of the Government’s official guidance, T-Club 6 are not able to confirm their arrangements at this time, however they are planning to offer the club if at all possible. Should the club be able to run, it will only be for children who are in attendance at school and families will not already need to be a current member of T-Club 6 to book a place. More information will follow in due course.
How you can help:
- Continue to reiterate to your child the importance of their personal and inter-personal hygiene and of maintaining it at school – particularly handwashing!
- If you have a particular worry or concern contact the school directly using normal communication channels. We are aware that some social media use is compromising the school’s best efforts to minimise any unnecessary apprehension for children and their families.
- Please be patient with us – we are prioritising the response to the Coronavirus which may mean we are taking a little longer to do and respond to other school matters.
- If your children are at home be mindful of their technology use. This is particularly in relation to:
- Total amount of screen time
- Accessing social media and media coverage that may raise their worry and apprehension.
- Apps and online gaming platforms that are inappropriate for children of a junior school age e.g. Fortnite, Tik-Tok, Snapchat and Instagram.
For further information, please see www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
Thank you again for your ongoing understanding and cooperation and keep checking your emails or the school website for further updates over the next couple of days.
Regards
Mr Moses